12 of the Best Colosseum Tours in Rome 2024

Have you been wondering about the Best Colosseum Tours in Rome? I’ve got you covered!

Having lived in Europe and spent some time in Italy, the Colosseum was one of my favourite people-watching spots. It’s a place of immense history and culture, and I always felt a fantastic sense of history when stepping inside its walls.

Knowing how famous the Colosseum is as a tourist destination, I understand why you might be uncertain about which tour to take when visiting Rome!

There are a lot of various tours on offer to ensure that everyone can experience the Colosseum as much or as little as you want.

From shorter guided tours with plenty of chances to learn about key moments in Roman history to more immersive experiences with opportunities for longer stays at various sites within the ruins, there’s something for every kind of traveller looking to explore this amazing monument.

No matter what kind of visit you’re looking for, these awesome tours will ensure your experience is unforgettable.

Check out the below suggestions for the best tours of the Colosseum while you’re in Rome.

1.  Skip The Line: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!

Skip the long lines and get straight into the iconic Colosseum Arena, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with this all-in-one guided tour. You’ll learn interesting insights about these surviving structures of the Eternal City and gain an understanding about what really took place here all those years ago.

“Wonderful walking tour – there are so many things to see, so much history, so many stories that you’d never get without a guide. Highly recommended, and plan to stay in the Forum and Palatine Hill after the tour ends, so bring snacks and water!” – mcsimon3

Start your Ancient Rome tour by one of the Seven Hills of Rome, Oppian Hill, for a gorgeous view of the Colosseum. Skip the main entrance line and walk down the arena with your local guide.

Explore the first and second tiers of the Colosseum and wander around the famous amphitheatre as you listen to tales about the brutal gladiator battles and even the gory executions that once took place here.

After the Colosseum, you’ll head over to the Roman Forum to see the House of the Vestal Virgins and the Temple of Julius Caesar up close.

Lastly, walk up Palatine Hill to get a glimpse of the ruins of Circus Maximus. Although the guided tour ends here, you can stick around afterwards and continue to explore the area on your own. 

If you are interested in a more thorough tour, there is an optional upgrade for a semi-private tour. You’ll get to explore the Colosseum Arena floor, see where the Emperor’s box once stood, and even visit the underground area where the gladiatorial games and staged hunts were prepared.

Important details

• Start time and location: A pre-organised time at Largo Gaetana Agnesi
• Duration: 3 hours
• Includes: Skip the line Colosseum tickets (with the Arena included  Palatine Hillin semi-private tours), skip the line entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, a tour by a professional local guide, and headsets to hear your guide clearly

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. Small-Group Tour Of Colosseum Underground, Arena And Forum

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!

One of the best Colosseum underground tours is this 3-hour adventure with Touriks. On this small group tour, explore restricted areas that regular ticket holders don’t get to see, including the underground area, the Arena, and the Roman Forum. You’ll be given headsets so you can hear your guide’s commentary clearly.

“Federica was brilliant. Her passion for archaeology was infectious. The moon was full, the colosseum was empty, and it truly felt like we were traveling back into history.” – Joseph_N

Avoid the busy lines and begin your tour by heading to the exclusive Arena floor. Go backstage to the underground section and imagine you are a gladiator preparing for a game in Ancient Rome.

Your guide will teach you all about the social and political importance of the amphitheatre, as well as the innovative techniques used to build this iconic attraction.

Lastly, visit the top tier of the Colosseum to admire some amazing views. See if you can spot the Temple of Venus and the Arch of Constantine, which you’ll walk under later on.

Take a short break to rest or explore around on your own before walking with your group to the Roman Forums for the rest of the tour.

Immerse yourself in the ruins of the Forum and discover the Senate House where the fate of the Roman Empire was determined. You’ll also get to see the Gardens of the Vestal Virgins, the pagan temple of Goddess Vesta, and a whole lot more. 

Finally, walk the path to Palatine Hill, once considered the most exclusive area of Ancient Rome. The bird’s eye view here across the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus is a once in a lifetime experience, so make sure to take it all in and enjoy the present moment. 

Important details

• Start time and location: A prearranged time at Piazza del Colosseo, outside the ground floor exit of the metro
• Duration: 3 hours
• Includes: Fast-tracked entrance, a guided tour through the underground area of the Colosseum and the Arena floor, a guided tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, sterilised headphones to hear your guide’s commentary, the option for a nighttime tour

3. Skip-The-Lines Colosseum And Roman Forum Tour For Kids And Families

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 2.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

Are you travelling to Rome with young kids and are worried about keeping them entertained? Looking for best Colosseum tours in Rome for families? This tour is specifically designed with families in mind, making it the best way to see the Colosseum when travelling with little ones.

You can select from either a small group or a private tour, both of which allow for plenty of personal attention from your guide. You’ll also get to avoid waiting in long lines in the hot sun!

The entrance tickets you’ll receive are valid for two days, meaning you can come back again after the tour if you wish.

“This was a very educational and kids friendly tour. We were three families with kids and the guide kept all the kids entertained with quizzes and games about Roman history.” – Oktay_V

Meet your guide near the Colosseum and head straight inside. Your guide will teach you and your family about Roman history in a fun and engaging way, with age-appropriate stories about the gladiators and their battles against ferocious animals.

Next up, wander the cobbled streets of the Roman Forum, see the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, and visit the ruins of the Emperor’s Palace.

The Basilica of Maxentius, the largest building the Forum, is one of the highlights for both kids and adults. Being outside, the young ones will be able to explore around the ruins and let their imagination run wild. 

Important details 

• Start time and location: A prearranged time at Piazza del Colosseo, outside the ground floor exit of the metro
• Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Includes: Skip the line tickets, and an entertaining guide who specialises in kid-friendly tours for families 

4. Gladiator’s Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour With Arena Floor

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!

This special access Colosseum tour allows you to enter the Colosseum’s Arena through the Gladiator’s Gate. Gain a unique perspective as you discover the viewpoints of both the gladiators and the spectators while you hear tales of ruthlessness from a local guide.

“Such a great time with knowledgeable guide! Even held tight in the rain and continued the tour! So thoughtful of others.” – Nichole_E

Walk right past the main entrance lines and enter the Arena via the Gladiator’s Gate. Your guide will recount fascinating tales about the gladiators who fought to their death here, before heading up to the first floor where spectators once witnessed it all.

Listen to some more stories about Imperial-era Rome as you walk over to the Forum, once a hub for political activity. With your guide, look around the main ruins and monuments that still remain in this ancient plaza. 

Important details

• Start time and location: A prearranged time at the entrance of Colle Oppio Park at Via delle Terme di Tito, 72
• Duration: 3 hours
• Includes: A group of maximum 24 people, an expert English-speaking guide, a headset, and a Colosseum entrance ticket 

5. VIP Colosseum Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!

Those looking for a fast-tracked, small group sightseeing trip shouldn’t miss this VIP Colosseum underground tour. It will typically begin at the Colosseum and end at the Roman Forum, although the order is sometimes switched depending on ticket availability and how far in advance you book.

Although you’ll see three amazing attractions in three hours, this tour is quite relaxed, thanks to the fantastic guides and the skip the line entry.

If you are easily overwhelmed at popular tourist sites and don’t know what to look out for, this VIP tour can help you enjoy your sightseeing without the stress.

“Barbara was wonderful. She was so very knowledgeable. She also kept the tour fun and light. The tour moved quickly, but there was plenty of time for photos and questions. She was extremely thorough! It was a great day all around!” – Sarah_T

At the Colosseum, your English-speaking guide will bring this ancient world to life with fascinating stories and intimate insights. Discover the birthplace of Rome at Palatine Hill and look out at the Circus Maximus, an ancient stadium used for chariot racing.

After wandering around the ruins beneath the tall pine trees, walk the Via Sacra and the Via Nova, historic roads from the Roman Empire that lead to the Forum. With their extensive knowledge and passion about the subject, you’ll get a sense of what day-to-day life was like for Romans here. 

Important details

• Start time and location: A prearranged time at the Arch of Constantine
• Duration: 3 hours
• Includes: Skip the line entrance to the Colosseum and a VIP guided tour

6. Moonlight Tour Of The Colosseum And Ancient Rome

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 2.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

One of the most unforgettable memories you can make in Rome is seeing the Colosseum at night. Lasting over two hours and beginning with a little walking tour of Rome, this is the longest and best Colosseum night tour currently on offer.

With a maximum of 25 people in your group, gain exclusive access to the Colosseum after it closes to the general public. While impressive during the daytime, the ruins look even more spectacular underneath the moonlight. 

“I highly recommend this tour, especially in the summer when the days are so hot! This was our second time doing this tour. I really enjoyed the appetizers and wine beforehand and loved our very enthusiastic and energetic tour guide, Fi! Being able to go into the Colosseum after dark, when it is closed to the public, is pretty magical!” – David_B

Indulge in some drinks and snacks at the meeting point before walking along Via dei Fori Imperiali, one of the most iconic streets in Rome.

Once you’ve arrived at the Colosseum, you’ll begin a 90-minute guided tour of the restricted areas. This includes a Colosseum underground tour as well as the Arena Floor. See the ruins beautifully lit up with lights as the sun sets and explore the amphitheatre’s dungeons.

Important details

• Start time and location: 6:45 pm at Santi Cosma e Damiano
• Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Includes: After-hours admission to the Colosseum Arena and underground areas, with a headset to hear commentary by a professional guide

7. Colosseum Night Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

If you have less time in the evening or want an in-depth tour without dealing with the busy crowds, take this Colosseum night tour run by Discover Rome Tours.

“What an amazing experience! Definitely recommend the night tour. Felt as if we had the place to ourselves. There were only about 15 people total in our small group, then only encountered about six other groups throughout our hour-plus tour. Our guide was awesome! Definitely recommend this night option. Plus, you beat the heat!” – Leslie_D

This group tour will have a maximum of 25 participants, so with only a few other night tours running simultaneously, you will easily avoid the hordes of other tourists that come here during the daytime. 

Follow your guide around the Colosseum as it is beautifully lit up at night and learn interesting info on the history of this great amphitheatre. The highlight of the tour is getting to walk through the underground gladiator tunnels, which were only opened to the public in 2021.

Important details

• Start time: A prearranged time in the evening outside the Colosseo Metro Station
• Duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes 
• Includes: Skip the line entrance tickets to the Colosseum with an official tour guide and a group coordinator 

8. Private Tour Of Colosseo

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 1 hour 15 mins | ✅ Book it!

This is the ultimate choice for those seeking a Colosseum private tour. Other than the benefit of getting one-on-one time with your own tour guide, you can also choose a morning or afternoon start time that will fit around your itinerary.

This is easily one of the best Colosseum tours if you are looking for a more personal experience.

In addition to English, this tour is also offered in Italian, French, Spanish, German and Japanese upon request. It is also wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly. 

“Maria was a flawless tour guide. Highly recommend the experience if you’re looking for a solid day at the Colosseum and Roman Forum.” – A Tripadvisor Reviewer

With pre-booked admission, you can skip the line and start seeing the highlights of the Colosseum with your private guide. After a cup of Italian coffee, you’ll get an overview of the ancient amphitheatre and spend about 45 minutes with your guide.

All of the guides with Arena Tours are passionate and knowledgeable about ancient Rome and can answer any questions you might have along the way.

They will also give you plenty of information about the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which you can visit on your own after the tour has finished. 

Important details

• Start time: Any chosen time from the front of the Colosseo Metro Station’s upper floor
• Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes 
• Includes: All entrance fees into the Colosseum and a private tour

9. Ultimate Colosseum Small Group Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 2.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

With your skip the line tickets on this ultimate Colosseum tour, you will save an estimated two hours that would be otherwise spent waiting in the hot sun.

Limited to 10 participants, this is one of the best tours of the Colosseum in Rome for travellers seeking a small group experience. It offers a chance to have a chat with both the guide as well as some other tourists.

Remember to bring your ID and show up at least 20 minutes before your start time!

“This was an outstanding tour, especially due to the ton of knowledge and insight from our incredible guide Simona Mariotti. She has a true passion for the history of Rome, and I learned so much in this tour. This sights were amazing, but the knowledge I also gained is what I will always remember. Thanks for making this experience so great!” – Doug_C

With your priority entrance, you can jump straight into 80 AD and learn about one of Europe’s most recognisable attractions. While admiring the Colosseum, you can ask your guide any questions. Your tour at this iconic Roman structure will typically last around 1 hour and 30 minutes. 

Next, it’s on to the Roman Forum. Stand in the centre of the plaza and get a glimpse at the surrounding government buildings.

This was once the centre of Roman life, so you’ll gain an understanding of how the citizens of Rome once lived. After about half an hour, spend some time at Palatine Hill looking at the stunning views of the city and ask your guide any final questions you might have.

Important details

• Start time: A prearranged time near the upper floor exit of the Colosseo Metro Station
• Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes 
• Includes: Colosseum Privileged Entrance Ticket, Exclusive Partner Entrance Access, priority entrance for the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, a headset and an official tour guide

10. Colosseum Express Skip-The-Line Guided Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 1 hour 15 mins | ✅ Book it!

If you have limited time in Rome, this express tour operated by City Walkers is perfect for you. With a maximum of 24 other travellers, you’ll skip the line and get a quick and easy intro to the Colosseum, plus some pics for Instagram!

“Great tour and great way to skip the line! Finding the tour was a bit confusing but it was very organized, the group we were in was maybe 15 people and our tour guide Alessandra was the best! She was so nice and knowledgeable, and it was so sweet how she included kids on the tour and checked up on everyone. I’d recommend this tour for sure!” – Camilla_B

Despite this tour lasting just over an hour, it will appear to go by even quicker thanks to the engaging and enthusiastic guides.

After skipping the line, you’ll hear some interesting stories and gain local tips and recommendations, such as where to find the best views in the city. The guides are also superb at helping you get some amazing photos. 

These Colosseum tour tickets also include entrance into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which you can go to after the tour if your schedule permits.

Important details

• Start time: A prearranged time near the upper floor exit of the Colosseo Metro Station
• Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Includes: Tickets to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with an official tour guide

11. Rome Combo: Colosseum & Forum With Rome Must-See Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 8 hours | ✅ Book it!

For travellers with plenty of time in Rome, take advantage of this combination Colosseum and city walking tour.

You’ll get two separate tours for a discounted price, seeing the famous amphitheatre in the morning before exploring the city in the afternoon. Plus, it’s a great Colosseum guided tour option for those on a budget!

“Colosseum was amazing and Simone was a wonderful guide. In the afternoon Edy helped us see the sights. He was extremely knowledgeable and helpful.” – Angela_D

Combining two of the most popular tours in Rome into one ticket, you will really get your money’s worth with this “Rome Super Saver”!

In the morning, meet with your guide and take in the views from Oppian Hill. Jump the main entrance queue as you enter the Colosseum and walk around the first two levels of the Arena while listening to stories of brutal gladiator battles.

As you exit the amphitheatre, you’ll stop at the Arch of Constantine on your way to the Roman Forum. After spending some time at Palatine Hill, finish your three-hour tour at Via Sacra.

Take a break for lunch (at your own expense) before meeting up with your second guide at Piazza di Spagna in the afternoon.

This walking tour will take you around the historic centre of Rome, stopping at sights like the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Colonna and the Pantheon (though you won’t get to go inside, unfortunately).

This part of the tour typically lasts about two and a half hours. You’ll also get to wander through Piazza Navona and peruse the works of the many street artists.

Important details

• Start time: 10 am at Largo Gaetana Agnesi
• Duration: 8 hours 
• Includes: Skip the line entrance into the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, an English-speaking guide, and a stop for refreshments in the centre of Rome

12. Small-Group Ancient Rome And Colosseum Underground Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 1.5 – 3 hours | ✅ Book it!

This unforgettable tour of the underground chambers and gladiator tunnels gives you exclusive access to the Colosseum. It is the best Colosseum underground tour if you like things prompt and organised, as it always runs on time. ID is required, so don’t forget to bring your passport!

“This was a fantastic tour. We’ve been to the Colosseum before, but had never toured the underground area. It was very interesting to see it from a different perspective. Our tour guy, whose name I can’t remember, was full of stories and history from the different time periods. The Forum was also very interesting as well. This tour was an excellent value for the money. I highly recommend this tour.” – Linda_G

With this special tour, you’ll get to wander through areas of the Colosseum that are usually kept off-limits to other visitors.

See the underground chambers where wild animals were kept and walk the same path as the gladiators once paced while preparing for battle. Your guide will tell plenty of tales about the bloodthirsty crowds and the emperors who cheered on these games.

Next, change the mood a bit with a trip to the Roman Forum, which centred around political life and religion. Learn about life in Imperial Rome as you view the ruins of temples, basilicas and more. 

Important details

• Start time: A prearranged time in the morning or afternoon, by the lower level exit of the Colosseo Metro Station
• Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 3 hours
• Includes: A tour of the Colosseum’s underground plus the first and second floors, an Ancient Rome guided tour, and skip the line tickets

FAQs About best roman colosseum tours

is it worth getting a guided tour of the colosseum?

Yes, it is definitely worth getting a guided tour of the Colosseum! Guided tours will give you a better understanding of the site’s history and importance.

Not only will you learn about the Roman Empire and also gain insight into art, culture, and religion from thousands of years ago.

With your guide’s help, you can get to know more about how Romans lived in ancient times and explore all areas of the Colosseum.

You can even go up to higher levels for panoramic views or view special exhibitions held in the Colosseum, depending on when you visit. Visiting with a guided tour is definitely one of the best ways to experience this iconic destination that has been around since 80 AD!