Colosseum Access & Tours

4.3(144,629)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.

Colosseum in Rome with tourists exploring the ancient amphitheater.
























































From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Mateusz Pawłowicz
PL

Mateusz

Poland
Jan 2026
5/5

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+2 more

The Vatican Museum is a phenomenal treasure trove of history and art from many countries around the world, collected over many centuries. Meticulously collected and sometimes acquired, these works of art have adorned the chambers of many popes. Over time, the decision was made to open them to the general public, and they remain so to this day. I highly recommend it! This extraordinary treasure trove is truly worth visiting.
Lydia Álvarez De Lara Escudero
ES

Lydia

Spain
Jan 2026
5/5

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+1 more

It works perfectly, we got in without any problems, we were able to see everything, it was incredible, and the service was very good. I just made another reservation to see the Pantheon and the Colosseum.
Keith Anthony Torres
US

Keith

United States
Jan 2026
5/5

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+1 more

It was a raining all day but we enjoyed every bit of the tour, our guide was amazing and thanks once again for the exceptional time.
VAGHI isabelle
FR

Vaghi

France
Jan 2026
4/5

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The museums are incredibly beautiful. The very friendly guide gave us clear and effective explanations (especially for the Sistine Chapel).
Chotipol Enguthaiwat
TH

Chotipol

Thailand
Jan 2026
5/5

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+2 more

Visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my trip to Rome. Standing inside the Colosseum, it was impossible not to imagine the roar of the crowd and the dramatic gladiator battles that once took place there. The scale of the structure is overwhelming, and knowing it has stood for nearly 2,000 years makes the experience even more powerful. Walking through the Roman Forum felt like stepping into the heart of ancient Roman life. What looks like ruins at first slowly turns into a vivid picture of temples, political gatherings, and everyday social life as you explore further. Palatine Hill was a perfect contrast — quieter, greener, and offering stunning panoramic views over both the Forum and the Colosseum. Learning that this hill is considered the birthplace of Rome added a special sense of meaning to the visit. Overall, this combined visit is a must-do in Rome. It beautifully connects history, architecture, and atmosphere, leaving you with a deep appreciation for the grandeur of ancient Rome.
Noe Guillem
ES

Noe

Spain
Jan 2026
4/5

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Very derailed explanation in Spanish. Only too much time, we were listening almost 3 hours. A lot of information for digesting.
Fucci Mauro

Fucci

Jan 2026
4/5

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It was a good experience, it was easy to make reservations, and the convenient queue skipping saves you long waits to get in to visit the desired places...
lisa wright
GB

Lisa

United Kingdom
Jan 2026
5/5

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The audio was an added bonus the whole trip was brilliant. Excellent viewing and the crowds were not to bad. Easy to obtain tickets from nearby

Top things to do in Rome

Visiting the Colosseum

  • Ways to explore: All tickets include timed Colosseum entry plus Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (within 24hrs), with self-guided audio options or expert-led guided tours in multiple languages.
  • Additional access: Upgrade to Arena Floor, Underground, or Roman Forum SUPER Sites Pass to access restricted areas.
  • Unique experiences: Experience the Colosseum’s ethereal glow on a crowd-free night tour with exclusive Underground access.
  • Queues: On-site ticket queues can last 45–90 minutes in peak season. Pre-booked entry tickets and guided tours use dedicated entrances, letting you bypass ticket lines, though mandatory security checks still take 10–30 minutes.
  • When to book: Guided, Arena, and Underground tours sell out fastest, book 7-10 days ahead in peak season.
  • Good to know: Underground and Arena tickets are limited and usually non-refundable; standard entry offers more flexible cancellation.
  • Best upgrade: Choose the Underground tour for an in-depth, end-to-end Colosseum visit, guided by an expert with exclusive backstage access.

See the ticket comparison table ↓

Your Colosseum experience options explained

Ticket typeEntrance usedLines skippedSecurityIncludesGuideWhen to chooseCancellation policyPrice fromPrice from

Standard (24-hour)

Timed entry gate (Sperone Valadier)

Onsite ticket queues

Mandatory 10-30 minutes

Timed entry to Colosseum + Roman Forum & Palatine Hill access

Audio guide

• Budget-friendly, self-guided experience • Saves 1-2 hrs

Varies by option

€23€23

Guided tour

Group gate (North side, Sperone Valadier)

Onsite ticket queues

Mandatory

Guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Live guide

• In-depth structured visit with priority entry • Expert insights

No refunds or rescheduling

€32€32

Full experience + Arena & Underground

Stern entrance (Gladiator's gate)

Onsite ticket queues

Mandatory

Access to Underground chambers + Arena + Standard areas

Live guide

• Exclusive area access • End-to-end Colosseum coverage • Expert insights

Free cancellation up to 7 days

€80€80

Private tour

Group gate (North side, Sperone Valadier)

Onsite ticket queues

Mandatory

Guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill + Private group of up to 10

Live guide

• Custom-tailored tour • Crowd-free experience

Free cancellation up to 4 days

€539€539

Combo tickets

Colosseum + Roman Forum/Vatican gates

Onsite ticket queues

Mandatory

Colosseum + Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, etc.

Audio/Live guide as per option selected

• Rome’s top landmarks with savings and convenience.

Varies by option

€83€83

What to expect at the Colosseum

Aerial view of the Colosseum in Rome during a VIP private tour.
Tourists with a guide overlooking the interior of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy.
Ancient Roman statues displayed inside the Colosseum Museum in Rome.
Visitors exploring the ancient Colosseum arena in Rome, Italy.
Colosseum underground passageway with ancient stone walls in Rome, Italy.
Forum and Palatine Hill tour
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The grand exterior

Circle the travertine façade with four tiers of arches and columns, once lined with statues. Spot battle-scarred holes left by removed iron clamps, then admire the nearby Arch of Constantine for perfect photos. Built with 80 entryways for swift entry, the Colosseum still draws long lines with standard access helping you skip ticket queues, though security checks are required.

The spectator tiers

Climb to the second or third levels for sweeping views of the arena, Forum, and Rome. Learn how seating reflected Roman class divisions and marvel at the arches, stairways, and elliptical design that managed 50,000 spectators.

Colosseum Museum

Explore exhibits on the upper levels featuring gladiatorial armor, ancient graffiti, models of the arena, and artifacts unearthed onsite. Informative panels and symbolic additions, like the Christian cross, trace the Colosseum’s layered history.

The Arena Floor

Step onto the reconstructed arena floor, an exclusive upgrade, where gladiators once fought. From this cinematic vantage point, gaze up at the towering seats, feel the weight of history, and imagine the roar of 50,000 spectators filling the air.

The Underground

Accessible only via guided tours, the hypogeum reveals the hidden world beneath the stage: animal pens, tunnels, elevators, and trapdoors that set the stage for Rome’s deadly spectacles, showcasing the arena’s ingenious engineering.

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

All standard tickets include entry to these neighboring sites. Wander the Via Sacra, stand at Caesar’s altar, and climb Palatine Hill for sweeping views. Together, they frame the Colosseum within the wider story of Rome’s empire.

Things to know before booking Colosseum experiences

The Colosseum welcomes over 12 million visitors a year and is rarely quiet. Tickets are released 30 days ahead on the official site and can sell out within hours.

  • High season (Jun–Aug): Book 4–5 weeks in advance for morning slots or upgrades (Arena/Underground).
  • Shoulder season (Apr–May, Sep–Oct): 2–3 weeks ahead is usually enough.
  • Low season (Jan–Feb): Limited same-day tickets may be available at opening, but never guaranteed.

What a standard ticket includes

Every Colosseum visit starts here:

  • Timed entry to the Colosseum’s general areas (first two tiers + small museum, which contextualizes what you’re seeing in the amphitheater itself.).
  • These tickets let you bypass the on-site sales counter but security check is mandatory, and might take 10-30 minutes to clear, depending on the crowds.
  • 24-hour access to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, the epicenter of Roman politics and imperial palaces.

Entry process

  • All tickets let you skip the on-site sales counter, but security checks are mandatory and take 10–30 minutes.
  • You must reach the gate from 15 minutes before up to 15 minutes after your timeslot; miss it and your ticket is usually only valid for Forum/Palatine (no Colosseum entry).

Best ways to explore Colosseum

  • Exploring the Colosseum independently is the cheapest and most flexible option, but limited signage means key context can be missed. An audio guide (€6) adds helpful insight.
  • Guided tours add priority entry and expert narration on gladiators, imperial power, and Roman engineering. Groups average ~30 guests, with upgrades to small-group (<15), express, or private archaeologist-led tours for a more focused visit.

Upgrade for Arena and Underground access

  • Step onto the reconstructed Arena Floor, the stage where gladiators once fought. With limited daily slots, this upgrade is highly coveted and often sells out, book at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • Descend to the Colosseum’s underground to explore tunnels, cages, and ancient lifts that powered the games. Access is only with a guided small-group tour to protect this fragile space, making it the most exclusive and atmospheric Colosseum experience.

Free entry days

  •  First Sunday is free but extremely crowded; restricted areas (Arena/Underground) aren’t available those day. Most travelers find it better value to pay for reserved entry on a regular day for a calmer experience.

Other unique Colosseum experiences

Hand-picked tours for every kind of traveler.

Family exploring the Colosseum in Rome, child pointing at ancient arches.

Family-friendly tours

Designed for kids and families, these tours turn Ancient Rome into an adventure through fun storytelling and interactive games.

Explore family tours
Colosseum illuminated at night in Rome, Italy, highlighting night tour experience.

Night tours

See the Colosseum after dark, when crowds thin out and the monument glows under atmospheric lighting. Includes exclusive Arena access.

Book a night tour
Visitors with helmets exploring Domus Aurea's ancient ruins in Rome.

Domus Aurea tours

Descend underground into Nero’s lavish Golden House, brought to life with VR headsets and guided stories, a rare archaeological gem.

Discover Domus Aurea
Guide explaining Colosseum history to tourists in Rome.

Express tours

Short on time? Enjoy a guided highlights tour that covers the essentials of the Colosseum in under an hour.

The Colosseum map

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.

Colosseum in Rome with labeled seating levels and key areas for tours.

Explore the Colosseum

Tourists exploring the Colosseum arena in Rome, Italy.
Colosseum Underground tour showcasing ancient Roman tunnels and chambers in Rome, Italy.
Tour group with guide overlooking the interior of the Colosseum in Rome.
Arch of Constantine in Rome with tourists exploring the historic monument.
Colosseum Museum artefacts display with ancient pottery, bones, and tools.
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Arena

This was the gladiators’ stage, where wild beasts burst through trapdoors and fighters entered through the Porta Triumphalis (Gladiator’s Gate). The reconstructed walkway puts you at the center of the action, with a rare ground perspective of the massive amphitheater and a chilling glimpse into the hypogeum below.

Access: No (Upgrade required with Arena-access tickets)

Experience the Arena Floor

Underground

Below the stage lies the Colosseum’s hidden machinery: a labyrinth of tunnels, elevators, and cages where animals and fighters were kept before being dramatically hoisted into battle. Wooden hoists powered by pulleys once lifted elephants and lions straight into the arena. Today, guided tours here reveal the rough stone corridors, staging cells, and remnants of the ingenious Roman engineering.

Access: No (Only with special full experience tours)

Explore the Colosseum Underground

Seating tiers

The Colosseum wasn’t just about entertainment; it was a mirror of Roman society.

  • Tier 1: VIP seats for senators, closest to the floor.
  • Tier 2: Today’s sweet spot for symmetry shots and scale.
  • Tier 3+: Once packed with common citizens; these upper levels showed the amphitheatre at full 50,000+ capacity.

Access: Yes (Included with all Colosseum tickets)

Exterior Facade & Arch of Constantine

Before you even step inside, the Colosseum’s four-storey exterior stuns with travertine arches, Doric-Ionic-Corinthian columns stacked in order, and pockmarks from centuries of stone-robbery. Nearby, the Arch of Constantine (AD 315) commemorates the emperor’s victory and frames the Colosseum perfectly for photos.

Exhibitions & visitor center

Near the entrance, rotating exhibits showcase gladiator weapons, everyday objects, and multimedia reconstructions of the games. Scale models explain how the arena looked in its prime, while films and digital installations (“Colosseum Story”) help visitors visualize its transformation over 2,000 years.

Access: Yes (Included with all Colosseum tickets, subject to venue closures)

Other sites inside the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum

The Colosseum is just the beginning, what many people don’t realize is that it’s part of the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo, a vast archaeological area that holds the political, cultural, and imperial heart of Ancient Rome. Each site within the park tells a different side of Rome’s story.

Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum ruins in Rome, Italy, viewed from above.

Palatine Hill

Why it matters: Legendary birthplace of Rome and home to emperors’ palaces with panoramic views over the Forum and Circus Maximus.

Best way to experience: Pair it with your standard access or guided tour for a seamless visit. For specific Forum and Palatine Hill access, choose the SUPER Sites Pass .

Book Palatine Hill tickets
Ruins of ancient columns at the Roman Forum in Rome, Italy.

Roman Forum

Why it matters: Once the bustling political, religious, and commercial center of Rome featuring temples, basilicas, and arches all in one walkable valley.

Best way to experience: Included in all Colosseum ticket. Opt for a guided tour to hear stories about ruins like the Curia (Senate house) and Arch of Titus to life with stories. For exclusive access to restricted areas, choose the SUPER Sites Pass.

Book Roman Forum tickets
Ancient ruins and columns at Domus Aurea, Rome, Italy.

Domus Aurea (Golden House of Nero)

Why it matters: Nero’s vast underground palace, rediscovered centuries later, with vivid frescoes that inspired Renaissance masters.

Best way to experience: Entry is only by guided tour, often with VR headsets that recreate its original golden splendor.

Tour the Domus Aurea

Plan your visit to the Colosseum

Group of tourists enjoying a Colosseum Guided Tour in Rome, Italy, with a clear view of the ancient amphitheater

30 March – 30 September: 8:30am – 7:15pm
1 October – 25 October: 8:30am – 6:30pm
Last entrance: 1 hour before the closing time
Closed: 25 December and January 1.

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill hours: 9am - 4:30pm

Best time of day: Early morning (8:30–10:30am) for smaller crowds and softer light, or evening post 5pm.
Best seasons: June–Sep for summer energy; Nov–Mar for pleasant weather and fewer visitors.

Tip: Book a night tour to experience the Colosseum in a different light. The floodlit monument takes on a magical aura, and the crowds are significantly smaller.

Detailed Colosseum opening hours

Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy. Find on map

The Colosseum is located in the heart of Rome, just east of the Roman Forum and about a 10-minute walk from the Piazza Venezia.

Getting there

  • By metro: Colosseo Station (Line B), 2-minute walk
  • By bus: Piazza del Colosseo, via Line 75, 81, 673
  • By tram: Piazza del Colosseo, via Line 3
  • Paid parking nearby at Via Ostilia
  • By Hop-on Hop-off Bus: Big Bus, City Sightseeing, and I Love Rome (Red Route) or Green Line Tours (Green Route) — all stop at “Colosseum.”
Directions to Colosseum
Visitors walking through the Colosseum's interior passageway in Rome.

There are three main entrances to the Colosseum:

  • Sperone Valadier: Main entrance for individual timed-entry and guided tour ticket holders; 45-min average wait.
  • Group Gate: North-side entry for guided groups (14–50 people); 15–20 min wait.
  • Stern Gate: Reserved for special access tours (Underground, Arena, Belvedere); currently closed—entry rerouted from inside.
Which Colosseum entrance to choose?
Restroom sign with directional arrow in a public area.
  • Restrooms: Located on both the first and second tiers; there are 14 restrooms on the first tier, including accessible facilities with baby-changing stations.
  • Nursing areas: Designated areas for nursing mothers are available within the Colosseum.
  • AED Defibrillators: Located on the first and second tiers, near ticket booths and in the security coordinators’ room.
  • Resting areas: Benches are available on both tiers, with additional seating at viewing points like the Belvedere and gates such as Triumphalis and Libitinaria.
  • Drinking fountains: Multiple fountains are situated throughout the Colosseum, including between the first and second tiers.
  • Vending machines: Available on the Via Nova, in the Horti Farnesiani, and in the Stadium of the Domus Augustana. Bottled water dispensers are also present in the bookshops on both tiers.
Plan your visit to Colosseum
Person on wheelchair exploring historic city street in Rome, Italy.
  • There are 3 wheelchairs in the first tier of the Colosseum at the reception and security office.
  • All entrances are wheelchair accessible.
  • There is an elevator specifically or visitors with mobility issues connecting the first and second floors; and a freight elevator to reach the underground.
  • The first and second tiers of the Colosseum are entirely wheelchair accessible.
  • There are 11 tactile guides spread across the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to explain the layout and significance of these landmarks. The Colosseum has one tactile guide.
  • The ParCo (area encompassing the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill) also offers golf cart services for people using wheelchairs.

Visitor tips

  • Move counter-clockwise against the usual visitor flow: Turn left on entry, start at upper levels, then descend for less congestion and richer perspectives.
  • The Colosseum can get quite warm, especially in summer. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, and wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces. Lightweight clothing is recommended during hot months, while layers are advisable for cooler seasons.
  • Outside the Colosseum, you'll find vendors renting gladiator costumes and taking pictures with tourists. This can be a fun and memorable way to commemorate your visit, especially if you're traveling with kids.
  • Download or bring a detailed site map to snag hidden corners, learn where the less-crowded staircases are, and spot the best viewing terraces.
  • Seek out Roman numerals carved above entrances (used for ancient ticketing), trace anchor points for the velarium (massive awning), and inspect stonework for clues about the Colosseum’s construction phases.

Plan ahead for an effortless visit →

Frequently asked questions about Colosseum experiences

What do Colosseum tickets include?

Most standard tickets cover general entry to the Colosseum, including levels 1-2, and Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. However, areas like the Arena or Underground require an upgrade. See the ticket comparison section for details.

What’s the difference between a standard entry ticket and a guided tour?

Standard tickets usually offer access to the main attraction only, while guided tours include a professional guide and often help you navigate more efficiently.

Does my ticket include access to all parts of the Colosseum?

Not always. Some areas (e.g., the Arena and the Underground) require an upgrade or a separate ticket. Check the “Explore the Colosseum” section for specifics.

Is skip-the-line included in all tickets?

No, skip-the-line access comes from pre-booked timed entry, which lets you bypass the on-site ticket purchase queues at the Colosseum, although, security checks are mandatory for everyone, so those lines cannot be skipped.

Does Colosseum tickets allow entry into the Vatican?

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.

Are guided tours of the Colosseum worth it?

Absolutely if you want expert insights, efficient navigation, or access to shortcut routes (e.g., into the Arena). Small-group tours also ensure a more personal experience.

Can you re-enter the Colosseum with the same ticket once you exit?

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.

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Colosseum illuminated at night in Rome, Italy, showcasing ancient Roman architecture.

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Woman using phone in front of the Colosseum, Rome.

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