How to Visit the Roman Colosseum
About the Roman Colosseum
The Roman Colosseum is located in the City Centre of Rome and is the largest amphitheater ever built. Completed in 72 AD, the Colosseum held between 50,000 and 80,000 people. Today, the Colosseum is one of the best known historical sites in the world and has been named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
The Colosseum is best known as being the amphitheater which held gladiator fights. Some lesser-known uses included: animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and for various religious purposes.
Today, the Roman Colosseum is the top tourist attraction in Rome and receives over 4 million visitors each year. The Colosseum can be reached via its own Blue Line stop named Colosseo. For visitors who do not have a Roma Pass the cost to visit is €16 (as of 2023). Roma Pass holders can utilize the line pass option. Due to structural safety reasons, the Colosseum can only accommodate 3,000 visitors at a time.
Roman Colosseum - Table of Contents
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Visiting the Roman Colosseum with the Roma Pass
After exiting the Colosseo Metro Station, I walked towards the Colosseum. To get to the entrance, I had to walk down steps as the entry point is below a giant hill. Behind the Colosseum is the Forum which features additional Roman ruins.
I did not have to wait in line, or pay an admission fee, due to having a 72 hour Roma Pass. The 72 hour Roma Pass allows free admission to two historical sites, unlimited metro access, as well as discounted admission to any additional locations. The holder also has unlimited access to the Rome Metro for the entire 72 hour period. If I had not had the Roma Pass, I would have waited in line for at least 30 minutes. Once inside, I chose to explore on my own. There were guided tours offered for an additional cost.
To the right is a link (currently unavailable) to purchase the Roma Pass. As an affiliate of Viator, I will receive a small commission if you purchase using my link. That commission is at no additional cost to you.
Inside the Roman Colosseum
Obviously, the star attraction is the Colosseum itself. I spent over an hour walking around taking in different views. There are two levels that tourists are allowed to walk around. The upper level gives a bird’s eye view of the Colosseum while the lower level offers a better view of the hypogeum.
The hypogeum is the area under the floor that was used to store animals and cage the gladiators. During the use of the Colosseum, the hypogeum would have been covered. Today, there is no floor so it can easily be seen. In order to tour any of the other levels, visitors much purchase a private tour.
The Roman Colosseum was home to hundreds of executions of Christians before Emperor Constantine embracing Christianity. In 2000, Pope John Paul II placed a cross in the Colosseum in remembrance of the Christian Martyrs.
I would recommend a minimum of two hours for viewing the Colosseum. Many people spend an entire day taking the tour and taking in the sights. I was only in Rome for three days total, so I limited my time to around 2 hours. Although I didn’t see everything, I felt like I was able to experience the Colosseum fully. My only regret was coming in the late afternoon. The angle of the sun made it extremely difficult to get good pictures from all angles. Hopefully, I will be back sometime in the future.
Other Things to See
There are many relics of interest inside the Roman Colosseum. Some of them include original signage, columns, pottery, an original seat, and broken statues. The Colosseum also offers excellent views of the Roman Forum including the Arch of Titus.
Roman Colosseum Tours
The Roman Colosseum can be visited in many ways. Some people, like me, prefer to self-tour. I find this the most fun as I have to figure everything out on my own. Others would like to spend the day in the Roman Colosseum guided around by an expert. Finally, there is the tourist who wants to visit the Colosseum as part of a larger tour. Below, I have linked some of the best looking tours of the Roman Colosseum. These tours have various prices and cater to different types of tourists.
I am an affiliate partner of Viator. If you book a tour using one of the links below I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider booking using one of my links.
Prices are accurate as of June 2023.
 Roman Colosseum, Forum & the Palatine guided tour - $42.48 Visit the ancient center of Rome, the capital of one of the most known ancient empires of the World. Learn about the history of this glorious city and the way its inhabitants used to live more than 2,000 years ago. |
 Skip the Line Tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill by PhD Guide - $257.45 Choose a fantastic journey in Rome: you will see Ancient Rome come back to life! Thanks to this tour, you will not only skip the lines, but you will discover the Colosseum and its surrounding area in a unique way. Your tour guide is an expert archaeologist that will share his knowledge and passion with you. Through the stories of ancient Rome, you will admire historical palaces and gardens, be able to spot hidden details and learn amazing facts about culture, art and architecture. |
 All inclusive Skip the Line Colosseum, Roman Forums & Rome City Highlights - $253.23 This private 4-hour walking tour, led by an expert guide, is the perfect way to discover Rome’s most famous landmarks. You’ll visit the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, Piazza Navona, the Roman Forum and much more. Discover the very best of Rome, including stunning squares, mesmerising temples, hidden monuments, and beautiful fountains |
 Roman Colosseum Small Group Tour for Kids with Skip-the-line Tickets & Forums - $113.63 This small group tour is a perfect choice for families who want to discover an unmissable historical site like the Colosseum. On this 2.5-hour tour, you will visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Arches of Triumph and much more. With your skip-the-line tickets, you will bypass the entrance queues without wasting time! |
 Archaeological tour Colosseum Roman Forum Palatine - $48.18 A walk through the history of Ancient Rome: a licensed local guide will lead you to discover the mysteries of the Colosseum and the archaeological park of the Roman Forums. |
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