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.

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Things to know before you go to The Colosseum

• 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.

How to get there

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.

When to get there

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 by the numbers

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.

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