Explore the surrounding 1st- and 2nd-level tiers of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill with guided assistance for entry and an audio guide.
Why should you book this ticket?
If you don’t want a complete tour of the Colosseum but just want to check it off your list of places to visit in Rome, opt for the 3-hour general entry ticket. This is one of the cheapest and most popular Colosseum tickets.
With this ticket, you can skip the long lines to enter the Colosseum and explore it at your own pace. All Colosseum tickets grant access to the 1st and 2nd levels of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
You get a timed entry to the Colosseum, after which you can tour the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill at your leisure. The multilingual audio guide app serves as a substitute for a live guide.
Buy This TicketTicket inclusions
- Skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
- Multilingual audio-guide app
- Access to 1st and 2nd levels of the Colosseum, Museum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
You can enter the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill through the gate next to the Arch of Titus, an area now filled with the ruins of the once-great Roman Empire. Be sure to read more about the entrances that get you quick access to the ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill before your trip!
What to see in the Roman Forum
This area on the west of the Colosseum was once filled with government buildings, temples, and statues of prominent Roman leaders. Today, the Roman Forum, once a bustling epicenter, is a rectangular expanse filled with the ruins of its former glory. It serves as a living link to the origins of Roman history.
The Roman Forum stands as a testament to the cultural, political, and religious heart of ancient Rome, attracting around 4.5 million visitors annually. Notable landmarks include the Temple of Saturn, the Temple of Vesta, the Curia (Senate House), and the Arch of Septimius Severus.
Quick tip: For a self-guided tour of the archaeological park, seasoned travelers recommend starting at Palatine Hill due to its less crowded, shaded, and gradual uphill walk. This route offers a relaxed beginning and a stunning bird’ s-eye view of the Roman Forum as you descend. This route, ending at the Colosseum next to the Forum’s exit, significantly reduces wait times and enhances your overall experience.
Important sites in the Palatine Hill
- The Palace of Domitian
- Houses of Livia and Augustus
- House of Tiberius
- Domus Severiana
- Temple of Cybele
- Temple of Apollo Palatinus
- Septizodium
- Domus Transitoria
Upgrade the Colosseum experience with a video intro and city walking tour
This highly-rated entry ticket to the Colosseum begins with a 25-minute multimedia video session, providing an introduction to these Roman highlights. You’ll start by visiting the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and then proceed to the Colosseum by yourself, saving the best for last. After exploring all three archaeological sites, an English-speaking guide will lead you on a city walking tour.
From: €31
Buy This TicketOpening hours
The Colosseum will follow these timings in 2024:
| Dates | Opening | Closing |
| 16 Feb to 15 Mar | 8.30 am | 5.00 pm |
| 16 to 29 Mar | 8.30 am | 5.30 pm |
| 30 Mar until 31 Aug | 8.30 am | 7.15 pm |
| 1 to 30 Sept | 8.30 am | 7.00 pm |
| 1 to 26 Oct | 8.30 am | 6.30 pm |
| 27 Oct to 15 Feb | 8.30 am | 4.30 pm |
Know before you go
- Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled time due to strict visitor capacity limits; late arrivals may lead to missing the tour without a refund.
- Bring a valid ID for security checks.
- The host will assist you at the entrance but will not accompany you throughout the tour, so you’ll be on your own after entry.
- Food and drinks are prohibited inside the premises. If you bring water, you must empty the bottle before entering, though you can refill it afterward.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves extensive walking.
FAQs
Which lines will we skip to enter the Colosseum?
With a skip-the-line ticket, you’ll bypass the long ticket counter lines formed by same-day ticket buyers. This allows you to avoid lengthy waits and proceed directly to the security check, ensuring a quicker and more efficient entry into the Colosseum.
How do visitors with self-guided skip-the-line tickets enter the Colosseum?
Tourists with self-guided skip-the-line tickets can enter through one of the two queues at the main entrance labeled “Visitors with Reservations.”
What is a hosted entry to the Colosseum?
A hosted entry to the Colosseum is a service where a host or greeter assists you in entering the attraction smoothly. The host ensures you bypass the ticket lines and gain quick access to the site. However, they do not accompany you throughout the tour or provide guided commentary. Their role is solely to facilitate a seamless entry into the Colosseum.
Will we get a headset for the audio guide app?
When you book a tour with an audio guide included, you are expected to bring your own hearing devices.
What is the difference between the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill?
The Roman Forum served as the heart of ancient Rome, hosting significant government buildings. In contrast, Palatine Hill, situated 40 meters above the Forum, was the residential area where Roman elites lived.
Can we visit the Roman Forum before visiting the Colosseum?
You can start your visit at the Roman Forum and then proceed to the Colosseum. However, since your Colosseum tickets are timed, be sure to arrive at the entrance on schedule.
Are Roman Forum tickets timed?
All Roman Forum tickets come with access to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, but entry to only the Colosseum is timed. After exploring the Colosseum at the time mentioned on their tickets, tourists have either 24 hours or 48 hours (depending on their ticket) to explore the Forum and Palatine Hill. However, note that once you exit the Forum, reentry is not permitted.
