Colosseum tickets and tours

Inside the Colosseum, it’s not easy to figure out how to continue the visit, given the poor directions. However, there are several stops to make within the site. The first is, without a doubt, in the arena, the place where performances and fights once took place. In addition, you can visit the dungeon, the only section of the monument to have been preserved virtually intact, and the third ring, from which to enjoy an overview of the entire structure. To complete the experience and better contextualise it, a museum has been built on the second level of the amphitheatre, showcasing the most significant works and findings made within the archaeological site. Finally, as you leave the amphitheatre, continue your visit to the archaeological park with the Forum and Palatine Hill. 

The Colosseum is the largest Roman amphitheatre in the world. It could seat between 50,000 and 87,000 spectators. Elliptical in shape, the complex is 189 metres long and 156 metres wide, with a maximum height of about 48 metres. The arena, consisting of a wooden table where performances and fights took place, was 76 metres long and 46 metres wide.

Visiting the Colosseum typically includes access to the adjacent archaeological area of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. While a basic entry grants you access to both sites and current exhibits, spending a little more will also give you access to special areas like the underground, the Arena floor, and other SUPER areas open to the public. Inside the amphitheatre, you can use an audio guide to enrich your visit. For a more immersive experience, we recommend purchasing a guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum led by a local expert. This offers a more relaxed and in-depth exploration of ancient Rome’s history.

The duration of your Colosseum experience varies based on your chosen activity package. For a quick visit, one hour is sufficient to explore the amphitheatre. However, if you choose a guided tour, expect the experience to last between one and a half to three hours, especially if it includes additional sites within the archaeological park. In general, allowing for possible queues and transfers, plan for around two hours to visit the attraction.

As one of Rome’s most iconic attractions, planning ahead is essential. In addition, it’s an outdoor site and during the summer months, Rome can get very hot. That’s why the best time to visit the monument is out of season, in autumn or winter, or in spring when the temperature is still pleasant. As for times of day, the site is usually a little less crowded at the opening and an hour before closing, when the last entries are made.