Everything You Need To Know Before Going On A Colosseum Tour 2024
Colosseum Tour Tips
Visiting the Colosseum is a must-do when you’re in Rome. We bring you insider tips for everything you need to know before booking and going on your Colosseum Tour. As well as the reasons why booking a guided tour is the best way to visit Colosseum.
The Colosseum in Rome is the most popular tourist attraction in Italy, and it’s among the most well-known monuments in the world. This is no surprise given its history and how the monument managed to stand the test of time.
Is the Colosseum worth visiting?
Colosseum, located on piazza del Colosseo, is one of the most famous monuments, not only in the Eternal City but in the world. And over 6 million people visiting it each year proves it. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, this monument can hold over 50,000 spectators and its massiveness is truly impressive to see in person. From rich history, many interesting purposes, to attractive sites surrounding the monument – Yes, visiting the Colosseum is definitely worth it.
What do I need to know before going to the Colosseum?
There is not a lot of rules you need to follow or know before you visit the colosseum. Still, we do have some helpful tips for visiting this iconic monument. One thing to note is that you’re not allowed to bring tripods, luggage, and large backpacks inside of the Colosseum. Also, visitors are advised not to use selfie sticks while they are touring the monument. So keep that in mind.
We advise you to pack lightly since you will be going through a metal detector on your way inside the museum. Also, bring a water bottle with you and put a hat and sunscreen on. Especially if you’re visiting during the summer. There is really no shade at the Colosseum so you need to come well-prepared to fight off the Roman heat.
Colosseum Opening Hours
Although the Colosseum opening hours vary from month to month, the landmark is open almost every day of the year, with the exception of the 1st of January and the 25th of December. Both the Colosseum and other government-managed archaeological sites, museums, and monuments have a free entry every first Sunday of the month.
Opening hours for the Colosseum are:
- 08:30 am- 4:30 pm: until February 15
- 08:30 am- 5:00 pm: February 16 to March 15
- 08:30 am – 5:30 pm: March 16 to last Saturday of March
- 08:30 am – 7:15 pm: Last Sunday of March to August 31
- 08:30 am – 7:00 pm: September 1 to September 30
- 08:30 am – 6:30 pm: October 1 to last Saturday of October
You can enter the site one hour before the closing time. Still, one hour is not enough to fully explore Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. So make sure you plan your Colosseum Tour accordingly and set aside enough time to visit all the attractions around the Colosseum.
What is the best time to visit Colosseum?
Generally, we would recommend visiting the Colosseum in the off-season if possible. There are way fewer crowds visiting the colosseum during the winter and autumn months. But whatever time of the year you visit the Colosseum, we advise you to do so either as soon as the Colosseum opens or before closing time. If you arrive early you’ll be able to avoid all the crowds plus the weather will be more pleasant, especially during the summer days. Another good time of the day to visit the colosseum is before the closing time.
We have a list of the best Colosseum Tours!
Take a look at these 6 hand-picked Colosseum Tours.
What Should You Know Before Booking One Of Colosseum Tours
The number one thing you should know before going on a Colosseum tour is what you want to see and learn during your guided tour. With so many options available this can be a bit overwhelming and confusing. But we are here to help you out.
Firstly, you need to decide whether you want to go on a small group tour or on a private tour. After that, you can look into what exactly you want to see at the Colosseum. Different guided tours offer different types of access to parts of the amphitheater. So if you want to see the Colosseum from another perspective an underground tour will be perfect for you. This tour gives you access to the underground tunnels and chambers beneath the Arena Floor. You can also go on a night tour of the Colosseum to see the monument light up and have a unique experience of visiting the Colosseum.
Colosseum Tour – Good to know
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start of your tour.
- All Colosseum tours include a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Wear a pair of ultra-comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking a lot.
- With a booked guided tour you’ll be able to skip the line.
- Book your guided tour of the Colosseum in advance online. That way you’ll be all ready to fully enjoy your visit since you’ll have all the important information beforehand.
FAQ – Colosseum Tour Tips for visiting
What is the best way to tour the Colosseum?
The best way to tour the Colosseum is by booking a guided tour. These types of tours also include Roman Forum & Palatine Hill. Your tour guide will tell you all about imperial Rome, what the Colosseum was all about, and how Romans actually lived back then. This way you’ll get the best value for your money, and you won’t wander around trying to figure out where to go on your own.
How long does the Colosseum tour take?
A guided tour of the Colosseum usually takes around 1.5 hours to 3 hours.
Is it free to visit the Colosseum?
If you are planning a visit to the Colosseum you’ll need to buy a ticket or book a tour in order to get in. There are a few days of the year when the Colosseum offers free entry, but the lines tend to be very long. You can visit the Colosseum for free every first Sunday of the month.
Buy Colosseum tickets If You Want To Explore At Your Own Pace
You can buy Colosseum tickets at the Colosseum ticket office or you can buy them online. If you decide to buy them from the Colosseum ticket office, you should make, at least, a reservation beforehand to ensure you have an entry ticket. If you choose to book your Colosseum tickets online, you can buy a skip-the-line access ticket with an audio guide. Which is something we would recommend if you don’t like group tours but still want to learn a bit more about the Colosseum and Roman Empire.
Every standard ticket to the Roman Colosseum also includes access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. So you don’t have to worry about booking different tickets. We advise you to buy your Colosseum skip the line tickets online.
Explore Colosseum on your own!
Buy your Colosseum tickets online.
Learn More About Ancient Rome
The best way to learn about Roman Empire when visiting Rome is by going on a tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. You’ll learn all about the mock sea battles that were organized to entertain ancient Romans, and you’ll walk around the center of all trade, meetings, and everyday life in ancient Rome – The Roman Forum. Have a look at more Colosseum Visiting Tips and book your Colosseum tour right away!