The Complete Colosseum Area Guide: Ancient Rome's Best Attractions, Hidden Gems & Local Experiences

Facing the impossible task of whittling down Italy’s millennia of art, culture, and imperial glory, into the space of a three- or one-day trip? While there's no way you can do it all, one thing is certain—no trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Coliseo de Roma, the Colosseum.

When asked what to do in Rome, thoughts often turn to glories of the Empire, the grandeur, the engineering, the architecture. And at the center of that legacy stands the Colosseum, with its towering arches and weathered stones telling tales of the rise and fall of empires, gladiator combats, and roaring crowds.

The Coliseo de Roma (known as the Flavian Amphitheater) is the Roman world’s largest amphitheatre and the symbol of Rome’s imperial grandeur. A remarkable masterpiece of ancient Roman architecture and ingenuity, it captures the power and tragedy of an empire that once ruled the known world.

But before you start planning your list of things to do in Rome, Italy, let’s get you into the city with ease. Whether you’re flying into Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Ciampino (CIA) airports, Kiwitaxi offers a smooth and stylish way to get to your destination. With professional drivers, fixed prices, and door-to-door service, it’s the perfect stress-free solution after a long flight or when traveling with children, luggage, or at night.

And if you're still weighing your transport options, check out our quick guides to getting from Fiumicino to Rome city center and reaching Termini station from Ciampino.

Oh, and before you step into the arena of your Roman adventures, you’ll want to choose the right place to stay. Our handpicked guide to the best hotels in Rome makes it easy to find your perfect home base, whether you’re dreaming of a room with a view of the ancient arches at Palazzo Manfredi or looking for other charming hotels close to the Colosseum.

One of the world’s largest amphitheaters and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the Colosseum is easily a must see in Rome. The amphitheater was originally named the Amphitheatrum Flavium after the Flavian dynasty that commissioned it. But over the centuries, the name Colosseum took hold, likely borrowed from the colossal statue of Nero that once stood nearby.

The legendary Coliseo de Roma remains one of the world’s most visited and enduring monuments, standing tall as a symbol of ancient Rome’s power, spectacle, and grandeur. Built in just eight years, from 72 to 80 AD and with room for 50,000 spectators, it was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian as a gift to the Roman people. In A.D. 80, Vespasian’s son Titus opened the Colosseum with 100 days of games, including gladiatorial combats and wild animal fights.

The violent spectacles showed off the power of the Empire, reminding citizens of Rome’s wealth, reach, and power, even as the empire’s own foundations began to crack. This purpose-built killing zone was only used a handful of times each year. Despite its scale and grandeur, the Colosseum typically came alive on just a dozen or so days annually, usually during religious holidays, festivals, or the emperor’s birthday.

Each event was a full-day spectacle, carefully structured to keep the crowds on the edge of their stone seats. Mornings kicked off with exotic animal hunts (think lions, elephants, and bears dragged in from across the empire), midday featured public executions, and the afternoon brought the main event: gladiators battling to the death.

To keep the audience coming back, the empire turned cruelty into innovation. Romans witnessed naval battles staged in flooded arenas, rare beasts from across the empire torn apart, and fighters pitted against impossible odds.

And the seating? Strictly by status. Senators and VIPs lounged in the front-row. The regular folk were perched higher up. If allowed at all, women sat at the very top, far from the action unless they were Vestal Virgins, who had their own special seats.

Visiting the Colosseum is one of the top things to do in Rome, and for good reason. Between the iconic hypogeum, where you feel as if you're participating in the games nearly 2000 years ago, and the upper levels, where you can catch the golden hour gliding over Rome’s rooftops and ancient ruins, a visit to the Colosseum is one of the best things to do in Rome.

Curious about how to make the most of your Colosseum tour? We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about tickets and tours below, from skipping the lines to stepping into places most travelers miss, like the underground arena or panoramic upper tiers.

How to get there: The Colosseum is located in the center of Rome, so it’s just a short walk from Rome’s historic city center. You can also take the Metro Line B to the Colosseum metro stop.

Opening Hours

The iconic amphitheater opens daily at 8:30 AM, with closing times shifting seasonally. Just remember, the last entry is always one hour before closing, and the site is closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.

January 2 to March 29: 8.30 am – 4.30 pm March 30 to September 30: 8:30 am – 7:15 pm October 1 to October 26: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm October 27 to December 31: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Colosseum Tickets

Seeking the freedom to explore the Colosseum at your own pace? A self-guided visit is ideal if you want your curiosity to lead the way, and your pace to set the rhythm. It lets you drift through history at your own rhythm, savoring every corner and moment that catches your eye.

All standard Colosseum admission tickets grant access to the first and second levels of the amphitheater, plus entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, together forming the vast archaeological park known as Parco Archeologico del Colosseo.

While it’s possible to buy tickets on the spot, the queues can be overwhelming. To guarantee your entry and skip the lines, it's highly recommended to reserve your tickets online in advance through the official Colosseum website. Tickets are usually available 30 days ahead of your visit, and if you want the flexibility to choose your preferred time slot, it’s best to book as early as possible.

Standard Colosseum Ticket (24-Hour) — from €18

This basic ticket includes: - Entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill - Valid for 24 hours from first entry (one access per site) - Available through the official Colosseum website or in limited quantities on-site

Full Experience Ticket (48-Hour) — from €24

For travelers who want more than just the highlights: - Includes access to the Colosseum Arena floor - Access to several S.U.P.E.R. sites, like the House of Augustus and Palatine Museum - Admission to the Imperial Forums (Julius Caesar and Trajan) - Valid for two consecutive days (one access per site)

Self-Guided Audio/Video Tickets — from €29

Ideal if you’re a solo traveler or familiar with the sites and enjoy a flexible schedule. - Entry ticket plus a downloadable multilingual audio or video guide - Skip-the-line access - Includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Once you’ve ticked off your visit to the Coliseo de Roma and marveled at the best things to see in Rome, you come to realize that there’s much more to do in Italy than just visit Rome. Between Positano's pastel cliffs with scenic views of the Alps, the iconic white caves of Sperlonga caressed by the crystalline waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the golden vineyards basking in the Tuscan sun, a trip to Italy is guaranteed to be one filled with history and charm.

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