How much is it to tour the Colosseum in Rome? If you were to purchase a ticket when you arrive at this massive, ancient structure, it usually isn’t much more than 12 euros.
However, this general admission ticket doesn’t provide much value. These are some of the top Colosseum tours available. Several of these tours also include access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Some are guided, giving you more of the history and legends of the Roman Colosseum.
Be sure to see our reviews of Amalfi Coast Day Trips, Vatican Tours and Tuscany Day Trips.
Best Colosseum Tours in Rome
| Ancient Rome: Colosseum and Roman Forum Private Tour | Rome Colosseum by Night with Underground & Arena Floor Tour | Skip the Line Colosseum Tour for Kids and families | |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Private Tour | Best Colosseum Night Tour | Best Colosseum Family Tour | |
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| Departure: | Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Rome | Largo Gaetana Agnesi | Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Roma RM |
| Start: | Between 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 7:00 or 8:00 PM | 1:00 PM |
| Duration: | 3 Hours | 2 Hours | 2 Hours |
| Includes: | Skip-the-line access to Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, licensed tour guide | Special access to the Colosseum and Roman Forum | Private guided tour with Priority access, professional archaeologist and historian guide |
We’ve chosen these top Colosseum tours because they offer a wide range of experiences and will fit into everyone’s budget.
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Roman Colosseum Tours For 2024
- Ancient Rome: Colosseum and Roman Forum Private Tour
- Rome Colosseum by Night with Underground & Arena Floor Tour
- Skip the Line Colosseum Tour for Kids and families
- Rome Skip-the-Line Colosseum & Arena Floor Guided tour
- Skip-the-Line: Colosseum & Ancient Rome Walking Tour
- Colosseum Underground and Ancient Rome Semi-Private Tour
- Expert Guided Tour of Colosseum Underground, Arena and Forum
Colosseum Tour Reviews
1. Best Colosseum Private Tour: Ancient Rome: Colosseum and Roman Forum Private Tour
- Departure Point: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Rome
- Departure Time: Between 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Duration: 3 hours
- Includes: Skip-the-line access to Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, licensed tour guide
As the largest amphitheater in the world, the aptly-named Colosseum is certainly an impressive and unavoidable marvel located in the center of Rome. Ancient Rome is fascinating not only for history buffs, but pretty much anyone who’s ever heard of gladiators or the iconic metropolis.
The Ancient Rome: Colosseum and Roman Forum Private Tour is one of the best ways to see the legendary structure, avoiding the crowds and stepping into an exclusive experience like no other.
One of the things that always makes me a bit nervous about visiting a major tourist attraction, are the massive lines that usually come with them. Thanks to the skip-the-line access, as soon as we arrived to the Colosseum, we got to literally head right inside with our guide.
It turns out that our guide is actually an expert in Ancient Roman history, which we got to benefit from as he told us all kinds of interesting stories and background surrounding it!
With a maximum of 6 group participants, we were able to ask any questions, and move around much easier throughout the Colosseum. We got to see the site of the Forum, which was essentially the birthplace of Rome and where the center of everything was located.
I loved seeing the remains of the temples, and other interesting structures that I didn’t know anything about! To make it even better, our guide took us to Palatine Hill which was incredible!
It offers breathtaking views of the city (particularly Circus Maximus), along with plenty of well-preserved traces of opulent palaces that the upper Roman class used to inhabit. All in all, this tour makes for a fantastic way to take in some of the most important sites in Rome without having to run around in a massive crowd!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Other Experiences You May Enjoy:
2. Best Night Colosseum Tour: Rome Colosseum by Night with Underground & Arena Floor Tour
- Departure Point: Via del Colosseo 24
- Departure Time: 7:00 or 8:00 PM
- Duration: 2 hours
- Includes: Special nighttime access to the Colosseum, underground access, arena floor access, headsets
Exploring Rome is almost like walking through a museum, except for the fact that it’s a living, breathing city full of stories and history. One of the coolest places to visit within Rome is undoubtedly the colosseum – even more so at night with exclusive access to areas most people don’t get to see!
Even if you’ve already seen the famous landmark before, I guarantee the Rome Colosseum by Night with Underground & Arena Floor Tour will offer a much different perspective for you!
This unique and intimate encounter with ancient Rome let us explore underground chambers and the arena floor (amongst other places) free from the usual daytime crowds.
Of course, we also enjoyed access to the main areas that you’ll get to see on any tour, but this tour led by a professional archaeologist offered more insight than I’d ever had before.
Plus, being able to see the Colosseum at night alone, was worth it – it emits a much different vibe and took photos like no others I previously had! The tour started out on the exterior of the Colosseum, with our guide leading us around the entire building while teaching us about the structure itself, as well as the surrounding area.
I am already into architecture, but all of our private group was captivated by the interesting facts about how it was built, and how earthquakes deeply affected it.
After that, we headed inside, with lighting that really made it feel like we had headed back in time when it was in use during the days of the gladiators.
Venturing through the labyrinth of tunnels, we got to see where they kept the wild animals, as well as what’s left of cages, elevators, and even gladiator rooms.
Perhaps the most striking feature was the “Gate of Death”, along with the stories that made us see the gladiators more as humans as opposed to just warriors. Please do yourself a favor and don’t miss out on the best Colosseum night tour!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
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3. Best Colosseum Family Tour: Skip the Line Colosseum Tour for Kids and families
- Departure Point: Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Roma RM
- Departure Time: 1:00 PM
- Duration: 2 hours
- Includes: Private guided tour with Priority access, professional archaeologist and historian guide
I know a lot of people who avoid going to big “tourist” hotspots like Rome, because they’re worried if it’s going to be possible with kids. While I can’t say that it’s not stressful at all with big crowds, it’s more about selecting the right tours that cater specifically towards families with children.
If you’re looking for something like that, I have the best one for you: the Skip the Line Colosseum Tour for Kids and Families!
This is a slightly shorter tour than the others on this guide, which is actually designed to make sure no small kids get tired or sick of walking around. After we arrived to the Colosseum, we didn’t have to worry about waiting in massive queues with kids thanks to the skip-the-line tickets.
We headed right inside with our tour guide, who was also really great with little ones and keeping them entertained. They did a great job at taking some pretty serious material like gladiators fighting potentially to the death, and formatted things in a way that were appropriate for people of all ages.
The kids in our group were absolutely fascinated with the fact that they had lions and bears in the tunnels below, along with the visual aids and interactive activities.
It was one of the more “fun” tours of its kind, and even though it was tailored more towards kids, all of us adults really loved it, too! I would personally recommend on taking the tour a bit later in the afternoon (around 4 or 5), as it’s significantly less hot and the crowds are lighter.
I appreciated that our guide let us stop for photos throughout, making it easy to get some mementos to take home with us. If you have any kids in your group, don’t pass this one up!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4. Best Colosseum Budget Tour: Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Departure Point: Colosseo Metro Station, Line B Exit
- Departure Time: 10:40 AM, 1:20 PM
- Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes (approx.)
- Includes: Small group tour with local guide, skip-the-line access, access to normally off-limits areas of the Colosseum
If it’s your first time in Rome, it can be intimidating trying to figure out what is worth seeing and what you may have to skip. There are so many things to see in this city, literally where every corner seems to have something interesting to offer.
With the Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, you get a taste of everything in a well-organized experience easy to fit into even the busiest of schedules.
This tour clocks in at around 2.5 hours and there are tons of different tour start times available so you don’t have to worry about it not working with the rest of your itinerary.
It also comes in many different languages, though I can attest that our guide spoke excellent English. Ours managed to keep our entire group entertained while still sharing valuable and interesting stories along the way.
While we didn’t have a skip-the-line or fast pass entrance, we did get to go through a dedicated group entrance which really helped move us inside quickly.
We got to see the monument from beautiful vantage points while our guide regaled us with tales of gladiators and drama-loving spectators. I also appreciated that they took us to the best spots for photos with plenty of stops along the way.
After that, we headed to Palatine Hill, which offers some of the best views of the Roman Forum – particularly of Circus Maximus. This is a fantastic way to gain insight into ancient Roman culture and how their society operated back then. Don’t pass this opportunity up if your stay in Rome is a brief one!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. Best Colosseum Guided Tour: Rome Colosseum with Access to the Gladiator Arena
- Departure Point: Via del Colosseo 24
- Departure Time: 9:30 AM, 2:30 PM
- Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
- Includes: Expert tour guide, headsets, skip-the-line privileged access to the Colosseum and gladiator arena
If you’re looking for an even more brief tour experience, look no further than the Rome Colosseum with Access to the Gladiator Arena tour! It’s just 1.5 hours but packs in a ton of information and sightseeing with an expert guide who will share more than the cookie-cutter facts.
If you’d like to delve deep into the history of these brave fighters, this immersive experience is a can’t-miss! Imagine following in the footsteps of gladiators, while learning about the different games that happened right on this floor!
As we entered the Colosseum, our expert guide took us through each section while giving us an equally entertaining and educational narrative. The spectator stands and archways were incredible, and it was hard wrapping my mind around all of the wild animal hunts and dramatic enactments that took place here.
However, undoubtedly the centerpiece of the tour is the rare privilege of being able to actually step foot onto the arena floor. It’s crazy to think of how many humans and wild animals had to fight to survive (or for glory) right where we stood – almost as if the moment was frozen in time.
It’s definitely an experience that offers broader understanding and insight, rather than just a “Cool! Gladiators with swords fighting lions!” type of tour.
Beyond the arena, we were able to check out and learn the history behind the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, offering a more “complete” journey through Rome’s ancient splendor.
I really appreciated our guide’s focus on authenticity and education, and for that, I say it’s a must-see for any history buff! If you want the chance to stand on the threshold of antiquity and learn about Rome’s cultural heritage like never before, check this tour out!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
6. Colosseum Underground and Ancient Rome Semi-Private Tour MAX 6 People Guaranteed
- Duration: 3.25 hours
- Departure: Piazza del Colosseo, 21, 00184 Rome
- Departure Time: 9:15 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:30 PM
- Includes: Small group size, head to underground and Colosseum arena, local expert guide, skip the line entry
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or it’s your first time in the city, you simply have to consider this next tour. The Colosseum Underground and Ancient Rome Semi-Private Tour will show you hidden secrets that lie beneath the surface of one of the most easily-identifiable, legendary structures in all of history.
Follow in the footsteps of everyone from gladiators to kings on this captivating tour with an expert guide to lead the way. With incredible attention to detail and organization, our guide was able to practically transform time.
In the time it could easily take to stand in line to see the Colosseum alone, we say the circular structure, along with Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum ruins. With small group tours maxing out at just 6 people, it was an intimate experience with personalized attention that elevated this tour heads above almost all the rest.
Once we met up at the Colosseum Metro Station, we skipped past the line and headed straight into the depths of the famous landmark. The subterranean chambers are a labyrinth where wild animals and gladiators awaited their fates, and our guide regaled us with many emotional tales of some of the events that happened here.
Then, we headed up to the arena level where we actually got to head straight onto the original floor which most visitors don’t get the chance to do.
After the Colosseum, we traversed the cobbled streets of Ancient Rome, arriving at the Roman Forum where time seems suspended in the remnants of temples and government buildings. We then continued up to Palatine Hill, which is known as one of the Seven Hills of Rome and known for being the most opulent place to live, where the wealthiest Romans resided.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
7. Expert Guided Tour of Colosseum Underground, Arena and Forum
- Duration: 3 hours
- Departure: Piazza del Colosseo, 21, 00184 Rome
- Departure Time: Varies
- Includes: Fast track entrance tickets and reservation fees, guided tour of Underground and Arena of Colosseum, guided tour of Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, live expert guide, earphones, on-site assistance, night tour option available at Colosseum
If you’re traveling on a budget but still want to appreciate one of those “biggest bang for your buck” tours, look no further. The Expert Guided Tour of Colosseum Underground, Arena and Forum is a 3-hour experience which completely transformed the knowledge of Rome I thought I had. It’s a fully-customizable, profound excursion that will take you to some of the most legendary sights in Rome.
Before I get started, I do want to mention that we had the option to book a private tour for a slightly higher fee, which I do feel is worth it. We met up with our guide at the Colosseum, where we decided to take the night tour option which is not commonly offered.
This means less crowds, and a more intimate experience that I feel lends more of an authentic vibe to the tour. We learned all about countless stories of emperors, senators, goddesses, gladiators, and so much more as we toured around.
We even got to step on the Arena floor and head down into the Underground section: two areas that most visitors don’t even get to touch. We then headed to the ground level, where we learned all about the revolutionary construction techniques that had never been seen before this.
We had some free time to explore before taking a little break and heading to the archaeological area of the Roman Forums and Palatine Hill. Here, we were able to take another 1-hour guided tour which was actually perhaps my favorite part!
The ancient temple ruins and stories to accompany the sites were so fascinating, and lent valuable insight into religion and Ancient Rome’s penal system.
Palatine Hill looks quite different now, though the breathtaking views I’m sure were equally as impressive as they were when Rome’s wealthiest took up residence here!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
FAQs About Colosseum Tours in Rome
In TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards 2020, Rome was ranked as the #3 Top Destination in the World. If you want to get the most out of your trip to Rome, it’s important to see the Colosseum. It is an iconic structure of ancient Rome and is a symbol of the culture of Rome as well. Visit the Colosseum and surrounding ancient buildings with a guided Colosseum tour.
What will I see in the Colosseum?
There are three levels in the Colosseum. The arena floor, the underground along with the third level can only be accessed with special tickets or guided tours.
- The first level is the arena floor, you can walk around and see the underground rooms and hallways where gladiators and animals were kept. Some parts of the arena area have been restored to give a better sense of what it was like in ancient times.
- The second level is where most of the spectators watched the events. Spectators were separated by social class and gender. Here you can check out the architecture and engineering of the Colosseum. There are some panoramic views of Rome as well.
- The third level is where the lower classes and women were seated. This level was finally reopened in 2017 after being closed for 40 years.
What is the best time to see the Roman Colosseum?
You should know the peak season (July and August), the weekends, and the public holidays, are the most crowded and expensive time to go. If you want to enjoy a more peaceful and cooler atmosphere, opt for the early morning or late afternoon tours, when the light is also more beautiful.
How long does a Colosseum tour last?
Most Colosseum tours are 1 to 3 hours. You can take tours that include access to the arena floor, the underground chambers and the upper levels. These tours are longer and more in-depth, but also more expensive and require advance booking.
What should I wear and bring to a Colosseum tour?
The Colosseum is mostly outdoors so you should dress according to the weather. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs. Bring your ID or passport.
Is it better to take a guided tour of the Colosseum?
A tour guide can bring the history of the Colosseum alive. You will have a professional and knowledgeable guide who will tell you stories and facts that you won’t find in any guidebook. You will also have priority access to skip the long lines at the entrance and save time. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of you guide.
What is the best Colosseum tour?
If you can afford to spend a bit more for a more personal experience we recommend the Ancient Rome: Colosseum and Roman Forum Private Tour. This is a private tour so it’s only your group on the tour so you get the full attention of the guide and able to ask as many questions as you like.
What is the cheapest tour of the Colosseum in Rome?
If you are on a strict budget and still want to have a guided tour of the Colosseum we recommend the Rome Skip-the-Line Colosseum & Arena Floor Guided tour. Even at a bargain price you still get to see all the sites with a guide to answer questions.
Planning Tips for a trip to Rome
Before you start packing your bags, you’ll want to know how to make your trip easier and how to get the most out of your time in Rome. These top 5 planning tips can help you do just that.
Even standing outside the monstrous architectural wonder that is the Colosseum, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed at the technology and hard work necessary to build it. When visiting it, you will want to make sure you get the most out of the opportunity.
Tip #1: Wear Comfortable Shoes
It might be safe to say that you will want to wear comfortable shoes when touring many areas of Rome. However, there is no place in the city that requires comfortable walking shoes (can you link to a buying guide for shoes to this guide?) than the Colosseum.
This is a very large structure and many tours will take you up into the stands, onto the arena floor, or even into the underground tunnels and rooms where gladiators prepared for battle. With so much to see, you may spend hours here, and most of it spent walking.
Your best bet is to bring a comfortable pair of shoes from home, so you know they won’t hurt your feet with constant walking.
Tip #2: Take a Tour of the Colosseum
When standing in line to purchase a general admission ticket to the Colosseum, you may be waiting for quite a while. Plus, the general admission price doesn’t include priority access or access to other areas of the Colosseum.
When you purchase a ticket for a guided tour of the Colosseum, you will usually also receive skip-the-line access. This means that you will enter the Colosseum with your guide without having to stand in line. Many of these tours also offer access to areas of the structure that most people aren’t able to see.
One of the best reasons to invest in a tour of the Colosseum is that your guide will also be able to explain the different areas of the structure that you visit. Learning not just the history but also the time-true stories and legends can make your trip to the Colosseum a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Tip #3: Arrive Early, Stay Late
The Colosseum opens for visitors at 8:30 AM. Many guided tours will start between 8 and 9:30 AM. Those that start before the day’s official opening can provide a wonderful experience, seeing the Colosseum and its marvels without crowds.
If you are also going to be visiting the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, be sure to stay in the area until after sunset. Seeing the Colosseum lit up at night is a view not to be missed.
Tip #4: The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Even many of the general admissions tickets to the Colosseum will provide access, or a discounted rate, for entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as well. With a guided tour, you can also see all three locations. This is a great way to spend a day and you will be able to experience some of the most popular attractions in Rome all in one day.
Tip #5: Choose Nearby Accommodations
If the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill are on your list of must-visit attractions in Rome, you may want to choose accommodations that are close by. Not only does this make it easier for you to visit these places, but it is also a wonderful area of Rome to stay. Transportation is conveniently located nearby and many tours of other areas of the city have pickup locations in this area as well.
Other Attractions in Rome
Rome is full of attractions you can visit around your tour of the Colosseum. The National Roman Museum is family-friendly and houses many interesting artifacts. The Basilica of San Clemente is not just a church, but also an archaeological site.
The newer building at the entry level dates back to the 12th-century while you can head downstairs to the original basilica built in the 4th-century AD.
If you’d like to see some of the more ancient attractions around Rome, you have several options. The Roman Forum is the location where Romulus made the founding of the city of Rome official. It was once the epicenter of Roman life.
Ostia Antica is just 25-minutes away by train. This location was once a thriving center of commerce. Today, you can explore over 100 acres of ancient shops, baths, temples, and even apartment buildings and houses.
If you have some extra time, a visit to the Tuscany region should not be missed. With beautiful hilltop towns and wineries you should take a day trip to Tuscany. If might be the highlight of your trip!
If you would like to see more of the Italian coast, a day trip to the Amalfi Coast or Capri should not be missed!
Sites Seen
Tour Guides
Value
The Colosseum Underground and Arena Tour w/ Roman Forum is our Editor's Choice with its combination of sites seen, tours guides and value.
