Best Viewpoints of the Colosseum

By Vicky · Published Mar. 14th, 2024 · Updated Mar. 23rd, 2024

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Find the best viewpoints of the Colosseum with this guide and map showing you where there are, with tips for best time of the day.

Page Contents:

Map of the Best Viewpoints of the Colosseum

Best Viewpoints of the Colosseum

The best viewpoints of the Colosseum are both nearby and further away from the Colosseum itself. The best time to visit several of these viewpoints is in the early morning, while sunset also means lovely light. Nighttime is another good moment to take photos from around the Colosseum as it’s less busy with people. Alternatively, an even better time for night shots is actually very early in the morning before the sun rises since nobody else is about, but it’s a little hard to wake up so early!

Around the Colosseum:

Giardinetto del Monte Oppio
Parco del Colle Oppio
Outer Colosseum Ring
Front of the Colosseum

Inside the Colosseum:

Colosseum Arena Floor
Colosseum Upper Level

Within Roman Forum & Palatine:

Temple Of Venus
Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino
Chiesa di San Sebastiano Gardens

Further Afield:

Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

Get tickets in advance! A great option is to take a guided tour of the Colosseum*, where you’ll be shown around by a knowledgeable guide.

1. Giardinetto del Monte Oppio

A great viewpoint of the Colosseum from the Giardinetto del Monte Oppio

The Giardinetto del Monte Oppio is a mini park above the Colosseum and is one of the most popular viewpoints of the monuments. It’s best in the afternoon, while the viewpoint mentioned below is best in the mornings, and always less crowded.

2. Parco del Colle Oppio

One of the best Colosseum viewpoints from the Parco del Colle Oppio

The Parco del Colle Oppio is a much larger point, and the viewpoint of the Colosseum from here is one of the best. Surprisingly, not many people come here so you may have the great view all to yourself. This viewpoint is especially good in the morning when the light shines on the Colosseum from this side. Walk up the road to the corner, and head to the top, there are great views from several nearby places here.

3. Outer Colosseum Ring

Walk around the outside of the Colosseum and you’ll find several great viewpoints. One of the best is around the far side, and is best seen in the early morning, both before the sun gets too high and before there are too many other tourists.

4. Front of the Colosseum

The front of the Colosseum is an obvious viewpoint. However, during the daytime it’s very crowded, since the queue to get inside winds in front of the building here. Nighttime is a great time to get this view, while very early morning would be even better, but you have to get up very early!

5. Colosseum Arena Floor

Viewpoint of the Colosseum from the Arena Floor

The view of the Colosseum from the Arena Floor is a classic sight. From here you can also nicely see the underground corridors beneath the floor, as well as the spectator stands and walls rising up around you. Bear in mind, to visit the Arena Floor you have to get a Full Experience Ticket. Remember, if the tickets are sold out on the official website, or you want a guided tour, get tickets from GetYourGuide*.

6. Colosseum Upper Level

On of the best viewpoints of the Colosseum from the Upper Level

From the Colosseum Upper Level, you can get a lovely overview of the entire inside of the Colosseum laid out before you.

7. Temple Of Venus Colosseum Viewpoint

Temple Of Venus Colosseum Viewpoint, one of the best viewpoints in Rome

Emperor Hadrian built the Temple Of Venus around 135 AD. A large earthquake in the 9th century destroyed much of the temple and the pope ordered a new church be constructed upon the ruins. From outside the temple, there’s a great viewpoint of the Colosseum.

8. Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino

The Terrazza Belvedere del Palatino is one of the best viewpoints in not only the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill area but in the entirety of Rome itself. From here you have a great overview of all the ancient Roman ruins in the heart of Rome, from the Capitoline Hill to the Colosseum. It’s worth walking up the Palatine Hill for this view alone.

9. Chiesa di San Sebastiano Gardens

Viewpoint of the Colosseum from Chiesa di San Sebastiano Gardens

The Chiesa di San Sebastiano Gardens are a very quiet and peaceful area of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, and one of the best places for a sit-down. On the far side of the gardens is a good viewpoint of the Colosseum. There’s also a little-used but lovely route down from here back to the Forum.

10. Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

Views from the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

From the top of the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II you can see in several directions. One is over the rooftops of central Rome, while from the opposite side near the cafe, you can see the Colosseum in the distance, with gentle hills rising up behind it.