Colosseum Rome – Tickets and Guide
Colosseum Rome – Tickets and Guide
Tourist Information for the Colosseum in Rome
The Colosseum Rome is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. This impressive ancient amphitheatre once hosted thrilling gladiatorial games and animal spectacles.
Now considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it is an absolute must-see when visiting Rome.
In this article you will find everything you need to know to plan your visit.
The Colosseum in Rome – General Information |
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Location |
Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy |
Opening Times |
Monday to Sunday: 8:30AM – 4:30PM. |
Entry and Tickets |
Entry tickets without audio guide can be purchased at the Colosseum’s entrance or on colosseo.it. Prices start from €16. Top Tip to Skip the Long Line » The best way to get fast access is to book a priority entrance ticket online (with audio guide) or to book a guided tour. |
Table of Contents
Visiting the Colosseum Rome
It is currently estimated that 17,000 people visit the Roman Colosseum every day. During busy seasons, the wait times can become quite extensive, so to avoid disappointment I highly advise to make online reservations in advance and bypass the lengthy queues.
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 and the same ticket grants you access to both. Don’t worry if you are planning to stay longer as the Colosseum has toilet facilities.
There are many information points distributed around for you to learn the history. However, a guided tour or audio guide is well worth it to really bring the place to life — you can pre-book these tickets online.
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 backpacks aren’t allowed).
Colosseum Tickets and Tours |
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Please note that the best way to skip the long queues is booking a fast track access ticket online or to book a guided tour. Here are some of my top recommendations: Fast-Track Ticket with Audio GuideFast-Track Tickets with Guided ToursPro Tip » If you are also planning to visit other landmarks, such as the Pantheon, Sistine Chapel or Castel Sant’Angelo, you may want to consider booking the Rome Tourist Card to save some time and money. |
What to see at the Colosseum Rome
Other than admiring its impressive structure with the large arches, here are a few must-see areas during your visit to the Colosseum:
Amphitheater
The amphitheater 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
The Colosseum had a labyrinthine area under the arena with several 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.
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 a 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
As of 2024 these are the current opening times:
| Date | Opening Times |
|---|---|
| 2nd January – 15th February | 8:30AM – 4:30PM |
| 16th February – 30th February | 8:30AM – 5:00PM |
| 1st March – 30th March | 8:30AM – 5:30PM |
| 31st March – 30th September | 8:30AM – 7:15PM |
| 1st October – 26th October | 8:30AM – 6:30PM |
| 27th October – 31st December | 8:30AM – 4:30PM |
| 29th March, 25th December and 1st January | 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 Rome 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.
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