Stunning view of the Colosseum in Rome showcasing its ancient architecture and historic grandeur.
a close up of the side of an ancient building
Stunning view of the ancient Roman Colosseum in Rome, Italy, captured at sunset showcasing its historic arches.
a large stone building with arches with Colosseum in the background
All attractions

Colosseum

Rome, Italy
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Stunning view of the Colosseum in Rome showcasing its ancient architecture and historic grandeur.

Photo by Davi Pimentel

Stone arches cast long shadows over uneven ground, centuries-old marble echoing with distant thunder and footsteps. Everything at the Colosseum seems amplified: the sweep of ancient bleachers, the chill in subterranean corridors, the sudden hush when one steps inside and imagines the roar of forty-thousand Romans urging on gladiators. Few places capture the tangled drama of history, spectacle, and survival quite like this enduring heart of Rome.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
12 EUR
Hours
Opening hours
Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Contact Information

Location
Address
Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Phone
Website

Planning your visit

Planning a visit to the Colosseum demands some forethought—this is one of the world’s busiest attractions and draws travelers from every corner of the globe. Arriving with tickets booked in advance means skipping lines and diving straight into exploration. The landmark sits amid Rome’s ancient center, making access simple by metro, bus, or on foot from nearby attractions. Expect robust crowds, especially in peak season, and prepare for sun and the occasional summer storm.

  • Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon; spring and fall offer pleasant weather with lighter crowds.
  • How to get there: Metro Line B (Colosseo stop), city buses, or a leisurely walk from the Roman Forum. Some hop-on, hop-off buses stop nearby.
  • Accessibility: Elevators assist families and visitors with mobility needs. Paths can be uneven; flat shoes recommended.
  • Average visit duration: 1.5 to 3 hours, including time for photos and exploring the upper levels or underground areas.

Must see stuff

No visit to the Colosseum feels complete without standing in its central arena—the place where gladiators once faced each other, and fate. To the north, original entrances lead toward sweeping views over arches and stands, while the southern side unveils labyrinthine passages once bustling with fighters and animals. On the upper tier, light pours through ruined windows, giving a glimpse of Rome’s busy streets juxtaposed against this ancient arena. Interactive exhibits bring life to details often hidden in stone, from armor displays to real-time digital reconstructions.

  • Key sights: Arena floor, underground hypogeum, outer arcades, upper tier for panoramic city views.
  • Unique experiences: Early-morning tours offering rare solitude, night tours with dramatic lighting, special “Gladiator’s Gate” entrance for small groups.
  • Photo-worthy locations: North terrace with skyline framing, archways that silhouette visitors against the sunlight, reconstructed arena platform.
  • Cultural facts: Built in AD 72, the Colosseum saw games for nearly four centuries. Seating ranked by social class; nobles closest, everyday Romans higher up. Contrary to myth, naval battles inside were rare but did happen in the early years.

Tips for your visit

Crowds at the Colosseum surge by mid-morning. Planning a visit during weekday mornings or close to closing time ensures a quieter experience. Tickets bundled with the Roman Forum or Palatine Hill maximize value and open up Rome’s broader ancient landscape. The stones radiate heat—especially in summer—so a refillable water bottle and a sunhat are essentials. Security checks can slow entry, but moving light and keeping valuables secure speeds things up. While guides enliven the experience with stories, audio guides or smartphone apps let travelers explore at their own pace. Local laws prohibit eating on-site, so savor that panino afterward in a nearby trattoria.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Weekday mornings, late afternoons, or during winter months.
  • What to bring: Comfortable shoes, refillable water bottle, sunscreen, camera, hat, and printed or digital tickets.
  • Local etiquette: Respect barriers and don’t climb structures; photos without flash are allowed; loud conversations can disrupt guided tours.
  • Safety and comfort: Watch for uneven stone steps; limited shade on upper tiers—seek shade or descend to cooler corridors if needed.