10 Things To Know About The Best Colosseum Tours In 2024
Last Updated on May 23, 2024 by Audrey
Want to learn about the BEST Colosseum tours? Look no further!
When I booked my trip to Rome, I knew that my trip wouldn’t be complete without booking a ticket to the Colosseum. Wanting to maximize my vacation experience, I undertook grueling research to find the best Colosseum tour out there.
But what was the Roman Forum? Underground Arena? These tours had so many different options that I had no idea where to start. I thought I was just going to the Colosseum!
Turns out that there are tons of different Colosseum tour options you can choose from. After lots of research, I’ll tell you the best Colosseum tour I decided on! This tour is the best because it includes hidden areas of the Colosseum, has a guide with terrific English skills, and you get the most value for your money!
Best Colosseum Tour
I’ve concluded that this is the BEST Colosseum tour! This includes a guided tour of the Colosseum, plus exclusive access to the hidden Underground and the Arena. Most people never get to see these areas!
You will get to explore all areas of the Colosseum, with nothing off-limits! It also includes skip-the-line access to both Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum.
Hosted by The Ultimate Italy, you’ll be transported back to the days of ancient Rome. Visit four different areas with a passionate tour guide with strong English-speaking skills.
You’ll learn all the secrets of how the Colosseum was built and cultural practices that were prevalent during Roman times. I highly recommend checking this tour out, you won’t be disappointed!
⭐ Book your Colosseum tour with exclusive Underground Arena, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill access!
For more information on Rome and things to do and see during your trip, check out my other Italy posts:
Rome 3 Days: All The Best Attractions You Can’t Miss!
Venice In 2 Days: First Timers Will Fall In Love!
Is Rome Worth Visiting?: Make The Ultimate Verdict
Is There Uber In Rome? (How To Get Around In 2024)
10 Things To Know Before Booking A Colosseum Tour
Now, I’m sure you want to do a bit of your own research before you make an informed decision. Tours are pretty pricey, after all.
Before you choose which tour best suits your interests and schedule, here are some tips to know!
1. Book Your Tour Early Online
It is extremely easy to book tickets to the Colosseum online, and even more so if you book through a tour. If you purchase a tour online in advance, your ticket to the attraction will already be included in your cost.
It’s best to book at least a month ahead of your trip, or even earlier if you plan to visit during heavy tourist months such as spring or summer. If you book a couple of months ahead, you’ll have a larger selection available to choose from.
2. Book an English-only tour
One of the most important things you need to consider regarding your tour is to have a guide with strong English-speaking skills. No matter how much knowledge or excitement your tour guide has for this historical site, it won’t mean anything if you can’t understand what they’re saying.
Always make sure to select the tour in only English or your correct native language. Sometimes cheaper prices usually reflect what you end up receiving.
I went on a very inexpensive walking tour on my first day in Rome, and I had quite a bit of trouble comprehending my guide’s explanations through his thick Italian accent.
If I had spent a little extra for a more reputable company, my guide would have been more versed in English and I would have understood better.
Also be aware that if you book a tour that offers two languages, the guide will have to divide their time saying the same thing in both languages. It may not bother you, but it can take quite a lot of time and energy for the guide so they may not be able to answer any questions afterwards.
3. Explore Hidden Areas
First things first, you should know about the hidden locations that can be added to your tour, and why you want to see them.
The Underground area, also called the Hypogeum, is located directly under the Colosseum’s platform stage. This was the behind-the-scenes area where animals like lions, elephants, and others were held in cages while the gladiators prepared themselves before marching out to battle.
This area was restricted to visitors until just 2021! The excavation results are still relatively new, as this area of the Colosseum consists of elaborate tunnels and corridors that go in and out of the area.
If you explore Underground, you’ll be able to witness the unbelievable lifts and engineering designs from Ancient Roman times. You’ll also see the props used in battles.
Another portion is the Arena, possibly the most important part of the Colosseum. This center stage held everyone’s eyes when these gruesome battles took place.
While most of the Arena has been removed to expose the Underground underneath, a portion has been reconstructed so you can take a step on the platform.
Once you stand here, you can imagine the indescribable emotions the gladiators must have felt commanding the eyes of every spectator! When I looked at the countless rows and pictured them full of cheering viewers, it simply took my breath away.
These areas are not accessible if you only book a regular entrance ticket. You can choose a tour with just the Arena if you don’t feel like going Underground. On the other hand, if you book a ticket including Underground access, Arena access is typically included with it. Both are definitely worth the extra money so you can explore every bit of this beautiful landmark.
4. Add the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Make sure to include the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in your ticket, as well! These two top landmarks are not in the Colosseum but can be accessed by walking just a few minutes over. Normally you would need an admission ticket for both these sites, but if you choose a Colosseum tour that includes these you won’t have to pay for any of the tickets yourself.
I’ll be honest, when I first saw the Roman Forum, it was a little confusing because you have to use a bit more of your imagination here.
These days, there is little more than ruins and broken pillars. However, it is still worth a visit because this very site used to be the epicenter of Ancient Rome. It was the place to be! Influential politicians and religious leaders flocked to this bustling site where social and public activities were constantly taking place.
With the guidance of a proper tour guide, you will see this place as the Heart of Rome that it was known to be.
Just a few steps away from the Forum is Palatine Hill, where many impressive monuments and temples are located.
Palatine Hill was the center and birthplace of ancient Rome, and home to the ancient Roman upper class. You may end your tour here, as it is a beautiful place to walk through and relax in. It is home to many different gardens, with abundant fruit trees and birds.
It is a short uphill walk that most who can traverse on foot will be able to access, but be sure to dress comfortably.
✔️ Don’t forget to book your Colosseum tour that includes all the best attractions in Rome! They do a great job of showing you all the hidden areas of the Colosseum at a suitable pace so that you won’t get too tired for the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill afterward.
5. Skip-the-Line Access
Make sure that your tour includes skip-the-line access! Oh man, I cannot stress this enough. When you’re on vacation, I bet that you want things to go as seamlessly as possible to maximize the fun.
Well, when you see the crazy long lines of people trying to buy tickets and enter the Colosseum, you will be glad that you prepped your tour in advance.
The lines to this landmark get unbearably long. Coupled with the morning sun if you go during the usual tourist season, things can get pretty crazy.
If you align yourself with a tour, you will almost always get to skip the lines as tour guides have a separate entry point. That’s why it’s important to pick a top-reviewed tour from a reputable tour company!
6. Group Size
How many people do you want in your tour group? Are you willing to pay more for a smaller group and a more personalized tour?
A small group will no doubt be pricier, but if you’ve always dreamed of going to Rome and visiting the Colosseum, it might be worth paying the extra money to be able to be near your tour guide. You’ll be able to catch everything that they say (no need for those headsets) and can ask them whatever you like!
7. Keep your options open with Flexible Cancellation
With so many attractions on your to-do list, it’s a good idea to book a tour with a flexible cancellation policy.
You’ll might find that you have to rearrange and rebook some activities to see everything that you possibly can during your short trip. I had to rebook my excursions a couple of times until I could decide on dates and times that made the most sense.
Therefore, it’s safer to book a tour with a flexible cancellation policy in case you discover more activities you want to do and can modify your itinerary accordingly.
This tour allows flexible cancellation, so you can cancel hassle-free if your plans change!
8. Tour Duration
How long do you want your tour to be, and how in-depth do you want to go? Most tours can cover the Colosseum and its adjacent structures in 2-3 hours. That might seem like a little or a lot of time to you, as everyone’s attention span varies.
If you can’t wait to geek out and learn the nitty-gritty details of this historical site, then by all means consider a longer tour that will be able to go further in depth. For me, I think 3 hours to cover all the locations was just enough!
9. Dress for the weather
Unlike the churches in Rome, there is no strict dress code when visiting the Colosseum.
The main things to remember when deciding what to wear are to wear comfortable clothes because there will be a lot of walking, and to dress for the weather because you will be outside the entire time.
In the spring and summer the sun will be beating down on you for the morning and afternoon, so bring a hat and sunglasses. If you visit the Colosseum at night or in the fall and winter, you probably want to bring a light jacket as it can get pretty cold, especially in the Underground portion.
10. Wear comfortable shoes
You’ll be walking a lot when you come to the Colosseum, so avoid heeled or uncomfortable shoes. Not only will you be outside, but the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill can be dusty. Sneakers or comfy shoes with socks would be best.
Ideally, you want to maximize your comfort so you can enjoy this wonderful architectural feat to its fullest!
Best Places To Stay in Rome
If this is your first time visiting Rome, I personally recommend staying in the Pantheon/Piazza Navona/Campo de Fiori area. This is the town square, and many of Rome’s most popular attractions are located here, making it easy to walk to them.
Rome is a walking city, and being close to most of the attractions will make it easy for you to head home and rest once your day is over. Many tours will also begin and end in this area, so you won’t have to stress too much about your commute.
When I came to Rome, we found out that our hotel canceled on us the morning of our flight. We had to book something last minute the same day we departed.
I won’t bore you with the details, but just know it involved 5 grown adults squeezing into one small room and sharing one bathroom for 3 days. My partner and I slept on a twin bed together… very fun.
Needless to say, I’ll make sure you won’t have to live through that same trauma. I’ve researched the best hotels according to budget in this area, so take a look!
📍Best Budget Hotel: Hotel Labelle ⭐
Hotel Labelle is the best budget hotel that I found, located right in the city center and just a few minutes walk from Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon! The rooms are reasonably spacious, with air conditioning and an elevator to ease comfort.
👉🏻 Click here to book Hotel Labelle!
📍Best Mid-Ranged Hotel: Hiberia Hotel Rome ⭐⭐
Hiberia Hotel Rome provides stunning city views and free breakfast in addition to being in a superb location, just a 5-minute walk from the Colosseum.
👉🏻 Click here to book Hiberia Hotel Rome!
📍Best Luxury Hotel: Palazzo Galla ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Are you celebrating a special occasion and want something really luxurious? In that case, you need to stay at Palazzo Galla!
In addition to beautifully decorated rooms, this four-star hotel has a rooftop terrace with a view of the city that will take your breath away. With a bar and private parking right in the heart of Rome, this hotel will provide you with everything you could possibly need.
👉🏻 Click here to book Palazzo Galla!
FAQs
Now that you have a basic understanding of what is important when booking a Colosseum tour and know all the different options that you can add to your tour, you may have some additional questions.
I’ve added some additional information to help you on your mission to have the most amazing Colosseum tour ever!
What is the best month to visit the Colosseum?
The best month to visit the Colosseum ultimately depends on you and your comfort level with crowds and weather.
I think that September and October would be the best time to visit, as the weather is still pleasant and you’ll find a lot fewer people due to school starting.
If you prefer to visit during sunnier weather and can tolerate lots of other tourists, April and May supposedly provide the best temperatures, but there will be large amounts of crowds.
I went in early May and thought the Colosseum was crowded (although not as much as the Vatican). The temperature was as hot as 79 degrees during the day, so personally, I think late April would be perfect for the weather.
If you prefer fewer people around and don’t mind it being a little cold, then you should consider visiting during January and February. January always seems to be a pretty dead month for traveling, so you might get lucky there! The cold deters many people, so you’ll have a more relaxing experience exploring the Colosseum without masses of people.
One thing to note though, is that the Colosseum is a popular attraction all year round, so don’t expect to be the only person there at any point of the year.
What is the worst month to visit the Colosseum?
Hands down, July and August are the absolute worst months to visit the Colosseum!
Visiting the Colosseum is pretty much an entirely outdoor activity, with minimal shade to protect you from the sun.
July and August will be unbearably hot for most of the day. In addition to that, it will be immensely crowded with other visitors since it is such a popular attraction.
Save yourself from burning in the heat, and either pick a different month to visit, or go during the evening for a night tour.
What’s the best time of day to visit the Colosseum?
I strongly believe that the best time of day to visit the Colosseum is either early in the morning (8:30-9:00 am) or later in the evening (5:00-6:00 pm) due to the weather and the crowds.
When I visited the Colosseum, we went around 10:15 am at the beginning of May. The sun was glaring down at me before the tour even started! I bought a hat from a nearby vendor, which really helped. Don’t forget to bring your sun protection!
If you’re an early bird and can get up to make the first tour at 8:30 when the Colosseum opens, you will most likely find fewer crowds and the weather won’t be so hot.
If you don’t think you can make the first-morning tour, consider arriving later in the evening around 5 or 6 pm. You’ll also get fewer people and the sun won’t be as hot, which will make your experience more enjoyable.
The sun doesn’t set until late in the evening (8:30-9:00 PM) in the summer months, so you won’t have to worry about it being too dark. But even if the sun does go down, the Colosseum lights up at night so you can explore it under the moonlight!
Is it worth it to get a tour guide at the Colosseum?
Undoubtedly, YES you should totally get a tour guide for the Colosseum! I hate to say it about such an engineering accomplishment, but without proper knowledge of how or why it was built, some people might just see a block of ruins.
With a proper tour guide, you’ll be able to understand just why the Colosseum is so amazing. I feel like our tour guide really brought the building to life. There is such an immense amount of history and secrets in this amphitheater, that it’s hard to understand all of it on your own.
You’ll learn hidden secrets about it, things that you wouldn’t learn by yourself or from an audio guide.
My favorite thing I learned from my tour guide was when he showed us the bathhouse and explained that each family shared the same sponge for toileting! It was interesting, and kind of gross. I definitely wouldn’t have learned that on my own.
With a guide, you also have the opportunity to ask whatever you want and can dive further into topics that you find interesting. I really do think having a guide enriches your overall experience.
Want to use the same tour guide I did? Check out the Colosseum tour that I used, which includes all the hidden areas!
What is the dress code for the Colosseum tour?
Luckily, there is no strict code for the Colosseum! You can pretty much wear anything you want.
However, keep in mind that you’ll be doing a lot of walking, and will be outside the whole time. Therefore, it’s best to wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
If you’re going in the morning during the spring or summer, don’t forget to bring sun protection! That includes applying sunscreen and bringing sunglasses or a hat to cover your head.
I’m always down to dress up, but I have to confess the Colosseum isn’t the best place to do it. You’ll be walking on dusty roads, and the heat can get tiring fast. Dress comfortably so that you can have the best Colosseum experience.
How much time do you need for the Colosseum?
Depending on if you add on additional areas like the Underground, Arena, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, visiting the Colosseum can take anywhere from 2-4 hours.
If this is your first time visiting Rome, then I think you should include all of these extra sites. Who knows when you’ll be back?
If you have a tight schedule and need to rush it, opt out of the additional areas. You could finish the Colosseum on its own in 1.5 hours, but really try to rearrange your schedule if you can. I urge you to take your time and soak it all in!
This landmark is an absolute feat created by mankind, and you should thoroughly explore it to understand just how great the Colosseum and Rome really are.
I recommend allocating about 3 hours minimum to see all the sites, and 4 hours if you plan to explore the nearby area like the Baths of Caracalla afterward.
Conclusion: Things to know about the best Colosseum tours in 2024
Now that you have a better understanding of the different kinds of Colosseum tours that are available, time to pick the one that best suits your interests!
It’s up to you to decide when you want to visit this beautiful city, but whatever you end up doing, don’t miss your visit to the Colosseum. It is a breathtaking structure that you should visit at least once in your lifetime, and a tour helps better your knowledge to provide the best experience.
Happy travels, and I hope you have the best time in Rome!
✅ In case you missed it, here is the Colosseum tour that I recommend, featuring all the hidden areas that you can explore, with a terrific English-proficient guide! Book ahead before it sells out!
