To see all Colosseum ticket options 👉 Click here

Colosseum Tours

At a ripe, old, 2000 years of age, the Roman Colosseum has witnessed the rise and fall of many nations and empires. As would any building that has survived almost since the times of Jesus Christ, it has many stories to tell, and what better way to hear them than from an expert local guide? Get your Colosseum tour tickets right here and experience the Colosseum at its best.

The Colosseum seen from inside, with view of the arena and the hypogeum

List of colosseum tours and prices

We offer four different guided tour options. Below you can see and compare them all:


Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour
Standard Adult: 48€; w/hotel pick-up: 60€
Standard Child: 33.60€; w/ hotel pick-up: 48€
Underground Colosseum Tour (night tour!)Standard Adult: 55€
Colosseum Private TourStandard Adult: 161€
Standard Child: 144€
Ancient Rome for families with kidsStandard Adult: 60€
Standard Child: 40€

Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour

Explore the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill with an expert guide and learn about gladiator battles, Roman palace intrigues, and the history of the capital of Europe’s greatest empire. This tour is offered in English, Spanish, German, French, and Portuguese. It has a duration of approximately 2.5 hours.

The Roman Forum seen from the top of the Palatine Hill, both are near the Colosseum
View of the Roman Forum from the Palatine Hill. Both areas can easily be reached on foot from the Colosseum.

Colosseum underground tour

The best time to visit the Colosseum is at night, when it’s all lit up in the dark and not crowded with other tourists. This guided tour will take you out onto the arena floor and into the underground passages where gladiators and beasts awaited their turn to do battle on the sands of the arena. This tour is offered in English and lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

An underground passage in the Colosseum
Two thousand years ago, this tunnel was walked by gladiators heading to the arena to fight to the death.

Colosseum private tour

Not keen on big tour groups? This tour includes all the benefits of a regular tour of the Colosseum but you get to go at your own pace, ask all the questions you want, and enjoy learning from your own expert guide. This tour is offered in English and lasts approximately 2 hours.

Ancient Rome for families with kids

This tour is designed with the enjoyment of your children in mind. Explore Rome (the whole city, not just the Colosseum!) through games and songs that will acquaint your kids with its monuments, its mysteries and its history. The tour includes the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill, as well as a scenic route by car in which you’ll see the Circus Maximus, the Domus Aurea, Tiberina Island, Lago Argentina, and many other interesting sights. It is offered in English and has a duration of 3 hours.

Frequently asked questions regarding guided tours of the Colosseum:

Is a Colosseum tour worth it?

Visiting the Colosseum on your own is a fine, enjoyable experience, but if you want to get the most out of it and learn more about the history of the Colosseum (and the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill!) a guided tour is the way to go. An expert guide can give you insights into the building and its surroundings you simply wouldn’t get on your own.

What languages are tours given in?

Most tours are in English, with some offered in additional languages such as Spanish, German, French, and Portuguese.

Are Colosseum tours child-friendly?

Some tours are especially designed for kids, while others are designed for the general public. Either way, the Colosseum is quite awe-inspiring so it’s not difficult to keep kids entertained while you explore it. Do keep in mind that most tours are non-stop affairs, so your kids may get tired on the longer ones.

Do I get to skip the lines on a guided tour?

Yes you do. Like all visitors, tour groups must go through security, but you will avoid all other queues. For more information on visiting the Colosseum, check out our Visit page.

How long are guided tours of the Colosseum?

Most range from an hour and a half to three hours, depending on what sites you’ll be visiting on the tour, whether only the Colosseum or the nearby Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.

Do I need to book my tour in advance?

It’s not absolutely necessary that you book in advance, but if you plan to wing it when you arrive in Rome you may find that tour groups on your preferred dates and times are already full. Booking your tour in advance affords you more options when choosing the date and time so there’s no reason not to do so.

Is there anything I need to bring for my tour?

Proof of your reservation (on your phone will do) and comfortable clothes and footwear for walking. If you’re visiting Rome in the summer you should also bring water and sunscreen because the Mediterranean sun can be quite intense.