How to Visit the Colosseum

This webpage will help you to decide how to visit the Colosseum. From best tickets, tours, time of visit and a bunch of useful tips.

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.

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. It’s a good idea to book well in advance, ideally at least 30 days ahead. Just keep in mind that the official booking system can be a little complicated, and some visitors have reported having trouble with the booking process.
2. Through Tiqets - On our first visit to the Colosseum with get one of the tickets from this website and everything went smooth.

👍 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

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.

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👍 We highly recommend the Rome Golf Cart Tour with LivTours!

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