Visit the Colosseum in Rome: practical advice and tickets

How much are the tickets for the Colosseum?

The price of for tickets to the Colosseum varies depending on the experience you choose. Tickets are available for around 25 euros for a visit to the Colosseum alone. If you wish to visit the Colosseum at night or as part of a guided tour, prices are slightly higher. A ticket to the Colosseum in Rome includesaccess to the Roman Forum and the Palatine. These tours are available all year round, except on certain holidays such as December 25 and January¹. The best alternative is usually tobuy tickets online. In addition to avoiding lines and ensuring availability, you can find more competitive rates and offers that include visits to other important monuments in Rome.

Roman Colosseum visiting hours

The opening hours of the Roman Colosseum are quite extensive, as the site is open every day of the week from 8:30 am to 7 pm . The opening hours are reduced in winter, from 9am to 5:30pm. Moreover, the site remains open throughout the year, except in the case of restoration work on the monument.

Are there guided tours of the Colosseum and is it worth it?

The Roman Colosseum is an ideal place to visit with an expert guide, due to the historical trajectory of the monument. There are several alternatives of guided tours of the Colosseum. It is possible to choose criteria such as time, duration or even the combination of this visit with other monuments in Rome. The best tours are those that are aimed at a relatively small group of people. It is also advisable to choose guided tours that allow you to go down into the arena and into the underground parts of the building. This option will allow you to see the parts of the Colosseum where gladiatorial battles were held and where other shows of the Roman era were organized.

How to go down into the arena of the Colosseum?

The visit of the arena and the underground of the Colosseum of Rome is captivating. It is in this part of the building that the gladiatorial combats took place and that the logistics of these shows were organized. It is the heart of one of the most important buildings in the western world. A visit to this part of the amphitheater is a more exclusive experience, as the capacity is smaller. If you wish to go down into the Colosseum arena, you will have to include this option in your guided tour. The price difference is not very significant. You can find alternatives starting at 30 euros per person. It is even common for the guided tour of the Roman Forum to be included in the price! Be aware that this part of the amphitheater is open all year round and is particularly recommended if you are visiting the monument with children, and that you should allow half an hour.

How do I get to the Colosseum from other parts of Rome?

It is quite easy to get to the Colosseum from other parts of the city. The flagship monument of the Eternal City is located in the historic center. It is therefore very well connected to other areas such as the Vatican City, the area around Piazza del Popolo or the Trastevere neighborhood. The Colosseum metro station, part of the blue line, is just a hundred steps from the Colosseum entrance. It is therefore easy to reach the Colosseum from any neighborhood that has access to the subway. Bus lines 117, 175, 186, 271, 53, 571, 75, 80, 810, 85 and 87 are another option, especially for neighborhoods without metro stations and located outside the historic center of Rome. Finally, walking is always the best alternative: it is an excellent way to explore the city's beautiful streets.

Is it advisable to go to the Colosseum with children?

The Colosseum experience is especially interesting for children over 5 years old. They always find it fun to explore the underground tunnels used by gladiators and lions. A guided tour will also allow them to relive the days when this amphitheater was the epicenter of entertainment in the capital of the Roman Empire.

When is the best time to visit the Colosseum?

The Roman Colosseum is one of the main tourist attractions in the Italian capital, so it is open all year round. However, there are certain times of the year that are more suitable than others for a more leisurely visit. Winter and fall are the best times to visit the Colosseum. First of all, because the number of tourists is lower, you can visit the stands, the arenas, the underground passages and the surroundings of the Colosseum without having to face hundreds of tourists. You should also always keep in mind that the Colosseum has large unshaded areas. The sweltering summer heat in Rome can make your visit to the Colosseum less enjoyable at this time of year. In any case, a good solution to avoid the crowds and extreme temperatures of summer is to visit the Colosseum early in the morning. Remember to buy your tickets in advance to make sure you have a seat.

What not to miss at the Colosseum

The Colosseum is a rather large monument and is composed of several parts. Here are the areas not to be missed during a visit to the Roman Colosseum: 1- The sand and the underground tunnels The underground tunnels surround the arena and are located under the stands. Many experts say that this is the part that gives a clear understanding of what gladiatorial combat was like. A guided tour that includes this section of the Colosseum will help you to imagine the daily life in this amphitheater during the great events of the Roman Empire. 2- The Arch of Constantine The Arch of Constantine is located right next to the Roman Colosseum. Built in the ^4th century, it is free to enter and its surroundings offer a privileged view of the Colosseum. Especially during its nightly illumination. 3- The terraces and the exterior The first place you'll visit in the amphitheater is the Colosseum's stands. It is a part of the structure accessible to wheelchair users. 4- The exterior The exterior of the Colosseum allows you to realize the great beauty of this jewel of Roman architecture. It is therefore important to take the time to admire the details, even after the visit is over. Don't forget to walk around the Colosseum to see it from different angles and come back at nightfall when the monument is illuminated.

How long does it take to visit the Colosseum?

The duration of the visit to the Roman Colosseum is quite subjective. It really depends on the speed of each group. Most people who visit the Colosseum spend between 45 minutes and 1 hour. A tour with a guide who specializes in the history of the Colosseum usually lasts 1 hour or 1.5 hours. The same is true if the experience includes a visit to the arena and the underground tunnels. However, if the guided tour includes other monuments in the ancient part of Rome, the duration changes significantly. In this case, the duration of the complete visit to the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine and the Roman Forum is approximately 3 hours.

Tips for visiting the Colosseum

There are several tips to help you get the most out of a visit to the Roman Colosseum. You can opt for a guided tour that includes the Palatine, the Forum and the Colosseum. It is highly recommended to visit these places with a tour guide, who will ensure that you learn as much as possible about their importance and each of the stages of their long existence. Another recommendation is to opt for public transportation, especially the subway, if you have to go to the Colosseum by yourself. Indeed, there is no need to spend money on cabs or private transportation when the city's underground trains will take you to the Colosseum from other tourist areas in record time. Finally, choose another part of the city for breakfast, lunch or dinner. As this is a very touristy area, the restaurants in the vicinity are quite expensive and far from excellent. Finally, if you go to the Colosseum in summer, don't forget to protect yourself from the sun. Temperatures can get stifling quickly in Rome.