Colosseum Access & Tours

4.4(141,957)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Colosseum in Rome with tourists exploring the ancient amphitheater.
























































From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
CORINE CABANETTES

Corine

Aug 2025
4/5
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Easy-to-find checkpoint, friendly guide who provided relevant information about the site visited (Palatine, Colosseum). The guide takes care of everything: order of visits, when to validate tickets. You have to keep up 😆
Joshua Lars Baldwin
GB

Joshua

United Kingdom
Jul 2025
5/5
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I liked we were taken round and the guides nunsia and Sylvia told us lots and lots and showed us some amazing things and made sure we were all together and we got to cut the big line and get an amazing exprience
Allan Harold Holst
US

Allan

United States
Aug 2025
5/5
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Georgia did a fantastic job of guiding us through the Colosseum! Extensive details and many pictures to support her explanations. Great way to spend an afternoon.
Ben Rutherford
GB

Ben

United Kingdom
Aug 2025
5/5
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Colosseum, arena floor, palatine hill and the forum tour at 11am. It was amazing! The guide, (so sorry we didn't catch his name) but he was so knowledgeable, gave plenty opportunity to ask questions, tried to keep us out of the blazing sun were possible. Worth every cent we paid!
Megan Thurlby
GB

Megan

United Kingdom
Aug 2025
5/5
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The Palentine hill was a key part of our experience, we thoroughly enjoyed the freedom of entry time with the ticket, the queue appeared long but moved very quickly and thoroughly. All the staff at security gates were happy to help and fluent in various languages.
Olena Avakiants
UA

Olena

Ukraine
Aug 2025
5/5
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Visiting the Colosseum is an absolute must-do in Rome because it’s not just a monument, it’s a journey back in time. Standing inside, you can truly imagine the scale of the Roman Empire and the incredible engineering of nearly 2,000 years ago. The Colosseum is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and walking through its arches makes history come alive in a way that no book or documentary ever could. It’s also beautifully located in the heart of Rome, surrounded by the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, so in one visit you experience the very essence of Ancient Rome.
Tomislav Zoric
HR

Tomislav

Croatia
Aug 2025
5/5
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I do not know where to begin, everything was great, all atractions are close one to another, and they all have great history! I realy enjoy my visit.
Dedu Alina-Gabriela
RO

Dedu

Romania
Aug 2025
5/5
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+1 more

Thank you, Bianca! ❤️ In the past, whenever my boyfriend and I joined guided tours, the guides often seemed bored or boring, and not very good at answering questions. This time was completely different. Having Bianca as our guide was a breath of fresh air – she was engaging, passionate, and truly exceptional. She brought the Colosseum to life through her storytelling, making history feel vivid and real. She answered every question clearly and casually, turning the whole tour into a friendly conversation rather than a formal lecture. We joined the 5:30 PM evening tour, which was perfect – the light was beautiful, and the heat was much more bearable. We absolutely loved every moment. Highly recommend both the evening tour and, above all, having Bianca as your guide!

Top things to do in Rome

What to expect at the Colosseum

Tourists exploring the Colosseum's underground chambers in Rome with the Rome Super Pass.
Visitors walking through the ancient corridors of the Colosseum in Rome.
Tourists with a guide overlooking the interior of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy.
Visitors exploring the ancient Colosseum arena in Rome, Italy.
Colosseum underground passageway with ancient stone walls in Rome, Italy.
Forum and Palatine Hill tour
Tour guide leading group near Colosseum in Rome.
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First impressions

Hear the roar of ancient Rome from the moment you enter through the arched gates. The Colosseum is dusty, enormous, imperfect—and all the more real for it.

Atmosphere & architecture

Walk beneath weathered arches that have stood longer than entire empires, and notice how the air shifts, becoming cooler, quieter, heavier.

Inside the amphitheatre

Walk the original stands where 50,000 Romans once watched warriors and wild beasts battle for glory, or, survival.

Arena floor perspective (optional upgrade)

Stand on the reconstructed arena floor and see the Colosseum from the perspective of a gladiator, surrounded by towering stone tiers.

Underground access (optional upgrade)

Opt for underground access to explore the hypogeum where hidden tunnels and trapdoors once staged the Empire’s deadly games.

Extend your experience

Most visits last 60–90 minutes and include access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, adding depth to your ancient Roman adventure.

Why choose a guided tour

Standard entry is awe-inspiring, but guided tours unlock the stories behind the stone. Additionally, the skip-the-line perks dodge the tourist crunch.

Things to know before booking Colosseum experiences

  • Book ahead for special access: Standard tickets may be available same-day, but Arena Floor and Underground Tours sell out fast. Book these at least 1–2 weeks in advance.
  • What’s included in a standard ticket: You’ll get 24-hour access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, with one entry per site. Guided tours aren’t included.
  • Arena & Underground need separate tickets: Regular tickets don’t get you onto the Arena Floor or into the Underground. These require special access and offer a much deeper experience.
  • Skip-the-line ≠ no line: Everyone goes through security. Skip-the-line just means you bypass the ticket desk, so expect some wait even with priority entry.
  • Guided tours help make sense of it all: The ruins are layered and signage is sparse. A guide ensures smoother navigation, hidden insights, and context you’d likely miss solo.
  • Choose your tour style wisely: Group tours are economical; small groups feel more personal. Private tours suit families or deep history buffs.
  • Accessibility notes: The Arena Floor and upper levels aren’t wheelchair accessible, but the main level is. Free entry for disabled visitors + one companion.

Your Colosseum experience options explained

Tour guide leading group at Colosseum, Rome, Italy.

Standard access

Duration: Flexible
🕵🏼‍♀️Guide: No
🏛️Roman Forum & Palatine Hill access: Yes

⚔️Arena access: Optional

👍Go for it because…

  • Get timed entry to the Colosseum to explore at your own pace, with the added benefit of a multilingual audio guide or guidebook.
  • Includes access to Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, completing your ancient Roman experience.
  • Affordable and great for independent travelers.

🎟️Recommended tickets:

  • Entry to Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
Tour guide leading group at Colosseum, Rome, Italy.

Guided tours

Duration: 1-3 hours
🕵🏼‍♀️ Guide: Yes
🏛️ Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Access: Yes
⚔️ Arena Access: Optional
👍 Go for it because...

  • Gather fascinating insights and historical stories with an expert guide.
  • Includes timed entry and small-group options for a more personalized experience.
  • Perfect for history buffs or first-time visitors who want a deeper understanding.

🎟️Recommended tickets:

  • Colosseum Arena Floor, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Guided Tour
  • Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Guided Tour

For quick yet in-depth visit

  • Colosseum Express Tour
Colosseum underground ruins with ancient stone structures in Rome, Italy.

Exclusive experiences

Duration: 3-4 hours
🕵🏼‍♀️ Guide: Yes
🏛️ Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Access: Yes
⚔️ Arena Access: Optional
👍 Go for it because...

  • Special access to restricted areas like the Underground and Arena Floor, as your expert guide shares gripping backstories and anecdotes.
  • Private tours come with tailored experiences and dedicated attention from an archaeologist guide.
  • Ideal for those seeking exclusivity or exploring hidden aspects of the Colosseum.

🎟️Recommended tickets:

  • Colosseum Underground, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Guided Tour
  • VIP Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Private Tour
Tourists exploring the Colosseum and Vatican Museums in Rome.

Combo deals

Duration: 4-6 hours
🕵🏼‍♀️ Guide: Optional
🏛️ Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Access: Yes
⚔️ Arena Access: Optional
👍 Go for it because...

  • Save time and money by exploring multiple landmarks with a single ticket.
  • Combine your Colosseum visit with other iconic attractions like the Vatican Museums.
  • Great for travelers on tight schedules who want to maximize their Rome experience.

🎟️Recommended tickets:

Colosseum discounted rates

  • EU citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 enjoy reduced pricing on their tickets on presentation of a valid ID.
  • EU and non-EU citizens under 18, along with permanent or contract-based teaching staff in Italian schools get free entry into the Colosseum on presentation of a valid ID.

Cancelation policy

Most Colosseum tickets can be canceled 24-72 hours before the experience begins. However, combo tickets cannot be canceled or rescheduled. Please check your ticket for details at the time of booking.

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.

Navigate with detailed Colosseum maps

Explore the Colosseum

Tourists exploring the Colosseum arena in Rome, Italy.
Colosseum Underground tour showcasing ancient Roman tunnels and chambers in Rome, Italy.
Visitors exploring the interior of the Colosseum on a private guided tour in Rome.
Colosseum's Belvedere Tier showcasing ancient Roman architectural details in Rome, Italy.
Tourists taking a selfie inside the historic Colosseum in Rome, Italy.
Colosseum interior with tourists on the arena floor during a semi-private tour in Rome.
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Arena

Stand where gladiators once fought, right at the heart of the action. A dramatic, ground-level view of the monument.

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

Experience the Arena Floor

Underground

Venture below the stage into tunnels that once housed wild beasts, fighters, and stage machinery.

Access: No (Only with special full experience tours)

Explore the Colosseum Underground

Tier 1 (ground level)

Your entry point to the Colosseum with panoramic views of the arena floor and a close-up look at ancient architecture.

Access: Yes (Included with all Colosseum tickets)

Tier 2 

Catch the best angles for photos and get a fuller perspective of the amphitheater’s size and symmetry.

Access: Yes (Included with all Colosseum tickets)

Tier 3

Here, common citizens gathered to watch events. Despite being further from the action, this tier offers spectacular views of the arena

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

Tiers 4 & 5

These topmost levels are currently closed to visitors due to ongoing restoration work. Historically, they seated Rome’s poorest citizens.

Access: Not open to the public

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

Opening hours:
30 March – 30 September: 8:30am – 7:15pm
1 October – 25 October: 8:30am – 6:30pm

Last entrance: 1 hour before the closing time

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

Closed: 25 December and January 1.

Best time to visit: June to September or November to March for pleasant weather and lesser crowds.

Detailed Colosseum opening hours

Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Find on map

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?
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.
Restroom sign with directional arrow in a public area.
  • Restrooms
  • Nursing areas
  • AED defibrillators
  • Resting areas
  • Drinking fountains
  • Vending machines
Plan your visit to Colosseum
Aerial view of the Colosseum in Rome during a VIP private tour.
  • For epic shots of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, head to Palatine Hill, once home to Rome’s elite. Most tickets include access — don’t miss it!
  • 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.
  • While daytime tours are aplenty, consider booking 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.
  • 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.
  • Since your entry tickets automatically grant access to the Colosseum museum, stop by it on the 2nd floor of the amphitheater to learn about its history in various moments of time, see a 3D reconstruction of the monument and more.

Beyond the Colosseum

Ruins of ancient columns at the Roman Forum in Rome, Italy.

Roman Forum

Once a vibrant 7th Century BC marketplace, the Roman Forum housed the state treasury, Julius Caesar's cremation site, and the rumored tomb of Romulus, Rome's founder.

Explore the Roman Forum
Small group tour at Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, Rome, Italy, with ancient ruins and columns.

Palatine Hill

Settled by the first Romans in the 10th century BC, it was later inhabited by emperors like Tiberius and Augustus. Enjoy sweeping views of Rome from the top and visit the Palatine Museum for ancient Roman artifacts.

Explore Palatine Hill
Domus Aurea ruins with ancient columns in Rome, Italy.

Domus Aurea

The Domus Aurea was Emperor Nero's audacious response to the devastating fire of 64 AD. It was a spectacle of opulence with marble walls, exquisite wall paintings, gilded arcades, ornamental fountains, and lush gardens.

Book Domus Aurea Tickets

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, some tickets offer priority access to security or entry lines, while others don’t. Look for terms like “Hosted Entry” or “Skip-the-Line” in the ticket name. These let you bypass long queues, especially during peak hours.

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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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.