Colosseum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Colosseum
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
The ancient Flavian Amphitheater was built by the Flavian emperors in 70 C.E. as a gift to the Roman people. As the largest Roman theater ever built, it was designed to house over 50,000 people, and had played host to gladiator games, plays and even public executions. Purchase skip-the-line tickets online to avoid long lines at the door, or join guided tours which allow for special access to restricted areas. While here, you might want to visit the adjacent Palatine Hill and Roman Forum as well. – Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Admission tickets
from $35.38
All you need to step foot in the door.
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Top ways to experience Colosseum
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Celio
How to get there
  • Colosseo • 2 min walk
  • Fori Imperiali-Colosseo • 2 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travelers are saying
  • lemcshane
    Uphall, United Kingdom16 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning
    Amazing structure. We went on a guided tour through Get Your Guide. They cancelled original tour they day before, but offered us a 20% discount and luckily we managed to get booked on another one at the last minute.
    Visited June 2023
    Written June 6, 2023
  • ortho_10
    Hamilton, Canada42 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
    This tour organized by Crown Tours, via Get Your Guide, was by far the best we have ever experienced. Our tour guide, Jan, was informative and entertaining, as well as concerned for the welfare of his tour participants. He managed to schedule his pauses and educational asides in shaded areas and made sure that everyone had access to fresh source water during the tour. He answered questions and even provided information related to other tours that we had been on. Wonderful guide!
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 7, 2023
  • Travel Gal
    137 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely stunning and worth the visit!
    This was our third time in Rome, and although we had visited the colosseum before, this was the first time we hired a tour guide. The guide is worth the price! They’re able to bring the stories and the colosseum to life through their stories. Great for a family with kids!
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written June 8, 2023
  • motherginger3
    30 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    plan way ahead
    It took a while to figure out the official on-line ticket site, and when I did, I checked multiple times a day for tickets, two months in advance, and never found any. You can no longer buy tickets on the day you want to tour. Our hotel found us a spot in a small tour for $125 each. They said tickets have to be purchased on-line months ahead of time from the official Colosseum site. It was a very good tour, but I hadn't thought we would have to spend that much money so see the Colosseum. Much of the time on the tour was the Forum and Palatine Hill. This was my fourth visit to Rome. I've never seen such crowds. If you can, go in the off season. We went in late May. I can't imagine what it will be like in July and August.
    Visited May 2023
    Written June 10, 2023
  • Darrin
    Rome, Italy5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Colossal Time at the Colosseum
    From the awe-inspiring exterior to the majestic arcades and the grandeur of the Coliseum, it will transport you back to the days of the Roman Empire. You can almost hear the roar of the crowds as you walk around the ancient ruins. And while it's easy to get lost in the history and grandeur of the place, there's still plenty of fun to be had. From the odd-shaped stones to the ancient graffiti, there's something for everyone to enjoy. It's a great way to spend the day and get a unique perspective on the Roman Empire.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 11, 2023
  • J R E
    Pittsfield, Massachusetts62 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    DO timed entry and skip the line
    Glad that we did both. The lines were very long and we walked right in for our 10AM entry. We did the self-guided. Our ticket also included the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. A LOT of walking with steps and inclines. I wish that we had also taken the underground Gladiator tour. Maybe next time.
    Visited May 2023
    Written June 14, 2023
  • Ryan B
    9 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good time, Poor service
    The tour of the Colosseum was great. Really enjoyed the guides knowledge and the underground access. The business that sets you up with the guide gives you very little instruction and was not helpful. Would have been better if an explanation of what we needed to do was clear or if they had just answered the message I sent.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 15, 2023
  • Dayana S
    Singapore, Singapore161 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Wonders of the Colosseum
    Despite the summer heat, I trekked from my location in Trastevere to the Colosseum. It was all worth it when I arrived because my visit there was absolutely incredible. Admittedly, I felt a bit nervous at first, but my initial worries quickly evaporated as I marveled at the ancient architecture and historical significance of the Colosseum. The experience of exploring the various areas of the landmark was an exhilarating adventure, and the views were breathtaking. Regardless of whether you are traveling alone or with companions, I strongly recommend visiting the Colosseum. It's an unforgettable experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written June 22, 2023
  • WWTraveller26
    Singapore, Singapore1,305 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Do not miss this
    All the reviews are right. Nothing prepares you for this grand structure and the stories it inspires. It is very crowded, it is massive, there are parts where the steps are steep and it is completely worth your time. Must take a guide or a guided tour to get the best of the experience.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written June 22, 2023
  • Jeff L
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Colosseum Gladiators Access Tour Fantastic Vantage Point!
    We took the Colosseum VIP Gladiators Access with Arena and Ancient Rome Small Group Tour. To stand at stage level where the gladiators once stood was an awe-inspiring experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of the history of the building and events that took place there, where VIPs sat, and how various players moved through the building. The tour group size was not too large. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill were also great stops on the tour and we learned a lot from our guide about the significant buildings and events that took place in these locations as well. It was well worth the time and investment. Skipping the line was also a huge time saver. Our guide also recommended a lunch spot and even helped us find the place. She was a fantastic help.
    Visited May 2023
    Written June 25, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

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edawson55
16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
Great experience at the Colosseum. It’s right outside the metro station. They are currently building a new metro line outside the station, however this does not detract from the experience. You simply walk around the billboards and head towards the tickets. The price for a visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine hill is €16 for adults (18 and over I believe). This lasts 24 hours and is valid for only 1 entry into each attraction. There is an option to include entry over 2 consecutive days and includes the underground of the Colosseum and ‘SUPER’ site (not too sure what this is) and that is €22. What is not advertised in the price is the 18-25 EU citizen discount. The entrance to the three attractions for this is €2!! This is what I got. It’s not advertised so just ask at the ticket desk and make sure you have some form of ID card. If you haven’t bought a ticket, go directly to the colosseum as you buy them inside, don’t get drawn in by anyone trying to sell you tickets. We went on 23/01/20 and arrived around 9:15am and there was no queue for tickets and there was only a couple of people in front of us at the security check. We left the colosseum just before 11am. There was also a temporary exhibition inside. They are doing some work on the Colosseum so there is some scaffolding, but it was still great. Just be aware of the people outside the Colosseum trying to sell you selfie sticks, water bottles etc. I would say don’t bother pre-booking online and paying an extra fee and also we didn’t feel like a guided tour was needed as there was information inside the Colosseum. It was busier when we left the Colosseum but it didn’t appear to be overcrowded. We then went to the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill entrance, there was a queue which seemed long but we were at the security checkpoint after less than 15 minutes, the main reason for the queue is that you have to go through a security scanner and put your bags through too. In all it was less than a 20 minute wait. This was the line for tickets already bought (we bought ours at the Colosseum desk). The Forum and Palatine Hill is huge and has loads of information as you walk around. They have fountains to fill up water and walking to the top gives a lovely view of Rome. We did the Forum then went to the Hill. It’s a rather big site so give yourself 3-4 hours to cover the Colosseum, Forum and Hill. 100% recommend visiting here!
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stovies-For-All
Vantaa, Finland61 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Family
Even though it was midweek (a Thursday) in February, there were long queues to get in and for audio guides, and so I highly recommend that you prebook adult skip the line tickets for the Colosseum and Palatine Hill/Roman Forum (note you can pay 2€ for kids past security). We were able to jump the queues and were through the security checks within 10 minutes.

There are toilets immediately inside, so if you do need to queue for a while (or have a weak bladder) there's no need to panic.

We didn't bother booking a guided tour, as we were with 3 kids and just wanted to get in and out quite quickly, but we actually ended up staying for over an hour as there are really interesting exhibitions with information boards on the 2nd floor which take a while to get round before you then head out to look at the main arena.

And the main arena is amazing. It's easy to let your imagination take you back to the gladiators and slaves fighting there in front of a stadium full of spectators almost two thousand years ago.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Colin
Brand Green, UK27 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
We went in December, You will always get queues but in December it was very easy to get in. You have a time ticket and they hold you to those times. Security like an airport with bags checked in the x ray machine, belt and any objects in a box. Lift inside to the second floor for the aged and disabled. Very friendly staff and spend as long as you like once in. Lots of steep steps inside, small museum explains the history very interesting. You can walk down to the arena area but we did not pay to go to the lower areas. Guided tours sounded good but expensive. Watch out for dubious characters just hanging around outside. Cafe outside across the road is very expensive, but if you go to the supermarket just round the corner you can buy an extensive range of food at normal prices, drinks, pizza, fruit, milk. Everything that you would expect to get from a supermarket. All these items can be taken into the Colosseum. Audio headsets can be hired but expect a big queue for these. Toilets inside the Colosseum but the ladies queue is long, gents is fine. The ticket you buy includes palatine hill a must to visit, and allow a good two hours as their is plenty to see and look out for the Parrots on top of the hill. I did not know that there were parrots there but apparently there are two types in Rome. Metro really close to the Colosseum, worth the day ticket price to allow you to get around Rome easily. Six euros if I remember correctly. How could you visit Rome and not go to the coliseum
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dfazzie
York, UK60 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
My wife and I purchased online tickets for the 2.45.pm English speaking tour of the colosseum’s underground, arena and upper levels. Our information told us to be there in good time so that we could clear security. We duly arrived 15 minutes before the advertised tour time and we were given a labelled sticker indicating our tour for 3.00pm and we were told to return to the Stern entrance for 2.50pm. When we returned we were asked to type in our names and d.o.b onto a tablet. At 3.00pm our tour group of approximately 20 people were scanned by security and taken inside the fenced outer area of the colosseum. We were then met by our guide who gave us a set of ear plugs and a mobile microphone which enabled us to clearly hear his commentary. Our tour began by walking through the eastern gate tunnel leading out onto the partly covered arena floor. After this we were led down the stairs into the underground passages, A lift was available for easier accessibility. Our guide explained the backstage story for this incredible amphitheatre and you almost felt the presence of the gladiators and animals who entertained the 50,000 spectators. Following our tour of the underground passages we were led upstairs to the upper levels where you had emperor like view of the oval shaped arena. . The tour was money well spent and it also included free entrance to the Forum and Palestine hill which we took advantage during the morning before our afternoon tour of the Colosseum.

Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

m1nhuh
Edmonton, Canada91 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
I don't think it would be wise to skip the Colosseum when in Rome. Truthfully, you probably won't be blown away by the interior, but it's important to understand the uniqueness of the stadium and the Palentine Hill and Roman Forum are both extremely historic and beautiful. But if you choose not to go inside, the least you can do is walk around the area as it does offer a lot of nice views.

A few tips for other readers, if you go early enough, especially on a weekday, you won't need to book in advance. I actually showed up without a ticket and was able to get in no problem. The queue of people right at open was so small and they actually have two lines - one for prepaid and another for walk-up. The walk-up line had only six people in it haha and is located on the inner circle/right line, you'll understand what I mean when you arrive, so if you do go at open, you have a very good chance of getting in,but this was on a Tuesday in January. Also, do not bring a selfie stick and do not buy one from the people selling outside.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Francesca S
Guildford, UK8 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Get there early or be prepared to queue. The entry ticket gives you access to the Roman Forum and Palentine Hill so it might be worth joining one of the other site queues to avoid a long wait. Also worth noting it is free to enter on the 1st Sunday of the month so it is often the busiest day. Impressive nonetheless!
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RebeccaHTraveller
Crawley, UK114 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
One of the most famous historical sights in the world, this is a highlight of any trip to Rome. Entry is timed to avoid too many visitors at any one time, we bought tickets in advance online. On arrival we then had to queue up for about twenty minutes to get the actual tickets (including tickets for the children who enter for free, but still require a ticket). I think you can also buy tickets on arrival but the queue is much longer, and time slot would not be guaranteed. There are various different guided tours if you pay extra, but we found it was enough to look around by ourselves. The same ticket then gives access to the Forum, for which there was another long queue even though we already had the tickets. Bring water and expect to be standing around waiting, well worth the wait though.
Written July 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

paul s
Hauts-de-France, France27 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
This is one of the visits that is accessible via the Roma Pass (for the 72 hour pass you get two free entries to most of the attractions in Rome but by no means all). However you do have to reserve a time slot to visit the Colosseum , we did this via the internet, when you arrive you have to queue at reservation desk to transform you reservation into tickets (using the Roma pass). You then have to queue again to enter the Colosseum via the security baggage scanners , We visited in low season and took about 1 hour to enter the Colosseum after arriving at the site. In summer it must be a lot worse. Once inside the visit takes about 1 hour to walk around, I was slightly disappointed , I thought there would be more to see , In hind sight it would have been better to reserve a guided tour.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

backpacker31
Boynton Beach, FL5,774 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Solo
This is one of those sights that you’ve seen a thousand times, but needs to be seen in person. I purchased my ticket (time slot) at the adjacent Roman Forum/Palatine Hill entrance which saved me quite a bit of time standing on line at the Colosseum itself. While I did not go with a guide, I found there were plenty of excellent information plaques throughout the site. Several cases contained treasures found at the site which were nicely displayed and described. I followed a clockwise route starting with the upper level and making my way down. While there were crowds, it was by no means a hindrance to my visit (although I couldn’t imagine the real crowds during peak tourist season, not to mention the heat).
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TLWOOD
Littlehampton, UK5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Visited the colloseum while exploring rome. Absolutely fantastic building! They don't over crowd it either which is great. We bought our tickets online which were only £23 for the colloseum and the roman forum, i would highly recommend doing this as the queues for people purchasing tickets whilst there was ridiculous.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Colosseum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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