Bucketlist Travels logo

Travel bucket list idea:

The Colosseum

  • Rome, Lazio, Italy

Last updated: 18 March, 2024

Built by Emperor Vespasian beginning in AD 72 and known as the Flavian Amphitheatre in ancient times, the thrilling Colosseum still manages to pull a hefty crowd.

Inaugurated by the Emperor’s son, Titus, in AD 80, it could hold an unruly crowd of more than 50,000 spectators. With a circumference of 545m, it’s considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering.

The remarkably well-preserved walls, seating stands and underground tunnels are an evocative reminder of gory gladiatorial history.

Lovers of the film Gladiator will relish a guided tour of the monumental arena, where gladiatorial contests and traditional games were held.

While you’re there

For a truly instagrammable shot of the Colosseum in all its glory, go to the northern side of the monument next to the Metro station. There, stairs go up from the street to a landing where you can perfectly capture, in perpetuity, Rome’s most ancient and iconic ruin.

Logistics

Price from: £14
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 10+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Get to the Colosseum by metro or tram (Colosseo station). Note that if you’re planning to visit the Forum too, you may want to start there – you can exit the Forum via the Colosseum, but not the other way round.

New 60- to 75-minute guided tours provide access to the fascinating underground space, as well as the very top tier of the Colosseum; the tour is popular, so book well in advance. Audio tours (1 hour 10 minutes) are also available – there’s even one in Latin!

A bit of reading up prior to your visit will bring the ruins to life. See this website for a useful resource on the Colosseum, including practical guidance and background information on the games and architecture of the amphitheatre.

Come prepared with sunscreen and hat during summer, when the Colosseum can seem like a giant bowl of heat.

When to do it

The Colosseum is open all year round, seven days a week. The best times to visit are on weekdays at opening time to beat the crowds. Alternatively, leave it until late in the day.

Try to avoid visiting on a rainy day, as much of the action is outside.

The perfect time to visit the Colosseum is sundown. The Moon over the Colosseum guided tour starts from 25 July until 31 October. Available for purchase online.

Who to go with: organised tours

22

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Rome

The ancient glory of Rome is reborn! Skip the Line at three of the most significant surviving remnants of the Eternal City: the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Your English-speaking expert historian tour guide will share anecdotes and history throughout the 3-hour tour, rebuilding the impressive ruins with tales of Ancient Rome’s heyday.

Price €19

Min age 0

Rating 4.51 / 5 [21643 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Rome

Walk in the footsteps of gladiators and emperors as your vivacious guide transports you back to the era of ancient Rome. If you choose the special access to the gladiator's gate and Arena floor, you'll feel like you're a part of history as you explore one of the world's most iconic landmarks. Explore the inside of one of the worlds greatest attractions that’s waiting for you here in Rome. Let an expert official guide educate and amaze you with facts and memorable tales of the glorious gladiatorial games you’ll never forget. Don't loose the chance to have the most amazing and unforgetable experience ever! Your guide will be at your complete disposal for any question or curiosity guaranting an interactive visit tailored on your needs! Choose the option which better suits your plans! Our Team will be pleased to welcoming you!

Price €39

Min age 0

Rating 4.45 / 5 [6447 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Rome

Explore the world's most visited monument in the most comfortable and complete way. Visit areas of the Colosseum not accessible by regular-ticket holders. Step on the exclusive Arena floor OR descend into the Underground section (depending on the option you select during booking). Walk the steps of the Gladiators and find yourself in the backstage of the most famous games in Ancient Rome. Then, take a journey back in time from the 10th century B.C. to the 5th century A.D. at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Chart a course through the archaeological tribal beginnings of Rome and marvel at the beauty of ancient temples and ruins. Options available for small-group and private guided tours.

Price €39

Min age 0

Rating 4.67 / 5 [4635 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Rome

VIP Colosseum sharing tour with access through the Gladiator' Arch and to the Arena floor. Follow the footsteps of the Gladiators by accessing the Colosseum through the Gladiators' Gate known as the Gate of the Deaths because the death gladiators were brought out after their combats in the roman times! Enjoy a great view of the Colosseum and the below dungeons from the restricted area of the Arena Floor. Your guide will guide you through the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum and share with you many stories and secrets of the roman gladiators. emperors and senators. Your storytelling guide will use during the tour many visual aids to bring past Rome back to life! This tour includes the Colosseum with the restricted area of the Arena Floor, as well as the archaeological sites of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill! Its is a sharing tour in a small group with a dedicated friendly professional guide.

Price €64

Min age 0

Rating 4.29 / 5 [4573 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >
  • Rome

Get a gladiator’s view of the Colosseum, then explore the Roman Forum on a walking tour through the heart of ancient Rome. With special access ticket, you'll enter the arena via the Gladiator’s Gate, stand where gladiators once fought, hear tales of ruthless crowds and emperors, then explore the Colosseum’s first and second levels with your guide. Finish with a tour of Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum with even more stories that bring the ruins to life.

Price €76

Min age 0

Rating 4.71 / 5 [3676 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >