10 Best Loire Valley Castles (Châteaux): Fairytale Magic

Architecture & Heritage, France Artsy Traveler Leave a Comment

Last updated on November 28th, 2025 at 05:41 am

Planning a trip to check out the Loire Valley castles and châteaux? This post describes the ten best!

The Loire Valley, with its fabulous castles (mostly called châteaux ), gently pretty countryside, and great food, is worth several days of your time.

Yes, you could do a quick day trip from Paris to visit two or three of the biggies (Chambord and Chenonceau are the most popular), but if at all possible, home base in one of the Loire Valley’s many lovely towns and see a châteaux a day for at least five days.

About me: I’ve visited the Loire Valley and toured its many châteaux and castles several times over the years. I love choosing an area to stay put in so I can take walks in the bucolic countryside and sample the fare at local restaurants and wineries.

The Loire Valley is where the kings and queens of France went to frolic, and once you visit, you’ll understand why.

Book a Tour of the Loire Valley

Here are three tours of the Loire Valley with GetYourGuide, perfect for maximizing your sightseeing time in the Loire Valley.

My Favorite Châteaux at a Glance

Here’s my very brief take on each of the ten châteaux/castles I recommend visiting.

I’ve grouped the châteaux by area. If you have at least a week to spend in the Loire Valley, I suggest spending a few nights each in Blois, Amboise, and Chinon.

If you just have a day or two, then my top picks are Forteresse Royale de Chinon, Château de Villandry and Château d’Azay-le-Rideau.

These three are not the most famous; that honor goes to massive Château de Chambord and dreamy Château de Chenonceau. But both those châteaux are crowded and touristy. Stick with some of the smaller, less popular châteaux for a more authentic experience.

Homebase in Blois

These three châteaux are convenient to the town of Blois (with the Royal Château of Blois located in Blois itself):

Château de Chambord: (#1 on the map below): touristy, crowded huge, lots to see and do, great for families
Royal Château of Blois (#2): Iconic staircase and steeped in history
Château de Cheverny (#3): Continuously inhabited over six centuries; exquisite interiors

Homebase in Amboise

Amboise is a central place to stay that is pretty much equidistant between the châteaux around Chambord and those around Chinon.

Château Royal d’Amboise (#4): Commanding view of the Loire river, burial place of Leonardo da Vinci
Chaumont-sur-Loire (#5): Gorgeous round towers with carefully restored and furnished interiors
Château de Chenonceau (#6): one of the most famous châteaux and therefore crowded, touristy, and still magnificent

Homebase in Chinon

This charming little town is a relaxing place to return to after a day of châteaux hopping. I recently stayed there four nights in an apartment overlooking the river.

Forteresse Royale de Chinon (#7): one of the more historic castles in France; also great for families
Château de Villandry (#8): spectacular gardens are the big draw here
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau (#9: stunningly gorgeous; a photographer’s dream
Château d’Ussé (#10): definitely the stuff of fairy tales with a great Sleeping Beauty exhibit that both kids and adults will enjoy

Map of the Best Loire Valley Castles

Here’s a map of the châteaux I recommend.

Map courtesy of Wanderlog, a trip planner on iOS and Android

Châteaux Passes

if you’re planning to visit several châteaux in the Loire Valley, you may be able to save some money with a Châteaux Pass. Here some options available through Tiqets:

Loire Valley Châteaux Pass

Château de Chambord Entry Ticket
Château de Chenonceau Entry Ticket
Choose between: Château de Blois, Château de Close Luce or Château Royal d’Amboise

Tourane Châteaux Pass

Château de Villandry Entry Ticket
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau Entry Ticket
Royal Fortress of Chinon Entry Ticket & AR Tablet

Which Châteaux Are for Me?

This table summarizes the top Loire Valley castles and châteaux to visit and includes key reasons to visit, a suggested town to homebase, the average visit time, who it appeals to, and links to purchase tickets.

Castle	Homebase Town	Why Go	Visit Time	Best For	Get Tickets
Château de Chambord	Blois	The grandest of them all — Renaissance design, iconic double‑helix staircase.	2–3 hrs	Photography & architecture buffs	Check tickets
Château de Chenonceau	Amboise	Elegant graceful arches over the Cher River, ‘Ladies’ Castle’.	1.5–2 hrs	Garden & photo fans	Check tickets
Château d’Azay‑le‑Rideau	Chinon	Reflections on the water; compact and charming.	1–1.5 hrs	Photography lovers, shorter visit	Check tickets
Château de Villandry	Chinon	Gardens steal the show — symmetrical, lush, perfect for strolls.	1–2 hrs	Garden lovers	Check tickets
Château Royal d’Amboise	Amboise	Hilltop castle with views + nearby Leonardo da Vinci connections.	1.5–2 hrs	Families, history buffs	Check tickets
Château de Blois	Blois	Showcase of four architectural styles in one complex.	1–1.5 hrs	Short visits, train day trips	C h eck tickets
Château de Cheverny	Blois	Elegant interiors, Tintin inspiration; fun & refined.	1–1.5 hrs	Families, interior lovers	Check tickets
Château d’Ussé	Chinon	Sleeping Beauty fairytale vibes	1–1.5 hrs	Families, fantasy photo seekers	Check tickets

Ready to dive in? I’ll start first with a quick overview of châteaux in the Loire Valley and then focus on my six super favorites: Chambord, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon, d’Ussé, and Chenonceau (also included as one of my 17 Must-See Places to Visit in France).

Châteaux Overview

Did you know that France has over 45,000 châteaux? That’s a lot of châteaux! Of course, most are modestly-sized family homes or converted hotels. The major chateaux, the ones that people go out of their way to visit, are mostly located in the fabled Loire Valley about two hours southwest of Paris.

Back in the day, rich folks journeyed from Paris to summer cottages that consisted of multi-turreted architectural wonders that to this day command gasps of wonder from visitors.

I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for châteaux, ever since I first visited the Loire Valley back in the 1980s on my first of many driving trips around France.

In those days, most of the châteaux I visited were pretty much empty shells, with Cheverny being the only one richly furnished. The majority had been stripped of their furnishings during the French revolution and had not, at least in 1981, been restored.

A lot has changed since my first visit to the area! Each of the châteaux I visited is interesting both inside and outside.

One thing you’ll quickly realize is that most châteaux (particularly the ones I recommend visiting) are incredibly photogenic. It’s almost impossible not to keep snapping and snapping photos of both the exteriors and the interiors.

Find great Loire Valley Hotels
Rent an Apartment in the Loire Valley
Book a Tour in the Loire Valley

Visiting Château de Chambord

Château de Chambord is the largest and most visited château in the Loire Valley. Its location, only about 90 minutes from Paris, makes it an easy day tour if you don’t have your own wheels.

Getting Tickets to Chambord

You can purchase your tickets online before your visit or purchase tickets at Chambord. I last visited in the spring and while I did purchase tickets in advance, I didn’t need to. However, during the busy summer months, you should probably get your tickets before your visit to avoid line-ups.

Visiting Chambord Without a Car

If you don’t have your own wheels, consider taking a day trip to Chambord from Paris. This tour with GetYourGuide includes the three big C’s: Chambord, Chenonceau, and Cheverny, the Loire Valley stars. It’s a long day, but you’ll at least get to see the highlights.

Arriving at Chambord

If you’re arriving at Chambord by car, you’ll arrive first at the very large car park—an indication of just how popular this major château is with visitors. From the parking lot, stroll toward the château. It’s pretty hard to miss!

Carol Cram on the bridge leading to the chateau of Chambord with its multitude of turrets.

On your way, you’ll pass a kiosk where you can rent a bike, a golf cart, a boat, or even a pedal car. If you have lots of time to spare, choose one of these options to explore the vast grounds and waterways of the Chambord estate.

If you’re only coming for a short visit, you don’t need to rent a conveyance to take you the short distance over the bridge to the château entrance.

What’s at Chambord

Chambord is kind of like a Château Disneyland. Its website bristles with opportunities for family fun. Apart from visiting the château itself (a must-do), you can visit the gardens, watch a horse show, attend a concert, view an art show, sample local products and more. Check the website for details.

If you’re traveling with children, you’ll find all sorts of activities designed to engage them.

I had only about two hours to spare and so my visit to Chambord consisted of touring the château and then enjoying a quick snack at the outdoor café.

Touring the Château

The Château Chambord is HUGE! Its architecture is also unusual compared to other châteaux. When you enter, you’ll find four wide vestibules forming a Greek cross plan with the center of the cross occupied by the famous double-spiral staircase.

The cross-shaped plan results in four similarly sized living quarters on each floor of the keep—the central part of the château. In addition, there are two wings—the royal wing to the east and the chapel to the west. You access these wings either from the courtyard or from galleries on the upper floors.

Start on the ground floor and wander from room to room in each of the four parts of the cross, then ascend the double-spiral staircase and keep exploring two more floors and the wings. There is a LOT to see.

In addition to several richly furnished quarters, highlights for me included Molière’s theater, the art exhibit by Korean artist Kim En Joong, lots of cool stuffed animals, and a fascinating exhibition about how art was stored at the château in WWII.

Molière’s Theater

As a theater buff (my third novel A Muse of Fire is set at Covent Garden Theatre in 1809), I always get excited when I see old theatres.

At Chambord, the premiere of Molière’s comedy-ballet Le Bourgeois gentilhomme was played in front of King Louis XIV in 1670. Molière’s Theatre is on the ground floor across from the staircase.

The theatre you see today was recreated 350 years after the premiere.

Proscenium arched small stage of Moliere's theater located in Chambord chateau in the Loire Valley

Art Exhibition

When I visited Chambord, a spectacular exhibition of work by Korean stained-glass artist Kim En Joong was featured.

Several rooms on the second floor of the château were devoted to exhibiting Kim En Joong’s work, which included stained-glass pieces, ceramics, and paintings.

Stained glass windows by Kim En Joong featured at Chambord in the Loire Valley.

Flower-shaped stained glass window by Korean artist Kim En Joong featured at Chambord in the Loire Valley.

four-paneled stained glass window by Korean artist Kim En Joong featured at Chambord in the Loire Valley.

When you visit Chambord, you’ll likely see a different exhibition. Share your reactions in the Comments below for other Artsy Travelers!

Local Flora and Fauna

Several rooms included displays of the critters that roam the estate—from bucks to boars to bunnies. I was particularly taken by the boar.

World War II Exhibition

During WWII, precious artwork from the Louvre was brought to Chambord to protect it from bombing and from being stolen by the Nazis.

The exhibition of how the artworks were transported and stored fascinated me because I’d just read The Stolen Lady by Laura Morelli, who I also interviewed on my podcast (The Art In Fiction Podcast. Check it out!).

If you’re interested in art and WWII, you won’t want to miss this exhibition.

How Long to Spend at Chambord

In two hours, I barely scratched the surface of everything there is to see at Chambord.

While you can definitely see the highlights in two hours, consider spending the whole day there. That will give you time to roam around the grounds, maybe take in a horse show, and spend even more time exploring the 60 rooms in the château that are open to the public.

If you’re already staying in the Loire Valley, and would like a guided tour of Chambord, here are two good options from GetYourGuide.

Visiting Château Villandry

If you love gardens, then put the Château Villandry on your must-see châteaux list. Unlike Chambord, the château itself is quite compact (for a château) and the gardens can be toured at a leisurely pace in about an hour.

You won’t exhaust yourself visiting Villandry!

Interior of Villandry

Various richly decorated rooms give you a sense of how the upper crust lived back in the day. I find that, after a while, one gorgeously appointed room looks pretty much like the next.

For me, the highlight is the beautifully staged kitchen. There is so much attention to detail, including a bevy of stuffed bunnies (more bunnies!) gamboling through a woodland centerpiece on the table.

Lifelike mannequins depict a royal medieval court scene, possibly from Château d’Ussé, said to inspire Sleeping Beauty—one of the fairytale Loire Valley chateaux.

I also enjoyed the exhibition of paintings by a local artist that was mounted on the upper floor.

Gardens of Villandry

The highlight of Villandry—and why people visit—is the sumptuous gardens, reputed to be among the best of all the Loire châteaux (which is saying something).

If you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, you’ll find lots of fabulous angles to snap—some including the château, and others focusing on the gardens.

I appreciated that the gardens, while extensive, are easily walkable and also uncrowded. You can see by the pictures that we had the place almost to ourselves.

Formal gardens at Villandry chateau in the Loire valley featuring a topiary three-tiered tree in the foreground.

Formal gardens at Villandry chateau in the Loire valley featuring a long passageway flanked either side by pruned trees that are just beginning to show lewaves.

Visiting Azay-le-Rideau

For good reason, Azay-le-Rideau is touted as one of the most beautiful chateaux in the whole of the Loire Valley, if not France. Its symmetrical architecture and location surrounded by water make it ridiculously photogenic.

I dare you to walk around it and not take photos!

View of Azay-le-Rideau chateau in the Loire Valley with white and purple tulips in the foreground.

When visiting Azay-le-Rideau, you can choose to enter just the grounds for free between 5 and 6 pm. This is what I did. I didn’t feel like touring the interior of the chateau after already touring Chinon, Chambord, and Villandry, and so opted to only view it from the outside.

View of Azay-le-Rideau chateau in the Loire Valley perfectly reflected in the formal lake

If you choose to go inside, you’ll pay €16 and see the usual assortment of sumptuously furnished rooms. You’ll also learn more about the history of the chateau. Check out the website for more details.

An hour is sufficient to circumnavigate the château and snap a ton of pictures. During my visit, the late afternoon light made the walls of the château positively glow.

Morning Tour of Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry

If you don’t have your own wheels, consider this GetYourGuide guided tour that takes in both Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry.

Visiting Chinon Castle

Chinon has one of the Loire Valley’s most interesting medieval castles. While many of the châteaux date from the middle ages, quite a few were extensively renovated in the Renaissance and later. Any vestiges of the original fortresses are long gone.

Not so Chinon. It still looks like a “real” castle, complete with battlements, towers, and plenty of severe stone-walled rooms.

A round stone tower overlooks the verdant Loire Valley countryside from the grounds of Château de Chinon, capturing the serene beauty of this historic château.

Getting to the Castle

You can walk up to the castle from anywhere in the town of Chinon which meanders picturesquely alongside the Vienne River. Be warned that it’s a stiff walk, albeit with stunning views.

Or, you can be smarter than I was and walk through the main square at Chinon and take the thoughtfully provided elevator up to the fortress. Your legs will thank you.

Touring the Castle

I really enjoyed Chinon Castle because it was different from the fancy dancy châteaux. This was a castle that meant business back in the day.

In fact, it’s called the fortress of Chinon, and was the last refuge of Henry II of England, and also hosted such luminaries as Eleanor of Aquitaine, Joan of Arc, and Charles VII.

The fortress is actually three castles for the price of one! There’s plenty to see with lots of explanations about the history and its many famous inhabitants. I was quite taken with this massive bed.

A visitor stands beside a four-poster canopy bed draped in red fabric at Château de Chinon, a Loire Valley château steeped in royal history and medieval charm.

Get the Histopad

I suggest picking up a histopad when you buy your tickets. Histopads were also available at Chambord, and I must say they provide a clever way to enjoy all that a site has to offer.

The histopad virtually reconstructs nine rooms in the castle to show you a 360° view of what they looked like in their heyday, complete with sound effects. Here’s how the histopad depicted the kitchen.

Medieval kitchen at Chinon castle with a histopad showing the kitchen on a screen in the foreground.

Enjoying the Views

A highlight of a visit to Chinon is the stunning view over the town of Chinon and the Loire countryside. This area of France really is ridiculously photogenic!

Panormaic view over the picturesque town of Chinon and the Vienne River seen from the ramparts of Chinon castle.

Tours Around Chinon

If you want a break from touring chateaux, consider a bicycle tour of the area around Chinon that also includes wine tasting. Here’s an option with GetYourGuide:

Visiting Château d’Ussé

The Château d’Ussé is often called the Sleeping Beauty Castle or, in French, La Belle du Bois Dormant. It certainly has that vibe.

Surrounded by peaceful countryside and a bit off the tourist track, Ussé is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quick and easy château visit—and you’re a fan of Sleeping Beauty (and who isn’t?).

Fairytale architecture of Château d’Ussé with turrets and spires rising above manicured gardens, embodying the romantic allure of Loire Valley chateaux.

Sleeping Beauty Tower

The main part of the château has a few nicely furnished rooms, but the real attraction is the Sleeping Beauty turret. Yeah, it’s a wee bit cheesy, but I enjoyed it!

You climb up a narrow spiral staircase (warning: it’s pretty narrow so you need to be quite spry) and view various rooms depicting events in the sleeping beauty story. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Diorama at Château d’Ussé features an elderly woman spinning thread while a princess stands nearby, recreating the Sleeping Beauty tale in this magical Loire Valley château.

Geometric French formal gardens in full bloom at Château d’Ussé, with circular flower beds and elegant paths, exemplifying classic Loire Valley château landscaping.

Around the Château

A pleasingly laid out formal garden overlooks the Ussé River, and you can also check out the chapel, the stables, and the cellars.

Afterwards, relax in the outdoor café near the entrance to the château. The food’s not gourmet, but you can’t beat the view.

Visiting Château de Chenonceau

It’s a toss-up which château—Chenonceau or Chambord—is more famous and more beautiful. My money’s on Chenonceau.

While Chambord is remarkable, Chenonceau is classy. It sits regally on the edge of the Indre River with a large gallery that extends across the river.

It’s also very popular! If you’re traveling there in high season, get your tickets in advance.

Here are a few pics to inspire you:

Four views of Chenincou chateau in the Loire Valley including a show to the chateau on the River Indre, the interior showing an elaborate bed, the exterior featuring the gardens with the chateau in the background and an aerial view of the chateau spanning the Indre River.

Chenenceau and Chambord Tour from Amboise

Here’s a tour with GetYourGuide that goes from Amboise and includes both Chambord and Chenenceau.

Specialty Loire Valley Experience

If I had an unlimited budget, I may consider taking this balloon tour of the Loire Valley with GetYourGuide. If you’ve participated in something like this, let us know your experience in the comments below!

Where to Stay in the Loire Valley

On my most recent visit to the Loire Valley, I stayed in an apartment overlooking the Vienne River in the charming and uncrowded town of Chinon.

During my four days there, I never tired of watching the light change the river, depending on the time of day. Here’s a selection of photos I took of our view.

View of the Vienne river from an apartment in chinon in the Loire Valley in the late afternoon

View of the Vienne river from an apartment in chinon in the Loire Valley at sunset

Here are some more options for places to stay in the Loire Valley:

Suggested Loire Valley Itineraries

Planning how to fit in all those fairytale châteaux? Whether you have two days or a full week, here’s how to see the best of the Loire Valley without feeling rushed.

2-Day Loire Valley Itinerary – The Highlights

If you only have a weekend, focus on the most iconic and photogenic castles.

Day 1 – Chambord & Cheverny (Blois base)

Morning: Drive or tour to Château de Chambord, the grand Renaissance masterpiece.
Afternoon: Visit Château de Cheverny for elegant interiors and Tintin lore.
Evening: Stay overnight in Blois and stroll its charming old town.

Day 2 – Chenonceau & Amboise

Morning: Head to Château de Chenonceau, the “Ladies’ Castle” spanning the River Cher.
Afternoon: Explore Amboise for views, da Vinci’s tomb, and riverside cafés.

3-Day Loire Valley Itinerary – A Bit More Relaxed

This itinerary is ideal if you want to linger over gardens, wine, and views, and really savor the magic of the Loire Valley.

Day 1 – Chambord & Blois

Begin at Chambord (arrive early to beat crowds).
Afternoon: Tour Blois Castle and stay the night in town.

Day 2 – Chenonceau & Amboise

Visit Chenonceau, then continue to Amboise for its royal château and Clos Lucé.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner with Loire wines in Amboise.

Day 3 – Villandry & Azay-le-Rideau

Morning: Wander Villandry’s spectacular gardens.
Afternoon: Photograph Azay-le-Rideau, reflected in its moat. TIP: Go an hour before closing and get in for free (and the light’s best then!)
Overnight in Chinon or nearby countryside.

5-Day Loire Valley Itinerary – The Ultimate Château Adventure

For those who want the full fairytale experience, along with plenty of history and opportunities to take awesome photos. Stay in Blois for two nights and Amboise or Chinon for three nights.

Day 1 – Arrival + Blois Base

Check in to your hotel or apartment in Blois.
Visit Royal Château de Blois and enjoy dinner in the old town.

Day 2 – Chambord & Cheverny

Morning: Château de Chambord.
Afternoon: Cheverny, then optional wine tasting at a local domaine.

Day 3 – Amboise & Chenonceau

Explore Amboise Castle and Clos Lucé, then continue to Chenonceau.
Stay overnight near Amboise or Chinon.

Day 4 – Villandry & Azay-le-Rideau

Morning: Villandry’s Renaissance gardens.
Afternoon: Azay-le-Rideau—don’t miss the golden-hour reflections.

Day 5 – Chinon & Ussé

Tour Forteresse Royale de Chinon, full of medieval drama.
End your trip at Château d’Ussé, the “Sleeping Beauty” castle.

Pro Tips for All Itineraries

Driving gives flexibility, but trains + day-tours work well if you prefer not to drive.
Many castles open by 9 a.m.—arrive early so you can take photos without crowds.
Consider purchasing a Loire Valley Châteaux Pass to save on multiple entries.
For romantic views, plan an evening at Chenonceau or Villandry when the light glows over the river and gardens.

Your Châteaux Touring Questions Answered

Which are the must-see Loire Valley castles for a first trip?

If you’re short on time or it’s your first visit, aim for Chambord (wow factor), Chenonceau (picture-perfect and unique), plus either Villandry (for gardens) or Amboise (for views + da Vinci). These give you a mix of architecture, setting, and history. But if you want to get off the beaten track and prefer touring without crowds, choose Chinon Castle for history, Château d’Ussé for fairytale vibes, and Azay-le-Rideau for stunning photos.

Can I visit the Loire Valley castles on a day-trip from Paris without a car?

Yes . You can take a train from Paris to Tours or Blois and then local buses or short taxis to nearby châteaux. For example, Blois, Chambord and Amboise all link well from Blois station. Booking a guided coach tour from Paris is also a convenient no-car option.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance for the major châteaux?

For the busiest sites like Chenonceau and Chambord, it’s wise to book ahead, especially during peak season (May-Sept). You can get tickets for most of the other châteaux when you arrive.

What’s the best time of year and how long should I spend at each château?

Late spring and early autumn give you pleasant weather, fewer crowds and spectacular gardens. For Chambord and Chenonceau, expect to spend several tours. For many of the smaller chateaux, an hour or two is enough.

Which château has the best gardens?

Château de Villandry’s extensive and beautifully maintained Renaissance gardens are a must-see for gardening enthusiasts. The gardens at Chenonceau are also gorgeous.

Conclusion

If possible, stay awhile in the Loire Valley so you can tour at least three or four châteaux without rushing. Also take time to sample the great local wines, take walks in the beautiful countryside and just hang out.

Have you visited the Loire Valley? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below.

Other Great Destinations in France

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris & Don’t Line Up

Architecture & Heritage, France Artsy Traveler Leave a Comment

Last updated on November 28th, 2025 at 06:33 am

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris has—literally—risen from the ashes and is again open to the public.

If you’re visiting Paris, carve out an hour or so to go inside the recently reopened Notre-Dame de Paris and admire what surely must be the most incredible restoration job in modern history.

In this post, I describe my recent visit to the newly opened Notre-Dame Cathedral.

If you’re visiting Paris, go. You won’t regret it.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Tickets: Make a Reservation

But before you charge off to the historic center of Paris–the first arrondisement on the Île de cité–make a reservation. Entrance to the cathedral is free, but if you make a reservation, you skip the long lineup of people who did not.

I couldn’t figure out why anyone would visit without making a reservation because doing so was so simple. A few hours before visiting the cathedral, I went to the official website and was given the choice of a 4 pm entry.

Check Your Reservation Time

The reservation is good for just twenty minutes past the allotted time. I arrived at 4:10 and walked straight through the main entrance with zero waiting.

To my left was a very, very long line snaking around several loops filled with people who hadn’t made a reservation. Maybe I was just lucky to have gotten a same-day one. The website noted that it releases reservations throughout the day. As a result, you may need to check back frequently.

Line up of people waiting to go into Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

A Miracle of Gothic Architecture

Once inside the cathedral, prepare to be amazed. Seriously amazed. I’ve visited Notre-Dame Cathedral many times since my first trip to Paris way back in 1970, and I’ve always enjoyed it.

But on this visit, I was jaw-droppingly blown away.

To think that only five years earlier in April 2019, the nave was a smoking ruin with portions of the ceiling caved in and the spire collapsed.

And now? The restored stone is so blindingly white that it looks brand new—which of course it kind of is!

Nave of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after the restoration

A Brand New Cathedral

Gone is the gravitas imparted by stone columns that have soared to the vaulted ceiling for a thousand years. The new Notre-Dame Cathedral no longer feels ancient.

But, surprisingly, that doesn’t matter as much as I thought it would. I’m so impressed by the skill employed to rebuild the cathedral in less than five years, that I didn’t mind the newness.

Finding Your Way Around the Cathedral

The first challenge upon entering the cathedral is jockeying for position at the start of the nave to snap a picture without heads in the way. Everyone is holding a phone aloft to take the same picture, and of course I do too.

Once the first pictures are taken, it’s time to being the slow shuffle up the left aisle to the front of the cathedral and back down the other side. It’s slow going with plenty of bottlenecks, but whatever. That just provides more time for more snapping of photos of the columns and arches from every angle.

Columns and arches of the interior of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

In the side chapels on the left aisle are hung several modern works, most notably one by Matisse. Another highlight are the beautiful stained glass windows. I can’t even being to imagine how they were salvaged and then restored.

At the transept are the two giant rose windows. Both glow with restored vigor, their colors dancing off the white pillars.

Interior of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris including one of the rose windows

What’s That Smell?

As I make the slow progress around the perimeter of the cathedral, I become aware of a lingering scent of burning. Usually, cathedrals smell of old stone.

The “new” Notre-Dame Cathedral smells of fire, a fitting reminder of its trauma.

Restoration Project Displays

After touring the cathedral, take a stroll along the street immediately to the left of the cathedral as you face it. Giant billboards document the restoration work with pictures and enough startling stats to keep you in awe. It’s heartening to witness the results of hundreds of skilled workers coming together with a common purpose.

The “new” Notre-Dame Cathedral restored my faith in humanity’s ability to accomplish great things with astonishing skill and dedication.

Tours of Notre-Dame Cathedral

If you’re not lucky like I was and can’t get last-minute tickets to enter Notre-Dame without lining up, consider one of these GetYourGuide guided tours. You’ll learn all about the history of this iconic cathedral along with information about the terrible fire and the remarkable restoration.

Staying in Paris

My latest go-to place to stay in Paris is the Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris. You can’t beat the location right on the Seine and steps from Boulevard Saint-Michel.

The rooms are almost spacious (by Parisian standards) and include a tiny kitchen and a work area. Free coffee is available 24/7 in the lobby which is staffed with helpful people.

Conclusion

Have you visited Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris since its restoration and re-opening? Drop your suggestions for other travelers in the Comments below.

Love cathedrals? Check out my post on the Best Cathedrals in Europe to Delight the Artsy Traveler.

Eiffel Tower: Should You Soar to the Summit?

Architecture & Heritage, France Artsy Traveler Leave a Comment

Last updated on November 28th, 2025 at 04:30 pm

Riding to the summit of the Eiffel Tower—or even to the second level—has long been a Paris must-do. Millions flock to the iconic monument every year to stand in long lines, ride an elevator up one of the sturdy pylons, and then look at the view.

But should you bother? Especially if your time in Paris is limited, should you spend a half day braving the crowds to ride an elevator or two (or even three) to see a view?

Read on for my recommendations about putting the Eiffel Tower on our must-see list while touring Paris.

A poster featuring the Eiffel Tower in daylight with vibrant green gardens and a bold headline asking, "Should You Soar to the Top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris?"

Going Up the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France

Well, it’s the Eiffel Tower and you’ve traveled a long way to see it. And after all, it’s the most famous architectural feature of the Paris skyline. Going up the Eiffel Tower is almost a rite of passage for the first-time visitor to Paris.

But do you really need to go up it?

Frankly, I say forget the elevator ride and just admire the tower from a distance. Take pictures of it from the Trocadero on the opposite side of the Seine, or from the middle of one of the bridges.

A classic view of the Eiffel Tower taken from the Trocadéro gardens, with fountains, greenery, and a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Stay well away from the crowds and enjoy seeing the tower pop up every now and again as you tour Paris. There are so many amazing things to see in this city that spending half a day waiting in line (and you’ll likely wait in line even if you buy tickets in advance or take a tour) seems like such a waste of time.

I know—blasphemy—but really, if you don’t like crowds, can live without an elevator ride, and can find better things to spend the 25+ euros on (like lunch), then I say skip the Eiffel Tower.

What to Know If You Decide to Go Up the Eiffel Tower

That said, I totally get why going up the Eiffel Tower is appealing. Over the years, I’ve gone up the tower at least five times, and each time was more crowded than the time before.

My most recent visit was in spring 2024—and wow! I couldn’t believe the size of the crowds as well as how little there was to do once I reached the second level and circumnavigated the tower to view Paris from all directions.

Go Up the Eiffel Tower in the Evening

Of my five visits, my favorite was the one I took in the evening a few years ago. The crowds were thin and the view over the sparkling lights of Paris magical.

A breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower illuminated against the night sky, with reflections in the nearby Seine River.

If you can manage to find a time when the Eiffel Tower is not crowded then sure, take a ride up to at least the second level.

Purchase Tickets in Advance

Whenever you decide to go, buy your ticket well in advance. You’ll probably still have to queue, but not for as long as you would without a ticket. Also, if you don’t get your ticket in advance, you risk not being able to get in at all if the tower is at capacity.

Here’s the official website for purchasing tickets to the Eiffel Tower.

Riding to the Tippy Top

Don’t be fooled by tours that say they include the summit. They may not, so you really need to double-check. If you have your heart set on going to the summit of the Eiffel Tower, then book your tickets on the official website as far in advance (up to three months) as you can. Spots book up really fast.

At the top, you’ll enjoy the highest view from two floors–one open-air and the other enclosed. You’ll also see a reconstruction of Gustave Eiffel’s office and a tableaux of wax models depicting Gustave Eiffel and his daughter Claire receiving the famous American inventor, Thomas Edison.

Should You Consider a Guided Tour?

On my most recent visit to the Eiffel Tower, I chose a guided tour because I (mistakenly as it turned out) thought it would take me to the very tippy top. It did not.

Basically, a guide takes you to a long line and waits with you while occasionally regaling you with facts and figures about the Eiffel Tower. At the second level, the guide bids you farewell and you’re on your own to enjoy the view.

Here’s a brief summary of my Eiffel Tower tour experience so you can decide for yourself if the 50+ Euro price tag is worth it.

My Tour of the Eiffel Tower

I arrive at the Eiffel Tower with moments to spare before the tour is to begin, only to discover I’m in the wrong place.

HINT: Double-check the meeting place for the tour; it likely is not at the entrance to the Eiffel Tower. In the case of the tour I took, the meeting place was a brisk ten-minute walk away.

A ground-level shot of the Eiffel Tower framed by trees, emphasizing its grandeur and architectural beauty.

I run to where the guide is supposed to be, arriving ten minutes late to find her waiting and not at all worried. After joining her and eight other people, I briskly retrace my steps back to the base of the Eiffel Tower where we wait a good thirty minutes, which is about ninety minutes less than the wait for people without tickets, to ride the elevator to the second stage.

I ask if we’re going to the top.

Non, Madame.

But it says in the tour description that we go to the top…

Non, Madame. Second level only.

Oh.

I resolve to enjoy myself and get my 50 euros worth (pretty much double the cost of a regular ticket). The guide’s commentary is interesting, although I’m the only person who listens to it. The other people on the tour are either not interested or don’t speak English, or both.

Some History of the Eiffel Tower

I’m working on a novel set in the late 1880s during the time when the Eiffel Tower was being constructed. The novel includes a character modeled after the brave souls who, in the frigid winter before the Eiffel Tower opened for the 1889 World Exposition, climbed higher and higher every day to bang rivets into a structure that at the time was a marvel of engineering (and still is). Two men lost their lives building the Eiffel Tower (although not my character).

The guide doesn’t tell me very much that I haven’t already read during my research about Gustave Eiffel and the history of his tower. Construction of the Eiffel Tower began in 1888 and finished in May 1889 just in time for the opening of the 1889 Paris Exposition that celebrated the 100th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Over 32 million people attended, which is a lot of people in 1889!

If you’re looking for in-depth information about a site, you’re not likely to find it on a tour designed for the general public. You’d be better off connecting with an expert and arranging a private tour.

Riding Up to the Second Level

It takes about an hour to finally get up to the second level of the Eiffel Tower. The two elevators are crowded and hot, and the ride isn’t all that exciting. I snag a place by the window to snap photos and face away from the germs. If you are at all claustrophobic, you may wish to think twice about cramming yourself into the elevators to the first and then the second levels.

A photo taken from inside the Eiffel Tower's elevator, showing the iron lattice framework and the greenery of the Champ de Mars below.

At the Second Level

Once we arrive at the second level, our guide thanks us and returns to Earth, presumably to herd another group up the elevators.

I stroll around the four sides, snap some photos, and feel a bit deflated. The view from the second stage is fine but not particularly breathtaking, even on a sunny day.

An expansive aerial view of Paris, featuring Les Invalides and the Montparnasse Tower, framed by green parks and historic buildings. — View to the south from the Eiffel Tower

A sweeping view of Paris from above, capturing the Seine River, bridges, and iconic Parisian architecture under a partly cloudy sky. — View to the northeast from the Eiffel Tower

I do, however, enjoy snapping photos of the rest of the Eiffel Tower soaring up to the third level that I didn’t get to visit.

A dramatic upward perspective of the Eiffel Tower from the second level, showcasing its intricate ironwork against a clear blue sky.

After the Tour

After taking as many pictures as I can and circumnavigating the second level at least twice to get my money’s worth, I descend to the bottom and snap lots of photos in the beautiful golden light. The nearby gardens are particularly fetching.

A serene view of a lush garden with a pond surrounded by trees and bushes, under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

View from below the Eiffel Tower showcasing its intricate iron latticework structure against a bright blue sky, with sunlight streaming through the open arches.

A Paris Traffic Jam

With the sun starting to set, I go in search of a bus. I can’t find the right stop and finally admit defeat and hail a taxi. The traffic is practically gridlocked. I can probably walk back to where I’m staying near Boulevard Saint Michel faster. The driver entertains me with a lot of voluble French commentary about the shocking state of the circulation in Paris, the bicycles, the other cars, the stupid pedestrians, etc. As the fare creeps up over twenty euros (I have a 20-euro bill clutched in my hand), I reach for my wallet. He gestures for me to put it away.

Non, non, madame. Il est vignt.

He waves away the number on the meter as if to make it disappear. I gather he’s not going to charge me more than the twenty euros that I have ready to pay him because the traffic is so bad. That’s very kind of him!

Where Are the Rude Parisians?

My taxi driver drops me at my destination, cheerfully takes the twenty and wishes me a bonne journée. I’ve yet to meet the fabled rude Parisians who are supposedly abundant in Paris.

In my experience over many, many trips to Paris, the Parisians are almost uniformly helpful, friendly, and good-humored. They also frequently like to make jokes. The night before, the clerk at the supermarket, after being asked the way out, shakes his head and tells us gravely that there is no way out, and that we will be locked in and have to stay the night. He then laughs and leads us to the exit where he merrily scans our items while telling us all about his brother who is moving to Calgary.

Tours of the Eiffel Tower

If you’ve decided to go up the Eiffel Tower, you have two choices. Either purchase a tour to get some commentary along with your elevator ride or go it alone with tickets you’ve purchased in advance. While I can’t say the tour I took was worth the extra euros, it did give me the chance to talk about the Eiffel Tower with the guide and glean a few more useful bits of information for my research.

Here are some ticket and tour options offered by GetYourGuide:

Conclusion

I love the Eiffel Tower! It’s the symbol of Paris, and it’s beautiful and iconic and just so cool. I’m fascinated by how it was built, I love taking pictures of it, and I even include it on the cover of one of my novels (Love Among the Recipes). I’m writing a new novel featuring the Eiffel Tower at the beginning of its life. So yes, I think the Eiffel Tower is awesome!

But I also think that you’d not be missing a whole lot if you decided to skip waiting in long lines (even with a ticket and/or a tour) for what is essentially an elevator ride.

Illustration of the book cover for "Love Among the Recipes" by Carol M. Cram, featuring a basket with bread, cheese, and wine on top of a stack of cookbooks, with a blue background showing Paris landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower.

Spend your time touring some of the world’s best museums, enjoy a café crème at a sidewalk café, take a cruise on the Seine, snap pics of the Eiffel Tower to your heart’s content, and relax in Paris’s lovely parks (the Luxembourg Gardens is my fave).

Here are more posts about being an Artsy Traveler in Paris:

And for my take on touring another of Europe’s iconic sites, check out Should You Make the Climb to the Acropolis of Athens?

Should You Make the Climb to the Acropolis of Athens?

Architecture & Heritage, Greece Artsy Traveler 11 Comments

Last updated on November 28th, 2025 at 06:22 am

Ah, the Acropolis of Athens! It is the pinnacle of Greek culture and a mecca for cultural travel. It’s both a graceful monument to the old gods and a tourist attraction famed for the number of visitors willing to risk heatstroke to see it in all its rubble-strewn glory.

Of all the many archaeological site scattered across Greece, the most famous by far are the imposing collection of temples perched atop the hill in the middle of the busy city of Athens.

The hill is called the Acropolis and the big temple in the middle is called the Parthenon, but people often use the two terms interchangeably.

A Pinterest graphic with the words "Acropolis in Athens" above a picture of the facade of the Parthenon showing the Doric columns.

Tours & Accommodations at a Glance

Tour the Acropolis on a Small Group Tour
Stay at the Hotel Lozenge

Overview of the Acropolis of Athens

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Acropolis inspires millions of visitors every year to make the long trek from the ticket office to the temples, puffing up stone steps that go on forever (or at least feel like they do). There is no shade; for several months of the year, the sun can be life threatening; and you make the trek with thousands of fellow visitors.

Unless you’re visiting in the depths of winter, forget romantic thoughts of strolling up the steps in solitary communion with the ancient Greeks.

I’m actually surprised so many people visit the Acropolis. And yet they do. Thousands upon thousands of them visit every day—young and not so young, fit and definitely not fit, and from all over the world. The Acropolis is the must-see hit of Athens.

You can’t go to Athens and not climb to the Acropolis. Not to do so is probably illegal.

Read on for more about my experience and my recommendations for comfortably visiting the Acropolis and the must-see Acropolis Museum.

When It’s Too Hot to Visit the Acropolis

Officials sometimes close the Acropolis on summer afternoons when temperatures soar to the high forties Celsius. I can’t even imagine how hot that must feel. With no shade on the way up, such high temperatures plus bare rocks equal a searing experience.

If you’re visiting on a particularly hot and crowded day in the summer, I recommend just admiring the Acropolis from afar. Why risk heat stroke?

Instead, visit the wonderful (and air conditioned) Acropolis Museum and/or the National Archaeological Museum (check out my suggestions for touring!), enjoy a leisurely lunch, do some shopping, do some people-watching of the modern Athenians, and maybe take a peek at some of the lesser-known and much less crowded archaeological sites. You’ll still see the Acropolis from just about anywhere you walk in central Athens. Let that be enough.

Here are some tours from Tiqets.com that don’t include the Acropolis!

Visiting the Acropolis of Athens in the Late Afternoon

When the heat is manageable, consider visiting the Acropolis in the late afternoon. The crowds start to thin out, the temperature starts to cool, and sunset is imminent.

Here’s what I did during a visit with my daughter in mid-September.

My Visit to the Acropolis in September

We arrive at the ticket area near the main entrance to the Acropolis site at 4:30 pm to find that tickets for the 4:45 time slot are sold out, with the next available time slot being 5:45 pm.

If you go in the late afternoon, you may be lucky, like we are, and only wait an hour to get in. If, however, you are visiting at other times of the day or during the summer, buy your tickets online several days before your visit.

To Combo or Not to Combo?

Your big decision when buying your ticket to the Acropolis is whether you should buy a single or a combo ticket. The single ticket costs €20 and the combo ticket costs €30.

The single ticket only gets you into the Acropolis & Slopes within a 30-minute time frame from 15 minutes before to 15 minutes after your selected time slot.

The combo ticket gets you into the Acropolis & Slopes at your appointed time and into the Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Kerameikos, Aristotle’s School [Lyceum], Olympieion, and the Roman Agora anytime within five days of the ticket date. That’s a lotta ruins!

With only a day and a half in Athens, we decide to throw caution to the wind and buy the combo tickets. I figure that for the extra €10, we’re bound to visit at least one of the other sites. Most of them cost around €10, so we only have to visit one additional site to get our money’s worth.

We visit the Ancient Agora the day after our visit to the Acropolis, so for us, the combo ticket paid for itself, just. Here’s some advice on How to Spend a Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Athens that includes a visit to the Ancient Agora.

Here’s the fabulous Temple of Hephaestus in the Agora.

Side view of the stunning Greek Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, which is part of the Agora of Athens and accessible with a Combo ticket to the archaeological sites in Athens

Front view of the columns in the stunning Greek Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, which is part of the Agora of Athens and accessible with a Combo ticket to the archaeological sites in Athens

I recommend you buy the combo ticket if you think you’ll have time to explore other sites. The Ancient Agora is definitely worth a visit.

Check the official ticket s ite.

Waiting to Enter the Acropolis

After buying combo tickets, we go in search of a café to have a drink while we wait. My daughter, Julia, chooses a donut that looks like it will be a tasty, if indulgent, treat.

Unfortunately, it’s drier than a vat of pixie dust. We should complain and get our €3.50 back. But I don’t have the heart since the server was so cheery when she seated us. We leave the donut virtually untouched and return to the ticket office.

Picture of a very large and dry donut with caramel icing flaking off as an example of what not to order at the touristy cafes near the Acropolis in Athens.

NOTE: Avoid the string of cafés a few steps from the entrance to the Acropolis. There are many better places to eat in the nearby Plaka district.

Joining the Line to the Acropolis of Athens

We arrive back at the line at 5:30 and join the queue. There are quite a few people, but not so many that we feel overwhelmed. Precisely at 5:45, the turnstiles open and the line moves with surprising briskness.

Soon we’re through and ready to begin the long climb up to one of the world’s most iconic sites.

OMG! I’m at the Acropolis! Socrates walked here. Plato pontificated here. Thousands of believers made their way across these very slick stones to climb to the temples and worship the gods.

It’s one of those “pinch me” moments that make travel worthwhile.

Have you been to the Acropolis in Athens?

Oh yes. It was marvelous.

Fortunately, most people move quite slowly, what with stopping every two meters to snap pictures, so the climb feels less strenuous than it would be if the place were empty. Every few steps, we get to pause, admire the view, and catch our breath.

I listen to a Rick Steves audio commentary as I climb and learn all sorts of interesting things about what I’m seeing. I recommend Rick’s commentaries—they’re fun, informative, and not boring.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus

On the way up to the Acropolis, we pass the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. It’s a superb open-air theater with seating for 5,000 spectators that is still used for performances. Built in 161 AD, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus has hosted stars such as Elton John, Pavarotti, Frank Sinatra, and Sting.

Slowly, slowly we climb up and up Acropolis hill until we face the monumental entrance to the Acropolis—enormous pillars soaring into the cloud-studded Athenian sky. I am suitably awed and snap away happily along with a few hundred of my fellow climbers.

Massive columns at the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens visible as you climb up to the Acropolis. the backs of a large crowd of people climbing to the top is in the foreground. — Approaching the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens

What’s Up Top at the Acropolis of Athens?

When, finally, we make it to the top, all of Athens is laid at our feet which is pretty danged spectacular. We’re also standing in the shadow of the mighty Parthenon which, despite the scaffolding and the missing columns, is magnificent.

It’s the very definition of iconic.

People are everywhere, but it’s not difficult to crop them out of pictures, and everyone is in good spirits. After all, they’re in the midst of crossing a major experience off their bucket lists. Also, the temperature at around 28 C degrees with a nice breeze and the sun fast setting is just about perfect.

Front view of the Parthenon in Athens which is covered in scaffolding. The columns along the left side do not have scaffolding and are Doric columns and very beautiful. — The front façade of the Acropolis

Warning: No Disrespecting Allowed

Resist the temptation to engage in any shenanigans while snapping pictures of the monuments of the Acropolis. Guards patrol the perimeter on the lookout for anyone daring to make light of Greece’s national treasures. They frown on people mugging for the camera with excessively silly poses or acting in any way disrespectfully.

Temple of Erechtheion at the Acropolis of Athens

The beautiful temple of Erechtheion with its columns made from the figures of women is a highlight of the Acropolis. The original statues are in the Acropolis Museum, which I talk about later in this post. The statues you’ve climbed up to see are reproductions.

But the temple is still wonderful! Who cares that most of it was rebuilt in modern times?

The Temple of Erechtheion on the Acropolis with a view of the Athens skyline beyond. This temple is a highlight of the Acropolis because the columns are actually statues of women in Greek robes. — The Temple of Erechtheion on the Acropolis

The Parthenon

The main activity at the top of the Acropolis is walking around the Parthenon and snapping pictures of the Parthenon along with the other temples and the view of Athens from every angle.

You can eavesdrop on tour groups or listen to an audio guide to learn more about the site, or you can just look and enjoy.

The attraction of the place is its hold over our collective imaginations. The Acropolis of Athens symbolizes much of what is good in western culture as defined by the ancient Greeks. Their contributions to medicine, theater, literature, language, architecture, sculpture, and a whole lot of other useful pursuits have lasted millennia.

The world owes a lot to the Greeks, and the Acropolis of Athens stands proud witness to that debt.

We circle the Parthenon, admiring its perfect dimensions and lamenting its sorry state of disrepair. Over the millennia, it was bombed by the Venetians, had a mosque built inside of it by the Ottomans, and had bits of it removed by a certain British lord whose name begins with E.

Many Greeks are not happy that their “Elgin” marbles were removed from the Acropolis back in the day and are still in the British Museum. I hope they get them back so they can be installed in the gorgeous new Acropolis Museum that we visit next.

Side view of the Parthenon on the Acropolis taken from the top of the Acropolis in Athens. Some scaffolding is visible, but most of hte columns are free of scaffolding and very impressive.

Temple of Athena Nike

Athena, goddess of wisdom, crafting, and victory, is one of my favorite goddesses. Perched at the edge of a cliff, the temple dedicated to the goddess Athena is the smallest temple at the Acropolis. It was built in the Iconic order (my favorite of the three orders) in 420 BC.

Sunset Over Athens

The sun is starting to sink over Athens and the guards start ushering people towards the exit. Although the Acropolis is supposed to stay open until 8 PM, that’s not exactly the case. I suppose they want everyone off before darkness falls which, considering the roughness of some of the steps, is a good idea.

Spectacular view over the large city of Athens facing west to a beautiful sunset. The view is taken from the top of the Acropolis and is well worth the climb to see in the early evening.

The journey back down the slopes of the Acropolis is much easier than the journey up. Before long, we’re back in front of the Acropolis Museum.

Because it’s a Friday, the museum is open until 10 PM. Visiting it after an early evening climb to the Acropolis makes a perfect ending to an Acropolis outing.

Accessing the Acropolis via Elevator

If you are not able to climb the many, many steps to the Acropolis, you may be able to use the elevator. Thank you to a commenter on this post for reminding me that an elevator is available.

Note that access is strictly controlled. You need to prove you are disabled, and should call ahead to check availability. The number is +30 210 3214172 or +30 210 9238470

The ride up takes just 32 seconds!

Visiting the Acropolis Museum

This museum is an Athens must-see. It’s brand new and gorgeous and is equally awesome whether visited before or after climbing to the Acropolis. And if the weather and crowds prevent you from making the climb, the Acropolis Museum is a fine consolation prize.

The stylish and modern entrance to the Acropolis Museum in Athens, a must-see museum to learn more about the temples and the history of the Acropolis. — Entrance to the Acropolis Museum in Athens

The three floors of the museum are large and airy with beautifully curated displays of artifacts from the Acropolis of Athens. In addition, informative videos, and lots of information in English, bring Greek history to life.

Allow at least two hours to tour the museum.

A highlight for me are the original statues from the Temple of Erechtheion. The details in the robes and hair of the women are astonishing.

Close up view of two of the female statues wearing Greek robes with pediments on top of their heads. These are two of the original columns used to hold up the Erechtheion Temple on the Acropolis, and are very classically Greek and beautiful.

View of one of the female statues wearing Greek robes with pediments on top of it head. This is one of the original columns used to hold up the Erechtheion Temple on the Acropolis, and is very classically Greek and beautiful. The column is displayed in the Acropolis Museum--a must-see museum in Athens.

On the top floor, you can see great views of the Acropolis. Since we are visiting in the evening, the floodlit ruins appear to float in the night sky.

Floodlit view of the Acropolis as seen through a large window on the top flow of the Acropolis Museum.

Also on the top floor is the glass-encased “Parthenon Gallery” on which the relief sculptures of the Parthenon frieze are exhibited in continuous sequence around all four sides, mimicking the real Parthenon.

While most of the sculptures were long ago plundered by Lord Elgin, enough remain to give an idea of the splendor of the original building.

Portion of the frieze that once adorned the Parthenon at the Acropolis exhibited in the Acropolis Museum in Athens. This portion shows a marble statue of a man reclining next to another seated man without a head.

Portion of the frieze that once adorned the Parthenon at the Acropolis exhibited in the Acropolis Museum in Athens. This portion shows a carving of four men on horseback and is remarkably full of movement.

Plenty of information is provided to help visitors visualize the original friezes as well as understand the significance of the sculpted figures. It’s a pretty cool experience to walk around the four sides of the massive structure on the top floor, occasionally glancing out the window to see the real Parthenon rising into an indigo sky from the moonlit Acropolis.

On the ground floor, wide expanses of glass that you can walk over allow you to view the active archaeological dig below ground.

View of archaeological ruins below street level at the Acropolis Museum in Athens visible as you walk in the entrance. This museum is one of Athens's must-see archaeological museums.

When to Visit the Acropolis Museum in Athens

I highly recommend visiting the Acropolis Museum in the evening, if possible. We pretty much had the place to ourselves for the entire visit. Earlier in the day, the museum can get very crowded because people often go to the Acropolis first and then visit the museum.

Here are some options for purchasing tickets to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum.

Where to Stay in Athens

On my recent trip to Athens, I stayed in two places–a holiday apartment for two nights and a hotel for one night. I can highly recommend both places.

Karma Athens: Located on a quiet street just around the corner from the lively Plaka district, Karma Apartments was the perfect place to stay in Athens. Our one-bedroom apartment included a private terrace that featured a peek-a-boo view of the Acropolis.

The building contains only holiday lets so it’s more like a hotel, but without a reception. However, there was an attendant there when we arrived early who kindly stored our luggage until the apartment was ready and then carried it up to our apartment on the top floor. The stairs were steep but the climb was worth it.

Hotel Lozenge: This business hotel located in the high-end Kolonaki area of Athens, and within easy walking distance of most of what you’d want to see in Athens, is clean and modern with a friendly staff and an attached bar-restaurant.

We stayed one night before flying home the next morning, and it was an excellent end-of-trip choice.

Conclusion

The Acropolis of Athens is a definite must-see if you can avoid risking heatstroke or standing in long lines for hours on end. Go late in the afternoon, if possible, scheduling your visit to the Acropolis Museum for when the museum is open late, and take your time.

It’s likely you’ll only make the climb up to the Acropolis once or twice in your life. Make sure the experience is one you look back on with fondness, remembering the thrill of treading in the footsteps of the ancients rather than the tedium of inching painfully across sun-baked stones.

Have you visited the Acropolis in Athens? Share your experience and recommendations in the Comments below.

Make the Roman Baths in Bath a Sightseeing Priority

Architecture & Heritage, England Artsy Traveler Leave a Comment

Last updated on November 28th, 2025 at 07:58 pm

The Roman Baths in Bath, England, is the city’s foremost must-see attraction.

If you only have time to visit one historic site in the city of Bath, make it the Roman Baths.

It’s small enough to enjoy in about an hour, includes an excellent audio guide, and is enlivened by numerous projections of Roman-clad people going about their bathing business.

I’ve visited the Roman baths three times over the past ten years and each time, I discover something new.

Pinterest graphic with the text "Roman Baths" over a picture of the Roman baths in Bath, England, taken from the terrace of the Roman Baths Museum

Roman Baths at a Glance

Enjoy views of Bath Abbey from the museum terrace
Discover the ancient history of the sacred spring
Explore fascinating displays and costumed recreations that bring ancient Aquae Sulis to life
Consider a guided tour to get the most out of your visit
Stay at the Harington’s Boutique Hotel in the center of Bath

Location of the Roman Baths

The Roman Baths are located next to the Pump Room in the center of Bath. It’s a short walk from the train station.

When you arrive, you may find quite a crowd gathered and signs indicating which time slot is currently being accommodated.

If you didn’t get tickets in advance, ask the person marshaling the crowd if you can still get in. I did this on a recent visit and the attendant promptly stood aside and motioned for me to walk right in, bypassing the long line. I didn’t stop to question my good fortune.

That said, I wouldn’t count on getting in without buying your ticket in advance. You can purchase tickets online from the official website or choose a tour.

Audio Guide

The price includes an audio guide with two tracks in twelve languages. The regular track provides the usual historical context in short and interesting installments.

The children’s track includes first-person accounts by the many characters that wander across screens projected throughout the museum. I alternate between the adult and children’s tracks. Both are excellent.

Touring the Baths

The clearly signposted route starts on the terrace, which consists of a walkway surrounding the baths.

This structure and the statues of various Roman bigwigs are Victorian additions that were built atop the Roman ruins to house the museum when it opened in the late 19^th century.

The terrace is a delightful space surrounded by warm Bath stone and with the façade of Bath Abbey looming in the background. Below are the deep green waters of the main pool. Bath has been a mecca for health-seekers for two millennia.

Overhead view of the main pool at the Roman Baths Museum — View of the main pool from the top walkway

View of Bath Abbey from the top walkway at thhe Roman Baths Museum — View of Bath Abbey from the top walkway

Hot Springs History

While touring the museum, you’ll learn that Bath is the only place in the entire country that has hot springs—three of them. No wonder people have been coming here for millennia.

Before the Romans arrived, the local Dobunni tribe worshipped the goddess Sulis at the sacred spring. In those days, the heated natural spring was a bubbling, steaming pool surrounded by a thick swamp.

When the Romans arrived, they incorporated worship of Sulis into their own pantheon and so transformed her into Sulis Minerva and called the settlement Aquae Sulis.

The Romans were generally “equal opportunity” when it came to accommodating other religions, so long as the people practicing them rendered unto Caesar the necessary taxes.

In Roman Britain, the legionnaires who first conquered the area must have been very happy to have found a place where they could soak their weary bones in warm water in the midst of a Great Britain winter.

In the 17^th and 18^th centuries, Bath developed into one of the world’s most fashionable watering holes. Everyone who was anyone came here to take the waters. Jane Austen herself bathed here.

Museum Exhibits

The tour leads back indoors and descends through several rooms full of artfully displayed exhibits about the Romans.

Enlivening the experience are screens projecting a selection of Roman bathers who would have frequented the baths back in the day. It’s a clever way to bring history to life and makes you feel like you’re witnessing it firsthand.

Projection of Roman characters at the Roman Baths Museum in Bath, England

You can listen to a blacksmith on the audio guide while watching a screen showing him hard at work making armor.

Projection of a Roman blacksmith at the Roman Baths Museum in Bath, England — Projection of a Roman blacksmith

The Baths

The exhibits give way to a series of walkways leading across the archaeological remains of the various rooms in the Roman Baths.

The Romans took their health seriously. There are rooms for getting massaged and plucked (apparently, the Romans weren’t keen on body hair), rooms for bathing in various water temperatures, and even a gymnasium where Romans got good and sweaty in humid air that still smells of sulfur.

Projection of Romans getting prepared to bathe at the Roman Baths Museum in Bath, England — Projection of Roman woman preparing to bathe

The ruins themselves don’t photograph particularly well. Here’s one room showing the bricks that would have been under the floor to supply the heating.

The audio commentary provides details about the impressive heating and cooling mechanisms. The Romans certainly knew how to engineer.

Ruins of the heating system at the Roman Baths Museum in Bath, England — Ruins of the heating system

Minerva Sulis

One of the most striking artifacts on display is the gilt bronze head of the goddess Sulis Minerva. It’s a rare and beautiful example of ancient craftsmanship.

Outside next to the large pool sits a Roman-clad guide. She acknowledges me with a regal nod when I take her picture. I’m unsure if she’s meant to speak or if her job is to sit by the pool all day and have her picture taken.

A costumed guide at the Roman Baths Museum in Bath, England — A Roman watches the crowds go by

Bath Tours

Bath is unique in that it has two inscriptions as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the 1980s, the town was inscribed for its Hot Springs, Roman archaeology, Georgian buildings and natural landscape setting.

And then just a few years ago in 2021, it was awarded a second inscription as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe.

The best way to explore Bath is through a walking tour. GuruWalk lists pay-what-you-please walking tours that connect tourists with tour guides.

Tours and Tickets

If you’re a Bridgerton fan, you may find this tour fun:

Conclusion

Ruins can be challenging to enjoy because they are, well, ruins. The Roman Baths manages to bring the stony vestiges of a once great Roman hangout to life with its thoughtful use of projections and audio commentary.

As you exit the museum, you can enjoy a cupful of the medicinal waters to give you energy for more Bath sightseeing.

The Roman Baths are open from 9 am to 10 pm from July 20 to August 31, and from 9 am to 6 pm from September 1 to December 31. Buy your tickets online from the museum’s website.

Have you visited the Roman Baths? Share your comments and suggestions in the comments below.

Here are posts about other Interesting Museums:

How Not to Tour the Colosseum in Rome: Mistakes to Avoid

Architecture & Heritage, Italy Artsy Traveler 1 Comment

Last updated on November 28th, 2025 at 09:43 pm

You’ve arrived in Rome! Maybe you’ve been lucky enough to have your taxi whisk you past the Colosseum on your way to your accommodations.

There it is! It’s huge! OMG! We’re in the Eternal City! This is SO cool!

Yes, the Colosseum is amazing, and visiting it is one of the great travel experiences of a lifetime, but only if you do it right.

You don’t want to be one of those first-time visitors who shows up without a timed-entry ticket or joins an overcrowded tour that rushes you past the very things you came to see.

The upper facade of the Colosseum with arches and weathered stone against a bright blue sky. Overlaid text reads, “How Not to Tour the Colosseum in Rome,” with the website "artsytraveler.com" at the bottom.

Before you visit one of Rome’s most iconic destinations, check out these Colosseum mistakes to avoid and learn some smart, practical tips for how to visit the Colosseum without wasting time, money, or energy.

Think of this post as your personal list of Colosseum dos and don’ts, including essential Colosseum skip-the-line tips, advice on the best tickets, and what to expect once you’re inside.

Also enjoy my first-person account of a Colosseum tour that did not go so well. Learn from my mistakes!

Quick Facts – How to Visit the Colosseum (Without the Usual Mistakes)

Best time to visit: First entry of the morning or after 4 pm
Tickets to book in advance: Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill (timed entry)
Skip-the-line options: Guided tour, Arena floor and underground tour
Best entrance: Stern Gate for guided tours; main entrance for standard tickets
Visit duration: 2–3 hours for all three sites
Common mistakes to avoid: Arriving without a timed ticket, starting at the Forum first, booking a mid-day tour, not bringing ID for tickets, not understanding what each ticket includes

Top Mistakes People Make (And What to Do Instead)

Mistake #1: Arriving without a timed-entry ticket
What to do instead: Book ASAP — especially April–October.

Mistake #2: Visiting mid-day
What to do instead: Go early morning or late afternoon.

Mistake #3: Thinking a standard ticket includes the Arena or Underground
What to do instead: Choose your ticket carefully based on interest.

Mistake #4: Entering the Forum first
What to do instead: See the Colosseum first while your energy is high.

Mistake #5: Booking a mediocre tour
What to do instead: Pay more for small-group or private tours.

Tours & Accommodations at a Glance

Tour the Colosseum on a Small Group Evening Tour
Stay at the Sant’Angelo Apartments in the Jewish Ghetto
Stay at Monti Apartments about a ten-minute walk from the Colosseum in a cool neighborhood
Stay at Viam 6B near the Spanish Steps

Tickets & Tours Comparison

Standard Colosseum Ticket

Includes:

Colosseum (upper level viewing areas vary)
Roman Forum
Palatine Hill
Timed-entry slot

Best For:
First-time visitors who want the classic highlights without extras.

Why Choose It:
Simple, affordable, and gets you into the three major sites.

Approx. Price: €27

Book with GetYourGuide

Guided Tour with Forum Option

Includes:

Visit the Colosseum with an expert guide
ENjoy exclusive access to the gladiators’ Arena floor
Upgrade to include a tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Best For:
First-time visitors who want a guided tour

Why Choose It:
Learn more about the sites; ask questions of the guide

Approx. Price: €89

Book with GetYourGuide

Private Colosseum Experience

Includes:

Private guided tour for 2-3 hours
Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum guided tour
All tickets and fees

Best For:
Photographers, enthusiasts, and anyone who prefers a custom eperience

Why Choose It:
Go at your own pace to discover ancient Rome.

Approx. Price: €281

Book with GetYourGuide

Colosseum Arena Floor Tour

Includes:

Arena Floor guided tour
Colosseum Undergrounds guided tour
Roman Forum and Palatine Access
All tickets and fees

Best For:
Travelers who want a dramatic, immersive “on the stage” experience.

Why Choose It:
Standing on the Arena Floor gives you a unique perspective and incredible photos.

Approx. Price: €95

Book with GetYourGuide

My Rome Colosseum History

Since my first visit to Rome a few decades ago, I’ve popped into the Colosseum four times. Three of those visits were great.

The most recent one was a nightmare.

The Colosseum itself hasn’t changed much apart from some restoration work over the decades. It’s still a massive ruin that, while impressive, bears little similarity to the magnificent original built over two thousand years ago.

Earthquakes, looting, and the general wear and tear of two millennia, not to mention the shuffling feet of millions and millions of visitors, have taken their toll.

What has changed for visitors in recent years is just how incredibly crowded the Colosseum has become. The Colosseum ranks as the number one tourist attraction in Rome. Even St. Peter’s and the Vatican aren’t that crowded (although they are pretty much overrun).

I have no way of knowing for sure, but I got the feeling during my most recent visit to the Colosseum that many people are ticking it off their must-see list, whether they are enjoying it or not.

What a shame! Rome is so much more fabulous than the Colosseum.

The Colosseum is amazing, for sure. But is it worth your time to go inside when you can snap a photo like the one below with zero effort?

Exterior of the Colosseum in Rome showing columns and blue sky.

Should You Visit Rome and Not Go to the Colosseum?

Gasp! Should you do it? If you want to enjoy this marvelous city and you’re visiting between April and October, then, quite frankly, you may want to skip visiting the Colosseum.

In this post, I’ll describe my latest visit. You can then decide for yourself if it’s worth several hours of your precious sightseeing time.

Or, would you be better off skipping the crowds and heading for some of the city’s quieter and infinitely more lovely sights such as the cosy Keats-Shelley House near the Spanish Steps?

Signing Up for a Colosseum Tour: Smart Idea or ?

As a savvy traveler (or at least so I like to think!), I know that the early visitor beats the crowds. The two-hour guided tour of the Colosseum I sign up for starts at 8 am and guarantees first entry into the site.

I imagine wandering through deserted passageways, the morning sun slanting pleasingly across the ancient ruins. The only sounds are the murmurs of the guide, a few tweeting birds, and perhaps the whispers of long-gone gladiators wafting up from the cells beneath the arena.

I mean, who starts sightseeing so early in the morning? For sure, I’ll have the place to myself along with a handful of other intrepid travelers willing to sign up for an early morning tour.

My Experience with a Colosseum Tour in May

Here’s how my “first entry” tour of the Colosseum panned out. Your experience may be different (and I hope it is!).

Finding the Tour

Promptly at 7:50 am, I arrive at the meeting point across the street from one of the entrances to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. A small crowd of at least fifty people all proffering cell phones is my clue that I’m in the right place.

I wait patiently for the beleaguered guide to check my phone, declare me valid, and press a small white sticker onto my chest. It’s now about 8:10 am, so obviously the tour doesn’t actually start at 8 am.

While waiting, I snap a photo of the Roman Forum across the street. It looks splendid in the early morning sun of one of the first really warm days I’ve experienced in Rome in early May.

A daytime view of the Roman Forum, showing historic stone buildings, a bell tower, and a dome against a blue sky. Greenery and trees surround the ancient structures, with traffic lights in the foreground.

Waiting to Enter the Colosseum

Several minutes later, we are ushered across the road to the entrance gate and told that the ticket takers open at 8:30 and that we will be first! (said with enthusiasm, like it is a rare treat and not what we’ve signed up for).

Ticket takers? I’d neglected to read the fine print of the tour. The cost of the tour I purchased does not include the cost of entry into the archaeological site which includes the Forum and Palatine Hill in addition to the Colosseum.

A word of warning: Check what’s included in your tour and choose a tour that includes the entry cost so the guide already has your tickets.

Lesson learned, I prepare to wait in line until the ticket booths open at 8:30–another fifteen minutes. Fortunately, I’m near the front of the line and the guide has assured us that we’ll be first into the Colosseum.

Isn’t that worth waiting a few extra minutes for?

Remember the tweeting birds, the silence of the ancient stones, the gladiator ghosts reminiscing about gladiator fights, the glorious isolation!

Buying a Ticket to the Colosseum

At precisely 8:40 am, the ticket takers open the two wickets and the first people in line eagerly step forward to buy their tickets. Yahoo! The line will surely go quickly and I’ll be inside the Colosseum communing with history and getting tons of inspiration for my next novel in no time flat.

8:50 am: The first people in line are still at the ticket booth.

9:00 am: The first people in line are still at the ticket booth. Oh wait! One of the groups has left and another couple has stepped forward. But at the other booth, the same four people are still talking with the attendant. What can they be talking about? What’s the holdup? Are they sharing recipes? Have they found a long-lost cousin? What gives?

The guide comes by and tells us to have our passports out and ready to show the ticket takers. What? I don’t have my passport with me although fortunately I do have my driver’s license. I ask the guide if that will do. Yes. Phew.

Important: Take along a copy of your passport when you visit sites and take tours in Rome.

Another five minutes goes by and the first group of four finally leaves the booth. They are looking weary but relieved. I want to ask them what went down, but of course I don’t dare risk losing my place in line.

The next group steps forward. I take to counting to gauge how long they stay at the booth. Sixty seconds, another sixty, another sixty…five minutes and they’re done. Another ten minutes goes by during which time a few more groups get to the booth and then several minutes later step away, tickets in hand.

The per wait time is marginally decreasing.

Progress is being made.

My Turn Getting Tickets for the Colosseum

Finally, it’s my turn. I’m about to find out why it takes almost five minutes to process each person in a line that is now stretching back to the road and a considerable way along it. Did all these people book a group tour that required them to buy tickets?

I find out later that yes, they are all group tour people. The “regular” people who just want a ticket to the Colosseum without a tour buy their tickets at another booth. I’ll soon discover that many, many hundreds of them get inside the Colosseum long before we arrive.

So much for us being first!

Anyway, I’m at the booth.

“One for the Colosseum, per favore.”

“One?”

“Si.”

The attendant shakes her head as if to say what kind of a loser visits the Colosseum all by themselves first thing in the morning? I don’t share that my husband has elected to do the smart thing and spend a leisurely morning enjoying cappuccino and a walk about the chic ‘hood we’re staying in up near the Piazza del Popolo.

Instead, I push my driver’s license under the glass barrier and she places it in front of her keyboard. Then, with two stiff fingers, she laboriously starts to type. No wonder this whole process is taking forever! She has to physically enter the ID for every single person in line and she can’t touch type.

Oh dear.

After about two minutes (possibly a record), she hands me back my driver’s license, I pay with my credit card, and then I go stand with my fellow line waiters for the tour to begin.

It’s now 9:30 am, and remember, I arrived at 7:50 for the first entry tour. Sigh.

Starting the Tour of the Colosseum–Almost

Promptly at 9:45 am, only 1 hour and 45 minutes past the tour start time, our guide leads those of us who have Colosseum tickets marked 9:15 am to another loooooong line.

This is the line for all the Skip-the-Line group tours. As I said, it’s long.

Security Line at the Colosseum

We wait for another twenty minutes while the guide explains why progress that morning has been unusually slow. I’m at least heartened to find out that the current process is not normal. Apparently, there was a security incident (bomb scare?) a few days earlier, and since May 1 (it’s May 3^rd), new procedures using a new security firm are being instituted.

Unfortunately, thorough testing is lacking so chaos reigns as the Colosseum ticket takers are obliged to enter everyone’s ID information into the computer and new security personnel are stationed at the entrances to the actual Colosseum to again check IDs and tickets.

Entering the Colosseum

We finally reach the front of the Skip-the-Line group tour line and enter the outer perimeter of the Colosseum.

It’s big. Really big—much bigger than it looks from the road with massive columns that soar way up into the blue Roman sky. Inside, the arches are truly impressive. Roman engineering is a marvel.

A long, dimly lit hallway inside the Colosseum, featuring massive stone columns and arches. Tourists walk through the corridor, which captures the grandeur and history of the ancient structure.

The guide starts her spiel while leading us to yet another line. She tells us that construction of the Colosseum began between 70 and 72 CE during the reign of the Emperor Vespasian. Before then, the area had been a lake on the grounds of Nero’s Domus Aurea (golden house).

Nero was not popular, to say the least, and so the decision to replace his private lake with a public amphitheater hosting thousands of locals was a great way to erase him from recent history.

You can tour what’s left of Nero’s Palace (called the Domus Aurea). Check my post Rome in 3 Days: Best Itinerary for FIrst-Time Visitors for more information.

The next line moves a little quicker. The security people check IDs and then we line up for the security screening. As usual, people walk through the scanner with their pockets bulging with Euros so back they must go while everyone waits. Sigh.

Not Everyone Loves Rome

The guide takes a break from her history lesson and cheerfully asks two people in the group where they are from. They reply that they are from Austria and that never again will they come to Rome because it is horrible and dirty.

I am offended on behalf of both myself and the guide who smiles gamely but I can see is a trifle nonplussed. I mean, rude much? Apparently, the Austrians booked into a hotel that is less than stellar and that has colored their whole opinion of one of my favorite cities in the world.

I want to tell them that the place we’re staying in is absolutely wonderful. It’s clean, spacious and in an excellent location. Here’s the link to our serviced apartment called Viam 6B. It truly is one of the best places we’ve stayed in Rome, ever.

Perhaps the Austrians decided to cheap out. Rome is a fabulous place to visit, but accommodations are not budget friendly. Mind you, that’s true about just about every destination in Europe in recent years. The days of Europe on $5 a day (or even $100 or $200 a day) belong to the middle of the last century.

The guide decides not to ask the rest of the group about their experience. The mood is already a bit iffy considering we’ve all stood in lines for more than two hours for our first-into-the-Colosseum tour and haven’t actually started touring the Colosseum.

We are in it, but only just.

The next line moves a little quicker. The security people check IDs and then we line up for the security screening. As usual, people walk through the scanner with their pockets bulging with coins so back they must go while everyone waits. Sigh.

Climbing to the Top of the Colosseum

And then, finally, we’re in and the tour officially begins. The guide talks to us for quite a while about the history of the Colosseum and then invites us to trudge up three flights of very steep steps to look out over the arena.

We emerge into a surging Sargasso Sea of visitors all packed cheek by jowl along the railing much like the spectators must have done during the Colosseum’s heyday.

Everyone’s snapping selfies (something that wasn’t done during the days of the Roman empire) and I suppose communing with their inner gladiator.

We walk and walk and walk some more around the perimeter to a slightly less crowded stretch of railing, and get our one minute of time to snap pics of the ancient amphitheater. Of course I take a selfie.

Carol Cram in the Colosseum in Rome overlooking the arena.

Yes, it’s an impressive place for sure. In its day, up to 70,000 screaming Romans watched gladiatorial combat, executions, triumphal celebrations, and other spectacles. Today, approximately 16,000 people visit the Colosseum every single day.

So although the place feels very crowded to me, it is positively empty compared to what it would have been back when the arena floor was covered in sand to better absorb the blood.

The guide talks about how wild beasts were starved for days before being let loose to gnaw on convicts, Christian martyrs, and anyone else the Emperor didn’t like. It’s the odd interesting fact such as this that you get from a guided tour.

Is A Guided Tour of the Rome Colosseum Worth the Wait?

Should you opt for a guided tour of Rome’s most famous monument, check it out on your own, or forget about it and do something that doesn’t involve rubbing shoulders (literally) with thousands of strangers?

You may have guessed my opinion, which is Door #3. The entire tour/ordeal lasted about three hours, with the smallest number of minutes devoted to the tour and the largest to waiting for the tour.

Now, to be fair, the extra security measures ate up a goodly chunk of that three hours. I don’t know if these measures will become the norm going forward, in which case be prepared for waits, or if it’s temporary. You’ll have to check that out before you book.

I don’t blame the tour guide for all the waiting. She was doing her best in difficult circumstances and to her credit remained cheerful and upbeat throughout. I gave her a 5 Euro tip which appeared to surprise her, but hey, I figure she’d earned it.

Most people either didn’t tip or gave her 5 euros for their entire party which I thought was a bit cheap of them. Tips are not required, but I think it’s a good idea to give the guide a little extra considering they probably don’t get paid all that much, and it’s a challenging job at the best of times.

Touring the Colosseum On Your Own

What about the second option—see the Colosseum on your own? I think it may be marginally the better option because you don’t need to arrive at a location two hours ahead of when you get in. Instead, you buy your skip-the-line ticket in advance and then go straight to the ticket line.

Once you’re inside the Colosseum, there’s really not a whole lot to see after you’ve walked as far as you’re allowed around the top tier and taken numerous pictures of the arena below. If your ticket includes an audioguide, you can stand and listen for awhile, but all in all, a independent visit to the Colosseum is maybe 30 minutes (not counting waiting in line to get in).

When To Visit the Colosseum

I think the moral of the story is that whatever way you slice it, sites like the Colosseum are really, really popular. You can try to beat the crowds, but I don’t think in any universe you’ll get around waiting in long lines.

My advice? Either visit the Colosseum during the off-season (November to March) when crowds are thinner, or forget about it and go see some of the city’s other awesome sites.

Tours of the Colosseum

If you do opt for a tour, then GetYourGuide has plenty of tours to choose from. I’ve mentioned several at the beginning of this post.

I suggest choosing a tour that includes a ticket to the Colosseum and the Forum so you won’t need to line up to buy your ticket separately.

Also, you may be better off booking a tour in the late afternoon or opt for one of the evening tours instead of the morning.

Touring the Colosseum FAQs

Is a guided Colosseum tour worth it?

If you like tours than yes, especially during busy seasons. You might skip long lines and you will learn the stories behind the ruins and navigate the site more efficiently. But read my experience and decide for yourself if a tour is for you.

How long does it take to visit the Colosseum?

Plan for 2–3 hours to visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. As mentioned above, the Colosseum itself doesn’t take long to check out unless you’re doing a tour of the underground and arena floor.

Do I need to bring ID for my Colosseum ticket?

Yes—tickets are often name-specific and security may request ID. Bring a copy of your passport.

What is the difference between the Arena Floor and Underground tour?

Arena Floor = access to the reconstructed stage.
Underground = staging corridors, elevators, hypogeum (most historical depth). Both are cool and usually require a tour. Here’s an option with GetYourGuide.

What’s the best time of day to visit the Colosseum?

I didn’t have much luck arriving early, so I suggest late afternoon when the crowds thin and lighting is beautiful.

Are Colosseum tickets refundable?

Most are not—double check when booking and avoid third-party sellers without reviews.

Other Sites in Rome

Rome is chock-a-block full of amazing things to see and do. Here are some of my favorite sites in Rome. You’ll note that I don’t include big ticket items like the Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain, all of which are over-run with visitors.

Walking tour of the Jewish Ghetto
Capitoline Museum
Etruscan Museum
Keats/Shelley House at the Spanish Steps
Modern Art Museum
Borghese Gardens
Baths of Caracella

These are just a sampling. There are also a ton of fabulous churches, some with Roman foundations. A really cool thing to do is take a photography tour of Rome’s churches with Rome Photo Fun Tours. Check out my post to read about my experience (highly recommended).

My Favorite Activity in Rome

For me, my favorite Rome activity is walking around the various neighborhoods and avoiding the bottleneck areas around the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, St. Peter’s Square, and especially the Trevi Fountain.

If you want to experience any of those places crowd-free, either swing by late at night or go for a very early morning stroll.

Here’s a shot taken on our way home after a scrumptious dinner in a restaurant on an atmospheric side street just steps from where we stayed at Viam 6B, which was not far from the Spanish Steps.

A narrow cobblestone street in Rome at night, lined with potted plants and historic buildings with shutters. A woman in a floral dress stands under streetlights, adding to the serene, atmospheric scene.

Accommodation Options in Rome

I’ve visited Rome numerous times and have always found excellent accommodations, generally in serviced apartments.

Here are four of my favorites from my two most recent trips to Rome:

Sant’Angelo Apartments in the Jewish Ghetto area of Rome, very close to a lot of Roman ruins in addition to the Capitoline Museum and the Piazza Venezia, site of the Victor Emmanuel monument. The apartment was very atmospheric and in an excellent location for exploring ancient Rome.

Viam 6B, located between the Spanish Steps and the Piazza Popolo is in a very upscale and chi-chi part of Rome with lots of designer stores. The apartment at Viam 6B, was very modern and comfortable and included a beautiful outdoor terrace. It was also staffed which is nice for getting directions and ordering taxis.

Torre Capranica is located right smack in the middle of old Rome, steps from the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona. Each of the stylish apartments is contained within a medieval tower. Our apartment on the third floor had a great view of the piazza below. This place is awesome!

Monti Apartments is located in the wonderful Monti neighborhood not far from the Colosseum. This place is spacious, well-equipped, and has an elevator. Its central location is perfect for touring all over Rome.

More Tour Options for Rome

Touring major sites such as the Colosseum and Vatican in Rome can get tiring. Why not take a break and opt for a more relaxing experience, such as this food tour of the lively Trastevere District (one of my favorite areas of Rome).

Walking Tours of Rome

If you enjoy walking tours, I can recommend the tours offered by GuruWalks. Here are a few of the tours available in Rome.

Conclusion

Have you visited the Colosseum in Rome recently and not found it crowded? Do you have any tips for how to have an enjoyable visit? Please share in the comments below.

Posts About Rome

To see all my posts about Italy, check out the Visiting Italy page. Here are some more posts about Rome, one of my very favorite cities in the world. I’ve visited eight times, and I’m not done yet!