Circus Maximus (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Circus Maximus?
What makes it 84% Solo-Friendly: The open park and ruins let a solo traveler wander freely, book the VR headset, and shoot great photos; entry is free and the metro is steps away, but almost no shade or visitor services exist.
Positives:
- Free public park: No entry fee for the main field and ruins outside the trenches.
- Central location: Steps from the Aventine and Palatine Hills for quick side visits.
Challenges:
- Limited shade: Few trees or benches inside the site; bring water and a hat.
- Uneven terrain: Gravel, grass, and ancient paving can be slippery or rough underfoot.
What is Circus Maximus?
- A sprawling ancient Roman hippodrome and stadium that served as the Empire’s premier chariot-racing arena
- An elongated oval measuring approximately 600 meters long and 140 meters wide between the Aventine and Palatine hills, built to accommodate up to 250 000 spectators
- A pioneering model of stadium architecture whose earthen embankments, stone foundations and central spina with obelisk bases endure within a landscaped green space
What is so special about Circus Maximus for solo trip?
- Free access to Rome’s largest ancient arena area
- Solo-friendly VR/AR tour for immersive history
- Unique photo angles at sunrise or night
- Easy combo visit with Palatine and Aventine Hills
Recommended visit duration: 12 hours
Why 12 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to walk the track, explore the ruins, and try the VR experience at a relaxed pace.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Circus Maximus
Self-Guided Track Walk:
Enter the grassy oval and follow the original chariot lanes end to end.
Tip: Arrive at sunrise for soft light and empty lawns.
Circo Maximo VR/AR Experience:
Wear a lightweight headset to see chariot races and ancient stalls overlaid on the ruins.
Tip: Book online in advance; bring an ID deposit and wear flat shoes for uneven ground.
Excavation Trenches Visit:
Explore the fenced trench to view starting stalls and seating foundations.
Tip: Buy a €5 ticket at the booth and use the English audio panels for context.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Circus Maximus
- Refill water at nasoni: Use the free public fountains on Via dei Cerchi to top up bottles.
- Download offline map: Save the site map on your phone to navigate without cell service.
Reviews of Circus Maximus
Will McCabe
Not much to see here, just at few remains at one end, but when you walk along the bottom from one end to the other, it gives you a sense of just how big the chariot races actually were. The arena used to hold an astonishing 250,000 spectators who were all drinking and betting on the outcome of the chariot races, essentially gambling on the fate of someone's life. Maybe the Roman government should...
K B
No crowds, amazing to see the size of a chariot race track. Makes me wonder if they do reconstructions sometimes - that would be exceptional to watch!! Walked down the length, considering the lives lost on that land. Completely free, 95% access (not wheelchair accessible unless you're great at steep, grassy hills!!), and a couple of lovely restaurants also nearby!
Lucas Tan
Nothing much here except for some historical architectures. Drop by here for a quick stop and snap the photo you want. Thereafter, move on to the farmers market where lots of rare brands and local foodstuffs are on sale.
Gülşen Karayağız (Gülşen)
A walk through history! 🏛️🚶♂️ Circus Maximus may look like just a big grassy field at first, but once you realize what happened here centuries ago — epic chariot races, roaring crowds, and Roman spectacle — it really comes to life! 🐎🔥 Great spot for a peaceful walk, picnic, or just imagining ancient glory. 🌞 Would be even better with more interactive displays or AR guides. Still, a must-see ...
O Okan
Most reviews of this space on Google highlight how it functions during the day—as a kind of relaxed public park. People stroll through, sit near the ruins, and enjoy the open space surrounded by ancient history. But what stood out to me was seeing it used as a concert venue. It’s not a full-blown seated stadium, and it’s not a sprawling festival field either—it’s somewhere in between. The ancient...
When is the best time to visit Circus Maximus (Rome, Italy)?
In summer, visit early or late to avoid heat and sun. In winter, mid-day offers milder temperatures and longer open hours.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| VR/AR Experience ticket | EUR 12 |
| Excavation area ticket | EUR 5 |
| Café espresso to use restrooms | EUR 2 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 19 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Circus Maximus
Address: 00186 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Circus Maximus (Rome)?
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, solo trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, solo trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities