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The Colosseum is the symbol of Rome’s glorious past, where history echoes through every stone. Built between 70-80 AD, this thousand-year-old amphitheater once hosted epic gladiator battles, mock naval wars, and dramatic spectacles that thrilled over 50,000 roaring spectators. To this day, the Colosseum continues to captivate millions, earning its place as one of the most visited landmarks in the world—a must-see for anyone setting foot in Rome.
As Rome travel experts, we’ve thoughtfully curated a range of tours and ticket options, along with a handy travel guide packed with everything you need for a seamless visit.
Navigating the Colosseum is like stepping back in time, and a map is your key to unlocking its many layers of history. From the ground-level views of the arena and spectator seating on Level 1 to the museum displays on Level 2, there’s plenty to explore with standard tickets. For a deeper dive, special access tickets will take you to the Underground, where gladiators and animals prepared for battle, and onto the Arena Floor, where the action unfolded. When open to public, the upper Levels 3-5 offer breathtaking views of the entire structure.
Access: Optional
At the heart of the Colosseum lies the arena floor, an 83-by-48-meter stage where gladiators battled and wild animals were unleashed for public entertainment. Originally covered with wooden panels and sand (sourced from Monte Mario) to absorb blood and improve footing, the arena also featured trap doors for dramatic entrances and exits, adding surprise to the spectacles.
Access: Only via tour
Beneath the arena, you’ll find the Hypogeum, a network of underground tunnels and chambers where gladiators and animals awaited their turn in the spotlight. This area was crucial for staging elaborate events, housing cages, and storing equipment. Walking through these tunnels gives you a sense of the behind-the-scenes operations that made the grand spectacles possible.
The Colosseum is divided into four main tiers with great views of the arena and the surrounding Roman Forum. Imagine being part of the 50,000-strong crowd cheering for their favorites. These levels were designed to seat Roman citizens, with the social hierarchy dictating where each individual could sit.
Access: Yes
Closest to the arena, this tier was reserved for emperors, senators, and other dignitaries. It featured elegant Doric columns and was adorned with inscriptions that have faded over time.
Access: Yes
This level catered to wealthy citizens and featured Ionic columns. Today, it houses exhibitions in the Colosseum Museum that delve into the history of the Colosseum, including displays about gladiatorial combat. Learn about the architecture, the people who constructed it, and the events that shaped its legacy.
Access: No
Here, common citizens gathered to watch events. Despite being further from the action, this tier offers spectacular views of the arena and is a great place to imagine what it was like during ancient games.
Access: No
Added later during Emperor Domitian's reign, this uppermost section provided standing room for poorer citizens and slaves. Although less ornate than lower tiers, it illustrates the social stratification of ancient Rome.
Access: No
The Colosseum's highest level once seated Rome's commoners and gives you gorgeous views of the arena and city skyline. Though currently closed, it highlights the amphitheater’s grandeur and promises an unforgettable perspective when it reopens.
The starting price for the Colosseum experience is €26. This typically includes timed entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Prices may vary based on additional features like guided tours or access to special areas like the Underground, the Colosseum Arena, and the Belvedere.
It's always advisable to book tickets to a busy attraction like the Colosseum online, rather than at the venue. Online purchasing allows you to skip the long queues at the ticket office. Additionally, some tickets offer combined access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, providing a more comprehensive experience. Booking online also offer added advantages like:
A standard Colosseum ticket includes access to levels 1 and 2 of the Colosseum, along with entry to the Colosseum Museum on level 2. Other tickets include access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Depending on the experience you choose, you may get guided tours as part of the experience, or special access to the Underground, the Colosseum Arena, and the Belvedere. Note that these experiences are levied at a higher price compared to a basic ticket by virtue of the add-ons.
By accessing sections like the Arena, Underground and Belvedere through opting for a guided Colosseum tour, you will see parts of the Colosseum that are carefully preserved even after 2000 years. These segments of the Colosseum are fragile and reconstructed to some effect, so entering them comes at a justified premium. Entering the arena and underground helps give you a holistic view of the Colosseum's relevance and function.
You will have to opt for specific Colosseum tickets that provide access to Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and/or St. Peter’s Basilica. Standard issue tickets only grant access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Colosseum opening hours are now 9 AM to 7:15 PM throughout the week with the final entry at 6:15 PM.
A complete tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill typically takes about 3 hours, with approximately an hour dedicated to each landmark.
No, you cannot re-enter the Colosseum if you exit. However, you can visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill if you haven't already accessed those attractions with your Colosseum ticket.
Reserved entry to the Colosseum at your selected time with the flexibility to explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill within 24 hours.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Elevate your Colosseum visit with an expert-led tour and exclusive Arena Floor access—walk where gladiators fought.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Make your once-in-a-lifetime Colosseum visit truly unforgettable with expert guides who bring its legendary history to life.
Inclusions
Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum
English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian or German speaking guide (as per option selected)
Small group of 15 people (as per option selected)
Access to Colosseum tier 1 & 2 and Museum
Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
Headsets
Exclusions
Access the restricted Underground, where gladiators awaited their fate, and the Arena Floor, where they battled before roaring crowds.
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Exclusions
One ticket, two icons—skip the hassle of multiple bookings and experience the best of Ancient Rome and the Vatican with expert guides.
Inclusions Colosseum
Vatican Museums
Exclusions Colosseum
Vatican Museums
Colosseum
Vatican Museums
Tick off Rome’s bucket list attraction with an expert-led tour that brings the Colosseum to life—all in just one hour.
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Exclusions
Unlock access to 7 hidden sites in the Colosseum Park—normally closed to standard ticket holders.
Inclusions
Entry to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, & Imperial Fora
Access to SUPER sites: Palatine Museum, Domus Tiberiana, House of Livia, & more.
Admission to ongoing exhibitions at select sites
Pass valid for one day
Full list of attractions & multimedia visit timings here
Exclusions
A tour designed just for you—skip the crowds and explore at your own pace with an expert archaeologist guide.
Inclusions
Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum
English, Spanish, Italian, or French-speaking archeologist guide (as per option selected)
Private group (up to 10)
Access to the tiers 1 & 2 and Museum
Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
Headsets
Exclusions
Access to Underground and upper floors
Hotel transfers
Meals
You can cancel these tickets up to 4 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
