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Sunday, December 18, 2022
Friday, December 9, 2022
Tips for Traveling Where You Don’t Speak the Language
Whether you are a first-time solo traveler and exploring a new-to-you destination or immersing yourself in another country, it can be a little daunting…especially if you don’t speak the language!
But just because you don’t speak the language doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go — in fact, some of my best trips have been to places where I had to figure out my way and find clever ways to communicate. Believe me, it can be done!
No matter if you’re trying to find the nearest bathrooms, locate a certain attraction, or explain food allergies, there are ways to prepare yourself for traveling to a foreign country.
Here are my top tips for traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language!
Use a Translator App
First things first, translator apps have come a LONG way and these can be extremely useful while you’re exploring.
There are a myriad of options, but my typical go-to is Google Translate as it offers typed translations of 100+ languages, with more than half of them available offline (this is huge!).
Did you know that Google Translate also has handwriting translation? And if you haven’t checked out the instant camera translation — this is such a handy tool to figure out what signs say in a pinch.
Travel with an E-Sim
Fortunately, many languages in Google Translate are available offline, but a huge tip is to get an E-sim or a local SIM card so you have phone service.
A pay-as-you-go SIM card with an unlocked phone can be very helpful.
Pro Tip: Save the local emergency number in your phone, so that if you do need the police or an ambulance, you can call quickly for help.
Having a working cell phone makes it that much easier to look up things, access maps, and be able to check in with others.
Use Timekettle Earbuds
The Timekettle translator earbuds are a must-have! The language translator device operates in real-time.
This is such a cool innovation, especially for those who are anxious about communicating abroad. Timekettle uses HybridComm
technology…which if you’re not familiar, is the state-of-the-art technology that allows them to provide cross-language translation in a natural way.
What does this look like? Well, instead of passing a translation app back and forth, just pop in the Timekettle Translator Earbuds and prep yourself for a scintillating conversation even with those who speak a different language.
This would have been so handy when traveling in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa…you name it!
You can purchase the Timekettle earbuds here!
Have Offline Versions of Apps
Before you embark on your adventure, I’d highly recommend downloading Google Maps — particularly the offline map of your destination.
While I mentioned getting a SIM card, sometimes you get off the plane and you’ve got to navigate to your accommodation sans the internet. Doing a bit of prep ahead of time and making sure you have a map of the destination will definitely come in handy.
This will ensure that if you are somewhere without mobile coverage, you at least have a map to navigate.
Plan Ahead
While some like to be super spontaneous (I get it!), doing a bit of planning ahead will actually make your trip more enjoyable…at least in my experience!
Some might love the idea of just booking a ticket and winging it, but I like to do a bit of prep — which allows me to relax, enjoy, and be more present once I’m actually there.
I’ve had my fair share of eventful experiences trying to give an address or directions to a taxi driver in another language.
I would’ve saved money and precious time if I could directly plug in the destination and know ahead of time how much to budget for the ride, along with exactly how to get there.
A few ways I like to plan ahead:
- Does your destination have Uber or car services that you can pre-book and schedule to take you to your accommodations?
- Be aware of typical tourist scams and stay vigilant when it comes to safety measures
- Have a few key phrases saved (or learned) — I’ll detail more on these below
Get Familiar with Your Hotel
If you’re staying at a hotel, I’d highly recommend chatting with the concierge or receptionist. Typically, they’ll speak at least a little bit of English, so you can touch base with them, and pick up any key pointers and tips for the location.
It’s also super helpful to hold on to a business card of the hotel with the address. There have been far too many times where I’ve mispronounced the street I’m staying on or mixed up the address — so having a business card to refer to comes in handy.
Pro Tip: Take a photo of the business card on your phone, so you have it there, too. But also carry it with you, just in case your phone battery is running low.
Learn Key Phrases
I always like to learn a few key phrases for a destination before traveling. Not only are they super helpful, but it also communicates to locals that you’re trying to connect with them.
This can go a long way. In my experience, I’ve found that those who demand someone speaks English won’t be met with as much grace as those who are polite and actively try to communicate in the native tongue.
Having a few basic words for things like bathroom, directions, or help can be very important.
Consider a Guide
While traveling with a guide isn’t for everyone — definitely consider it!
I hired a guide when I was in Egypt, and it seriously made my trip. A good guide will enrich your experience with fun facts, educate you about the local culture, and give you insight that you wouldn’t otherwise have.
They also make logistics so much easier when it comes to navigating to different destinations, bartering for souvenirs, or figuring out what to order from a restaurant.
Have any tips to add for traveling to a place where you don’t speak the language? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
This post was sponsored by Timekettle. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.
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Monday, November 21, 2022
Black Friday & Cyber Monday Baby Deals
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Sunday, November 13, 2022
The Best Hotels to Stay at in Chicago
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Sunday, November 6, 2022
The Best Hotels to Stay at in Venice
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Thursday, November 3, 2022
Tips for Planning a Winter Road Trip
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Tuesday, October 25, 2022
The Best Hotels to Stay at in Savannah
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Thursday, October 20, 2022
The Best Hotels to Stay at in London
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Tuesday, October 18, 2022
The Ultimate Clean Beauty Guide
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Monday, October 10, 2022
The Best Hotels to Stay at in Istanbul
Does grabbing a simit (one of Istanbul’s famous local foods) and walking along the Bosphorus sound like your cup of tea…er, cup of Turkish coffee? Whether you’re planning a romantic and luxurious getaway to Istanbul or traveling solo to Istanbul, the city has something for everyone!
If you’d like some things that are more of hidden gems and off-the-beaten path — here are some of the top things to do in Istanbul (that aren’t the Hagia Sophia).
For a complete look into the city, peruse my Istanbul travel guide, and for a complete scope of the country, here’s my Turkey travel guide!
From luxury picks to boutique hotels to hip and happening stays, here are the best hotels to stay at in Istanbul!
Luxury Hotels in Istanbul
If you’re looking for more of a resort experience, check out the Çırağan Palace Kempinski. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to explore, a beautiful infinity pool, and a serene spa and wellness center open to guests.
This 5-star hotel occupies a former 19th-century Ottoman palace and is absolutely stunning.
BOOK HERE
Not only is the Four Seasons Bosphorus actually located along the Bosphorus strait, it’s also located in a carefully restored 19th-century palace! You’ll get the luxury you’d expect from the Four Seasons hotels while also enjoying a stay in a unique piece of Istanbul’s history
A little over 2 miles from the Hagia Sophia, take a lovely morning or afternoon stroll to the historic mosque.
BOOK HERE
Another luxurious Four Seasons hotel in Istanbul, the Four Seasons Sultanahmet has many of the same perks and the high standard of hospitality of the Four Seasons Bosphorus – the main difference is the location!
The neighborhood of Sultanahmet is filled with a lot of Istanbul’s ancient history.
BOOK HERE
Sofitel Istanbul Taksim is an Accor hotel in the heart of Istanbul – if you haven’t experienced an Accor hotel yet, just know that you can expect French-inspired hospitality and culture with luxurious touches like Hermes toiletries when you stay here!
True to its name, this hotel is a series of historic mansions near the Hagia Sofia. It makes for the perfect backdrop to a luxurious vacation in Istanbul.
BOOK HERE
Mid-Range Hotels in Istanbul
Located across the street from the Blue Mosque, Hotel Ibrahim Pasha is a gorgeous boutique hotel that offers both standard rooms as well as larger deluxe rooms that have seating areas.
It’s just a 5-minute walk from the Sultanahmet tram stop, and a 9-minute walk from the Hagia Sophia Museum…plus, just a 4-minute walk from The Blue Mosque! Definitely an ideal location in Istanbul.
BOOK HERE
The interior of the Hotel Sultania is positively regal, with gold accents and luxurious linens in each of the guest rooms and suites. The hotel also has a spa where you can get massages, relax in a sauna, or experience the hotel’s own Turkish bath.
About a 15-minute from the Hagia Sophia, the Sultan Ahmen Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, this is an ideal location in the middle of some of the main tourist attractions.
BOOK HERE
Swissotel The Bosphorus, Istanbul is a five-star luxury hotel right in the center of the city, right on the banks of the Bosphorus strait. The hotel also has an amazing spa where you can relax and treat yourself to a facial, massage, and more!
Swissotel offers polished and contemporary rooms and, as it sits atop a green hill, it offers stunning views of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.
BOOK HERE
Rixos Pera Istanbul is located in the vibrant Beyoglu district, close to important historical sites like Taksim Square, the Galata Tower, and the iconic Istiklal Avenue. Enjoy a meal at the rooftop restaurant while enjoying views of historic Istanbul.
It’s definitely a hidden gem near Istiklal Street with great customer service, a gorgeous lobby, and walking location to Taksim and Galata Tower
BOOK HERE
Budget Hotels in Istanbul
The rooms at Erten Konak are gorgeous — you won’t believe that they’re available for a budget price!
You get private bathrooms with each room as well as amenities like complimentary tea and coffee stations to help you get a jump start on your day.
BOOK HERE
For a comfortable and safe option that doesn’t break the bank, book a room at Hanedan Hotel! They offer single, double, triple, and family rooms, so if you’re traveling with a group you have plenty of options to accommodate you.
BOOK HERE
Do you have a favorite hotel in Istanbul? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
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Tuesday, October 4, 2022
The Best Hotels to Stay at in Amsterdam
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Sunday, September 18, 2022
Postpartum Essentials for Vaginal and C-Section Delivery
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Wednesday, September 14, 2022
The Best Hotels to Stay at in Florence
Florence is a beautiful city in the Tuscan region of Italy that can be great for families, couples, and solo travelers. The romantic city has everything from world-known art to spectacular architecture. Foodies will love Florence for its amazing Italian dishes and Tuscan wines.
When you are figuring out where to stay in Florence, visitors will have a ton of options. This guide is meant to help you find the best hotel in Florence for any budget.
If this is your first time in Florence, be sure to check out my ultimate Florence Travel Guide and things to do in Florence (that aren’t the Duomo).
Here are the best hotels to stay at in Florence!
Luxury Hotels in Florence
NH Collection Porta Rossa is a sophisticated hotel in the Tornabuoni neighborhood of Florence. The rooms are modern and comfortable offering guests all the amenities they would expect from a 5-star hotel.
Guests can enjoy the buffet breakfast every day in the luxurious dining room. The hotel is located just steps from the Florence Cathedral and the Uffizi, and the Monalda Tower is actually a part of the hotel itself.
NH Collection Porta Rossa is perfect for couples and families.
BOOK HERE
Villa Cora https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/grand-villa-cora.en.html?aid=1853948&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Villa Cora is a 19th-century building just a few kilometers from the center of Florence. Guests can enjoy strolling through the hotel’s gardens or relaxing by the beautiful outdoor pool. The luxurious rooms are elegantly decorated and spacious.
Guests can enjoy treatments at the hotel’s sauna and Turkish bath. The restaurant on-site serves class Italian dishes and wines from the Tuscany region. Villa Cora is conveniently located next to a bus stop that will take guests directly into the center of Florence.
Villa Cora is the perfect stay for those wanting an escape to the countryside of Italy while also enjoying the historic city of Florence.
BOOK HERE
If you are looking for the ultimate luxurious experience in Florence, then Four Seasons Firenze is precisely where you want to escape. The hotel is located in both the 15th-century Palazzo della Gherardesca and the renovated 16th-century La Villa convent.
This hotel has a 2-floor spa and a Michelin-star restaurant onsite. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s outdoor pool while relaxing and admiring the botanical gardens of Giardino della Gherardesca.
The rooms at Four Seasons Firenze are spacious with Renaissance décor.
The hotel offers guests three dining experiences, the main restaurant II Palagio, Al Fesco pizzeria, and Magnolia Asian Bar & Restaurant. The hotel is perfect for those that want a luxurious escape and is still close enough to the city that they can get to the Florence Cathedral in just a 15-minute walk.
Four Seasons Firenze is perfect for honeymooners.
BOOK HERE
Mid-Range Hotels in Florence
Hotel David is a 19th-century gem of a hotel that is just a 5-minute bus ride or a 15-minute walk to Florence’s historic center. The guestrooms are comfortable with a mix of contemporary and antique furniture.
The hotel offers a happy hour with free drinks and snacks each night in the lobby or garden. Hotel David is the perfect hotel for those wanting an affordable yet luxurious place to stay in Florence.
BOOK HERE
Hotel Spadai https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/hotelspadai.en.html?aid=1853948&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
The historic building of Hotel Spadai is just a two-minute walk to some of Florence’s main attractions like the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and is next to the Palazzo Medici Riccardi.
The guestrooms are modern with plush beds and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy breakfast each morning before going out to explore the city.
Hotel Spadai is the perfect hotel for those wanting more of a modern setting in the historic town.
BOOK HERE
Hotel Milu is one of the best hotels in Florence that is set in a 14th-century building and in the heart of the historic center.
The rooftop terrace of the hotel offers amazing views of the city. Guests can enjoy breakfast each morning before exploring the neighborhood. The hotel staff will be more than happy to book guests with the affiliated spa just steps away.
Hotel Milu is perfect for those traveling alone or as a family.
BOOK HERE
Budget Hotels in Florence
Ostello del Bigallo
Ostello del Bigallo is in the heart of the historic district of Florence. The hotel is just off of the main shopping street of Via Dei Calzaioli and has many shops, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance.
Each morning guests can enjoy a typical Italian breakfast of fruits, meats, cheese, and pastries. The guestrooms are simple yet comfortable and all have their own private bathroom.
Ostello del Bigallo is perfect for those wanting to stay on a budget while staying in the heart of the city.
BOOK HERE
Hotel Santa Croce offers guests a unique stay in a building that is built from ancient stones dating back to the 600s. This hotel is on the remains of a Roman amphitheater and just steps from many of Florence’s best attractions.
The hotel is close to restaurants, cafes, and shops, which makes it perfect for getting around without a car. The rooms in Hotel Santa Croce are cozy and comfortable.
Hotel Santa Croce is perfect for solo travelers and couples wanting to be surrounded by history.
BOOK HERE
Hotel Silla is a beautiful hotel situated in a 15th-century palace. The hotel is away from the crowds, but still within walking distance of Florence’s great attractions.
On the hotel’s terrace, guests can enjoy breakfast each morning and then a drink each afternoon. Each room is contemporarily decorated and offers great amenities.
Hotel Silla is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers.
BOOK HERE
Do you have a favorite hotel in Florence? I’d love to hear all about it!
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Monday, September 12, 2022
The Best Hotels to Stay at in Charleston
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Wednesday, September 7, 2022
The Best Hotels to Stay at in Mykonos
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Wednesday, August 31, 2022
The Best Hotels to Stay at in Lisbon
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Thursday, August 25, 2022
The Best Hotels to Stay in Barcelona
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Wednesday, August 17, 2022
The Best Hotels to Stay at in Rome
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Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting The Colosseum
Rome, Italy
The Colosseum one of the most popular sights in Rome, and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the entire world. Here are some useful tips for visiting the Colosseum!
No matter if you’re a serious history buff or a Gladiator fan – you can’t miss a visit to the Colosseum on a trip to Rome. I was super excited to see the Colosseum when we were in Rome for the first time, but visiting this historic landmark can be a bit overwhelming.
To ensure that you get the most out of your visit to the Colosseum and to avoid any disappointment, it pays off to plan your visit well in advance.
In this article I’ll be sharing my best tips for how to visit the Colosseum, how to buy tickets, and other things that you should know based on my experience traveling in Italy.
Table Of Contents
- What Is The Colosseum?
- How To Get To The Colosseum
- How To Visit The Colosseum
- How Much Does Visiting The Colosseum Cost?
- What’s Included In Your Colosseum Ticket
- How Long Does It Take To Visit?
- Guided Tours Of The Colosseum
- How To Buy Colosseum Tickets
- Visit The Colosseum For Free?
- Colosseum Opening Hours
- More Tips For Visiting The Colosseum
Italy Travel Restrictions 2022
Italy is open to most travelers again, including American tourists. However you do need proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a negative test result before being allowed entry.
Many hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines.
You can find the latest updates on traveling to Italy here.
Get Travel Insurance
Protect yourself from injury, illness, or theft. SafetyWing offers affordable travel insurance that covers COVID-19 too!
Rome Colosseum Travel Guide
The Colosseum is a famous Roman amphitheater that was built between 72 and 80 AD. The three-tired theater is the largest amphitheater ever built, and the largest (still standing) amphitheater in the entire world.
It is the largest ancient structure to have survived: It stands 157 feet (48 meters) tall and measures 620 by 513 feet (189 by 156 meters). The Colosseum was built to hold more than 50,000 spectators.
Roman theaters were generally built in the same way: circular or oval open-air structures with raised seating. They were used for popular events such as gladiator fights, chariot races, animal slayings and executions.
There are around 230 amphitheaters that were built during the Roman Empire, however, none compare to the Colosseum, which is unique in its style and grandeur. Because it was built by the Flavian Emperor Vespasian and his sons Titus and Domitian, it is also known as the “Flavian Amphitheater”.
The Roman theater has three stacked arcades: the lowest one built in Doric style, the middle arcade built in Ionic style, and the highest one in Corinthian style. It was built in this way to reflect the civilization that created it.
Even though the Colosseum has been severely damaged by earthquakes, visitors can still experience most of the structure that ancient Romans saw when they entered the Colosseum to watch a gladiator fight or spectacle.
How To Get To The Colosseum
The Colosseum is located right in the center of Rome, and the entrance is near the Arch of Constantine.
The nearest metro station is “Colosseo” on the B Line – it is right across the street from the Colosseum, about a 3-minute walk to the entrance.
If you are taking the metro from Termini, take the metro that is going to Laurentina. It’s a 3-minute train ride, or two short stops.
If you have a Rome Hop On Hop Off Bus Ticket, they also stop at the Colosseum. (Hop On Hop Off bus tickets are included in both the Rome and the Vatican Pass).
How To Visit The Colosseum
There are a different ways to see the Colosseum. You can simply see it from the outside (which is free), or you can book a ticket to go inside.
If you want to go inside, you have the option to book tickets for different areas of the Colosseum.
Furthermore, you can choose to visit the Colosseum independently, or join a guided tour.
How Much Does Visiting The Colosseum Cost?
The general admission ticket to the Colosseum is €18 (€16 + €2 online booking fee) and also includes the Roman Forum and the Palatine. With this ticket, you’ll be able to visit the first and second levels of the Colosseum, including three overlooks, however, NOT the arena level or the hypogeum, the underground area of the Colosseum. (You need to book a guided tour to visit these restricted areas – see below for more details.)
Discounted Tickets: European Union citizens between the age of 18 and 25 only pay €4 (€4 + €2 online booking fee) to visit the Colosseum. However, you must show an ID at the entrance verifying the right to a reduced ticket.
Children / People With Disabilities: Children under 18 and disabled people (plus one family member / helper) don’t have to pay to visit the Colosseum.
Full Experience Tickets: Include entrance to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine as well as the S.U.P.E.R. sites (the Palatine Museum, Neronian Cryptoporticus, House of Augustus, House of Livia and Temple of Romulus) AND a tour in English are €32 (discounted: €12) plus the €2 booking fee per ticket. This ticket option includes access to the arena level and an accompanied visit to the underground, but it does NOT include Level 3 of the Colosseum. “Full Experience Tickets” are valid for 48 hours from the first use.
If you are buying a ticket that includes a guide through the official Colosseum website, be careful when selecting the ticket option: the English version of the website is unfortunately not very well translated and can be a bit confusing. You don’t want to accidentally book an Italian tour.
Skip-The-Line Tickets
If you are pressed for time or simply don’t want to waste time waiting in line, I recommend spending a few more dollars on the Skip-The-Line Ticket (around €22). Just be aware that you must book this ticket with an allocated starting time, and tickets usually sell out, so book your ticket well in advance. Skip-the-line tickets are not sold through the official Colosseum website, but are available through GetYourGuide.
What’s Included In Your Colosseum Ticket
The General Admission Ticket includes the Colosseum (without access to the arena), the Roman Forum archeological area, the Imperial Forums and the Palatine. It also includes admission to temporary exhibitions at these sights.
The ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you don’t have to visit all three sites in the same day. You can decide in which order you visit the sites included in the ticket. The 24 hours start when you access the first monument.
Note: If you buy the ticket online, it is not necessary to print it out, you can simply show it on your smartphone upon arrival at the Colosseum.
What’s Not Included in the Colosseum Ticket
The general admission ticket to the Colosseum doesn’t include access to the arena, the underground area and Level 3 of the Colosseum. To visit these areas, you need to book a special ticket or a guided tour (see below for more details).
How Long Does It Take To Visit?
You need to plan in at least one hour to visit the Colosseum, and if you want to visit the other sights included in the Colosseum ticket, plan in at least one hour for those, too. If you want to take in each monument in more detail, you’ll need about 2 hours for each site. Both the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum are larger, more spread-out areas.
As for distances between the sights: The Palatine is a five-minute walk from the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is also less than five minutes away and the Imperial Fora is about 10 minutes from the Colosseum. If you’re pressed for time, it is possible to visit all three sites in half a day, but ideally, you’ll want to plan in 6 hours for all three sites.
Guided Tours Of The Colosseum
If you have more time and really want to understand the Colosseum, I highly recommend taking a guided tour. There is little signage throughout all the monuments included in the Colosseum ticket, which means that you will have little understanding of what you are looking at unless you are listening to a podcast about the sights, or you are using a guidebook.
1-Hour Express Tour
The 1-hour Express Tour is perfect for people who don’t have a lot of time, and the ticket also allows you to skip the line. Get 1-Hour Express Tickets Here
Standard Colosseum Tour
Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (from US$39)
Visit The Hypogeum (Under The Colosseum)
A tour is required to see the arena floor and hypogeum, the fascinating underground area of the Colosseum. The hypogeum was where gladiators and animals were waiting before their battles, and visiting it with a guide means you’ll learn a lot more about the spectacles that visitors came to see at the amphitheater, the life of the gladiators, and the battles that were fought.
Colosseum Tour with Underground Hypogeum & Arena Floor
Colosseum Kid-Friendly Tour
This is a great tour for anyone visiting Rome with kids, since it aims to entertain children and tell stories about ancient Rome in a way that they’re enjoyable for youngsters and adults alike.
Colosseum and Ancient Rome Family Tour for Kids
How To Buy Colosseum Tickets
There are several ways to buy tickets to the Colosseum. The official ticket website is of course the obvious choice but be aware that you can often only get general admission tickets through the official Colosseum website.
You can buy special access tickets that include a guide through the official Colosseum website, too, but the English-speaking tours are limited and thus often sold out. No worries though: If there are no tours in English available for any of the dates you’re planning to be in Rome, you’re usually still able to find guided Colosseum tours in English through third-party websites.
If you want to book a guided tour or access to special areas, you will have to book through a third-party tour operator who is licensed to offer these tickets.
There is also a ticket office right at the Colosseum but you’ll most likely have to wait in line to purchase a ticket. Since tickets are timed and visitor numbers are capped at 3,000 a day, I strongly recommend buying your Colosseum tickets online.
After clicking on the “Buy Tickets” button, a calendar will pop up, and you can select the date you’re planning to visit the Colosseum on. After choosing a date, you will see all the available time-slots on the date you selected. If there aren’t any tickets available anymore for the time you’d like to visit, try a different date.
It is worth noting that you can only book a timeslot up to one month in advance, so if your trip to Rome is still in the distant future, you may want to put a reminder in your calendar to book a Colosseum ticket a month before your visit.
USEFUL TIP: When selecting a time-slot, remember that it gets quite hot in Rome after noon. I recommend booking a ticket to the Colosseum for the early morning, or an hour before closing, if you visit during the summer months.
Roma Pass / Rome and Vatican Pass
If you have a Roma Pass (which gives you free admission to a couple of landmarks / historic sites and reduced ticket prices to all other museums and archeological sites as well as free use of public transportation), you still have to reserve a time-slot online and pay the €2 reservation fee.
This means you should check availability for the Colosseum as soon as you purchase the Roma Pass, to make sure there are still time-slots available during the days your pass is valid (they are usually valid for 48 or 72 hours). You’ll find the option to reserve a time-slot for Roma Pass holders on the official ticket website.
Visit The Colosseum For Free?
On the first Sunday of every month, the Colosseum can be visited for free. This includes all sites that are usually included in the Colosseum tickets: The Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Palatine.
Be Warned: The sites included in the free ticket tend to get very crowded when they can be visited for free. If you are on a tight budget and would like to take advantage of the Free First Sunday, I recommend arriving as early as possible.
Colosseum Opening Hours
The Colosseum is open seven days a week, and it opens 9am year-round.
Closing times differ, depending on the time of year:
- 2 January – 28 February: 9 – 4.30pm
- 1 – 26 March: 9am – 5.30pm
- 27 March – 31 August: 9am – 7.15pm
- 1 – 30 September: 9am – 7pm
- 1 – 30 October: 9am – 6.30pm
- 31 October – 31 December: 9am – 4.30pm
Note: Final admission is one hour before closing time.
Colosseum Closed: The Colosseum open year-round, with the exception of two days: Christmas Day (25th December) and New Year’s Day (1st January).
More Tips For Visiting The Colosseum
- Large backpacks or suitcases are not allowed. Security is tight, and all bags are screened by a metal detector at the entrance. A medium-sized daypack is ok. Glass bottles and alcohol are not permitted.
- Water fountains can be found in several places inside the Colosseum, which is very useful during the hotter months. Bring your reusable water bottle!
- If you’re only visiting the outside, look for the water fountain near the Colosseo metro station.
- If you visit during the summer months, you’ll need to pack a sunhat / visor or an umbrella. You’ll find yourself exposed to the sun a lot. Apply sunscreen before your visit.
- I recommend wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes for your visit to the Colosseum. The surfaces are uneven, and if you visit the other sights included in your ticket: you’ll walk on ancient Roman cobbles and uneven surfaces Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
- If you are fascinated by the Gladiator myth and culture, you can train to be a gladiator on your visit to Rome. The Gruppo Storico Romano and Gladiator School offers 2-hour gladiator training courses and will teach you more about the gladiator games, weapons and history.
| Travel Planning Resources For Rome |
|---|
| Packing Guide Check out my travel gear guide to help you start packing for your trip. Book Your Flight Ready to fly? Here’s how I find the cheapest airline flights. Rent A Car Discover Cars is a great site for comparing car prices to find a deal. Cheap Accommodation Learn how I save money booking hotels & vacation apartments. Protect Your Trip Don’t forget travel insurance! Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read why you should always carry travel insurance. |
READ MORE ITALY TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you enjoyed my guide to visiting the Colosseum in Rome! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:
- 25 Best Things To Do In Rome
- Where To Stay In Venice, Italy
- Hiking Tre Cime Di Lavaredo
- Italy’s Beautiful Lago Di Braies
- Matera The Italian City Of Caves
Any questions about the Colosseum in Rome? Do you have other suggestions? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to share!
This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.
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12 Best Things To Do In Annecy, France
Annecy, France
While France is full of charming places, my favorite has to be the mountain town of Annecy. From lake cruising to farmer’s markets — here are the best things to do in Annecy, France!
Annecy is a beautiful lake town in the Haute-Savoie region of France surrounded by mountains on the edge of the Swiss border. The lake, Lac d’Annecy, boasts some of the freshest water in Europe, replenished each year from the snow melt.
The town isn’t too big — or too small either. With a very walk-able and bike friendly atmosphere, you can spend many lazy afternoons exploring local shops, snacking at fresh food markets, or take a picnic in one of the many parks.
We spent 2-months living in Annecy as digital nomads with our two kids and cat, and absolutely loved it! So here are some of our best tips for activities and great things to do in Annecy, France.
My Annecy itinerary is completely free! I’ve worked hard putting it together for you. If you find it useful, please use my affiliate links when you book hotels, rental cars or activities. I’ll get paid a small commission, at no extra cost to you! Thanks.
Table Of Contents
- Annecy France Travel Guide
- 1: Explore Annecy’s Old Town
- 2: Boating On Lake Annecy
- 3: Walk Across Lover’s Bridge
- 4: Picnic At Jardins de l’Europe
- 5: Explore Annecy Castle
- 6: Walk The Promenade du Thiou
- 7: Visit Annecy le Vieux
- 8: Shop At The Farmer’s Markets
- 9: Chateau de Menthon-Saint Bernard
- 10: Bike Around The Lake
- 11: Palais de l’Île
- 12: Go For A Hike
- Best Time To Visit Annecy
- Where Is Annecy (Getting There)
- Where To Stay In Annecy
France Travel Restrictions 2022
France is open to most travelers again, including American tourists. However you do need proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a negative test result before being allowed entry.
Many hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines.
You can find the latest updates on traveling to France here.
Get Travel Insurance
Protect yourself from injury, illness, or theft. SafetyWing offers affordable travel insurance that covers COVID-19 too!
Annecy France Travel Guide
1: Explore Annecy’s Old Town
One of the reasons Annecy is so picturesque is the network of canals that make their way through the old town. It’s often called the “Venice of France”. Annecy’s canals are shallow, and not really used for boating, but it still gives the town a charming feel.
Combined with the colorful old buildings, cobblestone streets, and flower boxes, a walk through the Old Town neighborhood of Annecy is always a treat.
You’ll catch glimpses of the mountains and lake in the distance, while enjoying the town’s many street-side restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops.
2: Boating On Lake Annecy
Arguably Annecy’s top highlight is Lac d’Annecy, a stunning large blue lake located right on the edge of town. Lake Annecy is France’s 3rd largest lake and regularly receives accolades for being the freshest lake in Europe (due to snow melt from the Alps).
The lake is surrounded by mountains, and while cold, is a perfect place to cool off in the summer heat. There are biking paths around it, plenty of beaches, and many opportunities to go boating!
- Rent A Pedal Boat – You’ll find all kinds of pedal boats available to rent along the lake’s edge at Jacquet Promenade. The boats cost about €15 EURO for 30 minutes, depending on size. Some even have slides or diving boards attached!
- Rent A Motor Boat – Small 4-5 person motor boats can be rented, and you don’t need a boat license either. Some have sunshades, and rentals cost about €65 EURO for an hour.
- Join A Lake Tour – There are some large tour boats that will take you around the lake while describing key points of interest. You can even book a table for dinner on the boat!
- Go Waterskiing – Waterskiing is a popular pastime on Lake Annecy, and it’s possible to book a trip with one of the local water-skiing companies.
- Take A Sailing Lesson – You can rent a small sail boat to cruise around the lake, or take a beginner sailing lesson too!
3: Walk Across Lover’s Bridge
Pont des Amours is an extra pretty and famous bridge on the edge of Lac d’Annecy that spans the Vassé canal and connects the Jardins de l’Europe with the Jacquet Promenade.
Local legend says that lovers who kiss on the bridge will stay together for life.
The bridge has two great views. One looking at the lake itself with mountains in the background, and if you turn around, you’ll enjoy a tree-lined canal with wooden boats moored on each side.
4: Picnic At Jardins de l’Europe
When the weather is nice, walking or biking down to Jardins de l’Europe is a wonderful family friendly activity. This massive park sits on the edge of the lake, with large green fields, boardwalks, and playgrounds.
There’s even an old wooden Carousel, originally built in 1871, for kids to ride.
The park is popular for late afternoon picnics — just bring down some wine, cheese, and bread from the markets and a blanket to enjoy the mountain views. A French experience you just can’t miss!
5: Explore Annecy Castle
Château d’Annecy is a castle in the heart of Annecy, located on a hill above the town. Originally built as a residence for the Counts of Geneva and the Dukes of Genevois-Nemours from the 13th to 16th centuries.
These days the Chateau houses a museum (Musée-Château d’Annecy), featuring local sculpture, art, and a nature exhibit of animals and fish that are found around the lake. The castle also has some good views of the lake and town from the edge of its walls.
Entry tickets cost about €5 EURO for adults, and are free for kids under 12.
6: Walk The Promenade du Thiou
The Promenade du Thiou is a nice easy walk through the old town of Annecy along the crystal blue Thiou River, that progressively gets more wooded and secluded as you move out of town. There are paths on both sides of the river.
The trail is bike and stroller friendly too. It’s a wonderful way to spend an hour or two, enjoying nature (and getting away from the busy tourist-filled city center). There are some playgrounds, sitting areas, and bridges spread out along the tree-shaded trail.
Promenade du Thiou starts around the Quai des Cordeliers (just past the famous Le Palais de I’Île), in the center of Old Annecy and you simply walk up river from there.
7: Visit Annecy le Vieux
Annecy le Vieux is a different part of town, a residential area raised up on a hill overlooking the rest of the lake. It features a nice park, old buildings and churches, some restaurants & bars, and is generally a more relaxed place compared to the busy old city down below.
Some highlights here include the Clocher Roman Church, Parc Gabriel Fauré, and Les Quatre Gourmets Restaurant.
8: Shop At The Farmer’s Markets
One of my favorite parts of living in Annecy was the many fresh food markets that line the streets of the old town. You’ll find a variety of produce, cheese, sausage, wine, olives, bread, flowers, crafts, and more.
The Annecy street markets happen every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from 7am–1pm. Make sure to try some of the local reblochon cheese, used in many local dishes.
9: Chateau de Menthon-Saint Bernard
Chateau de Menthon is an impressive medieval castle just outside of Annecy. Home to the same family for over 100 years, it’s open to visitors from April to October on weekends.
The castle towers over Lake Annecy, the Roc de Chère National Nature Reserve, and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, with wonderful views of each.
Guided tours of the castle (in French only) are in the afternoons, and last about an hour. There’s also a small garden along with sheep, pigs, and peacocks.
10: Bike Around The Lake
Annecy is very bicycle friendly, with many dedicated bike paths and trails that will take you all around the town. There is wonderful bike path that encircles the lake too, and it’s a great way to kill a few hours while enjoying the mountain scenery.
This 35 km paved greenway follows the old route of a railroad that connected Annecy with Albertville, and stops in smaller villages along the way like Sévrier, Saint-Jorioz, Duingt, Lathuile and Doussard.
You can rent a bike from many shops in Annecy, and even get a trailer for kids (like we did).
11: Palais de l’Île
Palais de l’Isle is probably the most postcard-famous spot in Annecy. A unique castle-like building that sits in the middle of the Thiou River, surrounded by restaurants and shops in Annecy’s old town.
Often described as a “house in the shape of a ship” — the building has been a prison, a courthouse and an administrative center. The original structure was constructed in the 12th century.
These days it is a museum (about €4 to enter), featuring an old courtroom, dungeon, prison cells and chapel that you can visit. The most famous photos are taken from the bridge out in front.
12: Go For A Hike
Annecy is located at the base of the French Alps, and a great place to base yourself for visiting the mountains. There are many local hikes nearby, as well as day trips to excellent skiing and trekking opportunities.
From easy walks, to extreme mountaineering, there’s something for everyone. Hikes around Annecy can include waterfalls, mountain lakes, and wildlife sightings of ibex mountain goats.
Here are some popular hiking trails around Annecy:
- La Tournette – The highest peak near the lake, La Tournette is a very difficult hike. But the views are amazing. About 6-hours round-trip. Experienced hikers only.
- Mont Baron & Veyrier – A moderate 2-hour loop hike that visits two mountain peaks, with wonderful views.
- Gorges du Fier – An easy walk for the whole family, this hike takes you across suspension bridges in the middle of a gorge.
- Cascade d’Angon – Beautiful shaded waterfall hike that’s not too difficult, and gives you nice views of the lake. About 2-hours round trip.
Best Time To Visit Annecy
March – May
We visited Annecy in the Spring, primarily in April and May. The weather in this part of France can be unpredictable, and it snowed on us a couple times. In between sunny days filled with wildflowers. The mountains will still have snow on them, but the weather isn’t too hot yet in town.
June – August
This is Annecy’s high season, and while beautiful, it can get very crowded. Many tourists visit Annecy as a day trip while traveling through Switzerland, because it’s so close to the border. It’s difficult to find accommodation in the summer, unless you book months in advance.
September – November
This is probably the best time to visit Annecy. Most of the high-season tourists are gone, the weather is cool, but the snow hasn’t come yet. There’s also a great festival in October called the Return Of The Alpine Pastures Festival.
Where Is Annecy (Getting There)
Annecy, France is located 44 km West of Geneva (Switzerland) about a 40-minute drive away. Most people get to Annecy after flying into Geneva International Airport, and then driving over the border.
However it’s also possible to fly into Paris and take a train. Search for the cheapest flights to Geneva on Skyscanner.com.
Where To Stay In Annecy
Accommodation in Annecy can range from backpacker friendly to luxurious. As we were staying there long-term, we rented a wonderful holiday apartment from My Sweet Home Annecy that was close to everything.
The best areas to stay in Annecy are near the old town for easy access to the markets and the lake.
BEST ACCOMMODATION IN ANNECY
| Travel Planning Resources For France |
|---|
| Packing Guide Check out my travel gear guide to help you start packing for your trip. Book Your Flight Ready to fly? Here’s how I find the cheapest airline flights. Rent A Car Discover Cars is a great site for comparing car prices to find a deal. Cheap Accommodation Learn how I save money booking hotels & vacation apartments. Protect Your Trip Don’t forget travel insurance! Protect yourself from possible injury & theft abroad. Read why you should always carry travel insurance. |
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READ MORE EUROPE TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you enjoyed my guide on what to do in Annecy, France! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:
- How To Rent A Car In Europe
- Best Things To Do In Rome
- Complete Travel Guide To Athens
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- Travel Safety Tips You Should Know
Have any questions about things to do in Annecy, France? What about other suggestions? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to share!
This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.
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