rome colosseum self guided tour

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Self-Guided Colosseum Tour

If you prefer to tour the Colosseum on your Maybe you have seen the prices of guided walking tours

This post is an overview of the various tours of the Colosseum in Rome available to you, including our free, self-guided tour.

We offer guided walking tours through Rome since 2012, including Colosseum Tours.

So, we know a thing or two about the Colosseum.

We even have a post that explains the different ticket options and ways that you could visit.

And just below, you could watch this 1-hour guided virtual tour of the Colosseum including the Underground.

• Self-Guided Tour
• Small-Group Guided Tours
• Restricted Areas
• Virtual Reality Tours
• Nighttime Tours
• Visit On Your Own

SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF THE COLOSSEUM

This tour of the historic Colosseum in Rome will cover some of the most notable things to see and experience at the landmark.

Our self-guided service is intended as a companion to the Rick Steves free audio tour or can be used to research what you will see here.

This tour will include information about both the exterior and interior of the Colosseum, so you’ll need a ticket in order to enjoy the full experience. 

Please check our post covering how to get Colosseum tickets for more details.

1. The Colosseum

Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, this structure is one of the seven wonders of the world, and it is arguably one of the most photographed and well-known locations globally as well.

The Colosseum was constructed between the years of AD 72 - AD 80. 

The outer wall required over 100,000 cubic metres of travertine limestone, and except for a small area on one side of the building, this exterior wall no longer exists.

During the height of its popularity, author Juvenal said of Rome that “the people are only anxious for two things: bread and circuses.”

We’ll be covering the history of this arena in greater detail later in this tour, including details about some of the events that were held here -- and of course the gladiator games!

2. North Side Exterior

The remaining exterior wall is easy to point out because of the triangular wedges which have been placed to keep it from falling. 

These wedges are so well crafted that they almost look like they have always been there.

You’ll get a much better look at them once you make your way to the entrance of the Colosseum. 

For now, from the northernmost point, you’ll be getting a view of the last remains of the outer wall of this landmark.

On the southern side, almost all of the outer walls deteriorated, and the remaining walls were part of the interior of the Colosseum.

The original outer wall that you are now looking at is said to have needed over 100,000 cubic metres of travertine stone, held together by around 300 tons of iron clamps.

From here you’ll be able to see 3 stories of arcades with windows placed at regular intervals. Above the three floors lies the attic, where the awning (or retractable roof) was located.

The second and third-floor arcades had framed statues that most likely honored divine and mythological figures from ancient times.

3. Former Site of the Statue of Colossus

So where did the Colosseum get its name? 

It came from a bronze statue called the Colossus of Nero which was created and placed outside the Domus Aurea, the structure which stood here before the amphitheater.

The Colossus of Nero was around 30 metres (100 feet) tall, which made it almost as tall as the Statue of Liberty.

Over time, thanks to its proximity to the statue, the Flavian Amphitheatre became known simply as the Colosseum. 

Sadly, the statue no longer stands here, and, likely, it hasn’t been in the area since at least the 7th century. 

Historians believe that the Colossus was either torn down during the Sack of Rome in 410, or it may have fallen in an earthquake during the 5th century.

4. Arch of Constantine

Located halfway between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, this triumphal arch was dedicated to Constantine the Great to commemorate his victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD.

At 21 metres high and almost 26 metres deep, this is the largest Roman triumphal arch in the city. 

Although it was initially dedicated to Constantine, it features decorations and statues from earlier triumphal arches that had been built for Hadrian, Trajan, and Marcus Aurelius.

The road underneath is known as the Via triumphalis, and it is the route that would be taken by generals who were returning to Rome after a triumphant battle.

The original route began at Campus Martius, went through the Circus Maximus, around Palatine Hill, to the Roman Forum, and onto the Capitoline Hill.

5. South Side Exterior

If you look to your left, you should be able to see the wedges holding up the remaining outer wall of the Colosseum.

But, over time the entire southern end of this exterior has deteriorated from exposure.

The walls you’ll be able to see from here were once the interior walls of the Colosseum. 

Since those walls have fallen and exposed the interior, these are technically now the exterior walls of the landmark.

Much of the damage to the southern side was caused by a large earthquake in 1349.

Much of the fallen stone was reused in churches, palaces, and other important locations throughout Rome.

6. Entrance to the Colosseum

Entering this historic site today isn’t quite the same as it was centuries ago.

But, if you need help getting tickets and learning about how to get inside quickly, make sure to read our post on how to get Colosseum tickets .

In the past, it was quite easy to get into this amphitheater and find your seat, as there are 80 entrances, 76 of which were designed for your average, ordinary spectator.

This is one similarity the Colosseum shares with modern-day arenas, as most of them use the same design concept to ensure guests get in and out as quickly as possible.

Each entrance, exit, and staircase were numbered, another design feature you’ll also find in modern venues.

The Northern main entrance was reserved specifically for the Roman Emperor. 

The other three axial entrances were used by elites. Today, only two of the original outer entrances remain XXIII and LIIII. 

Back during its heyday, tickets were simply shards of pottery with numbers etched into them which would direct guests to their seats.

The Colosseum was capable of holding between 50,000 - 80,000 guests, which is bigger than most modern stadiums and venues in the world.

7. Arena Floor

This famous arena may be known mostly for the gladiators who once fought here, but this ancient site was used for a lot of other games and events.

In addition to gladiatorial combat, the Colosseum was also capable of being flooded for naval battles, but this was rarely done because it caused significant damage to the structure.

Although animals were often used at the Colosseum, they were usually sent in to fight other hungry animals and it wasn’t as common to see them sent in to fight against gladiators.

Chariot races were another popular event held at the Colosseum, and the floor of the amphitheater was transformed into a race track for this activity.

The race tracks used for chariot racing were called circuses, and one of the most famous examples of a circus is just down the road from the Colosseum -- the Circus Maximus.

A chariot race typically involved 2-4 horse chariots which would run seven laps. This type of equestrian sport is now most easily comparable to thoroughbred horse racing.

Although it is commonly thought that the Colosseum once had a retractable roof, it should be noted that this didn’t look anything like the retractable roofs used in sports arenas today.

Instead, some awnings were rolled out on hot, sunny days which kept the audience protected from the heat. 

These awnings were only placed over the audience seating, so the Gladiators were never protected. 

Since these awnings could be taken in and rolled back out when necessary, you could say they were technically retractable, but there was no electricity or hydraulic energy used for this process.

Believe it or not, these awnings were something like sails, and that’s why they had a crew of sailors perform the task.

8. The Vestal Virgins’ Box

If you’re near the entrance, look to your right toward the centre of the first floor of seating. This is where you’ll find the Vestal Virgins’ Box.

As the name implies, this is where the Vestal Virgins sat, and they were the female priestesses of Ancient Rome.

These priestesses were important figures in Rome at the time, and many ceremonies were held in their honor. 

Many people felt that the success of Rome was dependent upon them, and this is just one reason why they were given a place of honor at the Colosseum.

9. The Arena Floor + Underground

Located at the centre of the Colosseum, this arena was about 83 x 48 metres in size.

The floor of the arena was originally wooden and covered with sand, covering the underground hypogeum area.

The hypogeum is now clearly visible, as most of the original wooden floor no longer exists.

As you can see, this was once a network of tunnels and cages where gladiators and animals were kept.

Another interesting aspect of the hypogeum was the 80 vertical shafts which were used to transport animals and other bits of scenery to the floor of the arena.

Elevators and pulleys were used to raise and lower the platforms in these vertical shafts, and there is evidence that they used hydraulic power to accomplish this feat.

Some tickets and tours provide access to this part of the Colosseum if you want a closer look. 

10. Gladiator Gate

The Colosseum is perhaps best known as the home of the gladiator games in Rome.

This is where slaves, criminals, and prisoners of war were once brought to fight for their lives.

Criminals sentenced to death would sometimes serve their sentence by being put into the ring without any weapons or means to defend themselves.

While many of the people who fought did so against their will, some volunteered to be gladiators and went to special schools to train and prepare for their fight.

When Gladiators entered the arena, they did so through the Gladiator Gate, a side entrance that was originally used only by the Gladiators. 

This gate can be seen directly across from the entrance of the Colosseum.

These battles typically took place on the arena floor, much of which no longer exists. 

Gladiators were kept in the hypogeum, and you can see a lot of this area from what remains of the floor of the arena.

11. Emperor’s Box

Located directly across from the Vestal Virgins’ Box, you’ll see the Emperor’s Box just above the arena floor. 

This is where the emperor would sit, and it was arguably the best seat in the house.

On either side of the Emperor’s Box, you’ll see the podium where the senatorial class was permitted to bring their chairs and enjoy an excellent view of the action.

If you look closely in these areas, you can still see some of the names of the 5th-century senators who sat here carved into the stone to reserve their spot.

Just think of them as season ticket holders!

12. Colosseum Museum

Located on the second level, this museum houses many notable works from the Colosseum, as well as exhibits that tell the story of this historic landmark.

Many of the items you’ll find here were pulled from excavations at the Colosseum, so they are original artifacts from the past.

Admission to this museum is included with your ticket to the Colosseum, so you don’t even have to worry about additional costs.

13.The Belvedere

If you have the right tickets and the area is open for public viewing, you might be able to see the uppermost floor of the Belvedere. 

You’ll need access to the lift which takes you to this floor to see it. You can find the lift on the northeastern end of the Colosseum.

There are tours of this area available for 9 euros, but the main reason to visit this level is for the incredible views of both the Colosseum and everything surrounding the structure. 

As you look around on the upper levels, you might wonder if anyone who once entered this area of the Colosseum for free appreciated the view from here.

The third floor of the Colosseum was once reserved for Rome’s middle class, whereas the fourth and fifth floors were designed for ordinary citizens, slaves, and women.

This is yet another way that modern arenas and stadiums tend to follow a similar pattern.

The middle floors are typically reserved for special seating and boxes for the wealthy, while the upper floors which are further from the action are essentially the “cheap seats.”

Although this area was designed for plebians, it did include shelter from the sun and rain, and tickets to this area were entirely free -- which is more than you can say for most sports venues today!

Sure, it’s further from the action at the center of the arena, but looking out at the rest of Rome, you can see quite a few notable sites from here such as the Temple of Venus & Rome and the Arch of Constantine.

In addition to these sites, you can also see attractions like the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. 

Admission to each of these locations is included with your ticket to the Colosseum.

While it wouldn’t have been the best seat in the house back when the Colosseum was in use, this is now one of the best places to take in the impressive beauty of the building in its entirety.

14. The Temple of Venus & Rome

This temple was built at the behest of emperor Hadrian on the remains of Domus Transitoria, which would later be replaced by Domus Aurea after a fire in 64 AD.

This is also where the Colossus of Nero first stood before it was moved to the amphitheater. 

Apollodorus, a respected Roman architect at the time, actually mocked the design of the temple, stating that the figures in the seated statues would hit their heads if they ever tried to stand up.

Shortly after making these comments he was not only banished from the city but eventually executed. The moral of the story is never to question the judgment of the emperor!

Although the temple would stand for several more centuries, it was eventually destroyed after an earthquake in the 9th century, at which time a church was built over the ruins.

Today, the temple is sometimes used by the Pope for public addresses, but admission is also included in your tickets to the Colosseum.

COLOSSEUM GUIDED TOURS

In this section, we cover tours that include general admission to the Colosseum, but not access to restricted areas such as the Underground and the Belvedere .

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

Private companies have a few advantages over the official tour. First, they tend to have smaller groups than the official tour, 12-24 people vs. 30+. 

Second, they have their special entrance , which is even better than skip-the-queue for general admission and official tours because it allows for immediate access to the security checkpoint.

Third, most of these tours are more time-efficient and visit both the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. 

Lastly, they usually focus on having fluent English speakers . 

We list a few companies below, but there are simply too many options available to list. Click here to see the full range of possibilities , which include virtual reality tours. 

We have listed the companies that get consistently great reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, and other platforms. 

Expect to pay between €42 to €67 per adult depending on what you choose, though some companies may offer a pay-what-you-wish tour .

In general, prices are determined by the number of participants per guide, with some groups capping off at 24 and others that limit their sizes to 12 or smaller. 

Prices include all fees to enter all 3 attractions.

There are less expensive options available, but they are not as well-reviewed or don't offer daily tours. 

There are simply too many options available to list. Click here to see the full range of possibilities . 

This company offers a range of tours in Rome including multiple trips to the Colosseum.

Their services at this landmark cover additional topics such as the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Arena floor.

In addition to these outings, they also have a VIP Underground tour you might enjoy.

Each tour is led by a professional guide and headsets are provided to every guest so that you can hear everything that is being said.

You'll also receive skip-the-line access at the Colosseum, making it easier to get inside and take a look around.

Colosseum Tour + Arena Floor  (Skip-the-Lines)

• €59 - Adult
• €54 - Child (2-14)
• Max of 25 guests
• Duration: 3 hours
• Availability: Daily

Colosseum Tour + Roman Forum & Palatine Hill  (Skip-the-Lines)

• €61 - Adults
• €57 - Child (2-14)

The Roman Guy

This is one of the most popular tour companies in Rome, and they provide a lot of different outings to some of the most notable landmarks and locations in the city – including the Colosseum!

If you’re looking for a guided tour of this historic structure, they currently offer a Colosseum Highlights Tour which also includes a visit to Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

With a max of 18 guests per tour, this is one of the smaller highlights tours available at this location. This outing also includes a skip-the-line entrance to the Colosseum.

• €68.95/Adults | €61.95/Youth | €39.95/Children
• Max of 10 guests

Purchase tickets or learn more here .

In addition to this tour, The Roman Guy also provides an even longer outing which includes privileged admission to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum as well as stops at Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.

This tour also includes a skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museums, allowing you to see yet another historically relevant and important attraction in Rome.

• €138.95/Adults | €114.95/Youth | €49.95/Children
• Max of 15 guests
• Duration: 7 hours

City Wonders 

City Wonders is one of the larger walking tour companies in Rome. This tour covers the Colosseum, the Forum, and Palatine Hill.

They also offer a tour of the Colosseum's Underground .

They are not the cheapest, but they are extremely well-reviewed, averaging 5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor with over 13,000 total reviews. 

They also offer 100% money back if you cancel within 24 hours or more in advance.

On their tour, you will be provided with headphones to ensure that you hear your live guide. They also offer tours in Spanish, French, Italian, and German, mostly on weekends.

• €59 adult | €54 child 2-14 | 1 and younger are free
• Maximum 25 participants
• daily tours in English at 9 am, 10 am, and 3 pm
• More details or to purchase .

Official Guided Tours

This is for the official Colosseum guided tour with an official live tour guide but does not include access to the Underground, Arena, or the Belvedere. 

Likewise, it does not visit the Forum nor Palatine Hill, however, your ticket includes entry to both.

The express tour is conducted in English, Italian, French, or Spanish and it lasts 45 minutes.

In addition to their 45-minute outing, you can also take a 3-hour tour which covers a bit more ground and gives you more time to see the landmark.

Express Colosseum Tour

• €23/Adults | €9/Children
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Hours: 9:30 am, 11 am, 12:15 am, 13:30 (1:30 pm), 14:45 (2:45 pm)

Extended Colosseum Tour

• €33/Adults | €17/Children
• Hours: 10 am
• Not currently available.

Each of these services includes admission to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for an entire day, so even if you can’t see everything during the tour, you can still go back in and spend some more time at these sites.

You can purchase these tours on the Colosseum’s official website . 

If you find their website too frustrating or they are sold out for the time that you want, you could also book it through Get Your Guide , but it’s typically €15 more per adult.

SELF-GUIDED AUDIO AND VISUAL TOURS

A self-guided tour is a reasonable option for experiencing the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Forum.

A big advantage of this option compared to a guided tour is that you can linger around inside the Colosseum for as long as you like, to enjoy the views, or to visit the public exhibits.

The disadvantages are you won't have quick access to the security line (unless you arrive early) and you won't have an expert tour guide around if you have questions.

This option also doesn't permit access to the Underground, Arena Floor, or Belvedere. Only guided tours take you there.

There is even a free audio tour from Rick Steves that we recommend, not just because it's a free, quality production, but because he also offers a free audio tour of the Forum (see below). 

YOU NEED A TICKET

Please note that if you choose to take a self-guided tour, then you will need a general admission ticket to enter any of the 3 sights (unless you have a Roma Card or Omnia Card , which grants free entry).

We have a post that explains getting tickets to enter the Colosseum on your own but here is a quick summary.

The cost for the official self-guided audio and visual tours is in addition to the general admission ticket but can now be purchased as one combined ticket.

Tickets are good for 2 days, but you can only enter each attraction once. Palatine Hill and the Forum are considered one attraction as is the Colosseum.

We recommend buying and printing out your ticket before you arrive, then you will have what is called skip-the-queue tickets. 

Without printed tickets, you will need to stand on a will-call line to pick up your tickets. This could take 30-60 minutes during the busy season.

Official Colosseum Audio Tour 

The official audio tour comes in many languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, Portuguese, Arabic, Latin, LIS + ASL, and lasts 70 min. 

It costs €24 and includes the entry ticket and reservation fee. 

If you get frustrated with the main site  or if they are sold out, then you could buy your tickets here as well. It's an extra €6 compared to going through the official site. 

NOTE: If you have either the Roma Care or Omnia Card , then you should choose free entrance   + audio video  € 5,50 .

Official Colosseum Video Tour 

The visual guide is a rented iPhone unit in the following languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, and Portuguese. It lasts for 50 min.

This ticket can only be purchased in advance on the official website .

NOTE: If you have either the Roma Care or Omnia Card , then you should choose free entrance   + video guide  € 6.00 .

Rick Steves

We recommend the well-produced, free audio guides from Rick Steves. You could download his app or you can listen to the audio on Itunes or any mp3 player. 

Rick Steves offers a free tour of the Forum and one of the Colosseum, as well as other locations throughout Rome, including the Vatican and St. Peters. 

The only missing tour is for Palatine Hill, but there you could use the official audio guide.  

• Rick Steves Audio Europe Italy   

NOTE:  You will need to purchase a general admission ticket if you choose this option.

UNDERGROUND, ARENA, AND BELVEDERE TOURS

There are some rooms and floors of the Colosseum that are typically off-limits to most visitors, but they are made available on special tours.

This section provides details about the restricted areas you can visit while taking a tour.

• Underground
• Arena Floor

COLOSSEUM UNDERGROUND TOURS

Access to the Colosseum’s underground is only possible on a guided tour. Spaces are limited and there is an additional cost for ticket holders. 

The underground consists of tunnels, cages, and jail cells where gladiators, prisoners, and exotic animals were kept hidden from the roaring crowd above.

Most guided tours also include a walk out onto the arena floor, which is also a privilege.

This is a must-do for history buffs .

Below, we list some of the options available to you, including night tours of the Underground. 

There are simply too many options available to list. Click here to see the full range of possibilities .

You can also find more details on our post covering Underground Colosseum tours.

Aside from their highlights tour, this company also provides a Colosseum Underground tour which includes admission to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Access to the underground sells out quickly, but The Roman Guy always gets admission thanks to their status as approved tour guides.

If you want an even closer look at the landmark, consider this tour of the Colosseum Underground.

• €124.95/Adults | €83.95/Youth | €34.95/Children
• Maximum of 24 guests.
• Duration: 3 ½ hours

Purchase tickets or learn more .

As mentioned above, City Wonders is a well-reviewed Rome tour company.

On their Underground tour, you will be provided with headphones to ensure that you hear your live guide. 

They also offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you cancel within 24 hours of the tour date. 

• €129 adult | €124 child 6-14 | 0-5 are free
• Daily tours in English 08:20, 09:00, 13:00, and other times by season.
• More information or to book .

Official Colosseum Underground Tour

If you want to save a few euros, there is also an official tour of the Colosseum underground which is much less expensive. Although this is a cheaper option, it’s only 1 ½ hours long, so it’s not quite as extensive as some of the other tours on this list.

These tours sell out fast, so it will be important to purchase your tickets at least 2-3 weeks ahead of time. 

If you’re trying to book this in the summer, you may even want to plan on getting tickets at least a month in advance.

In addition to the official Colosseum tour with underground access, there is also an option which includes admission to the Belvedere!

Each of these tours is available in English, Spanish, and Italian, while most private tour companies only offer their underground tours in English.

For more details or to purchase tickets, please read our post covering Colosseum Underground tours .

Arena Floor Access Tours

If you want to visit the floor of the Colosseum and see where Gladiators once fought for their lives against incredible odds, arena floor access is an absolute must.

Thankfully, there are several companies offering tours that include admission to this area of the Colosseum!

Depending on which type of tour you choose, you can expect to pay about €55-€65 for one of these services. Tours run for between 1-3 hours.

In addition to their tour which covers the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, this company also has a tour that includes access to the arena floor.

While you can purchase tickets with admission to this section of the structure, not all tours will take you here.

If you want to take a tour that features the floor of the arena, this is an excellent option.

Colosseum Tour + Arena Floor (Skip-the-Lines)

• €59 – Adult
• €54 – Child (2-14)

This company offers two different tours which include access to the arena floor of the Colosseum.

The first tour covers a variety of sites such as Julius Caesar’s Temple, the Eternal Flame, the Basilica of Antoninus & Faustina, and the Basilica of Maxentius & Constantine.

The second outing includes locations like the Domitian Stadium, the Arch of Titus, the Arch of Constantine, and the Senate House.

They also have a tour that provides access to the Belvedere which you can learn more about in our subsection covering tours of that area.

Arena Floor Colosseum Tour w/ Roman Forum

• €76.95/Adults | €64.95/Youth | €36.95/Children
• Max of 15 guests.
• Duration: 2 ½ hours

City Wonders

If you’re interested in visiting the arena floor, it’s worth noting that this tour company also offers a Colosseum tour which includes this attraction.

This tour isn’t quite as long as some of the outings offered by their competitors, but that may actually be a good thing if you’re short on time.

Guests will enjoy skip-the-line access as well as admission to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

• €79 – Adult
• €74 – Child
• Duration: 2 hours

Official Guided Tour + Arena Access

In addition to the standard guided tours available at the Colosseum, they also offer the option to see the arena floor while on a tour.

The only catch with this ticket option is that you need to have a tour guide to accompany you to purchase and make full use of admission.

Most of the guided tours that include arena access offer this ticket, to begin with, but if you have a tour guide who isn’t covering the cost of admission, this is what you’ll need to purchase.

• €34/Adults | €12/Children
• Duration: 1 hour
• Hours: 8:50 am - 15:00 (3 pm)

Guided Tours of the Belvedere

The Belvedere is the uppermost level of the Colosseum and has very restricted access. The only option is through an official guided tour.

• +€9 - adults
• +€7 - concession

Both of these tours are special tours that are limited in availability. 

Both tours last 60 minutes each. There is an additional €2 fee for an advanced reservation per tour. 

NOTE: The Belvedere is currently closed as of June 2022 for restoration work.

Although access to the Belvedere isn’t included on many tours, this company offers an extensive outing to the Colosseum which includes the typically restricted area.

In addition to visiting the Belvedere, you’ll also have the chance to see the Colosseum Underground area and the arena floor.

NOTE: This tour isn't currently available because the Belvedere is closed for restoration work.

• €139.95/Adults | €104.95/Youth | €48.95/Children
• Maximum of 25 guests.
• Duration: 4 hours
• Availability: Daily from Mar - Nov

Domus Aurea VR Experience

If you want to learn more about Domus Aurea, there is currently a tour of the Archaeological Restoration site which covers the subject and includes a virtual reality experience.

The VR headset they use is an Oculus Rift, and it is not recommended for people with epilepsy or severe eye conditions. 

It is suggested that you wear comfortable shoes and a jacket while on this tour, as the site has a lot of moisture to contend with.

Nighttime Colosseum Tours

In addition to all the services available during the day, there are also several Colosseum tours you can take after dark.

These outings often include additional attractions like the underground area and the arena floor.

Tickets range from €65 - €85 on average, and each tour lasts for approximately 2 ½ hours. Availability is typically limited and mostly offered during the weekend.

If you’re looking for other fun things to do after the sun goes down, check our post covering things to do in Rome at night .

This company also offers a night tour of the Colosseum and Underground as well as the Forum. This tour is only offered in English.

Seeing this landmark after the sun goes down is an entirely different experience, and it’s also a great way to avoid the large crowds that tend to come during the day.

• €99 adult | €94 child 2-14 | 1 and under are free
• Maximum 20 participants
• Various dates in the summer at 19:30 (7:30 pm)

There are many more night tour options .

On this VIP tour, you’ll visit the Colosseum after dark and see both the underground area and the Arena floor. 

In addition to visiting those sites, you’ll also see Teatro di Marcello, the Roman Forum, and Capitoline Hill.

This tour will be provided by a professional guide who will give all guests headsets so that they can hear everything being said.

• €84/Adults | €74/Children
• Availability: Limited

If you’d like to visit the Colosseum after dark, this company offers a VIP outing at night which includes admission to both the underground and arena floor.

This tour also includes a visit to Piazza Venezia, Trajan’s Market, the Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, and more.

• €89.95/Adults | €62.95/Youth

RELATED POSTS:

• Baths of Caracalla
• Capitoline Museums
• Borghese Gallery
• Vatican Museums

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• Colosseum tours
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Visit the Colosseum by your own way: plan your visit ahead

• In Colosseum Colosseum guided tour Colosseum tours

Travelling with family and friends can be rewarding, insightful and the best fun . So many might think that travelling abroad alone or in your own way is a less enriching experiences than with others.

Yet many globetrotters will tell you that travelling by yourself forces you to experience thing that you would have done if you were with others and it makes you notices thing you wouldn’t normally do.

What to expect during the Colosseum tour ?

The Colosseum is one of the most popular sites in Rome, which means you can expect large crowds during peak hours, people visiting the Colosseum by themselves will never feel alone.

The Colosseum, Palatine Hill , and the Roman Forum open every day at 8:30 am but closing times change depending on the season (it’s between 3:30pm and 7:30pm). It usually closes around sunset time.

The Colosseum is at its busiest between 11am and 1pm . If you want to go at the time of day we recommended taking the tour , which has special access points and will bypass the long security lines. If you want to go to Colosseum for opening hours , this is when the light is at its best for photos, you can still expect to queue for between 15 and 30 minutes.

How much time to spend

Give yourself 2-3 hours minimum to visit the Colosseum. It can take up to an hour to wait in the line to enter and then pass airport style security checks , and then it takes between 45 and 60 minutes to explore the arena itself, add extra time if you plan on visiting the Colosseum’s underground.

Once you get inside you can purchase or download an audio tour to enhance your experience and learn more about the site. There are also exhibition areas which provide additional historical information.

Add another 1 to 2 hours to visit the Forum and Palatine Hill, just expect to queue to enter these two areas. Your ticket will be valid for two days so you can save these two sites for the next day if you feel you won’t have enough time to visit.

What to see at the Colosseum by yourself ?

The colosseum.

The Colosseum is 186 metres long by 156 meters wide, with a 157 meter outer walls built from travertine marble. This building was thought to have stayed intact until 1349 after it collapsed during an earthquake. The fallen stone was used to construct buildings through the city of Rome, but even in its decaying state, it is still a magnificent monument. When you visit the Colosseum keep an eye out for these details

The Interior. The building was constructed to satisfy the public’s craving for public spectacle and bloody games. The emperor and Vestal Virgins would have had the best views from the boxes situated at the north and south ends of the arena. You can still see the names of senators carved in stone . Noble families would have sat on the second tier, whilst the third and fourth tiers were dedicated to the general public. Although few fragments have survived the interior was once lavish and ornate. A bronze cross sits at one end of the arena, it is thought to be a tribute to Christian martyrs who died in the arena, despite there being no evidence to such things happening.

The Hypogeum

The arena floor stood at 83 by 48 meters , was built of wood and then covered with sand. All that is left of this is the walls and the vast two-story tunnel beneath, where the exotic animals would be kept. Sadly, the floors and the elaborate lift-like machines have been destroyed.

Arch of Constantine

This triumphal arch stands beside the Colosseum as a tribute to Emperor Constantine. At 21 feet tall it is the largest and best preserved Roman triumphal arch . The arch is decorated with reliefs taken from other structures, so the scenes have no connection to Constantine and his victory in the battle of Milvan Bridge.

Where to Stay near the Colosseum ?

Rome is a very popular tourist destination so there is almost an unlimited amount of hotels to stay at. There is not a best district to stay in but your location will depend on your budget and your style when travelling by yourself.

Hostel, B&B or Airbnb?

Near to Termini Station , the man transport hub is where the hostels are, but you will be on the outskirts area. Hostels are a great way of meeting other solo travellers but these can be a little rowdy as people will often use them to throw parties or will stagger in at all hours. Hostels with curfews are the more peaceful option.

Bed and Breakfasts are the best option for those on a budget but don’t want to take the hostel route.

Airbnb’s are on every corner and cover every price range. Receive up to $47 discount via this link .

Italy also has pensiones, small 2-star family run lodgings often with breakfast served, that sits as a hybrid between B&B’s and a hostel.

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel experience try the Via Veneto district near Villa Borghese , this is where you’ll find the expensive and exclusive hotels with beautiful gardens .

Where to Book Colosseum Tickets ?

Most tour companies organize their tours around 3 prime locations that comprise much of the ancient monuments in Rome. Everyone needs the general admission ticket to enter the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Forum . Tickets are valid for 2 days but you can only enter each attraction once. These attractions are still included at no extra cost with the purchase of Rome’s tourist discount passes and are often included to the guided tour packages.

When it comes to getting your tickets for the Colosseum there are a number of ways you can do it, but booking in advance is the best option .

Book Online

Booking your ticket online is by far the easiest and most hassle free choice when it comes to buying Colosseum tickets, because it eliminates any queueing . Double check the terms and conditions before purchase because some tickets need to be validated at the ticket desk .

Ticket Office

For visitors who do not think ahead the ticket office is your best option . Try and find sellers that are not directly outside the Colosseum, the ones around the building will have the longest queues. We recommend offices on Via di San Gregorio (Palatine) and Via Sacra (Roman Forum, Arco di Tito). Make sure you put aside a decent amount of time as sometimes it can take up to 45 minutes to buy a ticket during peak months .

Go with a tour

If travelling by yoursel to the Colosseum doesn’t sound that appealing to you and you want to share it with others, trying going with a tour. Tours are curated so you can get the best out of Rome in a short time frame , which means you don’t have to worry about tickets and transport. Rome offers lots of different tours from value for money expeditions to private tours, there is something from every budget and group size . A lot of tour packages, which visit the Colosseum, will allow you to skip the queue and will give you exclusive access to underground passages.

Self-guided audio

Visual tours as well as guided tours of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Forum are available but cost extra .

Colosseum Guided Tours

By your own.

Self-guided and audio tours are great for those who want to explore the Colosseum alone, at their own pace and do not want to pay the costs of a fully guided tour. A big advantage of this is that you can linger inside the Colosseum for as long as you like, take photos and enjoy the views without being rushed along by a big group. You will still need to pay the entrance fee and then obtain the additional extras on site. There are a limited number of audio units so reserve in advance if you have your mind set on this option.

Official and private guided tours

There is an official Colosseum guided tour with a tour guide but this does not include access to the underground, arena or Belvedere. This tour is conducted in English, Italian and Spanish and lasts 45 minutes.

In addition to the official tour, there is no shortage of private tour operators that offer their own guided tour. They all come with different prices and at a different level of quality , so everyone will be able to find something that suits them.

As a solo traveller, you will never feel like you are visiting the Colosseum by yourself, as there are a variety of different tours to go on.

If you visit the Colosseum alone you have the choice to enjoy the company of strangers who may offer you a new perspective of the Eternal city, or maybe you want to savour getting lost in the ancient arena in your own mind. You can make what you want out of travelling your own way to Rome and visiting the Colosseum.

Fanny, an ardent admirer of ancient history and architecture, has been fascinated by the Colosseum since her first visit to Rome in 2012. As  a key contributor to the Visit Colosseum Rome blog, she brings her passion for the Roman Empire’s monumental legacy to every article and guide.

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Explore The Colosseum

The Colosseum, an architectural marvel and symbol of ancient Rome’s grandeur, invites you to step back in time and relive the glory of the Roman Empire. As you stand before this iconic amphitheater, envision the epic spectacles that unfold within its walls. Marvel at the ingenuity of its construction and the immense scale of this engineering masterpiece. Explore the labyrinthine corridors where gladiators once prepared for battle and the grand arena where thousands cheered for their favorite fighters. Learn about the Colosseum’s significance in shaping Roman culture and its enduring legacy in architecture and entertainment.

Discover the magic of the Colosseum with Clio Muse Tours.

Featured tours

The Colosseum: Bread and Games

Colosseum Self-guided Virtual Experience: Bread and Games

Colosseum Self-guided Virtual Experience: The Highlights

Why choose an e-ticket & self-guided audio tour bundle for colosseum.

The self-guided audio tour will offer you both historical information and trivia about the site, as well as allow you to determine your own pace during the visit. That means taking your time to absorb the beauty and knowledge as well as pausing and resuming whenever and wherever you wish. Having a ticket beforehand will save you significant waiting time , because you will be able to enter through the automatic scanners instead of the ticket booth line.

How do I enter Colosseum without waiting in line?

Skip the ticket booth line and head directly for the scanners. Scan the QR code of your ticket directly from your phone’s screen and you may enter.

What is the duration of a self-guided audio tour of the Colosseum?

Depending on your pace, you may need up to 3 hours. The tickets are valid for 24 hours after their first validation. Your tickets can grant you 2 total admissions but are valid for 3 sites:

• The Palatine Hill

In order to visit all 3, you will have to combine the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill in one visit.

Can I visit Colosseum anytime during opening hours?

The visit to the Colosseum is time-specific. Your selected time-slot is indicated on your ticket. You will need to arrive 30 minutes early for the standard security screening. No luggage or large backpacks are allowed.

Which Colosseum attractions does your self-guided audio tour cover?

Among others, our team has created stories about the:

• The basements
• The Pope’s cross
• The Colosseum square
• The Arch of Constantine
• The Stern Abutment

What is the best time to take the Colosseum self-guided audio tour?

Taking into consideration the high temperatures and the hot italian sun, you may start your visit either early in the morning (08:30 first admission) or early in the afternoon before the last admission at 18:15. In general you may find it best to avoid rush hours, in order to better enjoy the site.

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My Free Self-Guided Colosseum Tour in Rome

Like the Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China, the Roman Colosseum is one of the most recognizable places in the world. A visit to Rome almost certainly means a visit to the Colosseum is in the offing. And I have you covered with my free self-guided Colosseum tour.

Despite the Colosseum’s size, it’s a surprisingly easy and compact visit. These two facts make it perfect for a self-guided tour. You could spend your money on a tour, but why do that when you can save some cash with my self-guided Colosseum tour.

So, lace up your shoes and grab your camera, we’re going on a tour of the monumental Roman Colosseum!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will earn a small commission. This occurs at no adtded cost to you.

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History of the Roman Colosseum

Before you start your self-guided Colosseum tour, it’s important to know a bit of history for context.

Emperor Vespasian began construction of the Roman Colosseum in 72 A.D. The land used for the construction was part of a former complex owned by the previous emperor, Nero. Vespasian intended for the Colosseum to act as a gift to the people of Rome.

The majority of the Colosseum was finished eight years later by Vespasian’s son, Titus. Emperor Titus held the first games in either 80 or 81. Further construction was undertaken by Emperor Domitian, Vespasian’s younger son. Domitian had more seating added to the Colosseum and the underground built to house animals, slaves and gladiators during events.

The final stats of the Colosseum are still impressive today. It held over 50,000 people (some records suggest it could seat 87,000, though) and is the largest freestanding amphitheater ever built despite being nearly 2,000 years old. Further, the Colosseum measured 615 feet long, 510 feet wide, and a height of 157 feet. It covered an area of 6 acres!

Romans came to the Roman Colosseum to see gladiator fights, executions, animal hunts and reenactments of important Roman battles. For a time, the arena floor could even be flooded for staged naval battles.

Interestingly, the Colosseum wasn’t originally known by this name. Ancient Romans likely referred to it simply as amphitheater. The name Flavian Amphitheater, referring to the ruling dynasty that had it built, is likely came after the fall of the Rome. Researchers believe the name of the Colosseum stems from a large statue of Nero known as the Colossus of Nero that was housed near the amphitheater.

With the decline of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum saw less and less use. During the Middle Ages, it saw various uses. At different times it was used as a chapel, a cemetery, housing, workshops, a castle and a hideout for bandits. Its stonework was also used as building material for other construction around Rome.

Beginning in the late Renaissance period, the Catholic Church began to take a proactive role in preserving the Colosseum. In the 20th century, preservation of the Colosseum accelerated, with the state taking an active role in its maintenance in the 1990s.

My Self-Guided Colosseum Walking Tour

Regardless of how you’re approaching the amphitheater to start your self-guided Colosseum tour, you’re going to start to see it in distance before you get to it. Take a second to consider how this monument to Ancient Rome would have looked during Rome’s peak.

Spectators coming up to the Colosseum were greeted by a massive, dazzling white structure. Large statues from Roman mythology stood in the arches on the upper levels, and a 100-foot bronze statue of Nero greeted visitors at the Colosseum’s entrance. It would have been a sight unlike anything contemporary Romans would have ever seen.

Now, while still impressive, the Colosseum is all brown, unadorned rock and the statue of Nero is gone. The statue would have been in the same spot as the cypress trees near the entrance on the west end of the amphitheater. If you’re having a hard time finding the entrance, just look for the line of people and tour guides holding flags.

Don’t worry too much about walking around the whole structure. The most dramatic view of the Colosseum is as you approach from Via dei Fori Imperiali. Other than that, the rest more or less looks the same. It can still be interesting to see, but you should wait till after you tour the inside to see how much time you have left.

My self-guided Colosseum tour is based on the Full Experience Ticket. For more info on purchasing this ticket, scroll down to the ticketing section. You can also book an additional tour of the Underground and top level of the Colosseum. With access to the Arena, you get good views into the underground area, though.

The Start of My Self-Guided Colosseum Tour

Have your ticket handy so you can skip the line. Today, employees scan your ticket and send you on your way. 2,000 years ago, they would have given you a pottery shard telling you where your seat was.

As you enter to start your self-guided Colosseum tour and take your first steps through the ground level, take note of all the entrances and stairways leading to different seating sections. The passageways leading to the seats were known as vomitoria. This was all designed to allow for the 50,000 spectators (some sources say up to 87,000 people could fit in the Colosseum) to leave their seats and exit the stadium within minutes. Vomitoria means a rapid discharge and is where our word vomit comes from.

Within a few minutes of walking through the ground level, you’ll come across a large Christian cross on the north side of the Colosseum. This cross was placed here in 2000 by Pope John Paul II to commemorate Christians who were martyred here during public executions. However, modern research questions whether early Christians were executed at the Colosseum or at nearby sites.

The placement of this cross has a symbolic meaning, as well. This was where the Roman emperor sat, the person who had the ultimate say regarding who lived and who died in the arena below. Roman emperors also ordered the execution of thousands of Christians up till the reign of Emperor Galerius.

Self-Guided Colosseum Tour Stop #1 – The Arena

You’ll eventually come to the eastern entrance of the Colosseum’s Arena. This was the same entrance used by gladiators and large animals like elephants. It’s a little surreal to think that you’re entering into the Colosseum from this same gateway. If you listen hard enough, you can almost hear the roar of the crowd as you make your way into the arena.

Once you’re on the Colosseum Arena floor, take a second to just stop and look around. Imagine being a gladiator walking into the Colosseum wondering whether you were in the final moments of your life while thousands of Roman citizens scream at you. It’s a sobering feeling.

There are a few things to look at from the arena floor. The most obvious is the view of the Colosseum from the bottom up. It’s a view of the Flavian Amphitheater not many get to see. Take time to soak it in.

To your right at the center of the Colosseum is the emperor’s seating area. This is where the cross you saw earlier sits. Opposite from that on the Colosseum’s southern side is where the Vestal Virgins sat. The Vestal Virgins were a select group of six women chosen to be the priestesses of the goddess Vesta. They had the important function within Roman society of keeping the sacred fire of Vesta burning all year round. It was believed that Rome’s empire would end if the fire went out.

Just to the right of the gateway where you entered are remnants of the last remaining marble seats in the Colosseum. Now, envision the entire seating area looking like that!

After you’re done pretending to be a gladiator and admiring the Colosseum, it’s time to look into the Colosseum Underground. This section of the Colosseum is where wild animals, gladiators and prisoners were kept during the games. It’s mostly just a seemingly random maze of walls and tunnels, but this space would have been a chaotic mass of humanity and animals during events.

If you’re looking into the underground area, towards your left is one of the elevators where animals or prisoners could have been raised to the arena floor during the games.

Self-Guided Colosseum Tour Stop #2 – The Second Level

After you’re done in the Colosseum Arena, your next stop on your self-guided Colosseum tour is the second level of the amphitheater. This part of your tour is pretty straightforward.

You’ll walk around the majority of the second level taking in views of the Colosseum. Along the way, you can step out through different sections to admire different parts of this area of Rome. One of these sections, in particular, is worth checking out along the Colosseum’s southwestern edge. From here, you can get some great views of the Arch of Constantine and bits of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in the distance.

Self-Guided Colosseum Tour Stop #3 – The Museum

The last part of your self-guided Colosseum tour is the small museum on its third level. While the museum may seem like a bit of an afterthought, it actually has some interesting exhibits.

The museum details the Roman Colosseum’s history from its inception through the modern era. It has artifacts and detailed replicas on display to give you a better idea of what the Colosseum looked like on a more up-close level.

I especially enjoyed the sections on how the Colosseum was used during medieval times. It’s always so fascinating to me to see how people took these now legendary structures and adapted them to their needs during their own times. The Colosseum was no different in this regard.

While walking through the museum, you’ll learn how the Colosseum was used at different times as a chapel, housing, workshops and a hideout for bandits. At one point, it was even used a makeshift castle by the Frangipani family in the 13th century.

Make sure you save a bit of energy for the museum to get a better perspective of the Colosseum over the years!

Once you’re done in the museum, you’re basically done in the Colosseum. As you make your way out, you’ll get one more spot where you can get a good look of the underground and the Gladiator’s Gate from the Colosseum’s western end. Take this last moment to see some more of the underground and to reflect on everything you just saw.

Return to Visit the Colosseum at Nighttime

This last part of the tour isn’t vital, but I highly encourage trying to make time to come back to the Colosseum after the sun goes down. In general, Italy does a fantastic job at lighting its monuments to add an extra sense of wonder at nighttime. The Colosseum takes things to another level, though.

The Colosseum is lit from the inside, making its various arcades and archways glow with a soft orange light. It creates a magical effect that seems to bring its millennia-old stone blocks back to life.

Visiting at night also allows you to take in the Colosseum’s vastness unobscured by the throngs of people here during the day. It’s a great way to get one last bit of wonder out of your time with this ancient building.

Ticket Options for My Self-Guided Colosseum Tour

Before getting into the various ticket options, I first want to discuss where you should buy your tickets for visiting the Colosseum. A quick search online shows a huge number of websites selling Colosseum tickets, but only one of these, Coop Culture , is the official ticketing site. For the cheapest prices and most secure checkout process, I encourage you to use Coop Culture for your tickets.

The ticket with the best value is the Full Experience Ticket offered by Coop Culture. With the Full Experience Ticket , you get access to everything described above: the arena floor, the second floor of the Colosseum and the museum. With this ticket, you can also visit the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Imperial Forums, and several other smaller sights over a 48-hour span. Perhaps most importantly, though, you’re able to reserve a time to visit the Colosseum allowing you to skip the line to enter.

You have two other primary ticket options to consider when deciding how to visit the Colosseum. The first is basically the same but with the inclusion of the Colosseum’s Underground, the space where gladiators prepared and exotic animals were kept. Tickets for this are very limited and almost always need to be bought in advance. If you want to see the underground, keep checking Coop Culture’s page for when they become available on the date you’ll be visiting.

The €18 standard ticket includes only the second level of the Colosseum and the museum. It also allows you to visit the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and the Imperial forums but only over a 24-hour window.

Tips for My Self-Guided Colosseum Tour

Visiting the Roman Colosseum is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make your self-guided Colosseum tour go as smoothly as possible.

Book your tickets in advance ! This is the most important tip to help make your visit to the Colosseum a smooth one. The Colosseum is one of the world’s greatest tourist attractions. As such, it should be no surprise to read that it can get busy. By booking a ticket in advance, you can skip the line to enter, saving you the time and stress of having to wait.

Bring comfortable clothes and shoes . The Roman Colosseum actually has a fair bit of shade compared to other Roman ruins, but you’ll still find yourself in the sun quite a bit. You will also be on your feet for the whole time you’re visiting the Roman Colosseum. Because of this, you want to dress comfortably to stay as cool and comfortable as possible.

Bring sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses . As I just said, you’re going to be in the sun for part of your visit of the Colosseum. Having sunscreen on hand will help to protect yourself from the sun. A hat and/or sunglasses aren’t as important here, but if it’s particularly bright or your sensitive to sunlight, they could be helpful.

Have water handy . Not to belabor the point, but it can get hot in Italy. Staying hydrated will help keep your visit pleasant and enjoyable.

Other Things to do After Your Self-Guided Colosseum Tour

You have no shortage of other things to do near the Colosseum, especially if you are interested in Ancient Rome . After you’re done with the Colosseum, head over to the Roman Forum just a short 5-minute walk away. Whereas the Colosseum was where Romans went to have fun, the Forum was where they went to get things done. You can explore the various ruins while walking along the same roads as the Ancient Romans.

Before leaving the Forum, head up to the Palatine Hill to see more Roman ruins. This hill was where many of the Roman emperors lived. While the ruins are more broken down than the Forum’s, it’s still an interesting place to wander around without all the crowds of the Forum. You can also see the remains of the famed chariot racing circuit, the Circus Maximus, from Palatine Hill.

Either on your way to or from the Colosseum, you’ll head over the Imperial Forums . These ruins from Ancient Rome are what remain of various markets and governmental buildings. It’s easy enough to see them from Via dei Fori Imperiali, but with your Colosseum ticket, you can enter the forums for a closer look.

I also recommend checking out the Capitoline Museum if you have time. The Capitoline Museum sits on the hill on the northwestern edge of the Roman Forum. Here, you can find statues and artworks from Ancient Rome. It’s a nice change of pace from visiting the grand ruins you’ve seen everywhere else.

If you’re in the mood for even more Roman ruins, head to Pompeii to see an entire ancient city. It takes about two hours to reach by train, but it’s well worth the visit if you have the time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Colosseum

When is the best time to visit the Colosseum?

If you can, try to visit in the shoulder months of May and September. July and August bring the hottest weather and the biggest crowds. June is a good option if you can’t visit in May or September.

You should also try to visit early in the day to avoid the biggest crowds. If you purchase tickets ahead of time to skip the line, this isn’t as important, but it can still help to make your visit a bit more enjoyable if you’re concerned about big crowds.

Where should I stay nearby?

We stayed at Arch Rome Suites , and I highly recommend it for your stay in Rome! This hotel sits just a few steps away from the Pantheon and about a mile from the Colosseum. Besides being close to two of Rome’s most popular attractions, it also sits in an alley surrounded by cafes. Despite that, the rooms are quiet, providing a perfect spot for a bit of rest and relaxation in the middle of a busy day.

Should I book a tour to visit the Roman Colosseum?

I don’t think a tour is necessary for the Colosseum. Despite the Colosseum’s huge size, it’s actually a fairly compact visit. With a good blog post (*ahem*) as your guide, you should be okay by just doing a bit of research beforehand.

However, if you do want a more personalized tour, consider the one below! This tour includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and allows you to skip the lines at each sight. It has great reviews on GetYourGuide, having received 4.5/5 stars over 23,000 people who have taken it in the past.

Even though Coop Culture is the official site, it does tend to sell out very quickly. This can make it difficult to get tickets for some people. If that is happening to you, then the safest bet may be to book a guided tour.

Book Your Trip to Rome

Whether you’re looking for tours, hotels or flights, here are some tools to help get you started planning your trip to Rome!

Look for activities and tours offered through GetYourGuide or Viator !

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out my travel essentials pages for more of my recommendations.

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10 Best Colosseum Tours to Book in 2024 + Planning Tips

Symbol of Romans’ engineering genius, here you will find the best Colosseum tours to discover and delve into one of Rome’s most famous landmarks. Also known as Amphitheatre Flavium, it was built around 70AD. Since then, it has been the place for shows and games as well as a period of decline after the fall of the Roman Empire. After centuries, this huge amphitheater has shown no sign of cooling and keeps the record of being one of the most popular Rome attractions and one of the best Roman archaeological sites.

There are many ways you can visit the Colosseum , and while going independently might sound cheaper, it can also be quite time-consuming and not as valuable as booking a Colosseum private tour. Why? Because with a tour you can skip the line and save plenty of time, especially in crowded seasons, and because a tour leader can talk to you about historical Colosseum facts and anecdotes that otherwise you might not discover on your own.

Find here the best tours of the Colosseum in Rome. Choose the experience that better fits your needs and travel preferences. All these tours include Colosseum tickets skip-the-line to make sure you don’t queue for an hour or two and don’t take too much time off the other Roman landmarks .

Even though it’s one of Rome’s main tourist attractions, there are many things to know and learn about this ancient amphitheater. This is why a Colosseum and Roman Forum tour is essential if you are interested in going beyond just looking at the architecture.

Whether you book a private Colosseum underground tour or an exclusive Colosseum night tour, you will learn and see much more than with a simple ticket entrance to the general access area. We selected the best Colosseum tours for every preference. Whether you only want to visit the general access areas while learning about the whole structure, or also walk the arena floor and gladiators’ dungeon.

Table of Contents

Best Roman Colosseum tours picked by us

Colosseum tour with underground, arena & gladiator gate with roman forum.

This is a semi-private tour of the Colosseum run by LivTours. It’s one of the most complete Colosseum tours because it’s all-inclusive of all the Colosseum sectors, both those open to the general public and those accessible only with a certified tour guide such as the Arena Floor, the Gladiator’s Gate, and the fantastic Undergrounds.

I have visited the underground level of the Colosseum and I think it’s one of the most important sections, revealing the majesty of the landmark and its complicated architecture.

On this semi-private tour of the Colosseum of 6 participants max, you will have an expert guide showing you around these huge ancient sites and explaining their importance and purpose in Roman times.

Quick facts:

• How long: 3 hours and 15 minutes
• How many people: 6 max
• Skip the line: Yes
• Sights included: Colosseum (with Underground, Arena floor, Gladiator’s Gate), Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Julius Caesar’s altar, Basilica of Maxentius.
• Price: adults 159€, teenagers 13-17yo 149€, children 3-12yo 144€, free for under 3.

Click here for more info and to book

Skip-the-line Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

A popular Colosseum private tour, this will also take you to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. With a maximum of 15 people per group, this itinerary through ancient Rome is easy to follow and hear even when the Colosseum is crowded. Which is most of the time.

You will travel through history and learn about the fights, mass executions, and naval battles of one of Rome’s monuments to the human genius.

You will explore the Colosseum for about an hour and then your guide will take you to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Here you will walk through the daily life and politics of ancient Rome and see where Julius Caesar was cremated.

One of the best tours of the Colosseum and the Forum, the explanation of all the places goes in-depth while remaining intriguing and amusing. While this tour includes a skip-the-line ticket, it won’t take you to see the underground level or to stop on the Arena floor.

• How long: 3 hours
• How many people: 15 max
• Sights included: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Julius Caesar’s altar.
• Price: Prices vary depending on the day and on the time. Adults’ tickets range between 59 to 100€, children up to 14yo between 55 and 93€, free for under 2.

VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

This is another Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine tour. Here you also have access to the underground and the arena floor for a complete experience.

If you are looking for the best Colosseum underground tour, do check this out. With a maximum of 24 people, enjoy the lesser-busy parts of the Colosseum, which not many visitors get access to as a certified guide is required.

After visiting the underground where animals and gladiators awaited their fate and the arena floor where shows took place, you will walk around the general access areas. This tour is very interesting in that you will have the chance to visit areas of the Colosseum that are only accessible with a guide like the underground and dungeon built for the gladiators to wait to enter the arena and meet their fate.

Finally, you will visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for a complete experience of ancient Rome.

• How long: 3.5 hours
• How many people: 24 max
• Sights included: Colosseum, Colosseum Underground, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Arch of Constantine.
• Price: Prices vary depending on the day and on the time. Adults from 119€, children up to 14yo from 114€, free for under 2.

Click here for more info and to book .

READ MORE: Want to know more about the history of this famous Rome landmark? Check out our article on the Colosseum facts and history .

Top Tier Semi-Private Colosseum Tour with Panoramic Glass Elevator

This is an exclusive semi-private tour that will take you around the Colosseum and up the panoramic glass elevator. This Colosseum tour doesn’t include a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill but it will take you to the newly-opened upper tiers of the Roman amphitheater through the glass elevator.

The view is incredible both from the top and while climbing. You will not only be able to enjoy a privileged view of the Roman Forum but also of the skyline of Rome.

• How long: 1.5 hours
• Sights included: Colosseum, glass elevator.
• Price: Adults from 109€ but the minimum of the tour is 2 people so it starts from 218€ for 2 all-inclusive, teenagers 13-17yo 99€, children 3-12yo from 94€, free for under 3.

Gladiators’ Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor

This skip-the-line Colosseum tour allows you to enter from the gladiators’ gate directly to the arena floor. From here, you will have a full view of the spectators’ stalls. From here, emperors and the audience watched the shows and cheered at their favorite gladiators.

After walking through the restricted areas and learning about their history and construction, the tour will continue to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Here is where the wolf found Romulus and Remus and Rome was founded .

• How many people: 25 max
• Sights included: Colosseum, Gladiator’s Gate, Arena floor, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill.
• Price: Prices vary depending on the day and on the time. Adults 63-107€, children up to 13-17yo 59-96€, free for under 2.

READ MORE: Do you want to have different experiences and visit more places? Check out the other great Rome tours !

Private Colosseum Tour Including Ancient City

This is a private tour of the Colosseum in which you will have your private expert guide who will be able to personalize the experience according to your needs. The tour includes priority access to all the sights and gives you the option to add Gladiators’ school experience for kids for an extra charge.

• How many people: Private
• Sights included: Colosseum main floor and 1st tier, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill.
• Price: 429€ for 2 participants all-inclusive, teenagers 13-17yo 69€, children 3-12yo 64€, free for under 3.

Rome in A Day Tour with Vatican, Colosseum and Historic Centre

If you are short on time but still want to visit as much as you can, including the Colosseum and the main highlights of the Vatican, this is the tour for you.

It’s a full-day Rome tour of a little less than 8 hours where you will visit the city’s main landmarks such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and obviously the Colosseum with a fast-track entrance.

This is a pretty daring tour, as Rome is very hard to visit in a day, but if this is all the time you have and still want to make the most out of it, you can only do it with an expert tour guide.

• How long: 7 hours and a half.
• How many people: 18 max
• Sights included: Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Centro Storico, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Capitoline Hill.
• Price: adults 139€, children up to 14yo 129€, free for under 2.

READ MORE: Check out my detailed post for more tips on the best way to visit the Colosseum and enjoy your experience.

Private Colosseum Guided Tour with Underground & Ancient Rome

This is one of the private Colosseum tours by LivTours. You will be shown the Colosseum in all its parts, including those generally restricted to the public, at your own pace with your expert guide able to customize the experience for you.

You will also visit the Roman Forum, the very heart of the ancient city, where temples, villas and the Senate house were built. Here daily life went on thousands of years ago. One of my favorite areas within the Roman Forum is the altar devoted to Julius Caesar. After his death, he was deified and still now his fellow citizens bring him fresh flowers. Part of the tour is also Palatine Hill, the birthplace of Rome.

You can also request pick-up and drop-off services for an extra charge.

• How long: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Sights included: Colosseum, Colosseum underground, Arena Floor, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill.
• Price: 519€ for 2 people all-inclusive, teenagers 13-17yo 89€, children 3-12yo 84€, free for under 3.

Colosseum Tour + Gladiator’s Entrance

This tour will make live the gladiators’ experience from the beginning. First of all, you will access the Arena from the Gladiators’ Gate to have a feel of what the famous fighters as well as the people sentenced to death by wild animals would have felt before meeting their fate.

Your visit will cover all areas and floor of the Colosseum making you relive all the thrill and the ferment of its heyday under all perspectives, whether it’s the gladiators or the public. An expert guide will talk you through the history, the technical details of the Colosseum’s architecture, and the activities the audience engaged in.

Once you are done exploring the Colosseum, you will make your way to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill where your guide will explain the importance of these archaeological sites in Ancient Rome. Your guide will also show you 3D images to show you what these areas looked like at their highest moment.

• How many people: 20 max
• Sights included: Colosseum, Gladiators’ Gate, Colosseum Dungeon, Arena Floor.
• Price: adults €50, children 6 to 17yo €44, free for children under 6.

Colosseum Skip-the-Line Self-Guided Virtual Reality Tour

If you’d rather book only a skip-the-line Colosseum ticket and explore the site with your own 3D virtual device, you can check out this tour.

For around 30€, you will rent an audio guide with headphones for which you can choose your language. This is a device for 3D interactive reconstruction of the Colosseum to “relive” the shows taking place 2000 years ago.

If you don’t want a guide and want to experience the Colosseum at your own pace, this is a good option. You will also have fast-track access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

• How long: 2 hours
• Sights included: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill.
• Price: from €59.90 per person.

READ MORE: Visiting Rome for the first time? Check out our detailed guide to the top Rome attractions .

Which tour of the Colosseum is best?

My favorite tour companies in Rome are Walks and LivTours . I have taken many tours with them so it’s only natural that these are what I recommend. The best Colosseum tours to book are those that also include the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill so that in one tour you will have visited some of the most important archaeological sites in Rome . Ideally, they should be also inclusive of skip-the-line tickets which help avoid waiting up to an hour during hot summer days in the line.

This comes really handy especially if you are traveling to Rome with kids or elderly friends and family. If one of the things to do in London with kids in fact is to discover Harry Potter’s places, in Rome, this goes for gladiators and ancient Roman shows and fights.

Countless companies are providing fantastic tours of the Colosseum in Rome. For a more complete experience, you can book a tour that includes also the Arena Floor and/or the Underground because you are going to have the full picture of what was really going on during the famous shows in Ancient Rome, how the Colosseum was built and organized, and what happened backstage.

We have listed some of the best Colosseum tours for you to help you decide which one is best for you.

Is it worth getting a guided tour of the Colosseum?

Getting a guided tour of the Roman Colosseum is totally worth it if you want to learn more than what you would grasp by looking at the ruins by yourself. A tour will be led by an expert guide, often a historian or an archaeologist, who will give you insights you are likely to miss on your own.

I have visited the Colosseum many times, sometimes on my own and sometimes on a guided tour. The historians leading the tours I took incredibly increased the value and my knowledge about the place, its complex architecture, its original appearance, what everybody would do inside the Colosseum, whether they were the fighters, the staff coordinating the different parts, and the public.

Is the Colosseum Underground tour worth it?

Booking a tour where also the Colosseum Underground is included is always a great option. The undergrounds and the dungeon had their specific purpose and required great engineering skills to be built. So it’s important to get to know also this area to make your experience more complete.

Not all the tours include also the Colosseum Underground, just like they don’t all include the Arena Floor. These are the areas that are not open to the general public who only booked a standard ticket and they require a guide to access. Usually, the undergrounds and the arena floor are on the same tours and these are the experiences I recommend.

Can you do a self-guided tour of the Colosseum?

You can always book skip-the-line tickets and explore the Colosseum at your own pace. These will give you access to the floors open to all visitors. If you want to access also the arena floor and the dungeon, you will need to book a private tour with a certified guide.

How long should you spend at the Colosseum?

I recommend staying at least 2 to 3 hours inside the Colosseum to visit and explore all its areas and sections, so the bleachers where the spectators watched the shows and fights, the undergrounds and the area floor.

Tips to enjoy your Colosseum tour

• Book online. Whether you are doing a private guided tour or an official certified tour, booking online is always recommended even if you are only buying a skip-the-line ticket.
• Bring your ID. Don’t forget your national ID or passport as they will be checked at the entrance.
• Get there early. Even if you have a specific time for the start of your tour, I suggest getting there at least 10 to 15 minutes earlier to meet your tour guide and to
• Wear comfortable shoes. Inside the Colosseum, you will walk a lot and you will occasionally do some stairs so definitely you don’t want to wear high heels or even flip flops. Wear a pair of runners, sneakers, or walking sandals.
• Don’t wear a backpack. Backpacks and wheeled suitcases are not allowed in the Colosseum and there is no cloakroom so don’t carry yours otherwise it will be confiscated or you won’t be allowed in. You can bring a purse or a crossbody bag.
• Bring a bottle of water. Don’t forget to carry a reusable water bottle to remain hydrated. Inside the Colosseum, there are also small fountains where you can refill it.
• Wear sunscreen or a hat. Visiting the Colosseum takes place almost completely open-air so in summer make sure you don’t forget to wear sunscreen or a hat.

Wondering where to eat near the Colosseum? Check out our list of the top restaurants!

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Colosseum: Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone (without ticket)

Rome, Italy

• Offline content and interactive map won't eat up your data
• Self-guided tour is great for independent travelers
• Phone-based tour lets you stop and start whenever you like
• Tour with just your party, no big groups

What's Included

Departure & return, departure point, departure time, return details, what to expect, additional info.

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Please consider that admission fees for the archaeological site are not included in the price. Kindly proceed to Colosseum’s ticket office to purchase your ticket
• This is a downloadable self-guided audio tour for your smartphone. No live guide will accompany you. No VR / AR is included
• Book per device to be used, not per participant
• After booking, you will receive an email from Clio Muse Tours with further instructions about your audio tour. Please check your email spam folder as well
• As internet access might be unavailable & mobile signal may be weak,so prior to your visit and while you have wifi access, download on your smartphone, the audio tour in order to enjoy it offline
• The audio tour can be used repeatedly both online and offline. Use your headphones to best enjoy
• An Android or iOS smartphone is required. (Windows phones are not compatible with the app)
• Please ensure you have enough storage space. (required size for the app & tour: 100-150 MB)
• The Colosseum is wheelchair accessible from the entrances located along Via dei Fori Imperiali. The first floor can be accessed by the lift on the northern side of the Amphitheatre
• Kindly note that travelers need to arrive at the entrance of the Colosseum 30 minutes in advance to go through the security check-in. Late arrivals won’t be accommodated
• Please consider that large backpacks and bulky bags/ luggage are not allowed in the archaeological site
• Please wear sunscreen and a hat during the hot summer months
• Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes
• Most travelers can participate
• Non refundable once activated
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Cancellation policy

From 15. 84  usd.

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Secure your spot while staying flexible

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Colosseum Self Guided Tour with 3D Virtual Reality Experience

Prepare yourself to be immersed in the grandeur of ancient Rome with our exclusive Colosseum skip-the-line, self-guided virtual reality tour. Dive into the heart of one of the most iconic architectural marvels ever built and experience its history like never before.

Experience Ancient Rome Through Interactive 3D

Imagine yourself standing amidst the hustle and bustle of the heart of ancient Rome, witnessing the mighty Colosseum in all its glory. Our cutting-edge virtual reality tour brings the Colosseum’s captivating history to life. Experience the Colosseum in a fully animated and interactive 3D reconstruction, complete with gripping audio commentary.

Stroll the square, feel the adrenaline of the gladiators on the arena floor, and listen to the ferocious roars of lions echoing through the corridors. Then, head below to the mysterious underbelly of the Colosseum, where slaves and gladiators once prepared for epic spectacles.

Marvel at the Majestic Colosseum

Built to accommodate between 50,000 to 75,000 spectators, the Colosseum stands as a testament to the grandeur of Rome. Our virtual reality tour allows you to skip the line and explore the Colosseum intimately. Relive the moments of greatest glory and visualize the iconic symbol of Rome as it was centuries ago.

Extend Your Exploration to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Once you’ve completed your journey through the Colosseum, venture further to the ruins of the Roman Forum and the legendary Palatine Hill. Walk the same streets as Roman emperors, discover the site where Rome was founded, and marvel at the heart of the vast Roman Empire.

Journey with Us

Join us on an extraordinary journey through time. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill. Experience the history, the myths, and the glory of ancient Rome through our skip-the-line self-guided virtual reality tour.

Experience the grandeur and history of Rome as it unfolds before your eyes. Unveil the secrets of the ancient world with our exclusive virtual reality tour. Book your journey through time today.

• Interactive 3D reconstruction of life in ancient Rome.
• Detailed history of the Colosseum, Rome’s iconic symbol.
• Guided exploration of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
• Oculus VR headset, providing the highest quality VR experience.
• Audio commentary in English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, or Italian (chosen during the booking process).
• Samsung S7 rental and English-speaking VR assistant to enhance your virtual journey.
• Skip-the-line entrance tickets to the Colosseum , Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
• Comprehensive third-party insurance for peace of mind.
• Live guide.
• Access to the Underground , Arena Floor, and the Third Ring.
• Personal expenses and gratuities.
• Transportation to and from the venue.

Free cancellation up to 1 day before tour starts.

from €1200.00 EUR Duration:  3.5 Hours  Organized by: Enjoy Rome

from €260.00 EUR Duration: 7 Hours  Seller: Musement

from €48.60 EUR Duration: 3 Hours  Organized by: Gray Line I Love Rome

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Home » Free Itineraries » Ancient Rome Self Guided Tour

Ancient Rome Self Guided Tour

• Duration: 3 hours
• Tickets: not needed
• Accessibility: Partially Accessibile to Wheelchairs
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Best time to visit: 2.30 pm – 6.30 pm

Itinerary Highlights

1 largo argentina.

– Remains of the Temples; – The area where Julius Caesar was assassinated;

2 ALTAR OF THE FATHERLAND

– Il Vittoriano Complex; – Equestrian Statue of King Emmanuel II; – The Altar;

3 CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA IN ARACOELI

4 capitoline hill square, 5 view of the roman forum.

– Via del Campidoglio;

6 ACQUA MARCIA FOUNTAIN

7 via dei fori imperial.

– Forum of Caesar; – Forum of Trajan;

8 COLOSSEUM

9 arch of constantine, 10 circus maximus, do you like this itinerary.

Embark on a self guided tour of the Ancient Rome. Starting from Largo di Torre Argentina, the area where Julius Caesar was murdered, reach Piazza Venezia and the impressive Altar of the Fatherland! Climb up the stairs to reach the church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli and Piazza del Campidoglio. Stun at the ruins of the Roman Forum from Via del Campidoglio and walk down the charming street called Via di San Pietro in Carcere. Head to Via dei Fori Imperiali to discover the ruins of Caesar’s and Trajan’s forum till you reach the Colosseum! Admire the ancient amphitheater from the outside, along with the famous Arch of Constantine. End your self guided tour at Circus Maximus.

1. LARGO ARGENTINA

Largo di Torre Argentina is the most extended complex from the Roman Republican age. The remains of the four temples date back to the 4th and 2nd century BC. Even though they are not imposing in size, they do have a real interesting architecture and history. Indeed, you are standing in the area where Julius Caesar was killed! The murder occurred on the Ides of March next to the temples in the senator’s meeting place nearby Pompeo’s theater.

Go at the west corner of the square next to the tower, then take via delle Botteghe Oscure and walk until the end of the street.

2. ALTAR OF THE FATHERLAND

The imposing monument, known as Altar of the Fatherland or “il Vittoriano” , was designed by Giuseppe Sacconi (1885-1911) and dedicated to the first Italian King Vittorio Emanuele II.

Admire the two colossal chariots of winged victory made in dark bronze contrasting the white marble structure of the monument. The chariots were carried out in 1908 by Carlo Fontana and Pablo Bartolini. The actual altar is located at the centre, crowned with a statue of Roma, at the base of which, the Unknown Soldier monument was placed in 1921, in memory of all those lost in the First World War. On the side of the building there are two museums housing temporary exhibits. On the terrace, there is a caffè offering a beautiful panorama.

Leave the Vittoriano. On the left side of the monument you will see a staircase. Climb up climb the steep stairs to visit the Church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli.

3. SANTA MARIA IN ARACOELI CHURCH

The church rises on the highest point of Campidoglio Square, where the “Arce” or citadel of Rome was located that can be reached only by climbing the 124 steps. The stairway was built in 1348 and dedicated to the Madonna, for having saved the city from a plague. Santa Maria in Aracoeli inherited the glory of the Ancient Campidoglio, becoming the national church of the nobility and people of Rome and seat of the medieval Senate. The church is also important for its relics, frescoes and gilded ceiling.

Climb the lower stairs referred to as the Cordonata, to rise the Capitoline Hill and find Piazza del Campidoglio .

4. CAPITOLINE HILL AND PIAZZA DEL CAMPIDOGLIO

Michelangelo designed this splendid square for Pope Paul III (1534-1549). Two palaces, Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo , both part of the Capitoline Museums Complex, overlook the charming piazza. Between them there’s Palazzo Senatorio , which houses the municipality of Rome. Built on the Tabularium, the ancient Roman archives, it is preceded by a stairway with two converging ramps with Roman statues, representing the Nile river, the Minerva and the Tiber river, at the base. The Equestrian Statue at the centre is dedicated to King Emmanuel II.

Facing the Town Hall take the street on the right to discover an amazing view of the Roman Forum from Via del Campidoglio !

5. VIEW THE ROMAN FORUM

The Roman Forum served as the key point of the civil and economic life in Ancient Rome. This was the place has been considered as the heart of Western civilization!

With the Town Hall in front of you, take the street on the left and go down via di San Pietro in Carcere to find the Acqua Marcia Fountain.

6. ACQUA MARCIA FOUNTAIN

The “Marcia Aqueduct” was built by a praetor, Quintus Marcius Rex, between 144 and 140 b.C. and it was financed with the loot taken from Carthage and Corinth after 146 BC. The Marcia was appreciated by the Romans for the quality of its clear, cold water, which came from rainwater running down the slopes of the Simbruini ridge. The water is potable and you can drink it!

Reach via dei Fori Imperiali .

7. VIA DEI FORI IMPERIALI

The long, straight road built in 1932 cuts the Forum ruins in half. On your right stands the Forum of Caesar : consecrated in 46 b.C, and completed during the reign of Augustus after the victories and triumphs of the Gallic wars, it was the first of the so-called Imperial Fora. The Forum of Caesar has rectangular shape and is bordered on all four sides by porticoes. Marvel at the remains, three beautiful columns, of the Temple of Venus Genetrix , dedicated to goddess of motherhood and domesticity.

On the opposite side of Via dei Fori Imperiali stands the Trajan Forum , intentionally commissioned larger and more splendid than the others, with a huge market area inside that served as a new business center for Rome. Right after Trajan’s Market there’s the Forum of Augustus which still retains three, 45 feet-high Corinthian columns from the grandiose Temple of Mars Ultor (Mars the Avenger).

8. THE COLOSSEUM

The huge amphitheatre was started in 72 a.D. by Vespasian and finished by his son Titus in the 80 AD. Domitian added some finishing touches in 81.The actual name of the Colosseum is “Flavian Amphitheatre” after the Flavian dynasty, but is commonly referred to as the Coliseum or Colosseum because of the colossal statue of Emperor Nero that once raised nearby. In its heyday, the massive amphitheatre served as a location for state functions. However, the events the Romans preferred the most were the circus games (ludi circenses), which primarily consisted in ferocious animal hunts, gladiator battles and even mock naval battles.

9. ARCH OF CONSTANTINE

Built in honor of Emperor Constantine, who was the first to officially recognize Christianity in 4th century AD, the arch features three archways and beautiful bas-reliefs. It bears an inscription in memory of Emperor Constantine’s victory over his rival Maxentius and the forthcoming affirmation of Christianity.

With the Arch of Constantine behind you, take via di San Gregorio. At the end of the street take a left turn and reach Circo Massimo.

10. CIRCUS MAXIMUS

Circus Maximus was basically a mass entertainment venue in Rome , an ancient stadium built especially for chariot races and public games connected to Roman religious festivals. Circus Maximus, the first and largest stadium in ancient Rome, became a model for next circuses. Today, Romans still use it for jogging and walking!

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Colosseum Self Guided Tour

C olosseum self guided tour or Colosseum skip the line tickets, it is almost similar with their functions. A normal colosseum ticket purchase gives access to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. These three places are includes of one ticket.

There are actually three ways to buy the Colosseum tickets :

• Waiting for hours in the queue
• Purchasing online and
• Purchasing with tour operator (in stores or tour sites)

What does Colosseum self guided tour mean?

A self guided tour means to purchase your ticket and touring alone or with co-mates without a local guide. With a self guided tour you get an advantage of touring at this ancient wonder at privacy. Exploring, experiencing the tourist spots on self. This type of tours are most preferred by couples and people seeking privacy. Adding to this, audio guide is the best choice.

What’s the difference between guided and self guided tour?

In a guided tour we have a local guide hosting tourists in their desired language which gives a personal touch to those tourists. The guide will be responsible for their ticketing, touring and any other situations. Walking along with the guide gives an extraordinary experience of the Colosseum. The guides are highly educated, trained and licensed to drive you through the history of these ancient buildings. The liveliness of exploring the world wonder can never be underestimated.

A Colosseum guided tour would range from 40-50 euros per person and the self guided tour from 25-35 euros. At ROMEVATICANCITY the guided tour are provided at seasonal costs, which means tour will be on sale at lesser cost.

What are the Colosseum skip the line tickets?

The tickets acquired to skip the long waiting queues in front of the massive Colosseum. These tickets are easily available online with Colosseum official site and the tour operators. The availability on official website is always low. The tourists had to depend on queueing and on tour operators.

How to buy the Colosseum self guided tour online?

Firstly at ROMEVATICANCITY it is possible to book the tickets online. Or, on many other tour websites and stores. Skip the line tickets, guided tours, self guided tours are most sold tours for Colosseum

The types of Colosseum tickets

• Standard Colosseum entrance: With this the tourist can explore the Colosseum (ground floor and the first floor), Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum
• Colosseum Underground: With this the tourist gets that wonderful chance of exploring the Colosseum’s underground, 1st and ground level, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum
• Arena Colosseum: “Gladiator’s Gate” or The Arena floor is an advantage with Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum.

There is a difference between guided and self guided tours, which makes guided tours expensive than the self guided tours. These guided tours includes the cost of tickets, radio headphones, tour guide charges and tour operator’s cost. While the self guided tour costs only the ticket and additional taxes.

Best way to skip the line – Conclusion

Book the tickets or tours online. This will help you to explore more of ROME without wasting time in the long queues. These queues has a minimum waiting time of 2-3 hours, which is equivalent to a full Colosseum guided tour . It takes 3 hours to visit all places of the Colosseum with a guide.

Also Checkout out blog on Vatican Dress code

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Colosseum Self-Guided 40-Minute Audio Tour – Rome

Set out on an enriching journey through the Colosseum with the Self-Guided 40-Minute Audio Tour 2024 in Rome. Led by the captivating voice of Spartacus, visitors will uncover the ancient allure of this iconic monument. Equipped with offline chapters and insider insights, this audio tour promises a personalized exploration like never before.

Starting at Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM , Italy , guests can savor the history at their own pace. With a blend of history and technology, this tour offers a unique perspective and a chance to take in the Colosseum’s legendary tales.

• Engaging 40-minute self-guided audio tour at the Colosseum with Spartacus narration
• Interactive elements for immersive exploration and understanding of historical significance
• Convenient meeting point at Piazza del Colosseo with flexible tour schedule
• Snack options provided for a rewarding and educational experience

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Skip the Line: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour
• Global: Esim High-Speed Mobile Data Plan

Tour Overview

Enjoy the rich history of the Colosseum with a self-guided audio tour narrated by the voice of Spartacus.

The audio commentary provides a depth of information about the ancient amphitheater, offering insights into its construction, the gladiatorial games , and the societal context of ancient Rome.

This interactive experience allows visitors to explore at their own pace while delving into the fascinating stories behind the iconic monument.

With Spartacus as your guide, you can visualize the grandeur of the Colosseum and imagine the spectacles that once took place within its walls.

The tour combines historical facts with engaging narratives, creating a memorable and educational journey through one of Rome’s most famous landmarks.

Inclusions and Amenities

Enhance your visit to the Colosseum with a comprehensive self-guided audio tour that includes a variety of inclusions and amenities for a seamless and informative experience. When you book this audio tour, you can expect the following:

Snack Options : Enjoy the tour without worrying about hunger with provided snacks.

Audio Quality: Enjoy the narration with high-quality audio for a clear and engaging experience.

Interactive Features: Engage with the content through interactive elements that enhance your understanding of the Colosseum’s history.

Historical Accuracy : Gain insights into the ancient history of the Colosseum with a tour that’s carefully crafted for historical accuracy .

These inclusions and amenities ensure a rewarding and educational visit to this iconic Roman landmark.

Meeting Point and Schedule

The meeting point for the self-guided audio tour at the Colosseum in Rome is located at Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM , Italy .

Upon arrival, visitors will receive their audio guide narrated by the voice of Spartacus, providing essential historical context about the ancient monument. It’s important to note that there’s no tour guide to meet you at the location.

The tour is available from 10:30 AM to 07:30 PM, allowing flexibility for visitors to choose a convenient time to embark on their 40-minute journey through the Colosseum.

After completing the tour, you will end back at the meeting point, where they can further explore the iconic site or explore more fascinating details about its history and significance.

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

Travelers visiting the Colosseum in Rome have provided valuable feedback and reviews on their experiences with the self-guided audio tour narrated by Spartacus. Here is a summary of their thoughts:

Audio Quality : Many praised the clear sound and high-quality narration, enhancing their understanding of the historical site.

Interactive Experience : Travelers enjoyed the interactive elements of the tour, such as the ability to select different chapters and explore at their own pace.

Historical Context : Several reviewers highlighted the depth of historical information provided, giving them a richer appreciation of the Colosseum.

Spartacus’ Narration : The majority of visitors found Spartacus’ narration engaging and informative, adding a captivating layer to their tour experience.

Additional Tour Information

After exploring the historical significance and visitor feedback of the self-guided audio tour at the Colosseum in Rome, explore the practical details and benefits of this immersive experience.

The audio commentary , narrated by the voice of Spartacus, provides visitors with in-depth historical insights, creating an interactive experience that enhances the storytelling within the ancient walls of the Colosseum.

This self-guided tour allows for flexible exploration, catering to those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the iconic landmark. By immersing oneself in the rich history of the Colosseum through the audio tour, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the site and its significance.

Enhance your visit by letting Spartacus guide you through the immersive storytelling of this iconic Roman monument.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Pompeii Day Trip From Rome With Mount Vesuvius or Positano Option
• Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peters Basilica
• Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
• Rome: Crypts, Catacombs & Undergrounds Tour With Coach Transfers
• Skip the Line Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour With Basilica Entry
• Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum: Skip-the-Line Ticket (Mar )

Common questions

Can I Use My Own Headphones for the Audio Tour, or Are Headsets Provided?

Yes, you can use your own headphones for the audio tour, but headsets are provided for convenience. The provided headsets ensure optimal sound quality and compatibility with the tour’s narration. This flexibility enhances the overall experience for all visitors.

Is There a Specific Route or Order to Follow During the Self-Guided Tour, or Can I Explore at My Own Pace?

During the self-guided audio tour at the Colosseum, visitors have the flexibility to explore at their own pace. There is no specific route to follow, allowing for a personalized and guided experience through the ancient Roman landmark.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Limitations for Participating in the Audio Tour?

Age restrictions or limitations don’t apply for the audio tour. Participants of all ages can enjoy the experience. Headphones are provided, and visitors have route flexibility . Ticket purchasing is separate. Restroom availability is within the Colosseum.

How Long in Advance Should I Purchase Tickets for the Audio Tour, and Are There Any Discounts Available?

When planning to experience the audio tour, visitors should purchase tickets in advance to secure availability. Discounts might be offered for group rates . The 40-minute tour provides valuable insights, making it an ideal choice for a comprehensive Colosseum visit.

Are There Any Restrooms or Facilities Available Along the Tour Route, or Should I Plan Accordingly Before Starting the Tour?

Travelers don’t need to worry about restroom availability during the self-guided audio tour. With flexible timing, visitors can plan accordingly beforehand. This ensures a seamless experience exploring the Colosseum without interruptions.

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Step back in time with the Colosseum Self-Guided 40-Minute Audio Tour 2024 and uncover the secrets of this ancient wonder.

Did you know that the Colosseum could hold up to 80,000 spectators during its glory days? Imagine the roar of the crowd and the excitement of the gladiatorial games as you explore this iconic landmark with Spartacus as your guide.

Don’t miss out on this immersive experience in the heart of Rome.

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The 5 Best Rome Colosseum Tours With Skip-the-Line Access

A s the most enduring symbol of the Roman Empire and one of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Colosseum receives more than 6 million visitors per year, so it's not easy to escape the crowds. A visit is worth it, though, if you want to see the world's largest amphitheater – once known as the Flavian Amphitheater – and try to imagine what it would have been like 2,000 years ago.

A standard ticket to the Colosseum also includes access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, so many (but not all) tours also include those ancient sites. Inside the ancient complex, there is very little signage explaining what you're looking at. A good guide will not only get you skip-the-line access but also bring these incredible places to life. Keep in mind that most Colosseum tours only give you access to the arena floor and upper level. If you want to visit the underground hypogeum, you need to make sure it's included in the tour.

Crown Tours: Skip the line Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum tour

Price: Adults from $84; kids from $67

Duration: 3 hours

Standout perk: Engaging guides speak several languages.

Selected by GetYourGuide as a Certified Experience, this group tour starts at the Colosseum, then takes you to the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. Groups consist of up to 30 people, and tourgoers are given headsets so they can better hear and follow the guide. The tour meets at Largo Gaetana Agnesi on the hill overlooking the Colosseum about 30 minutes before the official entry time to get everyone checked in and set up with headsets. The guide then leads participants into the Colosseum and up to the second level, where there's a chance to stop and take photos. On the way back down, there's another photo-op at the arena level before the guide leads the group over to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.

Crown Tours also offers guided tours of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Basilica, as well as the Borghese Gallery, Pantheon and other sites.

Local tip: This tour is offered over a variety of time slots every day. Pick one of the earlier time slots to make sure you'll finish up by lunchtime.

Check prices & availability on:

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Through Eternity Tours: Ultimate Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Price: Adults from $105; kids from $95

Standout perk: This tour includes the Palatine Hill, which some tours skip.

Recent visitors praise the knowledgeable guides for their passion about ancient history and keeping the tour moving while explaining everything in detail. This tour starts at 9:30 a.m. seven days a week and finishes up around lunchtime. In addition to the Colosseum, highlights include the Via Sacra and the House of the Vestal Virgins in the Roman Forum, as well as the Farnese Gardens on the Palatine Hill.

This tour starts at 9:15 a.m. daily. Groups are limited to 10 people; if six or more people are taking the tour, the guide gives out headsets so everyone can hear. Participants are asked to meet 10 minutes before the start time in front of Cafe/Restaurant Angelino ai Fori on Largo Corrado Ricci. The tour is stroller-accessible, but not wheelchair-accessible. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle, especially on hot days.

Through Eternity Tours offers a variety of group and private tours of Rome and other destinations, including Florence , Naples and Pompeii.

Local tip: Book a table at the nearby Taverna dei Fori Imperiali to enjoy a leisurely lunch after the tour.

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360 Kiosk Email : Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

LivTours: The Best of Colosseum & Ancient Rome With Exclusive Arena Access

Price: Adults from $163; kids from $145

Standout perk: Virtual reality headsets show what the ancient sites would have looked like.

Recent tourgoers praise the guides on this tour for bringing the facts and stories about ancient Rome to life. Along with the confirmation email, participants receive an invitation to download an app. During the tour, the guide gives everyone a cardboard virtual reality headset that works with the app and shows a reconstruction of the Colosseum and the surrounding valley. After visiting the Colosseum, the tour continues to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, where the virtual reality headsets show you a reconstruction of the Circus Maximus and the structures in the Roman Forum. At all the sites, you get skip-the-line access.

These semiprivate tours are guaranteed to have no more than six people, making them a more personalized experience than other group tours. However, because the tours are small, the guides don't use headsets, and some participants noted that it can be difficult to hear the guide over the noise in the Colosseum.

Local tip: You can get some great photos from the upper level, especially if you stand at the apex of the oval.

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Roma Experience: Private Colosseum Tour With Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Price: From $531

Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes

Standout perk: See these ancient sites with an archaeologist who dug at the Roman Forum.

For a deeper understanding (no pun intended) of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, a tour with Elisa Valeria Bove, CEO of Roma Experience, is one of the best you can buy. She studied archaeology and has been involved in excavations at the Roman Forum and other sites, so she's just the person to guide you if you want to get beyond the surface level. Her private tours range from just under three hours for a skip-the-line Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill tour to the full-day "See Rome in One Day" tour, which also includes a guided visit of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Be sure to specify if you want to visit the hypogeum when you book.

Roma Experience organizes bespoke private tours throughout Italy, including multiday itineraries. Bove will work with you to customize your experience and bring you to places you wouldn't think to visit, like Quintili's Villa on the ancient Appian Way.

Local tip: If you want to see another incredible archaeological park, let Bove take you to Ostia Antica, less than an hour from Rome.

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Imago Artis Travel: Timeless Tales of Gods and Laymen of the Ancient Rome

Price: On request

Duration: 4 hours

Standout perk: This tour includes the Pantheon in addition to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Founded by three art historians with a passion for Roman art and history, Imago Artis Travel offers bespoke private tours of Rome and beyond. Imago Artis works closely with their clients to craft personalized itineraries that highlight the city's most incredible monuments and hidden gems. This tour lasts a half-day and includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Pantheon, with an optional stop for espresso, but you can customize the itinerary to do a full-day tour or multiday itinerary.

Other itineraries that include the Colosseum bring visitors to the Basilica of San Clemente, known as the "lasagna church" because it was built in layers: The deeper you descend, the further back in time you go. Imago Artis also grants visitors exclusive access to off-limits places, such as a church overlooking the Roman Forum. The company also organizes multiday itineraries throughout Italy.

Local tip: There's an element of surprise and delight with Imago Artis that's hard to find elsewhere, especially if your guide is Fulvio De Bonis, one of the company's founders.

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Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Laura Itzkowitz is a Rome-based freelance journalist who thinks about the Roman Empire all the time. She has visited the Colosseum in the morning, in the evening after the crowds have left, on group tours and private tours. To curate this list of the best Colosseum tours, she used her own experience as well as her research expertise, culling tips from locals and visitors.

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You might also be interested in:

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• The Top Italy Tours
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Rome Walking Tour, 15 Self Guided Tours with Map and Attractions

Use the Rome google map below to visit the attractions in the historic city center. The map is a complete self guided Rome walking tour map and guide to historic Rome attractions, including Towers, Squares, and Cathedrals. Follow the walking route on the interactive map to explore Rome at your own place. Spend a few hours or a full day depending on how long you want to spend at each attraction.

Click on the arrow icon to the left of the title to display the legend. Click on the Rome attractions map pins (green, red, brown, purple or blue pins) or on the legend (left icon on the title bar) or the PDF map that you download for additional information including images of the attractions. Each set of colored map pins can be used as a separate walking self guided route making it flexible to work into your schedule of other planned events or lunch breaks

For accompanying Rome attractions guide click HERE

To download pdf of rome attractions map click here, click on image of map for rome attractions guide.

Interactive Rome Walking Tour map for as follows:

Each separate color on the interactive Rome Walking tour represents a different area in historic Rome. You can complete the self guided walking tour in one day or spread it over several days depending on the area of historic Rome you want to explore.

• Piazza del Popolo can be accessed by taking Metro line A and exiting at Flamino station.  Explore Piazza del Popolo then climb the stairs to the Pincio Hill garden. From here, the Borghese Gardens are a 10 minute walk. Villa Borghese is immense and has nine different entry points (including from the top of the Spanish steps).
• Rome Walking Tour 2 : In dark grey color on the interactive attractions map above you will find attractions in the area of the Villa Borghese Gardens . The gardens are 80 hectares of beautifully landscaped park. There are numerous walking trails including options to rent a bike. Stop by at one of the cafes for lunch or have a picnic in the designated areas. Attractions include Villa Giulia , Museo Carlo Bilotti , Borghese Gallery and Museum , Shakespeare Globe Theater  , the Water Clock and countless statutes, sculptures, squares, and Bioparco di Roma Zoo
• Rome Walking Tour 3 : The orange colored attractions map is centered on the Spanish Steps. On the interactive map, attractions are located around the Spanish Steps ( Piazza di Spagna ) . In this are of historic Rome, there several attractions including the famous Spanish Steps leading to the grand palace Palazzo di Montecitorio, the famous S panish Steps , and the popular Barcaccia Fountain . The Piazza Mignanelli is located next to the Piazza di Spagna.
• Rome Walking Tour 4 : The Lime (light green) attractions map has attractions related to the Emperor Augustus . This includes the Emperor Augustus Mausoleum and the intricately carved Altar
• From the Monuments of Emperor Augustus, it is a quick walk to Piazza Barberini , your next stop on the Rome attractions map. This is indicated by the color blue on the interactive map. Attractions in this area include the Bernini Fountains
• Rome Walking Tour 5 : The dark green on the interactive attractions map of Rome is the area in and around the famous Trevi fountain. Attractions include the Palazzo di Montecitorio and the Temple of Hadrian
• Rome Walking Tour 6 : The next set of attractions in the historic city are shown in dark brown on the interactive walking tour of historic Rome. Here you will find the Piazza Navorone , a public open space and what was the home of the Stadium of Domitan. Attractions such as the fountains, statutes and palaces are located in this square
• Rome Walking Tour 7 : The light green walking tour on the interactive map is the Piazza Campo de’Fiore . Campo de’ Fiori means “field of flowers” and describes how the landscape looked in the middle ages. The Piazza is just south of Piazza Navarone. In ancient Rome this land was undeveloped and eventually the Santa Brigida Church was built. Just south of the square the Palazzo Farnese was constructed. The palace was an imposing Italian palace when it was built for the prominent Farnese family in the 16th centaury. Eventually the square itself became the commercial center of Rome and the streets were named after the trades such as Via dei Baullari  (coffer-makers), Via dei Balestrari  ( crossbow -makers),  Via dei Giubbonari  (tailors), Via dei Cappellari  (hat-makers), and Via dei Chiavari  (key-makers).
• From Campo de’Fiore” head over to Largo di Torre Argentin . Largo di Torre Argentin is a square that includes a Square with Porticos. Colonnades, Curia, Roman Temples, the remains of Pompey’s theater and the place where Julius Caesar was murdered. He was assassinated in the Curia of Pompey. Excavation of this area began in 1929
• Rome Walking Tour 8 : The next stop on the Rome Walking tour is the attractions around the historic center of the ancient City of Rome. Attractions include Trajan’s Column, Trajan’s Market and Trajan’s Form . In the area is Palazzo Napoleon’s including the apartment he occupied while in Rome

Additional Rome Walking Tours:

• Self guided tour 9 will take you to the Roman Colosseum. Click on the Roman Colosseum attractions map HERE and accompanying Colosseum attractions guide HERE
• Rome attractions map and self guided tour 10 includes the Vatican City attractions map HERE and the Vatican attractions guide HERE
• Self Guided Walking tour 11 , explore the neighborhood of Trastevere with map of attractions HERE and guide of attractions HERE
• The 12th walking tour is of St Peters Basilica . Explore all the attractions in St Peter’s Basilica with the attractions guide HERE
• One of my favorite trips is that of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill . The map of attractions is HERE and the self guided walking tour is HERE
• Visit Pompeii with a complete self guided tour map HERE and the attractions guide to the 49 points of interest HERE
• Spend the day in Florence , this was by far one of my best day trips. The self guided walking tour map is HERE and the attractions guide is HERE

Instructions to download the interactive map to a smart phone:

Take the map with you when you travel:.

Instructions on:

• Using it offline
• Using it online – We bring one of our older smart phones when we travel and buy a local SIM card. You can purchase a local tourist SIM card from one of the main local providers, they are usually pretty inexpensive. You may need your passport to purchase as its a tourist SIM if you are an international tourist. You should have them put it in your old smartphone and check that it works before leaving the store. Use it to follow the map online, its the best way to explore

Sign into google using your Gmail account on your smart phone and be connected to the internet. If you do not sign in, this process will not work . You will be downloading this map to save it. You will be saving it in google maps in two places:

• Save in “Your Places” for online use and
• Save in “Offline map” for offline use
• Youtube instructions on link as follows: https://youtu.be/_6j9koieMsU

Instructions to save above map:

• Click on the rectangle on the top right hand side of the above map [ ] – if you move your mouse to it, it will say “view larger map”
• It will take you into google maps on your smartphone and it will automatically save this map. You must be already be signed into google maps with your Gmail account, if you are not signed into google maps then the map will not be saved
• In google maps, click on the menu which is the three horizontal lines on the top left of the google map (it is to the left of the search box)
• From the menu, click on “Your Places”. This will take you to another screen with a menu at the top. From the top menu bar select “maps”. A list of your maps will be displayed including the map that was just saved. Select the map you just saved
• Make sure the map is still onscreen; do not close out of it as you will be downloading this map and it has to be onscreen to download. While the map is onscreen, click on menu again (three horizontal lines top left hand corner)
• Select “Offline maps” then select “custom map”
• Once you select “custom map”, the onscreen map will be displayed; select the area you want downloaded (zoom in or out to get all the data points into the blue square outline; pinch fingers for zooming)
• Click on “download” – this will save the map in an offline area that you can use when you are not connected to the internet

The map is now saved in two places. To see this, click on the menu (three horizontal line on top right hand corner) in google maps:

• Click on “Your Places” from the menu, then select “Custom Map”. The map will be listed and you can use the map while connected to the internet
• Click on “Offline Maps” from the menu. The map will be listed to use the map offline ie: not connected to the internet (make sure location services is turned on and your will see the blue dot indicating your location as you navigate with the offline map)
• After you download a map, use the Google Maps app just like you normally would. If your Internet connection is slow or absent, or if you are in “airplane mode” Google Maps will automatically use your offline maps to give you directions

Colosseum Guided Tour

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POPULAR TOURS

• Priority Access
• Ancient Rome
• Duration : 2.5 hours

About Colosseum Tour

Since 80 AD, the Colosseum of Rome has been a symbol of the city and is considered one of Italy’s, if not the world’s, top monuments. Approximately 50,000 spectators gathered in the amphitheater’s tiered seats to relish the gladiatorial games. Over the years, parts of its original marble facade were pilfered to build the likes of St. Peter’s Basilica, despite this the Colosseum remains remarkably intact today after 2,000 years .

The Colosseum is the second most popular attraction in Italy, after the Vatican, and hosts millions of visitors every year. What exactly does this mean? It means that ticket lines and large crowds will be practically unavoidable. Without special access to skip-the-line tour tickets , there’s virtually no chance of entering the Colosseum without hassle or a long wait in line. That’s why a Colosseum guided tour is the ideal way to visit the monument. You can enjoy the history of the monument while strolling with an experienced guide. Best of all, you won’t have to wait in line for tickets.

There are a number of Colosseum tour options available for you to choose from. These tours are suited to any age or interest. Examples include a Colosseum underground tour that has a network of passages and is explored straight beneath the arena floor. You can also explore the third tier of the Colosseum with a small-group guided tour. Perhaps a Colosseum night tour that offers relief from the daytime heat along with an eerie experience is what you are looking for. No matter what type of Colosseum guided tour you choose, walking into the Colosseum without waiting in line will put a smile on your face .

You can also choose your Colosseum guided tour according to your preference from group tours, private tours, and self-guided audio tours to gain an understanding of this well-preserved Roman monument and its historical significance.

Tour Highlights

Skip The Line Colosseum Tour

Skip long entrance lines and walk right into the most prominent attraction of Rome - with the Colosseum guided tour you will be accompanied by a local expert guide and a small group . 

There are two levels of the Colosseum that you will explore while your guide entertains you with anecdotes and details about the gladiators and emperors that once filled the monument.

Ancient history becomes more enjoyable to listen to and understand when explained by a dedicated and passionate guide.

If you choose the Colosseum virtual tour you will get to see what the structure looked like during its glory days.

A walk through Ancient Rome 

In addition to fast-track entry during the Colosseum guided tour, you'll skip the entrance lines with special access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill through your Roman Forum tickets. 

Upon entering you will find masterpieces of ancient architecture like palaces, temples, monuments and markets. These are the same streets that were once frequently walked by great historical figures like Julius Caesar. 

Your guide’s wealth of knowledge will transport you back in time and display the hidden scenes behind the ruins that are otherwise so hard to interpret.

Exploring the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with the Colosseum virtual tour is an experience like no other. This is the only way to really appreciate the true grandeur and scale that once was.

Easy Breezy

Every member of the guide team is always excited about sharing their historical insights on Ancient Rome and is an expert in their field. 

With a small group size the tour guide can easily maneuver the group and individual headsets keep participants easily engaged with what the guide has to say. 

With the Colosseum guided tour you will experience the remnants of discovery, decay and rise.

Visitor Highlights

There are special Colosseum tours available for visitors every day. You can just choose the guided tour and time that is best suited to you, buy the special access ticket and skip the line at the entrance. This way you can save time to explore the rest of Rome. 

Exploring the archeological area with a Colosseum tour guide is undoubtedly the best way to make the most of your visit. Without the knowledge of a local expert, you could possibly walk right past something of historical significance and never know it.

By taking a Colosseum guided tour, you’ll get a better sense of the Colosseum Amphitheatre and an insight into its many uses. Along with this, you’ll also learn many interesting facts about the historic site. 

Upon the choice of your guided Colosseum tours, the timing will vary from 1.5 to 3 hours. Depending on the route that the tour follows, it may be possible (depending on Covid-19 restrictions) to stay inside the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill after the tour has concluded. 

A Colosseum audio guide is also a great option for travellers that do not have enough time for a Colosseum guided tour. With an audio guide, you can visit the Colosseum at your own pace and still enjoy the fascinating history.

Colosseum tour guides are experts in their field and passionate about sharing their knowledge. Experiencing Ancient Rome with a guide will definitely be one of the highlights of your time in Rome.

No matter which option you choose - Colosseum guided tour or Colosseum audio guide - you will be exploring 2,000+ years of history. Immersing yourself in Ancient Roman culture is the only way to truly appreciate and understand the glory of the Roman Empire.

Except January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th, the Colosseum tours are available all year round.

Travel Tips

• Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time, this will ensure you have enough time to find your meeting point for the Colosseum guided tour.
• While there are a few on-site toilets at the Colosseum, the waiting time can take a while. So be prepared!
• You won’t find any luggage facilities, restaurants or cafes on-site.
• All of the entrances to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill have a mandatory security check. This check cannot be avoided and is necessary for the safety of all visitors.
• Only small bags are allowed inside the Colosseum. No luggage or bags with wheels are allowed.
• The people with reduced mobility can easily access the Colosseum as paths at all the available routes are marked. Some tours may not be wheelchair accessible, so be sure to check the tour details or opt for a private Colosseum tour.
• It is highly recommended to get your tickets ahead of time online and set aside the majority of your day to properly enjoy the Colosseum visit.
• The Colosseum tour prices vary and can cost anywhere from 30€ up to 100€, or more. The type of tour you choose - express, underground, arena - will be reflected in the price and duration of the tour.

Know Before You Go

Covid Safety measures:

All the areas that customers come in contact with are frequently cleaned

In order to reduce crowds, the number of visitors is limited 

Customers are required to bring and wear face masks

There is a mandatory temperature check for customers 

Social distancing standards must be maintained inside the monument

What to bring:

Weather-appropriate clothing

Comfortable shoes

Passport or ID card

Arena entrance & Reduced price tickets:

As the Colosseum Arena Floor is a restricted area, visitors will have to provide details such as their full name, date of birth, and a valid ID card as they’re entering the monument.

People who have booked tickets at the reduced price for ages 2 to 15 years old will also be required to show an ID.

Things that are not allowed:

Aerosol sprays

Any kind of weapons or sharp objects.

Luggage or large bags. Even smaller bags with wheels are not allowed.

Getting There

• Metro: The Colosseum metro stop is located on the B line of Rome’s metro. Check the map at your local station.
• Regional Train - Take the underground line B from the Termini Station and get off at the Colosseum stop.
• Bus - There are many public buses that stop in front of the Amphitheatre on your Colosseum tour: 75, 81, 85, 87, 117, 118.
• Car: There are paid parking spots available in the neighbourhoods surrounding the Colosseum.
• Tram: Tram #3 passes the Colosseum
• Bicycle: The Colosseum is accessible by bike, just make sure to lock your bike in an appropriate place. Bikes that are locked to the railings in archaeological areas could be taken by the police.

Note: The Imperial Forum Road is closed to car and bus traffic on Sundays, which means it’s the perfect time to go for rental bikes or take a nice walk along via Fori Imperiali towards the Colosseum. Some bus routes are deviated on Sundays, so be sure to allow extra time to arrive.

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The 5 best rome colosseum tours with skip-the-line access.

Gladiators battled on the arena floor. A good guide will help you battle the crowds.

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Courtesy of ArcheoRunning

As the most enduring symbol of the Roman Empire and one of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Colosseum receives more than 6 million visitors per year, so it's not easy to escape the crowds. A visit is worth it, though, if you want to see the world's largest amphitheater – once known as the Flavian Amphitheater – and try to imagine what it would have been like 2,000 years ago.

A standard ticket to the Colosseum also includes access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, so many (but not all) tours also include those ancient sites. Inside the ancient complex, there is very little signage explaining what you're looking at. A good guide will not only get you skip-the-line access but also bring these incredible places to life. Keep in mind that most Colosseum tours only give you access to the arena floor and upper level. If you want to visit the underground hypogeum, you need to make sure it's included in the tour.

Crown Tours: Skip the line Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum tour

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Price: Adults from $84; kids from $67 Duration: 3 hours

Standout perk: Engaging guides speak several languages.

Selected by GetYourGuide as a Certified Experience, this group tour starts at the Colosseum, then takes you to the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. Groups consist of up to 30 people, and tourgoers are given headsets so they can better hear and follow the guide. The tour meets at Largo Gaetana Agnesi on the hill overlooking the Colosseum about 30 minutes before the official entry time to get everyone checked in and set up with headsets. The guide then leads participants into the Colosseum and up to the second level, where there's a chance to stop and take photos. On the way back down, there's another photo-op at the arena level before the guide leads the group over to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.

Crown Tours also offers guided tours of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Basilica, as well as the Borghese Gallery, Pantheon and other sites.

Local tip: This tour is offered over a variety of time slots every day. Pick one of the earlier time slots to make sure you'll finish up by lunchtime.

Check prices & availability on:

Through Eternity Tours: Ultimate Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Price: Adults from $105; kids from $95 Duration: 3 hours

Standout perk: This tour includes the Palatine Hill, which some tours skip.

Recent visitors praise the knowledgeable guides for their passion about ancient history and keeping the tour moving while explaining everything in detail. This tour starts at 9:30 a.m. seven days a week and finishes up around lunchtime. In addition to the Colosseum, highlights include the Via Sacra and the House of the Vestal Virgins in the Roman Forum, as well as the Farnese Gardens on the Palatine Hill.

This tour starts at 9:15 a.m. daily. Groups are limited to 10 people; if six or more people are taking the tour, the guide gives out headsets so everyone can hear. Participants are asked to meet 10 minutes before the start time in front of Cafe/Restaurant Angelino ai Fori on Largo Corrado Ricci. The tour is stroller-accessible, but not wheelchair-accessible. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle, especially on hot days.

Through Eternity Tours offers a variety of group and private tours of Rome and other destinations, including Florence , Naples and Pompeii.

Local tip: Book a table at the nearby Taverna dei Fori Imperiali to enjoy a leisurely lunch after the tour.

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LivTours: The Best of Colosseum & Ancient Rome With Exclusive Arena Access

Courtesy of LivTours

Price: Adults from $163; kids from $145 Duration: 3 hours

Standout perk: Virtual reality headsets show what the ancient sites would have looked like.

Recent tourgoers praise the guides on this tour for bringing the facts and stories about ancient Rome to life. Along with the confirmation email, participants receive an invitation to download an app. During the tour, the guide gives everyone a cardboard virtual reality headset that works with the app and shows a reconstruction of the Colosseum and the surrounding valley. After visiting the Colosseum, the tour continues to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, where the virtual reality headsets show you a reconstruction of the Circus Maximus and the structures in the Roman Forum. At all the sites, you get skip-the-line access.

These semiprivate tours are guaranteed to have no more than six people, making them a more personalized experience than other group tours. However, because the tours are small, the guides don't use headsets, and some participants noted that it can be difficult to hear the guide over the noise in the Colosseum.

Local tip: You can get some great photos from the upper level, especially if you stand at the apex of the oval.

Roma Experience: Private Colosseum Tour With Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Courtesy of Roma Experience

Price: From $531 Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes

Standout perk: See these ancient sites with an archaeologist who dug at the Roman Forum.

For a deeper understanding (no pun intended) of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, a tour with Elisa Valeria Bove, CEO of Roma Experience, is one of the best you can buy. She studied archaeology and has been involved in excavations at the Roman Forum and other sites, so she's just the person to guide you if you want to get beyond the surface level. Her private tours range from just under three hours for a skip-the-line Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill tour to the full-day "See Rome in One Day" tour, which also includes a guided visit of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Be sure to specify if you want to visit the hypogeum when you book.

Roma Experience organizes bespoke private tours throughout Italy, including multiday itineraries. Bove will work with you to customize your experience and bring you to places you wouldn't think to visit, like Quintili's Villa on the ancient Appian Way.

Local tip: If you want to see another incredible archaeological park, let Bove take you to Ostia Antica, less than an hour from Rome.

Imago Artis Travel: Timeless Tales of Gods and Laymen of the Ancient Rome

Courtesy of Imago Artis Travel

Price: On request Duration: 4 hours

Standout perk: This tour includes the Pantheon in addition to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Founded by three art historians with a passion for Roman art and history, Imago Artis Travel offers bespoke private tours of Rome and beyond. Imago Artis works closely with their clients to craft personalized itineraries that highlight the city's most incredible monuments and hidden gems. This tour lasts a half-day and includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Pantheon, with an optional stop for espresso, but you can customize the itinerary to do a full-day tour or multiday itinerary.

Other itineraries that include the Colosseum bring visitors to the Basilica of San Clemente, known as the "lasagna church" because it was built in layers: The deeper you descend, the further back in time you go. Imago Artis also grants visitors exclusive access to off-limits places, such as a church overlooking the Roman Forum. The company also organizes multiday itineraries throughout Italy.

Local tip: There's an element of surprise and delight with Imago Artis that's hard to find elsewhere, especially if your guide is Fulvio De Bonis, one of the company's founders.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Laura Itzkowitz is a Rome-based freelance journalist who thinks about the Roman Empire all the time. She has visited the Colosseum in the morning, in the evening after the crowds have left, on group tours and private tours. To curate this list of the best Colosseum tours, she used her own experience as well as her research expertise, culling tips from locals and visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets purchased directly from the Colosseum ticket office range from 16 to 32 euros (about $17 to $34) plus a 2 euro (about $2) booking fee. Tickets are 2 euros (about $2) for travelers ages 18 to 25. On the first Sunday of the month, the Parco archeologico del Colosseo offers free admission. If purchasing through a tour or travel company, prices will vary.

Yes, it is worthwhile taking a tour of the Colosseum. Travel back over 2,000 years to learn about the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, explore Roman architecture and learn about the grand arena where gladiators once fought.

The best time to visit the Colosseum is from November through February during the offseason.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Rome Tours: Food, The Vatican & More
• The Top Italy Tours
• The Best Things to Do in Rome
• The Best Places to Visit in Italy
• The Best Travel Insurance for Europe

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