The ancient Roman Colosseum is Rome’s most visited sites and one of Italy’s top tourist attractions. You must buy tickets in advance or reserve your time slot (even with a pass such as Roma Pass). The ticket has a specific entrance time for the Colosseum and currently also includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
- Buy Colosseum, Roman Forum, + Palatine Hill skip-the-line tickets.
- Or take a Skip the Line: Premium Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill.
Note: Guided tours skip the ticket line plus go through a faster security line
Colosseum Upper and Lower Levels Guided Tours
Parts of the Colosseum that were formerly off limits to visitors can now be seen on special guided tours. These tours visit the belvedere or the lowest level, underneath the floor, where wild animals and gladiators were kept before battles.
- Take a VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill for access to the lowest level or a Belvedere Tour for access to the upper levels with great views.

Colosseum Night Tours
An interesting way to visit the Colosseum is on a VIP Colosseum At Night Tour With Underground & Arena Floor, available from May through October. See the Colosseum when it’s closed to the public and visit the underground area.
Security Measures at the Colosseum
Security measures now require all visitors (including those with skip-the-line passes or on guided tours) to go through a metal detector. So even though you won’t have to wait in the ticket line, you will have to wait in the security line. Backpacks, trolleys, and luggage are not permitted inside the Colosseum and there is no place to store them. Waiting time to go through security can be as long as half an hour or even more at peak times.
- Tip: Guided tours have special priority entrance so if you book a tour, the line to go through security is usually shorter.
Plan Your Visit to Rome
Where to Stay:- JK Place is a top contemporary boutique hotel, well located between the Pantheon and Spanish Steps.
- Hotel Residenza di Ripetta is in a former monastery with inner courtyard, between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps.
- Hotel Residenza in Farnese is a comfortable hotel on Piazza Farnese, near Campo de Fiori.
- See more Rome Hotels
Make the most of 1 day in Rome with Walks of Italy’s Rome In A Day Tour with Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center or see the city’s highlights on your own with this 2 day itinerary of top sights.
Tickets for Sites and Museums: See 3 Tickets To Buy Before You Go and more tickets for Rome sites and attractions.
Rome Guide Books:
See more recommended Rome books.
More Roman Ruins and Monuments
- 5 Top Monuments to See in Rome
- 5 Underground Ancient Roman Sites
- Get away from the crowds in these Quiet Places in Rome
- Take an easy day trip to the ruins of Rome’s ancient port, Ostia Antica
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