The Colosseum: The best way to visit

I believe you can't go to Rome without visiting the Colosseum; and having visited earlier this year, I have some insider tips to help you plan your visit and make it the best it can be. For the first time in history you can take a tour of the underground level, and combine it with a trip to the highest third tier level, which is open for the first time since the 1970s.

This way, you get to learn about ancient Roman civilization, and you see it how the gladiators saw it, as you make your way through the tunnels where lions and tigers roared while the gladiators prepared to fight. 

As they're trying to protect the areas below ground; access is limited to one tour per slot, so rather than fighting the crowds you'll be with a maximum of 24 people. It is so unbelievably atmospheric down there, you can let your imagination run wild as your guide tells you about the history of the underground areas. When you're taken to the third tier, that is equally as mind blowing. The view from up there is sensational, and again, you'll be the only group there - just fabulous! 

I booked my tickets online (for the official website click here) and printed them off before going. That way, you avoid the queues, and are guaranteed entry with no hassle. The tickets give you access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as well, and can be used for one entrance to each of the three sites over two consecutive days.

If you've never seen it before, you'll soon realise that you can't get enough of the Colosseum, and I highly recommend going to see it at night - it's a lovely walk from the main areas of the city, and the perfect thing to do after dinner to help you walk off that big bowl of pasta!