THE BEST TIPS FOR VISITING COLOSSEUM 2026
Colosseum opening hours | Colosseum waiting time | What can be visited
Information about visiting the Colosseum
If you travel to Rome, you can’t leave the city without visiting the iconic Colosseum. This old arena is very impressive and still attracts lots of crowds from all over the world. More than seven million visitors explore the old building each year, and it is advisable to prepare well for the Colosseum visit.
Let us help you save time and money if you plan to visit the Colosseum! Here, you can find all the tips and tricks you need to know before visiting the Colosseum in Rome.
When can you visit Colosseum – Opening Hours
The Colosseum in Rome is open almost every day of the year. It is closed only on January 1st and December 25th. The rest of the year, the Colosseum is open for visitors. Colosseum opening hours are seasonal and depend on the time of the year. The last entrance is one hour before the closing time.
Colosseum Opening Times
| DATE | OPENING HOURS |
|---|---|
| From January 2nd to February 15th | 8.30 to 16.30 |
| From February 16th to March 15th | 8.30 to 17.00 |
| From March 16th to last Saturday of March | 8.30 to 17.30 |
| From the last Sunday of March to August 31st | 8.30 to 19.15 |
| From September 1st to September 30th | 8.30 to 19.00 |
| From October 1st to last Saturday of October | 8.30 to 18.30 |
| From the last Sunday of October to December 31st | 8.30 to 16.30 |
Please note that the Colosseum is closed on December 25th and January 1st.
What can you see at the Colosseum?
Before you step inside this magnificent structure, take a moment to appreciate the monument from the outside. To see how massive it actually is, approach the Colosseum via Via Dei Fori Imperiali. This street offers an amazing view of the Colosseum’s most well-preserved side. The Colosseum originally had 80 entrances, and its design of corridors and stairs is still used as a blueprint for building modern football stadiums.
Back in its prime, the amphitheater could seat 50,000 people, filling up in less than 15 minutes. Today, visitors enter from the south side. Keep in mind that getting in isn’t as quick as it was in Roman times, so a bit of patience is needed for the long lines, especially if you don’t have skip-the-line tickets.
The Colosseum Arena
Besides the seating area, there is the Arena area itself – a place where gladiators fought and other events took place. During your visit, you might wonder why it isn’t flat. How could gladiators fight with all those walls and columns?
What we see today is the Hypogeum, a vast network of rooms, cells, and tunnels where animals and combatants were kept. Back then, the Hypogeum was covered with a wooden floor and sand. This was the place where not only did gladiators fight, but a variety of other entertainment events also took place.
Underground Area
The Colosseum’s underground, known as the “hypogeum,” is a remarkable labyrinth of tunnels and chambers, steeped in history and shrouded in mystery. This subterranean marvel, hidden beneath the arena floor, was the backstage of ancient Roman gladiatorial games. Here, gladiators and wild beasts awaited their fate, gearing up for the ferocious spectacles above.
In the hypogeum, you can also see the advanced system of tunnels and hidden doors that were used to suddenly bring fighters and animals up to the arena. This added a surprise element to the shows, exciting the ancient crowds.
Want to learn more about Roman history? Book your Colosseum tour today to dive into the heart of ancient Rome at unbeatable prices!
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Colosseum Tickets & Tours
Colosseum tickets will grant you access to the first and second floors of the spectator area. Also, it is possible to book a guided tour that includes a visit to the arena floor and underground tunnels, as well as the tours that includes access to all levels of the Colosseum. Most tours of the Colosseum also feature a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. While these sites are not part of the Colosseum itself, they are located right next to it.
Skip-the-line
Colosseum Arena Floor Tour
Enter the Colosseum on the ground floor and walk onto the Arena floor through the gladiator’s gate. Experience the excitement of standing there like a real gladiator. With priority access, you can access the second tier and learn about the life of ancient Romans and gladiator fights during this thrilling tour.
Skip The Line
Colosseum Guided Tour
Book this guided tour and discover the symbol of Rome – the magnificent Colosseum. Be awed by its grandeur as you wander through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where emperors once roamed. Let a passionate guide bring ancient Rome alive, revealing the intriguing secrets of its iconic ruins!
How long will it take to visit the Colosseum?
It will take around 1 hour to visit the Colosseum by yourself, which also includes enough time to take some photos, and of course, selfies. Guided tours usually last between an hour and a half and an hour and forty-five minutes.
Do you need a ticket for the Colosseum?
You need to have a ticket or at least a reservation to visit the Colosseum. There is an exception to this rule on the free days. There are different Colosseum ticket types available, depending on what you would like to see, and regarding that, different prices apply.
Good To Know
WCs and toilets in the Colosseum
Waiting time in front of the Colosseum is quite long, and therefore, the first question many visitors ask themselves when entering the Colosseum is: “But where are the toilets? The toilets are on the ground floor, not far from the entrance. However, be aware that there can also be long lines for the toilets. So, if you need to use the bathroom, expect to wait about fifteen minutes.
Security check and searches at the Colosseum entrance
Many monuments in Rome, including the Colosseum, have security gates at their entrances. The security checks here are similar to those at airports. You will need to empty your jackets and pockets of any metal objects. You are allowed to visit the Colosseum with a small backpack, but entering with large bags is strictly forbidden. All dangerous objects, such as weapons, knives, explosives, or fireworks, are also prohibited.
Your backpacks and other items will go through an X-ray machine, and you must walk through a metal detector. However, unlike at airports, you don’t need to remove your shoes and belt during these checks.
Watch out for pickpockets in front of the Colosseum!
Pickpocketing is a significant problem in Rome, particularly near famous monuments. These areas often have extremely high concentrations of visitors, where physical contact can go unnoticed, making it easier for pickpockets to operate.
Colosseum for people with disabilities or wheelchairs
The Colosseum is suitable for visitors with disabilities or wheelchairs. The entrance is at ground level, and elevators will allow you to access the different floors. If you want to use a lift, ask one of the employees of the Colosseum for assistance.
The best advices for visiting the Colosseum
Finally, here are the three top tips for your Colosseum visit:
1.
BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE!
Wait times at the Colosseum are incredibly long!
Without tickets, you will have to wait for long hours in the sun. Book a ticket online, and save your precious time.
2.
COLOSSEUM TICKET=ROMAN FORUM TICKET
Most of our selected Colosseum tickets also give you access to the Roman Forum, which is right next to the Colosseum. This means that you can enter the Roman Forum without waiting in line again – just go straight through the security gates!
3.
BOOK A GUIDED TOUR TO HAVE A BETTER EXPERIENCE
Joining a group tour organized by the Colosseum management or through independent operators is an excellent option for skipping the lines as well. A competent guide will also provide a better sense of the site and its many uses. One more advantage of a guided tour is that your tour guide can take you to the parts of the Colosseum, which are not accessible if you are alone.
FAQ – Visiting the Colosseum
What is the best way to see the Colosseum?
Is the Roman Forum free?
How long does it take to visit the Colosseum?
What is the best time to visit the Colosseum?
Can you bring water bottles into the Colosseum?
Can you tour the Colosseum on your own?
What else can I visit while in Rome?
Did you know that the infamous Emperor Julius Caesar never set foot inside the Arena?
Limited Time Offer
Colosseum Underground Tour
Explore the hidden area of the Colosseum with this unique Underground Tour. Get access to sections that are unavailable with a standard ticket. Walk through the corridors where gladiators used to enter the underground area. Down there, you'll discover chambers, cages for wild animals, traps, and weapon storage.
Combo Tour
Colosseum & Vatican Tour
Explore the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel with an expert guide. They will tell you all about the history of the arena and masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam” on the Sistine ceiling. Included is skip-the-line access so you can spend more time viewing ancient Roman architecture and the world’s masterpieces.