Colosseum Rome Guide – 2025 Tickets, Tours & Tips
Colosseum Rome Guide – 2025 Tickets, Tours & Tips
Your 2025 guide to visiting the Colosseum in Rome: ticket prices, best tours, how to skip lines, and what not to miss once you’re inside
The Colosseum in Rome is far more than just a tourist attraction. This impressive ancient amphitheatre once hosted thrilling gladiatorial contests and animal spectacles, and it still dominates the city’s skyline nearly 2,000 years later.
It has been recognised as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and it is an absolute must-see when visiting Rome – whether you’re fascinated by Roman history or simply want to walk through one of the most iconic landmarks in Europe, it’s an unforgettable experience.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your 2025 visit: from buying tickets and skipping queues to exploring highlights like the Arena and Hypogeum.
The Colosseum in Rome – General Information |
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Location |
Piazza del Colosseo 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Located in the heart of the city, just steps from the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. |
Opening Times |
Monday to Sunday: 8:30AM – 4:30PM. |
Entry and Tickets |
Standard tickets start from €16. 💡 Skip the Line Tip: Avoid long waits by booking a priority entrance ticket (includes audio guide) or a guided tour in advance. |
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Tips for Visiting the Colosseum in Rome
Over 17,000 people visit the Colosseum every day, making it one of the busiest landmarks in Italy. During peak season, wait times can stretch for hours so it’s highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance to skip the long lines and secure your preferred time slot.
You would need at least 2 hours to fully explore the Colosseum. Ideally, I would align it with a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as they are literally next to each other. The combined ticket covers entry to all of them. Don’t worry if you are planning to stay longer as the Colosseum has toilet facilities.
You’ll find information panels throughout the site, but for a more immersive experience, I’d consider booking a guided tour or audio guide. It’s the best way to bring the Colosseum’s epic history to life.
Although pre-booking tickets online will speed up your entry, please note that you will still have to go through a security line. I recommend visiting the Colosseum as light as possible (large bags and big backpacks aren’t allowed).
All tickets are for specific time slots so make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
Tickets are issued in your name, so bring a valid ID that matches the name on your booking.
The Colosseum offers free entry on the first Sunday of each month, as well as on 25th of April, 2nd of June, and 4th of November 2025.
Colosseum Tickets and Tours |
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The best way to avoid long lines at the Colosseum is to book your ticket online in advance. A fast-track ticket with audio guide lets you skip the queues and explore at your own pace, while a guided tour brings the ancient arena to life with fascinating stories and context. Here are some of my top rated options to consider: <💡 Pro Tip » If you are also visiting other landmarks, such as the Pantheon, Sistine Chapel or Castel Sant’Angelo, consider getting the Rome Tourist Card to save some time and money. |
What to See at the Colosseum Rome
Beyond admiring its impressive structure with the large arches, there are several key areas you shouldn’t miss during your visit:
Amphitheater
The Colosseum’s amphitheatre was built in an elliptical shape and made of a combination of stone and concrete. It measured around 190 metres long and 150 metres wide, towering up with height of roughly 50 meters. It could hold up to 80,000 spectators who were seated according to their social status – the wealthiest were the closest to the arena.
Underground and Hypogeum
Beneath the arena lies the Hypogeum, a labyrinthine area with several chambers, lifts and tunnels used to carry large props and animals up. It also connected to the gladiators’ barracks, including an underground passageway to the gladiator training school, Ludus Magnus.
Arena Floor
The main arena floor of the Colosseum Rome was the primary battleground for gladiator fights and spectacles. In recent years the ground was reconstructed into a useable space allowing visitors to walk on the same patch of land that gladiators once used to fight.
Archaeological Exhibits
Within the Colosseum there are several exhibitions showcasing various artefacts and providing information about their historical context. These include gladiatorial equipment, inscriptions, architectural models and items related to the animal hunts.
Roman Forum
Just outside the Colosseum is the Roman Forum, a symbol of ancient Roman political, religious and cultural life. The Roman Forum, or Foro Romano in Italian, encompassed several government buildings, temples and marketplaces.
Once you exit the Colosseum, you have two options for entering the Roman Forum: one directly ahead and another about a 10-minute walk to the west. Choose the latter; the queues are much shorter, and it provides a direct route to Palatine Hill.
Palatine Hill
It is believed that Palatine Hill was the original birthplace of Rome, and Romulus established here the city in 753 BC. It was later developed into an upmarket residential area for the highest members of society (emperors and aristocrats). You can now find the ruins of the Domus Augustana and Domus Flavia palaces, as well as the Palatine Museum.
If you are looking for a good photo opportunity, this is one of my top recommendations. From this hill, you will be able to see the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, and the Colosseum.
Opening Times of the Colosseum Rome (2025)
As of 2025 these are the current opening times:
| Date | Opening Times |
|---|---|
| 30th March – 30th September 2025 | 8:30AM – 7:15PM |
| 1st October – 25th October 2025 | 8:30AM – 6:30PM |
| 26th October – 28th February 2026 | 8:30AM – 4:30PM |
| 25 December 2025 and 1 January 2026 | CLOSED |
History of the Colosseum Rome
The Colosseum in Rome was built around 71 AD, and it is estimated that over 60,000 slaves were involved in the construction.
The colosseum was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty, hence the original name of Flavian Amphitheatre.
It was originally built to hold 80,000 spectators and was used for various public events, from gladiatorial performances and animal fights, to mock sea battles.
The colosseum has faced large structural damage caused by earthquakes and neglect over the centuries. Despite this, it stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome and symbol of ancient Roman civilisation.
You can find further information on the official website.
Location of the Colosseum Rome and How to Get There
The Colosseum is easily accessible by foot or by public transport as it is situated in the centre of Rome. You can use any of the options below:
- Metro: Line B (stop Colosseo)
- Bus: Lines 51, 75, 81, 85, 87, 117, 175
- Tram: Line 3 (stop Argentina/Cairoli)
For detailed information about prices and travel passes check my transport page.
Arriving to the Colosseum by car is difficult, with a lack of parking spaces and access in the centre of Rome so I wouldn’t recommend this option.
FAQs
Is there a dress-code to visit the Colosseum?
No, there is no dress-code, but I would recommend you to wear comfortable clothes and footwear that let you walk and explore for hours without any worries. If you are visiting it in summer, don’t forget to wear items to protect you from the sun, like hats or sunglasses, and have you sunscreen and water bottle on hand!
Is the Colosseum child-friendly?
Absolutely. If taking along children it may be worth considering a guided tour as this can really bring to life the stories about the gladiators and provided context to the surrounding ruins and artefacts.
How can I skip the long queues in Colosseum Rome?
You can book tickets online which will speed up your entry. However, please note you will still have to go through the security line. My top recommendation is to book a priority entrance ticket online or a guided tour – you may also want to do this if you are visiting Rome during the hot summer months!
Is it accessible for disabled people?
Yes – the Colosseum is accessible for everyone as there is a ramp at the main entrance and elevator to reach the Colosseum’s second tier. The ground is mainly flat/smooth and easy to navigate with a wheelchair.
Can you take a bag into the Colosseum?
Yes, visitors are allowed to enter with a small or medium-sized bag or backpack which will be screened but they will deny your entry if you carry your travel luggage.
How long does it take to visit the Colosseum?
You’ll need at least 2 hours to visit the Colosseum. If you’re also visiting the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, I’d plan for around 3 to 4 hours total.
Is the Colosseum free on the first Sunday of the month?
Yes, as part of cultural initiative in Italy, the Colosseum offers free entry on the first Sunday of every month. This ticket also includes access to he Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Please note that you cannot pre-book tickets for this day and that the entry is on a first-come, first-served basis so it’s best to arrive early in the morning.
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