Are you headed to the Eternal City? There’s no better choice for the perfect vacation. At the Italian capital, you’ll find the Colosseum, a must-visit destination, second only to the Vatican. Here you’ll find a list of Best Colosseum Tours in Rome.
The Colosseum is the best representation of the mighty Roman Empire at its peak. This age-old amphitheater has influenced the construction of numerous modern stadia, and at almost 2,000 years old, it is still remarkably well preserved. With a capacity of 87,000, this masterpiece is the largest amphitheater in the world.
The arena hosted the legendary gladiator battles, and epitomized the might, fury and glory of the Roman times. Needless to say, taking a tour is the best way to get the best out of your visit to this ancient wonder.
- Best Colosseum Tours in Rome
- Gladiator’s Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor (<<< OUR FAVORITE!!)
- Skip-the-Line Tour to Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill
- Rome Self-Driven Sightseeing Tour by Vespa
- VIP Colosseum At Night Tour With Underground & Arena Floor
- Premium Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
- VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
- Colosseum and Arena Floor Tour with Gladiator Gate Entry
- Prices and activities (Comparing all the visits)
- How to book
- Things to Bring for Your Colosseum Tour
- FAQs
- More unmissable things to do in Colosseum
Best Colosseum Tours in Rome
Photos of the amphitheater are tremendous, and visiting it without a guide is going to be a memorable experience. But neither match a tour by a local expert guide who can tell you exactly what you’re looking at, and explain its profound significance.
Take a look at the top Colosseum Tours in Rome.
1. VIP Colosseum Underground Tour (Our Favorite!)
Experience the Colosseum like a VIP on an exclusive underground tour. With a knowledgeable guide, explore hidden depths and the legendary arena floor. Uncover the real history behind this iconic amphitheater, far from what you’ve seen in movies. This tour, in partnership with the Colosseum Archaeological Park, is a one-of-a-kind adventure.
You’ll also discover a new exhibition bringing ancient Rome’s figures to life and witness a gladiator’s journey through lifelike projections.
After, visit the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome, and Palatine Hill, the city’s origin. Explore with small groups for an immersive experience, bypass lines, and enjoy expert storytelling. Secure your spot for an unforgettable journey!
2. Skip-the-Line Tour to Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill
This express tour highlights incredible spots in the iconic monument. Skip the long queues and get right into the excursion with a local tour guide.
The historic tour gives you a glimpse of the construction and functions of this gigantic amphitheater. You’ll also get the opportunity to learn about its status throughout the ages, from the Roman period until now.
The vast, open corridors tell the story of almost humanity-defying ancient architecture and the strides that the industry has taken over the years. The stone stairs, on the other hand, take you to some of the great reclining spots for ancient Romans.
While you’re there, make sure to ask your tour guide about the underground elevator system. Your guide will also help you to fully appreciate the God-like status of the gladiator, and learn about the gory wild animal battles hosted in the arena.
Take the group tour that leads to the Palatine Hill. Here, you’ll catch a glimpse of where the ancient kings and emperors called home. A few steps further, and you’ll end at the Roman Forum where most of the public life took place. The tour will also take you through Via Sacra, which was the main street of Rome back in the day.
Families with young kids will enjoy this highly informative, yet refreshing tour. If you’re on a budget, the skip-the-line visit will also be kinder to the purse-strings.
3. Rome Self-Driven Sightseeing Tour by Vespa
Do you want to beat the crowded metro and avoid expensive taxi fares? Go local and rent a scooter to traverse Rome at your own pace.
The hassle-free tour lets you choose your own points of interest while providing a different perspective of the beautiful city. There’s a reason locals zip around the city on these bikes, which have come to be an emblem of modern Italy.
So, why not take them around the sites of old Italy? Start with a 3-hour guided tour of the magnificent Colosseum before heading around to some of the other ancient, yet less well-known sites. The Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain are definitely also some of the highlights. Being on a scooter will help you to traverse the narrow lanes and avoid the notorious Roman traffic.
Make sure to ask your guide about the best restaurants around town, and, if you have the time, make some time for the nearby beach!
You’ll need a driver’s license along with your passport or ID card to enjoy this tour. Besides the scooter, the provider also offers a helmet.
4. VIP Colosseum At Night Tour With Underground & Arena Floor
Experience the Colosseum like never before on an exclusive nighttime tour that avoids the daytime crowds and scorching sun. As the sun sets, meet your small group near the Teatro di Marcello, an ancient theater older than the Colosseum itself.
Inside the Colosseum, explore the rarely seen Colosseum Underground, where animals and gladiators once prepared for battle. This area has limited daily access, making it a unique opportunity.
Next, go to the arena floor, where you’ll walk in the footsteps of ancient gladiators. From this vantage point, enjoy breathtaking views of the Colosseum.
Before entering, your guide will provide insights into Ancient Rome from a vantage point overlooking the Roman Forum, sharing stories of the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.
With small groups of 19 people or fewer, this tour offers an intimate and immersive experience of this iconic monument.
5. Premium Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Ready for an epic journey through ancient Rome? Join the Premium skip-the-line Colosseum tour – the ultimate way to dive into history. With an archaeologist guide, you’ll uncover the true stories behind the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. Say goodbye to common myths and hello to expert insights, even delving into the brutal spectacles held inside the arena. It’s an entertaining and enlightening Colosseum experience you won’t want to miss.
No more crowds – you’ll breeze in with skip-the-line Colosseum tickets and a small group of 16 or fewer. Explore the Colosseum’s first and second levels while your guide spins captivating tales. It’s ancient history made accessible and engaging, all thanks to a guide who lives and breathes it.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there. After the Colosseum, you’ll head to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where special access tickets mean you’ll skip the lines again. Explore ancient palaces, temples, and markets, retracing the steps of historical greats like Julius Caesar, all with a knowledgeable expert by your side.
Easy, engaging, and entertaining – this is the best way to uncover the ancient past of the Eternal City. With small groups and headsets, you’ll connect easily with your guides and won’t miss a word. This isn’t your ordinary Colosseum tour; it’s a full immersion into the glory days of ancient Rome.
6. Gladiator’s Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor
Explore the Colosseum like a gladiator with a special-access arena floor tour. Enter through the exclusive “Gladiator’s Gate,” a cost-effective choice for a unique experience. You’ll see the Colosseum from both the arena floor and the stands.
Skip the lines at the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum for a time-saving adventure. An expert guide will reveal the secrets of these structures through engaging stories.
Begin your journey at the Colosseum’s “Gladiator’s Gate,” once reserved for gladiators. This VIP entrance offers quick access and a genuine gladiator’s viewpoint from 2,000 years ago.
Stand on the reconstructed arena floor for 360-degree views, an exclusive perspective. Your guide will share stories of epic battles that unfolded where you stand.
After the arena floor, explore the Colosseum’s general areas with your guide and a small group. In an hour, you’ll debunk common myths while exploring the first and second tiers.
Next, delve into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Your expert guide will bring these archaeological sites to life, including Julius Caesar’s cremation site, Senate buildings, palaces, and the Temple of the Vestal Virgins.
This tour is fun, affordable, and intimate with a maximum of 16 people. Headsets ensure you catch every word. The focus is on captivating stories, leaving you with a vivid picture of ancient Rome and unforgettable tales.
7. Colosseum and Arena Floor Tour with Gladiator Gate Entry
Update: Currently Unavailable
The massive Gladiator Gate, once only used by gladiators, lets you into a previously restricted area. Rewrite history as you walk in the footsteps of the historical gladiators, and see the mighty Colosseum as they would have moments before battle. The exceptional “Gate of Death” enables you to escape the buzzing crowds and get a real feel of the fabled grounds.
The former battleground has what it takes to send a few chills down your spine. Imagine the 60,000 roaring spectators as you stand on the Arena Floor.
Stone robbers and earthquakes have done little to water down the imposing character of this historical site. It is no wonder that this monument ranks among the Seven Wonders of the World. Renovations in the 1900s reconstructed the original layout to its former glory, giving visitors a better picture of ancient Rome.
If you’re not feeling the long queues, then use the skip-the-line entrance, like real Roman royalty! The emperor’s box caps off a surreal experience as you get a full view of the arena, complete with roaring crowd.
Professional local guides are well-informed about the location and will provide a tour of the hidden highlights, complete with educational tit-bits you won’t find anywhere else. Find a passionate guide at Largo Gaetana Agnesi, a few steps from the entrance. The Colosseum and Arena Floor Tour with Gladiator Gate Entry takes roughly an hour and a half to complete, so more than possible in a morning or afternoon.
Make sure you make time for Palatine Hill, which sits close to the Roman Forum. Soak up the experience over fascinating views from the top.
Prices and activities (comparison of all tours)*
These tours are all well-worth it for visitors who want to make the most of their trips to the Colosseum. If you’re short on time and want to make a quick decision, this comparison of the trips will prove decisive.
Compare | Guide | Skip The Line Ticket | Price per person | Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|
Skip-the-Line Tour to Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill | Expert Guide | Yes | EUR 43.62 ($46.18) | 2.5 hours |
Rome Self-Driven Sightseeing Tour by Vespa | Expert Guide | Yes | EUR 119.44 ($126.45) | 3 hours |
VIP Colosseum At Night Tour With Underground & Arena Floor | Expert Guide | Yes | EUR 104.85 ($111) | 2 hours |
Premium Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill | Expert Guide | Yes | EUR 78.40 ($83) | 3 hours |
VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill | Expert Guide | Yes | EUR 133 ($140.80 ) | 3.5 hours |
Gladiator’s Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor | Expert Guide | Yes | EUR 97.29 ($103) | 3 hours 15 minutes |
Colosseum and Arena Floor Tour with Gladiator Gate Entry | Expert Guide | Yes | EUR 44.80 ($49.90) | 1.5-hours |
*Depending on the timing of your tour, this information may vary.
How to book the Colosseum Tours?
Book your tickets directly at GetYourGuide or Take Walks. Here is our review of Take Walks.
GetYourGuide will send you an instant confirmation email. Proceed with the payment using your credit or debit card, PayPal, or Google Pay and prepare for an epic tour.
As the day approaches, GetYourGuide will send you a reminder with details of the meeting point and pick-up station.
Book as early as you can, especially during the peak travel season. You don’t want to miss out on your destination of choice.
If your tour is with Take Walks, then book directly with them. They are absolutely fantastic!
Things to Bring for Your Colosseum Tour
Most of these locations will need you to have a passport or an ID to guarantee unrestricted access to different areas. Children aged between 2-14 years may also need a valid ID.
You’ll want to wear comfy shoes during your tour, which may involve a fair amount of walking. The cobblestone grounds outside the Colosseum can also be slippery.
Take a reusable water bottle with you and replenish it at the fontanelle. Don’t forget to carry some cash (in Euros) along with your credit card.
Unfortunately, most of these tours do not allow walking frames and wheelchairs. People with reduced mobility may have to find different sites around the city.
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked questions:
Is it necessary to book a tour to visit the Colosseum?
While it's not mandatory to book a tour, it's highly recommended. Booking a tour allows you to skip the long lines, gain in-depth knowledge from expert guides, and explore areas of the Colosseum that are not accessible to regular ticket holders. It enhances your overall experience.
Is the Colosseum accessible to people with reduced mobility or in wheelchairs?
Unfortunately, the Colosseum has limited accessibility for people with reduced mobility and those in wheelchairs due to its historical structure. However, there are alternative accessible sites in Rome that can be explored.
What's the best time to visit the Colosseum to avoid crowds?
To avoid crowds and long lines, it's best to visit the Colosseum early in the morning or during the off-peak seasons, such as late autumn or winter. Consider booking a skip-the-line tour to ensure a smoother and more efficient visit.
Is the Colosseum Tour worth it?
From the incredible sites to a walk back to the fabled battlegrounds, a visit to the world's largest amphitheater is absolutely worth your time and money. There is so much to see at this iconic destination, history enthusiasts, culture lovers or simply fans of famous sites will have their desires sated at the mighty Colosseum.
More unmissable things to do in Rome
If you have a few more days to spare in Rome, try out some of these equally exciting tours. Book these tours with GetYourGuide and get ready for an incredible experience in Rome.
- Vatican & Rome City Pass with Free Transportation
- Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour
- Rome street food tour with Local guide
- Visit the Borghese Gallery
Summary: Best Colosseum Tours in Rome
When you step into Rome, you can’t miss out on a Colosseum adventure! This colossal arena stands tall as a testament to the Roman Empire’s all-conquering awesomeness.
Guided Colosseum tours come in various forms, catering to different preferences. Whether you’re interested in accessing exclusive areas, avoiding long lines, or gaining insights into the rich history of the Colosseum, there’s a tour for you.
These tours aren’t just about learning facts; they’re like unlocking a time capsule filled with epic stories. You’ll stand where gladiators once battled for glory, and you’ll venture into the mysterious underground chambers where secrets of the past are waiting to be revealed.
So, don’t miss your chance to dive into history and embark on the ultimate Colosseum adventure in Rome!
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