Visiting the Colosseum in Rome is a must for any trip to the Eternal City.
The amphitheater is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and one of the most visited attractions in Italy, as well as the world.
But be warned: You can’t just walk up to the Colosseum, buy a ticket, and immediately start exploring the arena.
Unfortunately, the process isn’t that straightforward.
Here are the most helpful tips we wish we had known before our visit.
Essential Tips For Visiting The Colosseum
We’ll guide you on how to get your tickets, what to bring to gain entry, and which tour we personally recommend for your journey into ancient Rome.
Colosseum Rome Ticket: How Do I Book One?
You can get tickets for the Colosseum on the official website of the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo. You’ll need to act fast, though, as tickets sell out quickly.
Our Ticket Booking Experience
We booked our tickets 9 weeks before our trip to Italy, and there were no tickets left on the official website for the ancient Roman landmark.
Alternatives To The Official Website
Since the official site was sold out, we booked our entry tickets through GetYourGuide. We usually book most of our tickets, tours, and guided experiences with this provider, or through Viator or Tiqets.
Because we wanted to see the lower levels and underground of the Colosseum, we opted for a guided tour. More on that below.
> BOOK THE GUIDED COLOSSEUM TOUR
Different Types Of Tickets: Colosseum, Roman Forum, And Palatine Hill
Combination Ticket: We recommend purchasing a combo ticket that includes the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. It costs only about €4 more than a basic Colosseum ticket.
Colosseum (Limited Ticket): The limited ticket for the Colosseum currently includes only a 20-minute visit to the arena floor.
With the combo ticket, you’ll have a specific time slot for the Colosseum entry. After entering, there was no time limit during our visit.
The Colosseum is next to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill area.
⭐️ Good to know: On the first Sunday of each month, entry to many attractions and museums in Rome is free.
However, there’s a limited number of tickets, so it’s first come, first served.
We wouldn’t recommend relying on this though. It’s better to secure a ticket and use the free entry opportunity to visit another site.
We happened to be in Rome on the first Sunday of the month and took the chance to visit the Monumento Vittorio Emanuele II, located near the Colosseum—well worth it!
Waiting Time And Queues
You can choose a specific entry time when booking your Colosseum and Roman Forum tickets.
⭐️ Travel Tip: If you visit Rome in 2 days or spend 3 days in Rome, we recommend scheduling your Colosseum visit in the morning, to get the most our of your visit to one of the best highlights in Rome.
This allows for a more relaxed day to explore other attractions at your own pace. For more information, check out our guide on a self-guided walking tour of Rome.
Arrive at the Colosseum just before your scheduled time to join the queue.
Thanks to the time slots, the queue is manageable. You won’t have to wait as long as you might at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, for example.
(Entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill is not time-specific.)
What To Bring: Tickets, Security Checks, And ID
There isn’t a dedicated outdoor ticket booth at the Colosseum entrance. However, since you’ve already purchased a ticket, you can go directly to the designated queue.
If you need a ticket booth for any reason, the closest one is located opposite the Roman Forum entrance.
Before entering the amphitheater, your ticket will be checked, and you’ll need to present a valid photo ID.
We booked the Full Experience, so we were given a green sticker to wear visibly, allowing access to more areas than a regular ticket.
Next, you’ll pass through a security checkpoint similar to those at airports. Bags will be checked, and you’ll walk through a metal detector.
You’ll show your ticket again, and then you’re in! You can explore the Colosseum on your own or with a guided tour.
Good to know: When visiting the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, you’ll go through a similar security check. Show your ticket and ID with a photo here too.
There are two entrances to the Roman Forum: one opposite the Colosseum and another next to the Basilica S. Cosma E Damiano, where our tour started.
Recommended for you: Check out our travel checklist for Italy
Colosseum Opening Hours
The amphitheater, which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is open year-round from Monday to Sunday, starting at 8:30 AM.
The last entry is one hour before closing.
From late March to late September, the Colosseum is open until 7:15 PM.
From October 1 to October 26, it’s open until 6:30 PM, and from October 27 to December 31, it closes at 4:30 PM.
⭐️ Travel Tip: Want to stay close to the Colosseum? Check out our helpful guide about where to stay in Rome for 3 days (or any other length of stay).
Best Time To Visit The Arena
From our experience, there is no “best” time to visit the Colosseum. It’s always busy, no matter the time of day or day of the week.
If you’re visiting Rome in the summer, we recommend going early in the morning when it’s cooler, as you’ll spend a lot of time in the sun.
If you want to spend a significant amount of time in the arena, we wouldn’t suggest booking the latest time slot, as the window might be too short.
This is especially important if you’ve booked the Full Experience, as there’s plenty to see!
Best Guided Tour
The advantage of a guided tour is that you don’t have to worry about tickets or checking the time to be at the right place.
This is especially relaxing if you’re visiting Rome for one day and absolutely want to see the Colosseum from the inside.
You’ll be able to experience the best of the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Colosseum while learning about the history of Rome and the gladiator battles, without the hassle of figuring out where to go or if you’re in the right line.
⭐️ From Palatine Hill you can enjoy one of the best views in Rome.
There are several guided tours for the Colosseum and the Roman Forum with Palatine Hill.
We booked this guided tour because it included a visit to the underground area and the arena floor.
Here you can find all other tours and tickets for Colosseum entry.
There are several options, including moonlit Colosseum tours, tickets with an audio guide, and different types of guided tours.
> BOOK A GUIDED COLOSSEUM TOUR
Checklist For Visiting The Colosseum
- Tickets: Book at least 2 months in advance, preferably through the official website or one of our preferred partners.
- How To Get To The Colosseum: The nearest metro station is Colosseo.
- ID: Don’t forget to bring a valid photo ID.
- Sun Protection and Water: In summer, a sunhat, sunscreen, and water are essential, as there’s very little shade inside the Colosseum.
- Arrive on Time: Be at the site about 15 minutes before your time slot.
- Comfortable Shoes: A trip to Rome involves a lot of walking.
Final Thoughts On Visiting The Colosseum In Rome
To ensure a smooth visit to the Colosseum and the archaeological site of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, book your tickets at least two months in advance.
Try to get tickets on the official website of the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo, or as we did, book a guided tour, which will give you more in-depth knowledge about the ancient monuments.
Don’t forget your ticket and a photo ID, and you’ll be all set for a memorable visit.Be sure to also check out our visiting Rome for the first-time travel guide, where we’ve gathered helpful advice and information to make planning your trip to Rome easier.
