Bucket list experience:
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.
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.
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Destination Guide >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.
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.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Rome, Lazio, Italy[0.3 miles]
An elegant, centrally-located hotel in a Renaissance palace, with the most spectacular Colosseum views in Rome.
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Rome, Lazio, Italy[0.6 miles]
An intimate luxury hotel secluded on a quiet street, just above the heart of ancient Rome, with a delightful rooftop garden.
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Rome, Lazio, Italy[1.4 miles]
A romantic, affordable hotel in a villa on the Aventine hill – central Rome’s haven of serenity. Within walking distance of many city sights.
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Rome, Lazio, Italy[1.4 miles]
Sophisticated yet approachable, this boutique hotel offers edgy Roman street art, a hip cocktail bar-cum-co-working space, and an enviable central location a stroll away from Rome’s A-list sights.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Lazio, Italy
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.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Rome, Lazio, Italy[0.4 miles]
A mythic hill, once home to sumptuous imperial palaces including the House of Tiberius, Temple of Cybele, Nero’s revolving dining room and the Domus Flavia. Also go for the views over the Circus Maximus.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Rome, Lazio, Italy[0.6 miles]
An archaeological treasure map packed with Rome’s most ancient shrines, temples, and landmarks – the Forum was the heart, soul and nerve centre of the ancient Roman Empire.
Best for ages: 18+ | £15
Rome, Lazio, Italy[0.8 miles]
Three museums on one complex, founded in 1471, packed with ancient Roman, Greek and Egyptian statues. Look out for the Capitoline Wolf and the statue of Marcus Aurelius.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
Rome, Lazio, Italy[1.2 miles]
A lavish treasure-filled palazzo housing paintings and furniture assembled since the 16th century by the Doria, Pamphilj, Landi and Aldobrandini families. Rome’s most impressive private art collection also includes works by Titian, Guercino, and Caravaggio.
Best for ages: 18+ | £10
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Rome, Lazio, Italy[0.1 miles]
Located between the Colosseum and Palatine, the triumphal arch – the Arch of Constantine – was built by Emperor Constantine in AD 315. Art was at a nadir: most of the carvings were pilfered off earlier monuments.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Rome, Lazio, Italy[0.3 miles]
Located on the Via Sacra, just southeast of the Forum, the Arch of Titus was built in 82 AD by Emperor Domitian. It has inspired other triumphal aches around the world since, most notably the Arc de Triomphe.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Rome, Lazio, Italy[0.9 miles]
This tremendous series of squares (fora) were among the greatest works of the Romans. Trajan’s includes library, Trajan’s Column and the well-preserved Trajan’s Market – the ‘world’s first shopping mall’.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Rome, Lazio, Italy[0.9 miles]
Adjacent to Capitoline Hill, this enormous, gleaming white marble was built in 1935 to honour the first king of Italy. It houses the Museum of Reunification, and Italy’s Tomb of the unknown soldier.
Best for ages: 18+ | £6
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