Colosseum Tours and Activities

Italy featuring heritage architecture, a city and night scenes
Colosseum
Colosseum
Colosseum
Colosseum


A true architectural heavyweight, the 2,000-year-old Colosseum is often considered one of the seven “modern” wonders of the world.

Completed in the year 80 during the reign of Titus, the Colosseum was the biggest amphitheater ever built by the Roman Empire. It once regularly hosted 50,000 spectators cheering and jeering at combating gladiators, executions and battle reenactments. While the baying crowds are no longer there, the structure itself has defied earthquakes, stone thieves and car pollution to remain standing today at the heart of Rome.If you plan ahead and purchase combined tickets to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in advance, entrance to the famous site begins by breezing past the long line straight inside. But, even if you have to stand in line, don’t worry too much. What you’ll see when you enter this enormous amphitheater is worth the wait. To get the most of the site, pay to join a tour when inside. You can also rent an audio guide. Although the interior of the Colosseum is now largely deteriorated, there is still much to see. The structure’s centerpiece is the hypogeum, part of the subterranean network, above which the arena floor would have been. Weave your way through the pillars and plant life at your leisure.It is also possible to visit the winding network of underground tunnels — where the gladiators would steel themselves before facing the crowds — and the third level of the Colosseum. This must be done with a special guide and booked in advance. If you don’t manage this, take a walk around the entire outer edifice to admire the three-tiered travertine arches and see how the whole structure fits together. In particular, take note of the very bottom layer of arches, built not for aesthetics but rather as an essential means of crowd control.While the gladiatorial tussles and live animal hunts are long gone, the Colosseum is still used from time to time as a spectacular backdrop for summer concerts, often for big performers like Paul McCartney and Simon and Garfunkel, so always check the schedule before you visit.

The Colosseum is in central Rome. Bus stops and the Metro train station Colosseo are all nearby.

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Best Lodging Options Near Colosseum

Hotel Imperiale by OMNIA hotels

Hotel Imperiale by OMNIA hotels

4 out of 5
Via Vittorio Veneto, 24, Rome, RM
Hotel Imperiale by OMNIA hotels
citizenM Rome Isola Tiberina

citizenM Rome Isola Tiberina

4 out of 5
LUNGOTEVERE DE CENCI 5-8, Rome, RM
citizenM Rome Isola Tiberina
Napoleon Hotel

Napoleon Hotel

4 out of 5
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II 105, Rome, RM
Napoleon Hotel
iQ Hotel Roma

iQ Hotel Roma

4 out of 5
Via Firenze, 8, Rome, RM
iQ Hotel Roma
The Hive Hotel

The Hive Hotel

4 out of 5
Via Torino 6, Rome, RM
The Hive Hotel
The Social Hub Rome

The Social Hub Rome

Viale Scalo San Lorenzo 10, Rome, RM
The Social Hub Rome
Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo

Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo

4 out of 5
Via Labicana 144, Rome, RM
Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo
Hotel Artemide

Hotel Artemide

4 out of 5
Via Nazionale 22, Rome, RM
Hotel Artemide
Hotel Quirinale

Hotel Quirinale

4 out of 5
Via Nazionale 7, Rome, RM
Hotel Quirinale
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Colosseum

While visiting the Colosseum in Rome, immerse yourself in its rich history through guided tours and explore nearby pilgrimage basilicas. Enjoy Roman evenings filled with live music and captivating sights. Don’t miss out on photography tours that capture the stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere of this iconic landmark and its surroundings, making for unforgettable memories during your stay.

Shopping

The closest shopping experience to the Colosseum is Testaccio Market, only 1.6km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Eataly Roma, also 1.6km away, is perfect for food lovers. If you're up for a drive, visit Via Appia Nuova, a family-friendly shopping area located 3.2km away.

Recreation

Stadio Olimpico, located 6.4km from the Colosseum, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Rome Central Tennis Stadium, 4.8km away, invites tennis lovers to enjoy its vibrant courts. The nearby Olympic Swimming Stadium, also 4.8km from the Colosseum, is ideal for families seeking aquatic fun.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of horseback riding at the Federal Equestrian Center - Pratoni Del Vivaro, located 29.0km from the Colosseum. For hiking enthusiasts, the Ancient Appian Way offers stunning scenery and adventure vibes, situated 32.2km away. For family fun, Hydromania waterpark, 11.3km away, guarantees excitement and entertainment.

Nightlife

In Colosseum, immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife with enchanting performances at Teatro dell'Opera di Roma and Teatro Brancaccio, both offering cultural experiences just a stroll away. The Theatre of Marcellus adds to the charm, ensuring a romantic and family-friendly atmosphere filled with entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Colosseum

Visiting the Colosseum in Rome offers an enriching experience with a variety of attractions nearby, including historic churches, ancient ruins, and grand palaces. These points of interest cater to travellers seeking a mix of culture, outdoor adventure, and city exploration. Don't miss the opportunity to delve into the rich history surrounding the Colosseum while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the area.

  • Roman Forum: Located 644m from the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is a captivating site filled with ancient ruins that once served as the heart of Roman public life. As you wander through its remnants, you'll feel the echoes of history and culture that shaped an empire.
  • Via del Corso: This bustling street, 1.1km away, offers a vibrant urban experience with a mix of high-end shops, cafes, and historical landmarks. Strolling down Via del Corso immerses you in the lively atmosphere of contemporary Roman life.
  • Piazza Venezia: Also 1.1km from the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia is a grand square that blends culture and city vibes. Dominated by the impressive Vittoriano monument, it serves as a central hub for both locals and tourists.

Best time to go to Colosseum

Visitor numbers around Colosseum is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Colosseum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Colosseum falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Colosseum falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June73.6°F (23.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July79.3°F (26.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
August79.7°F (26.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
September72.3°F (22.4°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
October64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Colosseum

To save money on your visit to the Colosseum in Rome, consider exploring nearby free attractions like the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and Villa Borghese. Visit during the cheaper months of January, February, or November, and try to book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates, with Tuesdays being the least expensive nights. Utilize Expedia to compare hotel prices, look for last-minute deals, and consider package options that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to take advantage of the Rome tourist card for discounts on transport and attractions.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Colosseum are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Colosseum is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Colosseum is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Colosseum is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near the Colosseum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.