We will be in Rome the first weekend of June, arriving mid-day on Friday, departing Monday mid-day. We have Vatican tickets for Saturday. We've just realized that Sunday, when we planned to visit the sites of ancient Rome (including SuperSites) is a free admission day. Any advice on how to plan that day given the expected huge crowd? We have no interest in going inside the Colosseum. Should we buy tickets for Friday afternoon (though we'll likely be very jet-lagged) or Monday AM for a less crowded, but shorter, visit? Are there less crowded spots within the complex we should focus on during the free admission day? Trying to figure out the best way to navigate around the crowds of a free admission day. Does anyone have insight? Thanks!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
9119 posts
What to expect on June 2 holiday
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/june-2-republic-day-holiday-in-rome
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks Christine, but that doesn't quite apply here. I'm referring to the free admission (first Sunday of every month) day to the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum. They don't sell tickets for that day, everyone gets in free, so I'm expecting it will be packed and am asking for any advice to manage that.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
9119 posts
Oh heck I’m sorry
Read the calendar wrong, thought June 2 was the first Sunday
I would avoid that free day if at all possible
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2983 posts
hey hey sherry.black07
the vatican is always busy and VERY crowded seems all year long, worse yet on free admission day. plus you are there on a weekend. it's high high travel season, HOT HOT HOT, with long long lines. if seeing the vatican is a must keep your saturday tickets and keep far away on sunday. totally agree with ChristineH
have a good plan on sunday if going, wear comfy shoes, pack lots of patience and sanity, how many people is "we", go early early morning, can't guarantee what it will be like. same line for everyone and going through security line is a MUST.
many first timers going to italy/vatican really have no clue what crowds really mean until you are in it. years ago day after arrival we went, so 'foggy & jetlagged" the line seemed miles long and moved 2 feet in an hour, was so exhausted. got out of line went to another church to light candles for family and priest was outside in his flowing white & purple robe, went up to him asked if friend can take picture of me and him (of course), blessed me and kissed my forehead. he became my "pope" for the day and was i thrilled!!!
good luck in whatever you decide, have a great time and know if other big towns you visit will be the same way.
aloha
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks for the reply, princess. We are for sure going to the Vatican on Saturday, so we cannot (reasonably, I think) do the Colosseum, Forum, Palantine on Saturday, too. I think we'll have to join the crowds on the free day Sunday due to our other travel plans (leaving Rome Monday). I know it's not ideal and will likely be very crowded. So I'm hoping to hear from anyone who has managed a free admission day visit to Colosseum/Forum/Palantine. How bad was it? Any tips on avoiding/minimizing crowds? Are we best advised to get Colosseum area tickets for Saturday afternoon to (hopefully) at least be able to see part of it with smaller crowds?