Colosseum Tours and Activities

Italy which includes night scenes, heritage architecture and a city
Colosseum
Colosseum
Colosseum
Colosseum


One of Rome's most famous landmarks, and one of the world's most notable monuments, no visitor to Rome should miss the opportunity to visit this iconic structure.

Originally completed eighty years after the birth of Christ, the Colosseum was the largest of the amphitheatres constructed by the Roman Empire, at one time regularly hosting 50,000 spectators for the sort of brutal entertainment that was depicted in the film “Gladiator”.

The sturdiness of this ancient Roman structure is testified by the fact that is has survived earthquakes, stone thieves and car pollution to remain very much standing today at the core of contemporary Rome.

When planning a visit to the Colosseum, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill at the same time, as access to all three can be enjoyed within a morning or an afternoon. As one of Rome’s most popular tourist attraction, there are the inevitable queues to enter the Colosseum.

Don’t let this put you off. It’s definitely worth the wait. As you enter the Colosseum, firstly you’ll be struck by the immense size and stature of this unique monument to Italy’s Roman Empire past. You can almost picture what it was like having to face the terrifying ordeals that were routine back in the time when the Roman Empire was the world’s most powerful political dynasty. Tours and audio guides are available to provide you with an insight into the era and the monument.

The centrepiece of the interior is the hypogeum, which during the glory days of the Colosseum, was part of the subterranean network, above which the arena floor was once located. You can also see the winding network of underground tunnels where gladiators would await their fate within the main amphitheatre.

The external edifice of the Colosseum contains three-tiered travertine arches. Viewing the structure from the outside gives a taster of how spectacular this piece of architecture really is. If you’re lucky, you may get a chance to see a concert during your visit. Some of the world’s most popular artists like to play in Rome with the Colosseum as a backdrop.

The Colosseum is located in central Rome. Bus stops are nearby, as is the Colosseo Metro station.

Plan a trip to see Colosseum

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Elizabeth Unique Hotel

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Shows & concerts

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Reviews of Colosseum

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
205
5 - Excellent 66%
4 - Good
93
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
11
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Very busy, beautiful at night

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Long queues. Go early or prebook.

4/5 - Good

Jodi

Bye tickets in advance

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Join a tour with skip the line access as the queues are huge.

5/5 - Excellent

Vicki

City wonders tour guide for underground tour, Paola was excellent . Would recommend the underground tour

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Carry water if it's hot - lines are very long.

Popular places to visit


Top Colosseum Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Napoleon Hotel

Napoleon Hotel

4 out of 5
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II 105, Rome, RM
Napoleon Hotel
Hotel Quirinale

Hotel Quirinale

4 out of 5
Via Nazionale 7, Rome, RM
Hotel Quirinale
iQ Hotel Roma

iQ Hotel Roma

4 out of 5
Via Firenze, 8, Rome, RM
iQ Hotel Roma
UNA Hotels Decò Roma

UNA Hotels Decò Roma

4 out of 5
Via Giovanni Amendola, 57, Rome, RM
UNA Hotels Decò Roma
Hotel Delle Nazioni

Hotel Delle Nazioni

4 out of 5
Via Poli 7, Rome, RM
Hotel Delle Nazioni
Excellence Suite

Excellence Suite

Via della Purificazione 38, Rome, RM
Excellence Suite
Hotel Artemide

Hotel Artemide

4 out of 5
Via Nazionale 22, Rome, RM
Hotel Artemide
citizenM Rome Isola Tiberina

citizenM Rome Isola Tiberina

4 out of 5
LUNGOTEVERE DE CENCI 5-8, Rome, RM
citizenM Rome Isola Tiberina
Gioberti Hotel

Gioberti Hotel

4 out of 5
Via Gioberti, 20, Rome, RM
Gioberti Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Colosseum

When visiting the Colosseum in Rome, you'll have plenty to explore, including guided tours that delve into its rich history. Don't miss out on nearby attractions and the enchanting Roman evenings that bring the city to life. With various activities available, you'll find something for everyone, making your Italian getaway truly memorable. Plan your next adventure in this iconic locale and soak up the vibrant atmosphere!

Shopping

Porta Portese Market, located 1.6km from the Colosseum, offers a vibrant public market experience. For a family-friendly vibe, check out the Rinascente Flagship Store, also 1.6km away. If you're up for a drive, Via Appia Nuova, 3.2km away, boasts a lively shopping area.

Recreation

At Stadio Olimpico, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of a sports facility, just 6.4km from the Colosseum. For family fun, visit the Olympic Swimming Stadium, located 4.8km away, where you can enjoy aquatic activities. Alternatively, the Rome Central Tennis Stadium offers a vibrant sports vibe, also 4.8km from Colosseum.

Adventure

Experience thrilling motor racing at Vallelunga Circuit, located 30.6km from the Colosseum, where the adrenaline flows. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Federal Equestrian Center - Pratoni Del Vivaro, 29.0km away, offers equestrian adventures. Explore the scenic Ancient Appian Way, a hiking trail 32.2km from the Colosseum, perfect for nature lovers.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the Colosseum is vibrant and rich in culture. Enjoy a performance at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma or the Teatro Brancaccio, both offering captivating shows just 0.5 to 1.1km away. For a romantic evening, the Theatre of Marcellus awaits with its charming atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Colosseum

When visiting the Colosseum in Rome, immerse yourself in its rich history by exploring nearby churches, ancient ruins, and historic palaces. For a cultural experience, check out reviews of the Colosseum and consider visiting at night for a magical atmosphere. Don't miss the popular local attractions in the Rome city centre, ensuring a blend of outdoor adventures and urban exploration for a memorable holiday.

  • Roman Forum: A fascinating archaeological site, the Roman Forum is a captivating glimpse into ancient Rome's political, religious, and social life. With its impressive ruins, you'll feel the rich cultural vibes that shaped history as you wander among the remains of temples and public spaces, just 644m from the Colosseum.
  • Via del Corso: This bustling thoroughfare is a shopper's paradise, offering a mix of high-street brands and charming boutiques. Located 1.1km from the Colosseum, Via del Corso pulsates with city vibes, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll or a coffee break.
  • Piazza Venezia: A grand square that blends culture and urban energy, Piazza Venezia features stunning architecture and monuments, including the iconic Vittoriano. Just 1.1km from the Colosseum, it serves as a vibrant hub where history meets modern life.

Best time to go to Colosseum

The best time to visit Colosseum is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June73.6°F (23.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July79.3°F (26.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
August79.7°F (26.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
September72.3°F (22.4°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Colosseum

To save money on your visit to the Colosseum, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January, February, or November for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia, particularly on Tuesdays, which are the least expensive nights. Utilize Expedia's search tool to filter options by budget and sort prices from lowest to highest. You can also save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal. Don’t forget to explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Colosseum are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Colosseum is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Colosseum is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Colosseum is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near the Colosseum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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