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How To Visit the Colosseum in 2023: Tickets, Hours, and Tours
Sean Finelli
Approximately 16,000 people visit the Colosseum every day and even with the internet at their fingertips most show up without tickets. Lines for admission are long, days hot, and it gets crowded. On the upside, you’re reading this article which means you are planning ahead. Here is how to visit the Colosseum in Rome without waiting in line.
Pro Tip: Planning can be tough, but it’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Create a browser folder and bookmark this post along with our dedicated guide to planning your visit to Rome, where you’ll find everything you need. Also, check out our article on the best Colosseum tours.
Visiting the Colosseum: What We’ll Cover
Beginning in A.D. 72, it took a decade and 60,000 slaves to construct the largest amphitheater in the world. It’s no wonder everyone who visits Rome wants to visit the Colosseum! By far the best way to visit the structure is to do a Colosseum tour. They are our most popular experiences and really make the visit more comfortable and fun.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know when visiting the Colosseum. Be sure to check out our dedicated Colosseum guide for more tips and information.
Domus Aurea translates to the House of Gold and was a great sprawling palace built by Emperor Nero. He built it in the area affected by the great fire of A.D. 64, down the valley between the Palatine, Esquiline, and Caelian Hills. This is why Nero was famously blamed for causing the fire. Historians speculate his golden compound was between 100 and 300 acres in the center of Rome. Much of the compound was dismantled after Nero’s death by one Emperor after another. Vespasian most famously removed a massive lake Nero had built to construct the Colosseum.
Construction
Construction on the Colosseum began in A.D. 72 by Emperor Vespasian, the first of three Flavian Dynasty Emperors. Titus had just returned from a major victory in Jerusalem with an estimated 60,000 Jewish slaves. The building was completed in A.D. 80 but modifications and upgrades were made under Emperor Domitian.
Why Was the Colosseum Built?
Estimates place Colosseum occupancy between 50,000 and 80,000 people. It was built to host events of bloodshed and battle, which were extremely popular throughout the Roman Empire. The Romans were war-loving people and the games represented that. Gladiatorial fights came in all different types from 1:1 fights to full battles, including naval battles.
Flavian Amphitheatre
If you construct a building as epic as the Colosseum, you’re going to want to put your name on it. The Flavian dynasty did, but the name was eventually forgotten and replaced by a nickname—the Colosseum. Nero built a massive statue outside the Colosseum, known as the Colossal Statue of Nero! It was a 30-meter tall bronze statue of the sun god Sole with Nero’s head perched on top. The statue may have survived until the 5th century when it was most likely dismantled during one of the three major sacks of Rome. It was long enough to all but erase the Flavian dynasty’s legacy from history.
The Last Games
The last recorded game inside the Colosseum was on January 1st A.D. 404. Saint Telemachus apparently tried to stop a fight in the Colosseum midway through and was stoned to death. At the time, Rome was ruled by Christians. Emperor Honorius did nothing to stop the martyrdom, which happened in A.D. 391, but it is written that the event inspired and changed him and eventually he brought an end to the fighting.
Earthquakes and Damage
The Colosseum has lived a good long life. For a 2000-year-old complex monument, it’s in great shape. There were a number of major earthquakes after the glory of the Roman Empire that caused damage: A powerful quake in A.D. 443 followed by two more in A.D. 484 and A.D. 508. Repairs would have been made, however, and the human vs. animal games would have continued until A.D. 523. For the next 700 years, things were calm but the building became a sort of stone quarry for many who were looking to make a living or create art. After a serious amount of self-inflicted damage by Romans, a quake in 1349 caused the southern third of the Colosseum to collapse.
The Colosseum Quarry
The quake of 1349 was probably good news for many who were building in Rome. Materials that were out of reach were now on the ground and accessible. They were used for art, buildings, and much of what you see in Rome. This continued for over 400 years until Pope Benedict XIV decreed in 1749 that the Colosseum was a sacred site of Christian martyrdom and was no longer allowed to be vandalized. There are many arguments that Christians never died in the Colosseum, but nevertheless, Pope Benedict XIV saved the Colosseum.
Restorations
Soon after the decree of 1749, popes began commissioning projects to restore the Colosseum. There was heavy foliage and plant life growing inside the Colosseum, which would have tremendous negative effects on the building over time. These were removed, and in 1807 a project began to reinforce the outer ring of the Colosseum, which can be seen today.
Triangular brick support now reinforces the Colosseum. There were also excavations that took place throughout the 19th century. After over a thousand years of abusing the structure due to poor economic conditions, it was finally time to preserve it. By the 1930s, the Colosseum looked very similar to what you see today—other than some cool things like a replica of a trap door and an elevator being built into the stage.
Two major cleaning projects happened in our era: from 1993 to 2000 and another in 2013, which was sponsored by Tod’s shoe company, an ultra-popular Italian designer.
Interior Improvements
Restorations have been made to the arena floor, underground, and on the third, fourth, and fifth levels that allow tours to explore these areas. Companies like ours are now able to run extremely cool and exclusive tours to these restricted areas.
The Colosseum opens daily at 9:00 am and closes 1 hour before sunset daily. We urge you to purchase a Colosseum tour or Colosseum tickets in advance if you are planning a visit during warmer months as lines can be very long.
Jan 2nd – Feb 15th
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Feb 16th – Mar 15th
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Mar 16th – Mar 26th
9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Mar 27th – Aug 31st
9:00 am – 7:15 pm
Sept 1st – Sept 30th
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Oct 1st – Oct 30th
9:00 am – 6:30 pm
Oct 31st – Dec 31st
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Tickets:
Admission to the Colosseum includes the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. They are visible from the Colosseum but fenced into a different area. Once you enter Palatine Hill, you can visit the Forum without exiting the fenced-in area. They are connected by the Via Sacra. Once there, you will easily find your way.
Admission Cost: €16
Reduced Ticket: €2 (EU citizens ages 18 – 25 with ID and proof of citizenship)
Free Ticket: €0 (Under 18)
How Long To Spend at the Colosseum
Short Answer: 2 to 3 hours
The Colosseum is massive for a 2,000-year-old stadium. Once inside, there are tons of things to do, depending on which type of ticket you get. With general admission, you’ll have access to the first and second floors.
If you join a guided tour of the Colosseum, you can visit the arena floor, underground, and top tiers. At times, as high as the fifth tier—which is very cool!
You should plan on spending at least 60 minutes in each area, give or take. If you bring a snack, you could easily walk around and explore the entire ancient city for 4 or 5 hours. And bringing a reusable water bottle is a must. There are fountains at the Colosseum and Roman Forum you can use to refill your bottle when needed.
The metro is by far the easiest way to arrive. Metro line B stops at the Colosseo station. As soon as you walk outside, it’s the first huge ancient amphitheater on the left.
Bus:
The bus is also pretty easy. Many buses run by the Colosseum, but check the bus map and make sure the bus number you are about to get on goes by Colosseo. Here are a few buses that pass by the Colosseum in Rome: 40, 51, 60, 75, 81, 175, and 204.
On Foot:
The Colosseum is at the center of three intersecting roads and is easily reachable on foot. Via di Fori Imperiali, Via Labicana, and Via Celio Vibenna all sort of wrap around the structure. If you can find one of those roads, you’ll most likely be able to see the Colosseum and take it from there.
Obviously, using a map app on your phone is a great way to get around. If you are a bus person, Roma Bus is the top free app.
Top Colosseum Tours
Best Seller
Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
This is our most popular Colosseum tour due to the incredible access to non-public areas like the underground chambers. All admissions are included and it is lead by an English speaking licensed guided and Colosseum expert.
(477)
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Customer Favorite
Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour Through the Gladiator’s Gate
You’ll enter the Colosseum through the back door entrance avoiding lines and crowds, which is ideal! You’ll step through the gladiator’s gate and your English-speaking Colosseum guide will bring the stories to life. Next, on to the Roman Forum. All admissions are included.
What To See at the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum
Below is an itinerary of 29 things you should see while visiting the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum. Follow our list on your visit and enjoy exploring this monumental wonder! If you are looking for more in-depth descriptions of each place, be sure to check out our list of the top things to see at the Colosseum.
Outside the Colosseum
1. The Base of the Colossal Statue of Nero
Right across from the Colosseum metro station and in front of the Colosseum is the base of the Colossal Statue of Nero. It isn’t much to look at today, but an important element to pass by on your way in. You’ll see a plaque reading “Area Del Basamento del Colosseo di Nerone.”
2. The Arch of Constantine
Flavius Valerius Constantinus or Constantine the Great to most of us was the first Christian Emperor of Rome. A triumphant arch was built and dedicated to him for his victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in A.D. 312. It is an epic arch right in front of the Colosseum.
3. The Outer Ring
The first thing you’ll notice when you get closer to the Colosseum is that it was built from multiple rings to support seating. The remaining portion of the outer ring will be facing you as you walk out of the metro station and definitely puts this building into perspective. Three sets of arches stand on top of one another to form the 159-foot tall outer ring.
4. Ludus Magnus
Just across from the Colosseum on Via di San Giovanni in Laterano sits the remains of the Ludus Magnus, which was the closest and greatest gladiator training school in the empire. It has many cells for slaves and even an underground tunnel directly connected to the Colosseum.
5. Flavian Amphitheatre Plaque
An important thing to note is that the Colosseum is only a nickname for the structure. The building is actually named the Flavian Amphitheatre after the dynasty that built it. See the plaque attached to the middle ring of the Colosseum directly facing the Temple of Venus.
Inside the Colosseum
6. The Arena Floor
The word arena means sand, and the Colosseum is apparently where the use of the word derives. They’d say, “down on the arena,” which referred to the sand that covered the stage. Now we use the word when referring to stadiums as a whole like “basketball arena,” for example. You can’t access this area with general admission, but we have a guided tour that takes you onto the arena floor!
7. The Underground (Hypogeum)
Yes, underneath the Colosseum there is a complex labyrinth of tunnels that were used by gladiators and event organizers. It is without a doubt the most exclusive area of the Colosseum. General admission won’t get you there, but we have a Colosseum Underground tour that takes you there.
8. The Cross
In the year 2000, a cross was placed inside the Colosseum in memory of all the Christian martyrs that were killed inside the Colosseum. While it is almost definite that Christian slaves died inside the Colosseum, it is dubious they died because they were Christian. The Romans didn’t really care about the Christians or persecute them heavily.
9. Second Floor Exhibit of Colosseum: Concession Stand Food and Drink
Find the elevator inside the Colosseum on the second floor. There you will find some very cool artefacts, including cups and spoons used inside the building. There were concession stands similar to a modern stadium that sold all types of foods, including oysters! We’re not as different as you’d think.
10. Second Floor Balcony
Once out of the concession stand area, look down at the center of the Colosseum and head clock-wise. When you get to the apex of the ellipse you’ll find an awesome balcony to snap a pick. Look down to your right and you’ll see a reconstruction of some of the original seats of the Colosseum.
11. Third, Fourth, and Fifth Floors (currently closed)
These areas are often closed, but if they are open during your visit, try to secure access to the top tiers of the Colosseum. You’ll find yourself at a far higher altitude than expected. The view is amazing, but you’d be where the slaves and lowest citizens sat. We have a tour that covers the area. If you see departure times that means it’s open. It also includes the Underground and Arena Floor.
On Palatine Hill
From the Colosseum exit, head to the Palatine Hill entrance with your Colosseum admission ticket. You can find this entrance on Via di San Gregorio, 30.
12. Claudian Aqueduct
Aqua Claudia was one of the four great Roman aqueducts. Caligula started the project and Claudius completed it. It is approximately 43 miles long (69 kilometers), most of which is underground.
The duct emerges from the ground as it reaches Rome and, where the ground slopes downward, it reaches over 100 feet (32 meters) high. This was an important detail if you wanted to get good water pressure on the top of a hill. You’ll see a piece of this structure after entering the Palatine Hill entrance
13. Hippodrome Circus of Domitian
From here, head up the hill until you see the massive Hippodrome of Domitian—a private events stadium for the famed emperor of Rome and the last of the Flavians.
14. Caldrons for Heating Floors
They won’t look like much, but as you pass by the north-facing end of the Hippodrome (the only way you can walk) you’ll see some ruins on your right. These are caldrons for heating water. When Domitian built his palace, he wanted heated floors. Don’t we all!
15. Mosiac Palace Floors
As you pass into the Domus Augustana or House of Augustus, be sure to look down and see mosaic floors beneath you. Know that many famed personalities in Rome from the first, second, and third centuries would have walked on these same pieces of tile.
16. Circus Maximus Balcony
As you walk across the hill, step inside the walls of the palaces and head towards the Circus Maximus. You’ll be standing on a massive balcony, which was part of the structure of the Temple of Apollo and has the best view of the Circus Maximus.
17. Casa di Livia
Attached to the House of Augustus on the east-facing hill, you’ll find the Casa di Livia. If timed correctly, you can get inside and see some amazing frescoes dating back thousands of years.
In the Roman Forum
18. Arch of Titus
Walking down into the Forum, you’ll find the Arch of Titus. It was built to commemorate Titus’ famed victory that quelled the revolt in Jerusalem. He brought 60,000 slaves and uncountable wealth back to Rome, which resulted in the Colosseum being built.
19. Via Sacra
The road running through the arch is known as the Via Sacra. It is a sacred and triumphant road that the victorious walk down when returning from battle.
20. Temple of Venus
With the Arch of Titus at your back and the Colosseum in front of you, you’ll see a structure to your left. Head to that building and work your way towards the Colosseum. There is a great balcony to take a picture from (see the feature image for this article). The Temple of Venus, built under Emperor Hadrian, was a massive temple with a great view of the Colosseum.
21. Basilica of Constantine (Temple of Maxentius)
As you leave the Temple of Venus the way you came in, you’ll see a massive structure on your right. That is the remains of the Basilica of Constantine. The structure was started by Maxentius. Unfortunately for him, Constantine beat him in battle and made sure to name the building after the victor, himself.
22. Temple of Romulus
Don’t mistake this with the Romulus who founded Rome. This temple was dedicated to Valerius Romulus who was the son of Maxentius and ultimately deified. Eventually, paganism was outlawed and this temple was converted to the Basilica os Santi Coma e Damiano. The bronze doors are said to be original to the A.D. 309 structure.
23. Temple of Antoninus and Faustina
This temple was built in A.D. 141 by Emperor Antoninus Pius for his late wife who was deified. Upon the death and deification of Antoninus, his name was added to the temple.
24. Temple of the Vestas and Eternal Flame of Rome
While facing the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, turn around and you’ll see a circular altar in a shaded area on a slight hill. This is where the vestal virgins cared for the famed Eternal Flame of Rome.
25. Temple of Julius Caesar
Possibly the main event for many lovers of Roman history, the Temple of Julius Caesar is in the center of the Roman Forum for all to worship. You’ll still find flowers on his altar from the many Romans who thank him for what he accomplished.
26. The Curia (Senate House)
One of the best-preserved structures in the Forum due to many renovations, this building is the famous place where Roman senators argued, postured, and debated.
27. Arch of Septimius Severus
To the left of the Curia, you’ll find the massive Arch of Septimius Severus constructed in A.D. 203. This arch became the model for the Arch of Constantine 100 years later, which is more visible in front of the Colosseum. It was built to commemorate the Parthian victories of Caracalla and Geta, initially joint emperors.
28. Temple of Saturn
Possibly your last stop in the Roman Forum, see the remains of the Temple of Saturn, an ancient Roman temple that dates as early as 497 B.C.
29. Mamertine Prison
Just outside the northern-facing exit of the Forum, you’ll find the Mamertine Prison. It’s not actually inside the structure, so make sure you are ready to leave as you won’t be allowed reentry. According to Christian dogma, St. Peter called this prison home in the first century prior to escaping. You can see the depiction in the Raphael Rooms of the Vatican Museum.
Colosseum Tour Options
Not sure if a Colosseum tour is worth it? You can purchase Colosseum tickets on your own, but you’re going to miss a lot. Joining a guide elevates the experience and makes it much more memorable, not to mention that it can come with special access.
When you purchase a Colosseum tour from The Roman Guy, you are also reserving a Colosseum ticket. All our tours include an English-speaking guide and you get in without waiting in the admissions line. Here are our best Colosseum tours:
This is our best-selling Colosseum tour for good reason. You get access to the main areas of the Colosseum, as well as access to the Underground (hypogeum) and Arena Floor. It is a little on the pricey side due to how difficult it is to acquire these tickets, but the non-stop flow of five-star reviews for this tour tells us it’s worth it. It also includes the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.
This three-hour journey checks all the must-see boxes on your list for a great price. It includes general access to the Colosseum in a small group of 18 people max. Top-quality English-speaking guides will be with you the entire time. That same guide will then take you to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. It’s a great tour that hits everything you have to see and you’ll have a great time.
This super popular tour includes special access to the Colosseum and a chance to walk through the gladiator’s gate out onto the reconstructed arena floor where the gladiators fought thousands of years ago! An English-speaking tour guide will be with you the entire time as you continue to explore the Colosseum’s first and second tiers and on to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
This is everything that the Colosseum Underground tour includes plus access to the Belvedere levels with their beautiful views. These areas are not always open, so make sure you click on the link and check for availability. It is our most inclusive and most expensive Colosseum tour.
This is our least expensive and most unique way to visit the Colosseum Underground: at night! It’s more of a brief tour that includes a walk above the Forum from the Via dei Fori Imperiali. Then, you enter the Colosseum at night and explore the underground. You’ll also get to walk out onto the arena floor, which is a real treat at night. This tour can start and run pretty late, so be sure to factor that in. Without a doubt, it’s a great and unique way to visit the Colosseum.
This tour is for those who are only in Rome for a day or want to knock out all the site-seeing quickly. It covers all the top monuments in the city, including the Colosseum, Vatican, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and more.
Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
This is our most popular Colosseum tour due to the incredible access to non-public areas like the underground chambers. All admissions are included and it is lead by an English speaking licensed guided and Colosseum expert.
(254)
See Prices
Best Seller
Local Rome Food Tour in Trastevere Neighborhood
Are you looking for the best food tour in Rome? Embark on a Trastevere food tour that offers an excellent introduction to some of the best food in Rome. Led by a local foodie guide, visit some of our favorite restaurants and trattorie in Rome
We’ve included a few places nearby the Colosseum where you can get a quick bite to eat or a cup of coffee. For more options, check out our list of the best restaurants near the Colosseum.
Unfortunately, there are currently no snack stands or food and beverage shops in any of the archeological areas. There are a few fountains: One on the 2nd level of the Colosseum by the elevators, one next to the arch of Titus, and the third on the via sacra a few meters down from the arch of Titus. Normally less busy.
Colosseo Metro Caffé: € | Refreshments—Right inside the metro Colosseum, there is a bar that serves coffee, sandwiches, and more. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you want a quick bite to eat before going inside or a snack on the run. You can also grab a beer here and take it with you. You’ll find the café at Piazza del Colosseo 58.
Trattoria Luzzi: € | Light Meals—Some people say this place has gone downhill, but the food tastes the same to me. It’s great for pasta or any other typical Roman dishes. They also serve pizza, which I have surprisingly never had but the prices are good and I am sure the pizza is too.
Ai Tre Scalini: €€ | Dinner and Wine—This is a little further away from the Colosseum on foot, but it’s perfect for a long lunch or dinner. They serve tons of wine by the glass and seasonal dishes. It has a really cozy atmosphere that gets a little crowded, but it’s always worth it.
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