How to Visit the Colosseum

Visiting the Colosseum for the first time can feel a little overwhelming.

There are different tickets, entrances, time slots and tour options to choose from.

It’s always busy around the Colosseum, no matter when you visit!

We’ve visited the Colosseum many times and learned a few things along the way.

That’s why we love sharing everything we’ve learned from our visits—to help you plan your trip, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy the Colosseum to the fullest.

What is the best way to visit the Colosseum?

There isn't one answer for everyone.

Visiting independently is usually the most flexible and affordable option, while a guided tour can be worthwhile if you want to understand the history and avoid figuring everything out yourself.

Private tours offer the most personalized experience but cost considerably more.

Seeing the Roman Colosseum from outside

When we first visited Rome, about 10 years ago, we didn’t even go inside the Colosseum.

We just took a couple of quick photos from the outside, not realizing there were much better spots to capture the Colosseum.

Over the years, we’ve discovered some fantastic places for taking photos of the Colosseum, and we’re happy to share our favourites with you.

• Via Nicola Salvi — elevated view with the Colosseum filling the frame
• Colle Oppio — higher viewpoint with a wider view and generally fewer crowds. Colle Oppio and Terme di Traiano Park
• Piazza del Colosseo — the classic frontal shot, but usually crowded
• Arch of Constantine — great for framing the Colosseum with the ancient arch. Arch of Constantine
• Ponte degli Annibaldi — a nice elevated angle, especially in the evening when the Colosseum is illuminated
• Cederna Viewpoint — an elevated side view overlooking Via dei Fori Imperiali
• Palatine Hill viewpoint — a wider shot combining the Colosseum with the Roman Forum, but you'll need a ticket

👍 Our LivTours Golf Cart Tour of Rome gave us so many opportunities to capture the Colosseum from different angles.

⟶ See how the tour went — and why we loved it so much!

Visiting the Colosseum on your own

Seeing the Colosseum on your own is the cheapest options (18 euros). You'll need to wait in the line and enter on your own.

First time we visited the Colosseum we bought tickets through Tiqets. We were escorted inside and then we explored on our own. It was interesting to wander around, snapping photos but we didn't get any context about the Colosseum.

How to book the Colosseum tickets

1. Book through the official Colosseum website, ideally 30+ days ahead. The booking system can be tricky, so check back if your dates aren’t available. During busy periods, you may also enter a digital waiting room.
2. Book at Tiqets - On our first visit to the Colosseum with get one of the tickets from this website and everything went smooth. These are more expensive, but they’re usually available 2–3 days before your visit.

👍 Insider tip! We did a golf cart tour of Rome with LivTours and it ended up being one of our favorite ways to see the city. We loved seeing the Colosseum from so many different angles while our guide shared little bits of history along the way.

Visiting the Colosseum on a guided tour

Exploring the Colosseum with a guide is another level up. Firstly, you'll skip lines and go straight inside (you still need to go through security check).

Then, the history of the Colosseum will come alive while your guide shares stories with you. You'll find out how it was built and by whom, and what was the purpose of the most grandeur amphiteater in the world.

How to choose a Colosseum tour?

There are variety of the Colosseum tours, and it's not easy to choose the one. It depends on the what you want to see (only the upper level or you want to go to arena and underground level), then do you want to go early, mid-day or even evening (ideal for summer, through these are not available in winter time).

We love LivTours colosseum tours, which take place in small groups up to 6 people. You actually feels like you are sightseeing with a friends. You interact all the time with your guide, ask what you want to know - truly special experience.

Our top picks for Colosseum Tours

Best time of the year to visit the Colosseum

If you want a more peaceful experience when visiting the Roman Colosseum, consider going during the shoulder season, from November to March.

The crowds are generally much smaller than in May, June, or September.

However, this doesn’t apply during the Christmas and New Year holiday period, when Rome can still be quite busy.

Best time of day and week to visit the Colosseum

Go early or late.

The Colosseum is usually quieter just after opening at 8:30 AM. Crowds tend to grow throughout the day.

Late afternoon can also be a good time for fewer people.

For the quietest experience, visit on a weekday. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are good options.

Weekends are usually busier.

The first Sunday of each month can be especially crowded due to free admission.

Insider tips for visiting the Colosseum

• Be careful of your time slot for colosseum visit or guided tour. Get to the meeting point at least 20 minutes before the start!
• Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk a lot during your exploration of the Colosseum, plus roman forum. Take the most comfortable sneakers or sandals you have!
• Take a hat, water and sunscreen with you if visiting during summer. Colosseum doesn't offer lots of shade!

How to get to the Colosseum

The Colosseum is really central, so it’s easy to get there from most parts of Rome. Depending on where you’re staying, here are a few of the easiest options:

FROM THE HISTORIC CENTER
If you’re staying anywhere in the centro storico, you can easily walk to the Colosseum. You can also take a bus to Piazza Venezia and walk from there—it’s a pleasant walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali.

FROM TRASTEVERE
Take tram 8 towards the city center and get off around Piazza Venezia. From there, you can walk to the Colosseum.

FROM MONTI OR THE TERMINI AREA
If you’re staying in Monti or near Termini, the Colosseum is easy to reach on foot. Just walk towards Via dei Fori Imperiali and you’ll soon find yourself in the Colosseum area.

FROM PRATI
The easiest option is the metro. Take Metro A to Termini, then change to Metro B towards Laurentina and get off at Colosseo. The Colosseum is right next to the station.

FROM PIAZZA DEL POPOLO
Take Metro A from Flaminio – Piazza del Popolo towards Anagnina and get off at Termini. Change there to Metro B towards Laurentina and get off at Colosseo. The Colosseum is directly beside the station.

Best areas to stay near the Colosseum

Staying near the Colosseum means being close to some of Rome’s best sights. You can easily walk to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, saving time on transport.

It’s also wonderful to see the Colosseum early in the morning or beautifully lit up in the evening.

There are a few great areas to consider, depending on what kind of Rome experience you’re looking for.

Colosseum & Fori Imperiali — Best for being close to the sights

Stay here if your main priority is being within walking distance of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

It’s incredibly convenient, especially for a first visit, and you can easily return to your hotel during the day.

👌 Nerva Boutique Hotel, on Via Tor de’ Conti, a quiet side street leading to Via dei Fori Imperiali.

We remember this hotel for its intimate atmosphere, amazing staff, and cosy rooms. We were genuinely sad to leave!

Monti — Best for restaurants and atmosphere

Monti is just a short walk from the Colosseum but feels more like a real Roman neighbourhood.

You’ll find plenty of cafés, restaurants, wine bars and small shops, making it a great choice if you want sightseeing during the day and a lively atmosphere in the evening.

👌 We recommend Monti Palace Hotel on Via Cavour. The rooms are comfortable, and the staff is polite.

We especially loved the creamy scrambled eggs with bacon for breakfast, but there were plenty of other delicious options too.

Celio — Best for a quieter stay

Celio is right next to the Colosseum but generally quieter than Monti. It’s a good choice if you want to be close to the ancient sights while staying somewhere more peaceful at night.

Our tip: If your trip is mainly about exploring ancient Rome, choose Colosseum, Celio or Monti. If you want to spend more time around Rome’s famous fountains, piazzas and shopping streets, the Historic Centre may suit you better.

More from Tasty Italian Travels

• Where to stay in Rome
• Best things to do in Rome

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