colosseum self guided audio tour

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Self-Guided Colosseum Tour

If you prefer to tour the Colosseum on your Maybe you have seen the prices of guided walking tours

This post is an overview of the various tours of the Colosseum in Rome available to you, including our free, self-guided tour.

We offer guided walking tours through Rome since 2012, including Colosseum Tours.

So, we know a thing or two about the Colosseum.

We even have a post that explains the different ticket options and ways that you could visit.

And just below, you could watch this 1-hour guided virtual tour of the Colosseum including the Underground.

• Self-Guided Tour
• Small-Group Guided Tours
• Restricted Areas
• Virtual Reality Tours
• Nighttime Tours
• Visit On Your Own

SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF THE COLOSSEUM

This tour of the historic Colosseum in Rome will cover some of the most notable things to see and experience at the landmark.

Our self-guided service is intended as a companion to the Rick Steves free audio tour or can be used to research what you will see here.

This tour will include information about both the exterior and interior of the Colosseum, so you’ll need a ticket in order to enjoy the full experience. 

Please check our post covering how to get Colosseum tickets for more details.

1. The Colosseum

Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, this structure is one of the seven wonders of the world, and it is arguably one of the most photographed and well-known locations globally as well.

The Colosseum was constructed between the years of AD 72 - AD 80. 

The outer wall required over 100,000 cubic metres of travertine limestone, and except for a small area on one side of the building, this exterior wall no longer exists.

During the height of its popularity, author Juvenal said of Rome that “the people are only anxious for two things: bread and circuses.”

We’ll be covering the history of this arena in greater detail later in this tour, including details about some of the events that were held here -- and of course the gladiator games!

2. North Side Exterior

The remaining exterior wall is easy to point out because of the triangular wedges which have been placed to keep it from falling. 

These wedges are so well crafted that they almost look like they have always been there.

You’ll get a much better look at them once you make your way to the entrance of the Colosseum. 

For now, from the northernmost point, you’ll be getting a view of the last remains of the outer wall of this landmark.

On the southern side, almost all of the outer walls deteriorated, and the remaining walls were part of the interior of the Colosseum.

The original outer wall that you are now looking at is said to have needed over 100,000 cubic metres of travertine stone, held together by around 300 tons of iron clamps.

From here you’ll be able to see 3 stories of arcades with windows placed at regular intervals. Above the three floors lies the attic, where the awning (or retractable roof) was located.

The second and third-floor arcades had framed statues that most likely honored divine and mythological figures from ancient times.

3. Former Site of the Statue of Colossus

So where did the Colosseum get its name? 

It came from a bronze statue called the Colossus of Nero which was created and placed outside the Domus Aurea, the structure which stood here before the amphitheater.

The Colossus of Nero was around 30 metres (100 feet) tall, which made it almost as tall as the Statue of Liberty.

Over time, thanks to its proximity to the statue, the Flavian Amphitheatre became known simply as the Colosseum. 

Sadly, the statue no longer stands here, and, likely, it hasn’t been in the area since at least the 7th century. 

Historians believe that the Colossus was either torn down during the Sack of Rome in 410, or it may have fallen in an earthquake during the 5th century.

4. Arch of Constantine

Located halfway between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, this triumphal arch was dedicated to Constantine the Great to commemorate his victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD.

At 21 metres high and almost 26 metres deep, this is the largest Roman triumphal arch in the city. 

Although it was initially dedicated to Constantine, it features decorations and statues from earlier triumphal arches that had been built for Hadrian, Trajan, and Marcus Aurelius.

The road underneath is known as the Via triumphalis, and it is the route that would be taken by generals who were returning to Rome after a triumphant battle.

The original route began at Campus Martius, went through the Circus Maximus, around Palatine Hill, to the Roman Forum, and onto the Capitoline Hill.

5. South Side Exterior

If you look to your left, you should be able to see the wedges holding up the remaining outer wall of the Colosseum.

But, over time the entire southern end of this exterior has deteriorated from exposure.

The walls you’ll be able to see from here were once the interior walls of the Colosseum. 

Since those walls have fallen and exposed the interior, these are technically now the exterior walls of the landmark.

Much of the damage to the southern side was caused by a large earthquake in 1349.

Much of the fallen stone was reused in churches, palaces, and other important locations throughout Rome.

6. Entrance to the Colosseum

Entering this historic site today isn’t quite the same as it was centuries ago.

But, if you need help getting tickets and learning about how to get inside quickly, make sure to read our post on how to get Colosseum tickets .

In the past, it was quite easy to get into this amphitheater and find your seat, as there are 80 entrances, 76 of which were designed for your average, ordinary spectator.

This is one similarity the Colosseum shares with modern-day arenas, as most of them use the same design concept to ensure guests get in and out as quickly as possible.

Each entrance, exit, and staircase were numbered, another design feature you’ll also find in modern venues.

The Northern main entrance was reserved specifically for the Roman Emperor. 

The other three axial entrances were used by elites. Today, only two of the original outer entrances remain XXIII and LIIII. 

Back during its heyday, tickets were simply shards of pottery with numbers etched into them which would direct guests to their seats.

The Colosseum was capable of holding between 50,000 - 80,000 guests, which is bigger than most modern stadiums and venues in the world.

7. Arena Floor

This famous arena may be known mostly for the gladiators who once fought here, but this ancient site was used for a lot of other games and events.

In addition to gladiatorial combat, the Colosseum was also capable of being flooded for naval battles, but this was rarely done because it caused significant damage to the structure.

Although animals were often used at the Colosseum, they were usually sent in to fight other hungry animals and it wasn’t as common to see them sent in to fight against gladiators.

Chariot races were another popular event held at the Colosseum, and the floor of the amphitheater was transformed into a race track for this activity.

The race tracks used for chariot racing were called circuses, and one of the most famous examples of a circus is just down the road from the Colosseum -- the Circus Maximus.

A chariot race typically involved 2-4 horse chariots which would run seven laps. This type of equestrian sport is now most easily comparable to thoroughbred horse racing.

Although it is commonly thought that the Colosseum once had a retractable roof, it should be noted that this didn’t look anything like the retractable roofs used in sports arenas today.

Instead, some awnings were rolled out on hot, sunny days which kept the audience protected from the heat. 

These awnings were only placed over the audience seating, so the Gladiators were never protected. 

Since these awnings could be taken in and rolled back out when necessary, you could say they were technically retractable, but there was no electricity or hydraulic energy used for this process.

Believe it or not, these awnings were something like sails, and that’s why they had a crew of sailors perform the task.

8. The Vestal Virgins’ Box

If you’re near the entrance, look to your right toward the centre of the first floor of seating. This is where you’ll find the Vestal Virgins’ Box.

As the name implies, this is where the Vestal Virgins sat, and they were the female priestesses of Ancient Rome.

These priestesses were important figures in Rome at the time, and many ceremonies were held in their honor. 

Many people felt that the success of Rome was dependent upon them, and this is just one reason why they were given a place of honor at the Colosseum.

9. The Arena Floor + Underground

Located at the centre of the Colosseum, this arena was about 83 x 48 metres in size.

The floor of the arena was originally wooden and covered with sand, covering the underground hypogeum area.

The hypogeum is now clearly visible, as most of the original wooden floor no longer exists.

As you can see, this was once a network of tunnels and cages where gladiators and animals were kept.

Another interesting aspect of the hypogeum was the 80 vertical shafts which were used to transport animals and other bits of scenery to the floor of the arena.

Elevators and pulleys were used to raise and lower the platforms in these vertical shafts, and there is evidence that they used hydraulic power to accomplish this feat.

Some tickets and tours provide access to this part of the Colosseum if you want a closer look. 

10. Gladiator Gate

The Colosseum is perhaps best known as the home of the gladiator games in Rome.

This is where slaves, criminals, and prisoners of war were once brought to fight for their lives.

Criminals sentenced to death would sometimes serve their sentence by being put into the ring without any weapons or means to defend themselves.

While many of the people who fought did so against their will, some volunteered to be gladiators and went to special schools to train and prepare for their fight.

When Gladiators entered the arena, they did so through the Gladiator Gate, a side entrance that was originally used only by the Gladiators. 

This gate can be seen directly across from the entrance of the Colosseum.

These battles typically took place on the arena floor, much of which no longer exists. 

Gladiators were kept in the hypogeum, and you can see a lot of this area from what remains of the floor of the arena.

11. Emperor’s Box

Located directly across from the Vestal Virgins’ Box, you’ll see the Emperor’s Box just above the arena floor. 

This is where the emperor would sit, and it was arguably the best seat in the house.

On either side of the Emperor’s Box, you’ll see the podium where the senatorial class was permitted to bring their chairs and enjoy an excellent view of the action.

If you look closely in these areas, you can still see some of the names of the 5th-century senators who sat here carved into the stone to reserve their spot.

Just think of them as season ticket holders!

12. Colosseum Museum

Located on the second level, this museum houses many notable works from the Colosseum, as well as exhibits that tell the story of this historic landmark.

Many of the items you’ll find here were pulled from excavations at the Colosseum, so they are original artifacts from the past.

Admission to this museum is included with your ticket to the Colosseum, so you don’t even have to worry about additional costs.

13.The Belvedere

If you have the right tickets and the area is open for public viewing, you might be able to see the uppermost floor of the Belvedere. 

You’ll need access to the lift which takes you to this floor to see it. You can find the lift on the northeastern end of the Colosseum.

There are tours of this area available for 9 euros, but the main reason to visit this level is for the incredible views of both the Colosseum and everything surrounding the structure. 

As you look around on the upper levels, you might wonder if anyone who once entered this area of the Colosseum for free appreciated the view from here.

The third floor of the Colosseum was once reserved for Rome’s middle class, whereas the fourth and fifth floors were designed for ordinary citizens, slaves, and women.

This is yet another way that modern arenas and stadiums tend to follow a similar pattern.

The middle floors are typically reserved for special seating and boxes for the wealthy, while the upper floors which are further from the action are essentially the “cheap seats.”

Although this area was designed for plebians, it did include shelter from the sun and rain, and tickets to this area were entirely free -- which is more than you can say for most sports venues today!

Sure, it’s further from the action at the center of the arena, but looking out at the rest of Rome, you can see quite a few notable sites from here such as the Temple of Venus & Rome and the Arch of Constantine.

In addition to these sites, you can also see attractions like the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. 

Admission to each of these locations is included with your ticket to the Colosseum.

While it wouldn’t have been the best seat in the house back when the Colosseum was in use, this is now one of the best places to take in the impressive beauty of the building in its entirety.

14. The Temple of Venus & Rome

This temple was built at the behest of emperor Hadrian on the remains of Domus Transitoria, which would later be replaced by Domus Aurea after a fire in 64 AD.

This is also where the Colossus of Nero first stood before it was moved to the amphitheater. 

Apollodorus, a respected Roman architect at the time, actually mocked the design of the temple, stating that the figures in the seated statues would hit their heads if they ever tried to stand up.

Shortly after making these comments he was not only banished from the city but eventually executed. The moral of the story is never to question the judgment of the emperor!

Although the temple would stand for several more centuries, it was eventually destroyed after an earthquake in the 9th century, at which time a church was built over the ruins.

Today, the temple is sometimes used by the Pope for public addresses, but admission is also included in your tickets to the Colosseum.

COLOSSEUM GUIDED TOURS

In this section, we cover tours that include general admission to the Colosseum, but not access to restricted areas such as the Underground and the Belvedere .

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

Private companies have a few advantages over the official tour. First, they tend to have smaller groups than the official tour, 12-24 people vs. 30+. 

Second, they have their special entrance , which is even better than skip-the-queue for general admission and official tours because it allows for immediate access to the security checkpoint.

Third, most of these tours are more time-efficient and visit both the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. 

Lastly, they usually focus on having fluent English speakers . 

We list a few companies below, but there are simply too many options available to list. Click here to see the full range of possibilities , which include virtual reality tours. 

We have listed the companies that get consistently great reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, and other platforms. 

Expect to pay between €42 to €67 per adult depending on what you choose, though some companies may offer a pay-what-you-wish tour .

In general, prices are determined by the number of participants per guide, with some groups capping off at 24 and others that limit their sizes to 12 or smaller. 

Prices include all fees to enter all 3 attractions.

There are less expensive options available, but they are not as well-reviewed or don't offer daily tours. 

There are simply too many options available to list. Click here to see the full range of possibilities . 

This company offers a range of tours in Rome including multiple trips to the Colosseum.

Their services at this landmark cover additional topics such as the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Arena floor.

In addition to these outings, they also have a VIP Underground tour you might enjoy.

Each tour is led by a professional guide and headsets are provided to every guest so that you can hear everything that is being said.

You'll also receive skip-the-line access at the Colosseum, making it easier to get inside and take a look around.

Colosseum Tour + Arena Floor  (Skip-the-Lines)

• €59 - Adult
• €54 - Child (2-14)
• Max of 25 guests
• Duration: 3 hours
• Availability: Daily

Colosseum Tour + Roman Forum & Palatine Hill  (Skip-the-Lines)

• €61 - Adults
• €57 - Child (2-14)

The Roman Guy

This is one of the most popular tour companies in Rome, and they provide a lot of different outings to some of the most notable landmarks and locations in the city – including the Colosseum!

If you’re looking for a guided tour of this historic structure, they currently offer a Colosseum Highlights Tour which also includes a visit to Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

With a max of 18 guests per tour, this is one of the smaller highlights tours available at this location. This outing also includes a skip-the-line entrance to the Colosseum.

• €68.95/Adults | €61.95/Youth | €39.95/Children
• Max of 10 guests

Purchase tickets or learn more here .

In addition to this tour, The Roman Guy also provides an even longer outing which includes privileged admission to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum as well as stops at Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.

This tour also includes a skip-the-line tour of the Vatican Museums, allowing you to see yet another historically relevant and important attraction in Rome.

• €138.95/Adults | €114.95/Youth | €49.95/Children
• Max of 15 guests
• Duration: 7 hours

City Wonders 

City Wonders is one of the larger walking tour companies in Rome. This tour covers the Colosseum, the Forum, and Palatine Hill.

They also offer a tour of the Colosseum's Underground .

They are not the cheapest, but they are extremely well-reviewed, averaging 5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor with over 13,000 total reviews. 

They also offer 100% money back if you cancel within 24 hours or more in advance.

On their tour, you will be provided with headphones to ensure that you hear your live guide. They also offer tours in Spanish, French, Italian, and German, mostly on weekends.

• €59 adult | €54 child 2-14 | 1 and younger are free
• Maximum 25 participants
• daily tours in English at 9 am, 10 am, and 3 pm
• More details or to purchase .

Official Guided Tours

This is for the official Colosseum guided tour with an official live tour guide but does not include access to the Underground, Arena, or the Belvedere. 

Likewise, it does not visit the Forum nor Palatine Hill, however, your ticket includes entry to both.

The express tour is conducted in English, Italian, French, or Spanish and it lasts 45 minutes.

In addition to their 45-minute outing, you can also take a 3-hour tour which covers a bit more ground and gives you more time to see the landmark.

Express Colosseum Tour

• €23/Adults | €9/Children
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Hours: 9:30 am, 11 am, 12:15 am, 13:30 (1:30 pm), 14:45 (2:45 pm)

Extended Colosseum Tour

• €33/Adults | €17/Children
• Hours: 10 am
• Not currently available.

Each of these services includes admission to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for an entire day, so even if you can’t see everything during the tour, you can still go back in and spend some more time at these sites.

You can purchase these tours on the Colosseum’s official website . 

If you find their website too frustrating or they are sold out for the time that you want, you could also book it through Get Your Guide , but it’s typically €15 more per adult.

SELF-GUIDED AUDIO AND VISUAL TOURS

A self-guided tour is a reasonable option for experiencing the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Forum.

A big advantage of this option compared to a guided tour is that you can linger around inside the Colosseum for as long as you like, to enjoy the views, or to visit the public exhibits.

The disadvantages are you won't have quick access to the security line (unless you arrive early) and you won't have an expert tour guide around if you have questions.

This option also doesn't permit access to the Underground, Arena Floor, or Belvedere. Only guided tours take you there.

There is even a free audio tour from Rick Steves that we recommend, not just because it's a free, quality production, but because he also offers a free audio tour of the Forum (see below). 

YOU NEED A TICKET

Please note that if you choose to take a self-guided tour, then you will need a general admission ticket to enter any of the 3 sights (unless you have a Roma Card or Omnia Card , which grants free entry).

We have a post that explains getting tickets to enter the Colosseum on your own but here is a quick summary.

The cost for the official self-guided audio and visual tours is in addition to the general admission ticket but can now be purchased as one combined ticket.

Tickets are good for 2 days, but you can only enter each attraction once. Palatine Hill and the Forum are considered one attraction as is the Colosseum.

We recommend buying and printing out your ticket before you arrive, then you will have what is called skip-the-queue tickets. 

Without printed tickets, you will need to stand on a will-call line to pick up your tickets. This could take 30-60 minutes during the busy season.

Official Colosseum Audio Tour 

The official audio tour comes in many languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, Portuguese, Arabic, Latin, LIS + ASL, and lasts 70 min. 

It costs €24 and includes the entry ticket and reservation fee. 

If you get frustrated with the main site  or if they are sold out, then you could buy your tickets here as well. It's an extra €6 compared to going through the official site. 

NOTE: If you have either the Roma Care or Omnia Card , then you should choose free entrance   + audio video  € 5,50 .

Official Colosseum Video Tour 

The visual guide is a rented iPhone unit in the following languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, and Portuguese. It lasts for 50 min.

This ticket can only be purchased in advance on the official website .

NOTE: If you have either the Roma Care or Omnia Card , then you should choose free entrance   + video guide  € 6.00 .

Rick Steves

We recommend the well-produced, free audio guides from Rick Steves. You could download his app or you can listen to the audio on Itunes or any mp3 player. 

Rick Steves offers a free tour of the Forum and one of the Colosseum, as well as other locations throughout Rome, including the Vatican and St. Peters. 

The only missing tour is for Palatine Hill, but there you could use the official audio guide.  

• Rick Steves Audio Europe Italy   

NOTE:  You will need to purchase a general admission ticket if you choose this option.

UNDERGROUND, ARENA, AND BELVEDERE TOURS

There are some rooms and floors of the Colosseum that are typically off-limits to most visitors, but they are made available on special tours.

This section provides details about the restricted areas you can visit while taking a tour.

• Underground
• Arena Floor

COLOSSEUM UNDERGROUND TOURS

Access to the Colosseum’s underground is only possible on a guided tour. Spaces are limited and there is an additional cost for ticket holders. 

The underground consists of tunnels, cages, and jail cells where gladiators, prisoners, and exotic animals were kept hidden from the roaring crowd above.

Most guided tours also include a walk out onto the arena floor, which is also a privilege.

This is a must-do for history buffs .

Below, we list some of the options available to you, including night tours of the Underground. 

There are simply too many options available to list. Click here to see the full range of possibilities .

You can also find more details on our post covering Underground Colosseum tours.

Aside from their highlights tour, this company also provides a Colosseum Underground tour which includes admission to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Access to the underground sells out quickly, but The Roman Guy always gets admission thanks to their status as approved tour guides.

If you want an even closer look at the landmark, consider this tour of the Colosseum Underground.

• €124.95/Adults | €83.95/Youth | €34.95/Children
• Maximum of 24 guests.
• Duration: 3 ½ hours

Purchase tickets or learn more .

As mentioned above, City Wonders is a well-reviewed Rome tour company.

On their Underground tour, you will be provided with headphones to ensure that you hear your live guide. 

They also offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you cancel within 24 hours of the tour date. 

• €129 adult | €124 child 6-14 | 0-5 are free
• Daily tours in English 08:20, 09:00, 13:00, and other times by season.
• More information or to book .

Official Colosseum Underground Tour

If you want to save a few euros, there is also an official tour of the Colosseum underground which is much less expensive. Although this is a cheaper option, it’s only 1 ½ hours long, so it’s not quite as extensive as some of the other tours on this list.

These tours sell out fast, so it will be important to purchase your tickets at least 2-3 weeks ahead of time. 

If you’re trying to book this in the summer, you may even want to plan on getting tickets at least a month in advance.

In addition to the official Colosseum tour with underground access, there is also an option which includes admission to the Belvedere!

Each of these tours is available in English, Spanish, and Italian, while most private tour companies only offer their underground tours in English.

For more details or to purchase tickets, please read our post covering Colosseum Underground tours .

Arena Floor Access Tours

If you want to visit the floor of the Colosseum and see where Gladiators once fought for their lives against incredible odds, arena floor access is an absolute must.

Thankfully, there are several companies offering tours that include admission to this area of the Colosseum!

Depending on which type of tour you choose, you can expect to pay about €55-€65 for one of these services. Tours run for between 1-3 hours.

In addition to their tour which covers the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, this company also has a tour that includes access to the arena floor.

While you can purchase tickets with admission to this section of the structure, not all tours will take you here.

If you want to take a tour that features the floor of the arena, this is an excellent option.

Colosseum Tour + Arena Floor (Skip-the-Lines)

• €59 – Adult
• €54 – Child (2-14)

This company offers two different tours which include access to the arena floor of the Colosseum.

The first tour covers a variety of sites such as Julius Caesar’s Temple, the Eternal Flame, the Basilica of Antoninus & Faustina, and the Basilica of Maxentius & Constantine.

The second outing includes locations like the Domitian Stadium, the Arch of Titus, the Arch of Constantine, and the Senate House.

They also have a tour that provides access to the Belvedere which you can learn more about in our subsection covering tours of that area.

Arena Floor Colosseum Tour w/ Roman Forum

• €76.95/Adults | €64.95/Youth | €36.95/Children
• Max of 15 guests.
• Duration: 2 ½ hours

City Wonders

If you’re interested in visiting the arena floor, it’s worth noting that this tour company also offers a Colosseum tour which includes this attraction.

This tour isn’t quite as long as some of the outings offered by their competitors, but that may actually be a good thing if you’re short on time.

Guests will enjoy skip-the-line access as well as admission to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

• €79 – Adult
• €74 – Child
• Duration: 2 hours

Official Guided Tour + Arena Access

In addition to the standard guided tours available at the Colosseum, they also offer the option to see the arena floor while on a tour.

The only catch with this ticket option is that you need to have a tour guide to accompany you to purchase and make full use of admission.

Most of the guided tours that include arena access offer this ticket, to begin with, but if you have a tour guide who isn’t covering the cost of admission, this is what you’ll need to purchase.

• €34/Adults | €12/Children
• Duration: 1 hour
• Hours: 8:50 am - 15:00 (3 pm)

Guided Tours of the Belvedere

The Belvedere is the uppermost level of the Colosseum and has very restricted access. The only option is through an official guided tour.

• +€9 - adults
• +€7 - concession

Both of these tours are special tours that are limited in availability. 

Both tours last 60 minutes each. There is an additional €2 fee for an advanced reservation per tour. 

Although access to the Belvedere isn’t included on many tours, this company offers an extensive outing to the Colosseum which includes the typically restricted area.

In addition to visiting the Belvedere, you’ll also have the chance to see the Colosseum Underground area and the arena floor.

NOTE: This tour isn't currently available because the Belvedere is closed for restoration work.

• €139.95/Adults | €104.95/Youth | €48.95/Children
• Maximum of 25 guests.
• Duration: 4 hours
• Availability: Daily from Mar - Nov

Domus Aurea VR Experience

If you want to learn more about Domus Aurea, there is currently a tour of the Archaeological Restoration site which covers the subject and includes a virtual reality experience.

The VR headset they use is an Oculus Rift, and it is not recommended for people with epilepsy or severe eye conditions. 

It is suggested that you wear comfortable shoes and a jacket while on this tour, as the site has a lot of moisture to contend with.

Nighttime Colosseum Tours

In addition to all the services available during the day, there are also several Colosseum tours you can take after dark.

These outings often include additional attractions like the underground area and the arena floor.

Tickets range from €65 - €85 on average, and each tour lasts for approximately 2 ½ hours. Availability is typically limited and mostly offered during the weekend.

If you’re looking for other fun things to do after the sun goes down, check our post covering things to do in Rome at night .

This company also offers a night tour of the Colosseum and Underground as well as the Forum. This tour is only offered in English.

Seeing this landmark after the sun goes down is an entirely different experience, and it’s also a great way to avoid the large crowds that tend to come during the day.

• €99 adult | €94 child 2-14 | 1 and under are free
• Maximum 20 participants
• Various dates in the summer at 19:30 (7:30 pm)

There are many more night tour options .

On this VIP tour, you’ll visit the Colosseum after dark and see both the underground area and the Arena floor. 

In addition to visiting those sites, you’ll also see Teatro di Marcello, the Roman Forum, and Capitoline Hill.

This tour will be provided by a professional guide who will give all guests headsets so that they can hear everything being said.

• €84/Adults | €74/Children
• Availability: Limited

If you’d like to visit the Colosseum after dark, this company offers a VIP outing at night which includes admission to both the underground and arena floor.

This tour also includes a visit to Piazza Venezia, Trajan’s Market, the Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, and more.

• €89.95/Adults | €62.95/Youth

RELATED POSTS:

• Baths of Caracalla
• Capitoline Museums
• Borghese Gallery
• Vatican Museums

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Colosseum: Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone (no ticket)

• 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
• Mobile ticket
• Offered in: English and 4 more

Don’t worry—here are some similar options

• Offline content and interactive map won't eat up your data
• Self-guided tour is great for independent travelers
• Phone-based tour lets you stop and start whenever you like
• Tour with just your party, no big groups

What's Included

• Self-guided audio tour for your smartphone (Android & iOS)
• Offline content with an offline interactive map to avoid roaming charges
• Αctivation link to access your audio tour
• Entrance fee to the Colosseum
• Smartphone or headphones
• App not compatible with Windows phones

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point.

There will not be a meeting point. The self-guided audio tour starts from the Individual visitors’ entrance gate of the Colosseum (Piazza del Colosseo, 58, 00184 Roma RM, Italy). How to get there: By Metro: from Termini Station take the underground line B and get off at the Colosseum stop.

Opening hours

Monday - Sunday : 09:00 AM - 04:30 PM

What To Expect

Additional info.

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Most travelers can participate
• Please consider that admission fees for the archaeological site are not included in the price. Kindly proceed to Colosseum’s ticket office to purchase your ticket
• This is a downloadable self-guided audio tour for your smartphone. No live guide will accompany you. No VR / AR is included
• Book per device to be used, not per participant.
• After booking, you will receive an email from Clio Muse Tours with further instructions about your audio tour. Please check your email spam folder as well
• As internet access might be unavailable & mobile signal may be weak,so prior to your visit and while you have wifi access, download on your smartphone, the audio tour in order to enjoy it offline
• The audio tour can be used repeatedly both online and offline. Use your headphones to best enjoy
• An Android or iOS smartphone is required. The audio tour is not compatible with Windows Phones, iPhone 5/5C or older, iPod Touch 5th generation or older, iPad 4th generation or older, iPad Mini 1st generation
• Please ensure you have enough storage space. (required size for the app & tour: 100-150 MB)
• The Colosseum is wheelchair accessible from the entrances located along Via dei Fori Imperiali. The first floor can be accessed by the lift on the northern side of the Amphitheatre
• Kindly note that travelers need to arrive at the entrance of the Colosseum 30 minutes in advance to go through the security check-in. Late arrivals won’t be accommodated
• Please consider that large backpacks and bulky bags/ luggage are not allowed in the archaeological site
• Please wear sunscreen and a hat during the hot summer months.
• Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes.
• Bookings received from 17.00-8.59 (UTC+02:00) will be served from 9.00 and on.
• Non refundable once activated.
• The course of the visit may be modified and special restrictions may be imposed. The visitors must always adhere to the guidelines of the site.
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Cancellation Policy

Visit the Viator Help Centre for any further questions.

Product code: 57246P58

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Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill Access Plus Audio Guide

Take in rome’s magnificent ancient wonders at your own pace.

Tried securing near-term tickets for the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill? It’s a nightmare, we know. Close those tabs, save yourself the frustration, and grab guaranteed entrance to all three. Plus, your audio guide will fill you in on all sorts of intriguing stories, ensuring you end your day an up-and-coming expert in Roman history.

• Roman Forum
• Palatine Hill
• Panoramic Views

Explore Rome’s three most iconic landmarks. Walk by the arena where gladiators battled, stand beside the Temple of Vesta once home to the sacred flame, and ponder the magnificent ruins of emperors’ palaces. Throughout, your audio guide will reveal intriguing stories and insights, leaving you with a thorough introduction to life during the Roman Empire.

Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Tickets Plus Audio Guide Description

Your tour includes:

Entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill

Reserved entrance time to the Colosseum

Audio guide

Bypass the general admission line (security check still required)

Freedom to explore at your own pace

Discover Rome’s Ancient Wonders! 

Booking your visit is as simple as picking a day. Your entry guarantees access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. You’ll be assigned a specific time to visit the Colosseum, and the other sites can be explored at leisure during the next 24 hours.

Self-Guided Tour of the Colosseum

Bypass the crowds and head straight inside this nearly 2,000-year-old amphitheater. With the freedom to explore at your own pace and an audio guide in hand, you’ll soon be swept away to the height of the Roman Empire.

You’ll wander through the stone passageways where gladiators once prepared for battle and stand in the arena that hosted spectacles witnessed by thousands. The upper levels offer stunning views of the Roman Forum and beyond, revealing how closely linked the Colosseum was with the political and social going ons of the city. Lastly, walk through the museum at your leisure, pausing to admire gladiator helmets, Roman coins, and even an ancient form of graffiti.

Wander Through the Roman Forum

Feel free to pause for a cappuccino before diving into one of the most important sites in ancient Rome—the Forum. With your ticket, you’ll step into the heart of the Roman Empire, where politics, religion, and daily life unfolded. From the imposing Temple of Saturn to the grand Arch of Septimius Severus, every stone tells a story of Rome’s rise to power. Walk along the Via Sacra, where triumphal processions once passed, and let the sheer scale of history surrounding you sink in.

Enjoy Sweeping Views From Palatine Hill

Next, head up the tree-lined road to Palatine Hill, connected directly from the Roman Forum. Deemed the birthplace of Rome and once the most sought-after real estate in Rome, Palatine Hill is now home to the ruins of emperors’ and aristocrats’ once-lavish residences. Wander through the remnants of imperial palaces, gardens, and the Farnese Gardens. Among the highlights are the Domus Augustana and the Domus Flavia, which offer stunning views of both the Circus Maximus and the Forum. Along the way, your audio guide will fill you in on Palatine Hill’s place in Roman mythology and its key role in the empire’s rise.

After ticking off the Roman classics, it’s time to unwind. Celebrate with gelato at the Trevi Fountain or raise a glass in Trastevere—you deserve a toast to your Roman adventure!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel if my schedule changes?

No, please note Colosseum tickets are non-refundable.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?

If you have any doubts about your mobility, please reach out to us beforehand. This tour requires navigating uneven paths, an uphill climb, and going up and down stairs.

What happens if it rains?

This self-guided tour in Rome goes ahead rain or shine. Your ticket is valid for 24 hours, which gives you flexibility to plan around the weather should it be raining for part of the day. If the weather is extremely bad and the Colosseum, Forum, or Palatine Hill are closed, we'll let you know as soon as possible.

Is there any chance this might be canceled?

Yes. This self-guided tour in Rome is subject to cancellation due to adverse weather and safety concerns. On the rare occasion the tour is canceled, we'll inform you as soon as possible.

Is it possible The Tour Guy will change the time of this self-guided experience in Rome?

While rare, it is possible that the day your tickets are valid can change due to extreme weather or other unforeseen events. If your entry date changes, we'll inform you as soon as possible.

Is there a dress code to join this self-guided experience in Rome?

While there is no specific dress code, we recommend wearing comfortable, casual, and respectful clothing that you're comfortable walking short distances in. Keep in mind that you’ll be exposed to the elements throughout the tour.

How comprehensive is this self-guided experience?

This experience gives you guaranteed access to the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill.

Is breakfast or lunch included in the price of the experience?

No, food is not included in the price. Feel free to check out our recommendations for the best places to eat in Rome!

Are drinks included in the price of the experience?

No, drinks are not included in the price. Feel free to check out our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink in Rome!

Does this include hotel pickup?

No, hotel pickup is not included. You’ll receive your tickets by email and can begin your tour at the Colosseum, Forum, or Palatine Hill at any time on your booked day.

Where does it end?

This self-guided tour finishes after you’ve visited the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill. With an open-ended ticket, you can spend as much or as little time as you’d like at each destination.

What should I bring?

A government-issued photo id, earphones for listening to the audio guide, some comfortable shoes, a good camera, and a water bottle!

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Know before you book

Know before you go, the colosseum: bread and games.

€  11,99 per person

Contributors and Bibliography

Step into the shoes of the fearless gladiators in the iconic Colosseum with an immersive audio tour on your smartphone.

Experience the grandeur of ancient Rome, listening to a brilliantly tied narrative that will fire up your imagination. Your tour begins at the individual visitors’ entrance, easily reached from the Colosseum square. It is time to admire the fabled Arena! It evokes memories of ancient gladiatorial fights and wild beasts. Of course, as you walk along the crater-like Cavea, you’ll recapture the amazement of the public. They shouted and cheered at the sight of blood, while in the dark undergrounds the wild animals were roaring and desperate men were waiting to meet death!

Once you’ve explored the Colosseum from inside, you’ll experience the surroundings of the grand amphitheater. Your audio tour will guide your steps to the impressive triumphal arch of Constantine. Here, you’ll learn about the victory of Christianity and the death of the pagan world. Finally, your tour culminates in front of the Stern Abutment, where you’ll listen to the stories about the monument’s successive restorations and transformations.

This tour offers the ideal opportunity to enjoy a fascinating visit to the Colosseum and get to know its secrets inside out!

*Kindly note that this product does not include an entry ticket to the Colosseum

Let’s get the party started!

The construction of the Colosseum began during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, but it was his son Titus who inaugurated the amphitheater, in the year 80 CE. The opening ceremony was held with all the spectacle and grandeur that the event had to entail. Three-month long games were organized as part of the grand inauguration with the events being scheduled according to the customary way; the hunts in the morning, the executions at midday and the gladiatorial combats in the afternoon. Of course, all this was realized at the expense of human lives and thousands of animals, as 2000 gladiators and 9000 animals died during Titus’ inauguration games.

Benedetta Geddo

• An activation link to access your audio tour
• Self-guided audio tour for your smartphone (Android & iOS) in English
• Offline content with an offline interactive map to avoid roaming charges
• Entrance fee/ ticket to the Colosseum
• Smartphone or headphones
• App not compatible with Windows phones
• Internet access might be unavailable & mobile signal may be weak in public areas
• Food and drinks
• Transportation
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Mandatory items

• Charged smartphone

The location

Starting point.

Directions to starting point

The audio tour is designed to begin in the individual visitors’ entrance gate of the Colosseum (Piazza del Colosseo, 58, 00184 Roma RM, Italy)

Arena, Basements, Pope’s Cross, Cavea, Daises, Colosseum Square, Arch of Constantine, Stern Abutment.

Important information

Opening hours.

8.30-16.30 (January 2 through February 15) 8.30-17.00 (February 16 through March 15) 8.30-17.30 (March 15 through the last Saturday of the month) 8.30-19.15 (Last Sunday in March through 31 August) 8.30-19.00 (September 1 to September 30) 8.30-18.30 (October 1 to last Saturday of the month) 8.30-16.30 (Last Sunday in October through December 31)

Recommended visiting hours

The less crowded hours are from 8.30 to 10.00 and then from 17.00 until closing time, but the monument is still pretty much always crowded given it’s one of the most important not only in the city but in the whole world. Spring and Summer are also, of course, a more popular visiting time than Autumn and Winter.

Additional admission

Ticket: 16 euro

• Please consider that admission fees for the Colosseum are not included. 
• This is a downloadable self-guided audio tour for your smartphone, accessible through our app. No live guide will accompany you. No VR / AR is included
• No live guide or meeting point provided.
• After booking, you will receive an email with further instructions on how to access and download your audio tour. Check your spam folder as well
• Book per device to be used, not per participant
• An Android (version 5.0 and later) or iOS (version 15.0 and later) smartphone is required. The audio tour is not compatible with Windows Phones, iPhone 6/6 Plus or older, iPod Touch 6th generation or older, iPad 4th generation or older, iPad Air 1st generation, iPad Mini 3rd generation or older.
• You will need storage space on your phone (100-150 MB)
• Mobile signal may be weak at the site(s). Download your audio tour on your smartphone prior to your visit to fully enjoy it.
• After booking, you will receive an email with further instructions on how to access and download your audio tour. Please check your email spam folder as well
• Ensure that your smartphone is fully charged & that you bring your earphones
• The Colosseum is wheelchair accessible from the entrances located along Via dei Fori Imperiali. The first floor can be accessed by the lift on the northern side of the Amphitheater 
• Please wear sunscreen and a hat during the hot summer months
• Visitors are also advised to wear sturdy shoes

Contributors

Download the app.

To take this self-guided tour, you will need to download the Clio Muse Tours app on your iOS or Android device. Enjoy your tour!

The app was extremely informative and allowed you to explore the Colosseum at your own leisure.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.

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