Are you planning a trip to Rome and hoping to witness the grandeur of the Colosseum? If so, you’ll need to get your hands on some tickets! But be warned, the process can be frustrating and confusing.
Let’s break down the process step-by-step and equip you with some tips to avoid the pitfalls.
The Official Website: Your Only Option
The only authorized ticket seller for the Colosseum is the official website, ticketing.colosseo.it. Beware of third-party websites claiming to sell tickets as they’re simply reselling at inflated prices. Co-op Culture, a previously trusted vendor, no longer offers tickets.
Prepare for the Battle: A Guide to Ticket Purchase
The online ticket purchasing experience for the Colosseum can be likened to a gladiatorial battle: you’ll need to be prepared and persistent!
Here’s what you need to know:
- Advance Booking: Tickets go on sale 30 days before your desired visit date at 08:45 Central European Time (CET) – that’s 02:45 Eastern Standard Time (EST) for those in the US.
- Multiple Browsers: It’s crucial to open the website in several browsers (2-3) before the sale begins. This is because the website often places users in a queue for 2-5 minutes before access. Don’t refresh the queue!
- The Calendar Wait: Once on the site, you’ll see a calendar. Patience is key as you wait for your preferred date to become available. Perhaps have a calming beverage nearby to help with the anticipation.
- Prepare for Frustration: Be warned, the website is not user-friendly. The servers seem to struggle with the high volume of users, leading to constant error messages.
The Battle Begins: Refreshing Your Way to Success
Here comes the hard part:
- The 08:45 CET Rush: As soon as the clock strikes 08:45 CET, start refreshing your browsers relentlessly. You will likely get kicked out of the website repeatedly, hence the reason for using multiple browsers.
- Persistence is Key: Keep refreshing until your chosen date transforms from “Not available online” to a clickable link.
- The Ticket Selection Trap: Once you click on the date, you’ll select your tour time and the number of tickets. Here’s where the website’s glitches really shine! You’ll likely see the dreaded “INSUFFICIENT AVAILABILITY FOR THE SELECTED TIME” message. Don’t give up! This is just the website’s way of testing your resolve. Keep refreshing!
- The Button Battle: You’ll know you’re close when the “Select Participants” button changes from grey to red. That’s your cue to click and move forward.
The Final Stretch: A Race Against Time
You’re almost there, but the website isn’t done testing your mettle:
- The Timer Tactic: You’ll be greeted with a timer and a page where you need to enter your contact information. You’ll still encounter error messages, but don’t despair! This is the last hurdle.
- Payment Frustration: You’ve fought your way through the website’s glitches and now you’re at the payment stage. While this step might seem easy, prepare for more challenges. The website may struggle with certain payment methods (like debit cards). It’s recommended to use a credit card for smoother transactions.
- The Moment of Victory: Finally, after what might seem like an eternity, you’ll see your confirmation screen!
A Word of Caution: The Unforeseen
While you’ve successfully conquered the website, there’s a chance you might encounter a final twist:
- Double-Check Your Purchase: While I managed to purchase two full-price tickets and two free children’s tickets, my confirmation screen only showed two full-price tickets. This might seem like an oversight but could lead to problems at the gate. It’s best to contact the Colosseum ticket office to confirm the details of your purchase.
Remember, the key to victory is persistence. Don’t let the website’s glitches discourage you. You’ve got this!
