Colosseum

As the second most popular attraction in Italy after the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum hosts some 4 million annual visitors. This means that long lines are nearly inevitable without a skip-the-line tour.

Choose from a number of tours suited to any age or interest, such as an underground tour that heads beneath the arena floor to explore a network of passages. Small-group tours visit the third tier, while night tours offer an eerie experience and relief from the daytime heat. Consider group tours, self-guided audio tours, or private tours to gain an understanding of this well-preserved ancient Roman amphitheater and its historical importance.

• It's best to purchase Colosseum tickets in advance to avoid long entry lines.

• The Colosseum is well-suited for families with kids.

• This is an open-air amphitheater, so bring a hat and sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes and attire.

• You may also see the Colosseum referred to as the Flavian Amphitheatre or the Coliseum.

• Please provide the full names of all travelers when booking Colosseum tours. Failure to present all travelers' full names at the ticket office prior to entry may result in denied entry.

Alongside the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the Colosseum is in the center of Rome. It’s across the street from the Colosseo station on Line B of the city's underground metro system, which also stops at the Termini train station.

Since the Colosseum is most crowded during the middle of the day, begin or end your Rome tour with a visit first thing in the morning or just before last entry (which is an hour before closing time) in the late afternoon. Alternatively, choose a night tour for a unique, less crowded experience. Summer is the most popular time of year to visit, while the site receives fewer crowds in November through February, aside from the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The Colosseum is the world's largest amphitheater, has 76 entrances, and measures 615 feet (189 meters) long by 510 feet (156 meters) wide. The total area of the stadium covers six acres (24,000 square meters), and its highest tier reaches 157 feet (48 meters). It took 10 years to build and hosted games and hunting sessions for more than four centuries.

There are many tours available at the Colosseum for visitors. For those looking for unique experiences, private guided tours are available and provide insight into the engineering marvel that is this ancient monument. Group guided tours also offer an array of options, from standard tickets to night tours and underground access. Each tour offers something different.

Yes, taking a guided tour of the Colosseum is definitely worth your time. Guided tours offer an immersive, in-depth experience that will bring the ancient site to life, telling the stories of the rulers, gladiators, and spectators who once walked across its floor. Audio aids or tour guides help bring it to life.

You don’t need to spend all day at the Colosseum. If you’re short on time, a few hours should be more than enough. Plan to spend at least an hour and a half exploring the expanse of this enormous amphitheater. When visiting, give yourself some extra time for photos.

The best day to go to the Colosseum is Tuesday. There are fewer people, so visits are easier and more relaxed. On Tuesdays, you’ll compete with fewer people for tickets for some activities within the Colosseum walls.

Yes. You should prebook tickets to visit the Colosseum. Because it is very popular and one of the most important historical buildings in Rome, the lines to get in can be long. To save time, it's best to book tickets online before you go so you can see more things faster.

Take a guided tour. Learn about the history and importance of this amazing building from a knowledgeable guide. You can also learn about the special architecture, engineering, and construction methods that make it remarkable even after many years.