The Colosseum stands as Rome’s most iconic landmark, drawing millions of visitors annually who snap the obligatory selfie before moving on. But this ancient amphitheater and its surrounding area offer far more than just photo opportunities for your social media feed.
The neighborhood around this magnificent structure is packed with hidden gems and authentic experiences that many tourists miss while they are focused on their cameras. Here is a list of 20 activities around the Colosseum that will enrich your Roman holiday beyond the standard snapshots.
Attend Gladiator School
Channel your inner warrior at one of Rome’s interactive gladiator training schools. Instructors dressed in period-appropriate attire teach basic combat techniques using wooden swords.
You’ll learn about ancient fighting styles and the historical significance of gladiatorial contests while getting a surprisingly good workout.
Explore the Roman Forum at Sunset
While the daytime crowds flock to the Forum, savvy visitors know that the late afternoon offers magical lighting and thinner crowds. The golden hour casts long shadows across ancient columns and brings the ruins to life in ways midday sun never could.
The temperature is also much more pleasant, especially during the summer months.
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Take an Underground Tour
Beneath the Colosseum’s main arena floor lies a complex network of tunnels and chambers where gladiators and animals once waited before contests. Special tours access these subterranean areas, offering a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes operations of ancient Rome’s greatest spectacles.
The cool underground temperature provides welcome relief on hot days.
Visit the Palatine Hill Gardens
Adjacent to the Colosseum, these historic gardens offer breathtaking panoramic views of ancient Rome. Once home to emperors and aristocrats, these grounds contain fragrant Mediterranean plants similar to those that would have grown here two thousand years ago.
The peaceful atmosphere contrasts nicely with the bustling Colosseum below.
Sample Street Food at Mercato di Traiano
Skip the tourist trap restaurants and head to this market where locals shop. Vendors sell everything from fresh pasta to regional cheeses and handmade pastries. It’s the perfect place to assemble a picnic lunch for a fraction of restaurant prices. The market’s ancient brick structure adds authenticity to the culinary experience.
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Join a Specialized History Tour
Many expert-led tours focus on aspects of Roman history—from architecture to daily life in ancient times. These specialized experiences dive deeper than general tours and often include access to areas closed to regular visitors.
Guides frequently share fascinating details that aren’t covered in guidebooks.
Attend an Open-Air Concert
During the summer, the Colosseum area hosts evening concerts featuring everything from classical performances to contemporary music. There’s something magical about hearing music echo off ancient stones under the stars. Many concerts offer budget-friendly standing-room tickets.
Explore Ludus Magnus Ruins
The partially excavated remains of the main gladiatorial training school are just across from the Colosseum. Most tourists walk right past this fascinating archaeological site without noticing it. However, you can peer down into the ruins from street level and imagine the training that once took place there.
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Visit the Colosseum Museum
Located inside the amphitheater, this often-overlooked museum houses artifacts discovered during excavations. The collection includes ancient graffiti, architectural elements, and everyday objects that tell the human story behind the monument. The museum provides a context that transforms how you see the building.
Sample Local Wines at Enoteca
Several wine bars near the Colosseum specialize in regional Italian varieties. Knowledgeable staff can guide you through tastings paired with local cheeses and cured meats. These intimate establishments offer a relaxing break from sightseeing while introducing you to wines rarely exported outside of Italy.
Take a Sketching Break
Bring a small sketchbook and pencil to capture details that photos might miss. Even if you’re not artistically talented, sitting and observing closely creates a different relationship with the monument.
You’ll notice architectural elements and textures that rushed tourists completely overlook.
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Explore Colle Oppio Park
This green space opposite the Colosseum contains archaeological treasures, including the ruins of Nero’s Golden House. The shaded pathways offer a peaceful retreat from Rome’s busy streets.
Local families gather here on weekends, providing a glimpse into authentic Roman life away from tourist centers.
Join a Culinary Workshop
Several cooking schools near the Colosseum offer half-day classes focused on Roman cuisine. Learn to make traditional pasta dishes like cacio e pepe or carbonara from expert chefs. Most workshops include a meal with wine, making them both educational and satisfying.
Visit San Clemente Basilica
Just a short walk from the Colosseum, this remarkable church takes you through layers of history. Descend through a 12th-century church to a 4th-century basilica, and finally to a 1st-century Roman home and Mithraic temple. Each level represents a different period of Roman history.
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Attend Historical Reenactments
Throughout the year, historical societies perform demonstrations of ancient Roman life, military tactics, and ceremonies near the Colosseum. These entertaining and educational performances bring history to life in ways static monuments cannot.
The authentic costumes and equipment are impressive in their attention to detail.
Take a Mosaic Workshop
Several art studios in the area offer workshops where you can create your own Roman-style mosaic. Instructors teach traditional techniques using materials similar to those used in ancient times.
You’ll leave with a unique souvenir and a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship visible throughout Rome.
Explore the Rione Monti Neighborhood
The charming district just north of the Colosseum is filled with artisan shops, vintage boutiques, and local cafes. This area retains its traditional character despite being steps from a major tourist attraction.
The narrow cobblestone streets invite unhurried wandering and unexpected discoveries.
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Visit the Medieval Towers
Several medieval defensive towers stand within walking distance of the Colosseum, remnants from when noble families fought for control of Rome. These often-overlooked structures provide insight into the city’s turbulent Middle Ages.
Their rooftop terraces offer unique perspectives of the ancient amphitheater.
Take a Night Tour
The Colosseum transforms after dark, when special evening tours allow small groups to explore by moonlight. The atmospheric lighting and reduced crowds create an entirely different experience from daytime visits. Guides often focus on the amphitheater’s more dramatic and mysterious history.
Join a Photography Workshop
Rather than simply taking random snapshots, learn techniques for truly capturing the essence of ancient monuments. Photography instructors can help you find unique angles and work with challenging lighting conditions. These workshops help develop skills that will improve all your travel photography.
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Beyond Stone and History
The area surrounding the Colosseum serves as a living museum where ancient history intersects with contemporary Roman life. Visitors connect more deeply with Rome’s past and present by engaging with this neighborhood beyond just capturing images.
The memories of experiences—tasting local cuisine, learning traditional crafts, or simply watching the sunset illuminate ancient stones—ultimately prove more valuable than any photograph.
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