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Last updated: 28 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Rebecca Winke

Built by Emperor Vespasian beginning in AD 72 and known as the Flavian Amphitheatre in ancient times, the thrilling Colosseum still manages to pull a hefty crowd.

Inaugurated by the Emperor’s son, Titus, in AD 80, it could hold an unruly crowd of more than 50,000 spectators. With a circumference of 545m, it’s considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering.

The remarkably well-preserved walls, seating stands and underground tunnels are an evocative reminder of gory gladiatorial history.

Lovers of the film Gladiator will relish a guided tour of the monumental arena, where gladiatorial contests and traditional games were held.

While you’re there

For a truly instagrammable shot of the Colosseum in all its glory, go to the northern side of the monument next to the Metro station. There, stairs go up from the street to a landing where you can perfectly capture, in perpetuity, Rome’s most ancient and iconic ruin.

Price from: £14
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Get to the Colosseum by metro or tram (Colosseo station). Note that if you’re planning to visit the Forum too, you may want to start there – you can exit the Forum via the Colosseum, but not the other way round.

New 60- to 75-minute guided tours provide access to the fascinating underground space, as well as the very top tier of the Colosseum; the tour is popular, so book well in advance. Audio tours (1 hour 10 minutes) are also available – there’s even one in Latin!

A bit of reading up prior to your visit will bring the ruins to life. See this website for a useful resource on the Colosseum, including practical guidance and background information on the games and architecture of the amphitheatre.

Come prepared with sunscreen and hat during summer, when the Colosseum can seem like a giant bowl of heat.

When to do it

The Colosseum is open all year round, seven days a week. The best times to visit are on weekdays at opening time to beat the crowds. Alternatively, leave it until late in the day.

Try to avoid visiting on a rainy day, as much of the action is outside.

The perfect time to visit the Colosseum is sundown. The Moon over the Colosseum guided tour starts from 25 July until 31 October. Available for purchase online.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Colosseum with Arena Access and Ancient Rome Tour

Rome

Colosseum with Arena Access and Ancient Rome Tour
Priviledge access to the Arena Floor of the Coliseum, enjoy a real journey through ancient Rome. You will visit the Colisseum, the Arena exclusive floor and proceed to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with priority tickets. You will tour with a dedicated guide in a sharing tour of about 26 average participants or less and access into the Colosseum through the Vip Gladiator's entrance so called because it was once of the access gladiators. Here, you will enjoy a spectacular view over the Arena and a panoramic view of the Dungeons from the Arena. This tour is offered in various languages so please make your language election. In the 3-hour tour you will also visit the Palatine Hill once the residential hills of the Roman emperors and the Roman Forum with the Temple of the Vestal virgins, the Curia and the Temple of Julius Caesar. Your guide will bring Ancient Roman times back alive!

Price: €30

Min age: 0

Rating 4.50 / 5 [2171 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Skip the line Colosseum and Ancient Rome Guided Tour

Rome

Skip the line Colosseum and Ancient Rome Guided Tour
Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum guided sharing tour with priority tickets. Have fun discovering Roman history and Gladiator combats! Visit the Colosseum with an enthusiastic guide who will reveal many stories and anecdotes on Roman emperors and Senators. You will visit the Colosseum, go to the Palatine Hill to see the ruins of the Palace of the emperor Domitian,see the panoramic view of the Circus Maximus and then walk to the Roman Forum where triumphal Arches and temples are still standing as a symbol of the power of Ancient Rome. Like a time machine you will go back to Roman times! this tour includes skip the line tickets and a friendly storytelling guide who will bring Roman life back to life! NOTE: Please when you book your tour choose the option for a guided tour if you want to visit the Colisseum and Roman Forum with a live guide

Price: €42

Min age: 0

Rating 4.47 / 5 [847 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Colosseum VIP Access with Arena and Ancient Rome Tour

Rome

Colosseum VIP Access with Arena and Ancient Rome Tour
VIP Colosseum sharing tour with a special access through the Gladiator' Arch and to the Arena floor. Follow the footsteps of the Gladiators by accessing the Colosseum through the Gladiators' Gate known as the Gate of the Deaths because the death gladiators were brought out after their combats in the roman times! Enjoy a great view of the Colosseum and the below dungeons from the restricted area of the Arena Floor. Your guide will guide you through the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum and share with you many stories and secrets of the roman gladiators. emperors and senators. Your storytelling guide will use during the tour many visual aids to bring past Rome back to life! This tour includes the Colosseum with the restricted area of the Arena Floor, as well as the archaeological sites of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill! Its is a sharing tour in a small group with a dedicated friendly professional guide. NOTE: THE TICKET WITH HOST DOES NOT INCLUDE ROMAN FORUM AND PALATINE HILL.

Price: €44

Min age: 0

Rating 4.36 / 5 [2872 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Skip the Line: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour

Rome

Skip the Line: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour
The ancient glory of Rome is reborn! Skip the Line at three of the most significant surviving remnants of the Eternal City: the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Your English-speaking expert historian tour guide will share anecdotes and history throughout the 3-hour tour, rebuilding the impressive ruins with tales of Ancient Rome’s heyday.

Price: €49

Min age: 0

Rating 4.54 / 5 [19179 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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VIP Colosseum Tour

Rome

VIP Colosseum Tour
The Colosseum is not to be missed, but no-one wants to spend hours waiting in line under the hot Roman sun. Skip the line and allow our expert historian guide to uncover the secrets of this wonder of the world. Those who visit the Colosseum alone do not get the full experience. Join our expert guide and discover the fascinating stories behind the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Our semi-private personal experience allows you to ask questions and interract with the local guide on a personal level. Please note: Colosseum admission is free on the first Sunday of the month. On these days, tours are discounted *Please note we will either start with the Colosseum or the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill depending on the time of tickets we are able to purchase*

Price: €49

Min age: 0

Rating 4.77 / 5 [575 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Skip-the-Line Colosseum Guided Tour

Rome

Skip-the-Line Colosseum Guided Tour
Visiting the Colosseum is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Make the best of your Colosseum visit with this flexible experience. There is no better time to visit the Colosseum, as visitor numbers have been drastically reduced. This means that you are able to marvel at the awe-inspiring site without having large crowds around you! With the optional upgrade for the guided tour, you always have a choice. Your entrance to the Colosseum and the other areas is always granted. At the same time, you can upgrade for a guided tour for a small charge. Learn about the history, features and tales behind the Colosseum, the greatest entertainment venue of all times. Find out about the political and social background of the Roman Empire before, during and after the construction of the Colosseum and get to know its purpose and its role within the Roman society. Explore the Palatine Hill and Roman forum, and revive the Ancient Rome!

Price: €49

Min age: 0

Rating 4.71 / 5 [854 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Guided Tour

Rome

Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Guided Tour
The most famous of Rome’s many ancient sights, the Colosseum is an imposing, incredible structure, that brings you back in time to the Roman Empire’s powerful past. Your friendly and professional guide will delve into the mystery that shrouds the games held there and the fascinating stories of the famous gladiators who thrilled the crowds with their brutish fighting. Please note: Colosseum admission is free on the first Sunday of the month. On these days, tours are discounted *Please note we will either start with the Colosseum or the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill depending on the time of tickets we are able to purchase*

Price: €49

Min age: 0

Rating 4.80 / 5 [517 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum Guided Tour Skip the Line

Rome

Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum Guided Tour Skip the Line
Colosseum/Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Official Guided Tour and Tickets! Intimate Small Group Tours with our local expert guides for an unforgettable experience. Immerse Yourself in the History in this 2.5-hour skip-the-line tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum in Rome goes back in time. Bypass the queue at the Colosseum to avoid long waits. Explore the first and second tiers for great views. Then walk through the ruins of Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum with your guide, an art and archaeology expert history come to life!! Special offers for private groups. Send your request

Price: €50

Min age: 0

Rating 4.42 / 5 [2179 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Skip the Line: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour

Rome

Skip the Line: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour
Exclusive priority access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Walk in the footsteps of gladiators and emperors as your vivacious guide transports you back to the era of ancient Rome. If you choose the special access to the gladiator's gate and Arena floor, you'll feel like you're a part of history as you explore one of the world's most iconic landmarks. Explore the inside of one of the worlds greatest attractions that’s waiting for you here in Rome. Let an expert official guide educate and amaze you with facts and memorable tales of the glorious gladiatorial games you’ll never forget. Don't loose the chance to have the most amazing and unforgetable experience ever! Your guide will be at your complete disposal for any question or curiosity guaranting an interactive visit tailored on your needs! Choose the option which better suigt your plans! Our Team will be pleased to welcoming you!

Price: €52

Min age: 0

Rating 4.42 / 5 [3606 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Fast track: Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Tour

Rome

Fast track: Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Tour
Leave those crowds behind and skip the queue with our unmissable Colosseum experience. Explore the inside of one of the world's greatest attractions that’s waiting for you here in Rome. Starting off with a short introduction right outside this marvellous monument, you'll then head in to the Colosseum. through a dedicated fast track entrance. Fully explore the colosseum let one of our expert guides educate and amaze you with facts and memorable tales of the Roman Empire and the gladiatorial games. The tour doesn't end there! With lots to see, our expert guides will take you on to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Step back in time and uncover the hidden histories of the Ancient Romans and the Emperors palaces. Picture perfect moments are not to be missed as you end your tour surrounded by Rome's glorious architectural masterpieces.

Price: €52

Min age: 0

Rating 4.57 / 5 [1133 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Small-Group Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Rome

Small-Group Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Delve deep into ancient Roman history during this small-group tour of three of its most significant sites. Skip the long entry line into the Colosseum and explore the first and second tiers of the ancient arena as your guide brings Roman history to life. Climb to the top of Palatine Hill to wander through some of Rome’s oldest ruins and stroll through the Roman Forum, stopping at famous sights like the funeral pyre of Julius Caesar, the Arch of Constantine, and the Temple of the Vestal Virgins.

Price: €54

Min age: 0

Rating 4.82 / 5 [519 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Skip the Line: Colosseum and Ancient Rome Small-Group Walking Tour Including Pantheon and Piazza Navona

Rome

Skip the Line: Colosseum and Ancient Rome Small-Group Walking Tour Including Pantheon and Piazza Navona
The best way to experience ancient Rome is to join our walking tour. It offers a perfect introduction to Rome’s fascinating history. Your expert guide will take you directly inside the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, passing the long lines at the entrance. Hear stories of gladiator fights while exploring the Colosseum’s first and second tiers, learn about monuments such as the Curia at the Roman Forum, visit Capitoline Hill for a great view over the Roman Forum and enjoy photo stops at Rome’s big-name attractions, including Piazza Venezia, Pantheon (exterior visit) and Piazza Navona. Don’t waste precious time waiting in long lines! Join our skip-the-line tour to save time and enjoy your day admiring stunning monuments with an expert guide. Small group of 18 people or fewer guarantees personalized attention from your guide.

Price: €60

Min age: 0

Rating 4.19 / 5 [912 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Colosseum Arena Floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour

Rome

Colosseum Arena Floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Guided Tour
With exclusive access you will skip the line and enter the Colosseum through the Gladiator’s Gate, walking directly onto the arena floor. Experience the grandeur of the arena from a unique perspective, as you stand where the gladiators once stood, when they walked out to the sounds of thousands of yelling spectators. Your licensed tour guide will bring to life the exciting and shocking events that took place where you now stand. Enjoy an up-close view of the underground chambers exposed below, wander through the vast corridors, and climb the ancient stone stairs of this magnificent amphitheater, as you learn of its rich history. 

Price: €60

Min age: 0

Rating 4.58 / 5 [1996 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Small-Group Ancient Rome and Colosseum Underground Tour

Rome

Small-Group Ancient Rome and Colosseum Underground Tour
Enjoy a walking tour of the subterranean depths of the Colosseum in a small-group. With your professional guide, have access to the areas of the Colosseum--even those areas normally restricted to visitors. Explore the underground chambers and see where wild animals were caged.Then visit the Roman Forum to see some of the most important archaeological sites of Rome. Spend three hours exploring these renown locations.

Price: €76

Min age: 0

Rating 4.46 / 5 [864 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Colosseum by Evening Guided Tour with Arena Floor

Rome

Colosseum by Evening Guided Tour with Arena Floor
The Colosseum is a must-see when exploring Rome, and there’s no better way to make your visit special than by waiting for the gates to close, the sun to set, the air to cool, and twilight to paint the amphitheater in golden light. On this VIP tour, you’ll enjoy access to restricted areas, including the partially reconstructed Arena Floor and admire the most recent discovery of graffiti dating back to Late Middle Ages. All without the usual crowds, noise and heat of a daytime visit.

Price: €79

Min age: 6

Rating 4.24 / 5 [829 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Gladiator’s Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor

Rome

Gladiator’s Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor
Get a gladiator’s view of the Colosseum, then explore the Roman Forum on a walking tour through the heart of ancient Rome. With a skip-the-line ticket, avoid the long entrance lines and access the arena via the Gladiator’s Gate. Stand where gladiators once fought, hear tales of ruthless crowds and emperors, then explore the Colosseum’s first and second levels with your guide. Finish with a tour of Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum with even more stories that bring the ruins to life.

Price: €89

Min age: 0

Rating 4.72 / 5 [2971 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Skip-the-line Colosseum Forum Ancient Rome Small Group Tour for Kids & Families

Rome

Skip-the-line Colosseum Forum Ancient Rome Small Group Tour for Kids & Families
Looking for a fun, informative, memorable and cheaper tour of Ancient Rome? Our 2.5-hr Small Group Colosseum & Roman Forum Tour for Kids & Families would be the perfect option then! The group will be very small in order to guarantee everyone perfect understanding and enjoyment! You will meet your top rated kid friendly guide at the meeting point provided and your amazing experience will start! You will visit the inside of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum skipping all the tickets-lines. Your kids will play games, treasure hunts and they will have an educational experience in company of other children.

Price: €99

Min age: 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [138 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Skip-the-Lines Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour for Kids and Families

Rome

Skip-the-Lines Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour for Kids and Families
Bypass the queues and engage the whole family with this 2.5-hour skip-the-line tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum for families and kids. Join a top-rated kid-friendly guide for a visit to the interior of the Colosseum and the center of the ancient city, including the Senate House and Altar of Julius Caesar. Enjoy engaging games and quizzes and the use of multimedia tools to keep everyone interested.

Price: €109

Min age: 1

Rating 4.91 / 5 [318 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Expert Guided Tour of Colosseum Underground, Arena and Forum

Rome

Expert Guided Tour of Colosseum Underground, Arena and Forum
Skip the line and explore the world's most visited monument in the most complete way. Visit areas of the Colosseum not accessible by regular-ticket holders. Step on the exclusive Arena floor and descend into the Underground section. Walk the steps of the Gladiators and find yourself in the backstage of the most famous games in Ancient Rome. Then, take a journey back in time from the 10th century B.C. to the 5th century A.D. at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Chart a course through the archaeological tribal beginnings of Rome and marvel at the beauty of ancient temples and ruins. Options available for small group guided tours.

Price: €119

Min age: 0

Rating 4.71 / 5 [3114 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Full Day Combo: Colosseum & Vatican Skip the Line Guided Tour

Rome

Full Day Combo: Colosseum & Vatican Skip the Line Guided Tour
Experience Rome’s headline acts, the Vatican and the Colosseum, on this full-day combo, made even better by fast-track, skip-the-line access to both attractions. With an expert guide, head inside the hallowed Vatican Museums through an exclusive, reserved entrance, beating even the Standard skip-the-line priority lines. Witness its glorious artistic treasures, including Michelangelo’s extraordinary frescos in the Sistine Chapel. After free time for lunch (own expense), skip the lines at the Colosseum and Roman Forum, with a guided tour of the stunning amphitheatre and the Forum’s evocative ruins.

Price: €133

Min age: 0

Rating 4.45 / 5 [1101 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Colosseum Underground and Ancient Rome Semi-Private Tour MAX 6 PEOPLE GUARANTEED

Rome

Colosseum Underground and Ancient Rome Semi-Private Tour MAX 6 PEOPLE GUARANTEED
Relive the glory of Ancient Rome on this 3 hour truly small-group tour, led by an expert and professional guide. We limit our small groups to ONLY 6 people, ensuring a semi-private experience and a friendly environment to interact with your guide! Skip the long lines and enjoy an Access-All-Areas tour of Rome’s mighty Colosseum, including parts usually restricted to visitors with a regular ticket. In this tour, you will be able to explore the subterranean underground chambers of the Colosseum, where the wild animals were held and the gladiator prepared before battle. You will also stand in the very area where the bloody gladiator battles once took place and saw unparalleled views: the Arena floor. As you stand there and see the same view the gladiators once saw, imagine hearing the roar of the crowds that must have welcomed them. Then, climb up the gorgeous Palatine Hill for breathtaking views, and descend into the Roman Forum, which you will explore thoroughly with your expert guide.

Price: €149

Min age: 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [3455 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Colosseum & Roman Forum Tour for Kids & Families

Rome

Private Colosseum & Roman Forum Tour for Kids & Families
Do not miss a fun, interactive and educational 2.5 hour private tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome led by a specialized and top rated kid-friendly guide. This tour takes you and your family through the highlights of the ancient city of Rome. You will visit the interior of the Colosseum skipping all the lines and the Roman Forum with the Arch of Titus, the Senate House, Julius Caesar Temple and much more! Among all of the tours given in Rome, this one is perhaps the favorite tour for most kids. This tour is outdoors, the itinerary and stories are exciting and they will play games, treasure hunts, trivia and any other activity that will be tailored on your family interests and needs! The whole family will have lot of fun while learning about the history of Ancient Rome. Book now and do not miss such a top rated experience!

Price: €229

Min age: 0

Rating 4.94 / 5 [118 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Rome

Private Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour
Leave the crowds behind and with your Skip-the-line Tickets visit the Colosseum, one of the most amazing attractions that survives from the ancient world, and the Roman Forum, the political heart of Ancient Rome with a 3-hour private tour. Standard Itinerary includes: Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Price: €332

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [540 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Ancient Rome and Colosseum Private Tour with Underground Chambers and Arena

Rome

Ancient Rome and Colosseum Private Tour with Underground Chambers and Arena
Tour the Colosseum in Rome with this private 3-hour tour with a skip-the-line ticket. Enjoy access to the areas of the Colosseum, including places normally off-limits to visitors. Explore the Colosseum's underground chambers and see where wild animals were caged. See the arena where gladiators once fought. Next, visit the Roman Forum to see the most important archaeological sites of Rome.

Price: €600

Min age: 2

Rating 4.75 / 5 [179 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Rome

Lazio, Italy

Rome

The Eternal City – 2,000 extraordinary years of glory, greatness and triumph – and decadence, murder and destruction – evidenced by some of the world’s most iconic, must-see monuments and museums.

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