Crafted by Headout, a global experiences brand offering curated tours, tickets & experiences. Discover with ease, book with peace.
4.4/5
30K+ travellers from around the world love this
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of this venue.
From happy customers
Loved by 49 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
C
Cnitel C
Couple
5/5
Last week
+4 more
I already knew a couple of things about Rome, but I've learned so much more. Our guide was very experienced and gave us a lot of knowledge. Overall an unforgetable trip.
?
27.12.1997
BulgariaCouple
5/5
3 weeks ago
+1 more
Despite the weather we had a great time. Our guide Nora told us a lot of interesting things and details about both the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. She also gave us some good tips on where to take great photos. A great experience definitely worth it!
M
Matti V
FinlandCouple
5/5
Last week
+2 more
Everything was great! Bogdan was a wonderful tourguide. Thank you so much!
Only trouble we had, was to find the meeting place. But now we know where to look in the Headout app.
B
Blas D
ArgentinaCouple
5/5
Last week
The guide is very knowledgeable. She provided us with a lot of information. She is attentive, friendly, and well-mannered. Excellent!!!
L
Lambert F
FranceSolo
5/5
3 days ago
The guide spoke clearly and we could easily understand what she was saying. Lots of explication about what the "room" was use for, and how they were discovered
K
Kim W
United KingdomCouple
5/5
Last week
Excellent guide, we really enjoyed the experience Great explanation of the history in a very atmospheric and interesting way. Unique place to visit.
How Headout makes choosing experiences effortless
We curate the best ways to experience
We research and organise all unique experiences - from tickets to tours to special combos - so you get all the choices without the clutter.
We partner with the best
Every supplier is vetted for quality, reliability, and value so you only get top rated experiences. No surprises, no disappointments.
All the best options, in one place
Each experience is thoughtfully organised to give you maximum availability, great value and an easy way to choose.
Book with complete peace of mind
Free cancellations, Flexible payments, and 24/7 support - thoughtfully designed for flexibility, assurance, and total peace of mind.
1/4
Slide 1 of 4
Visiting the Domus Aurea, the Golden House
Domus Aurea is the former home of Emperor Nero built on the Oppian Hill after the great fire in 64 AD destroyed a major part of the city. Also known as Nero’s Golden House, Domus Aurea now stands as testimony to the glorious and historic past of Rome. Read on to know more about why you should take the Domus Aurea tours, what you can see there, how to reach the attraction, the facilities available, and more.
Why Visit the Domus Aurea in Rome?
Fascinating History: Domus Aurea boasts of a fascinating history and is believed to be the biggest house to have ever been built in Rome at the time. It was built in a remarkably short time and was personally overseen by Emperor Nero himself
Beautiful Artworks: The palace is home to some beautiful works of art including frescoes, mosaics, and paintings depicting women and floral and mythological scenes.
Get A Glimpse Of Nero’s Extravagant Lifestyle: The Domus Aurea tours offer a glimpse into the luxurious and extravagant lifestyle of Emperor Nero, who built the palace for pure pleasure instead of a place he could reside in.
Beautiful Scenery: The palace boasts of stunning views of the surrounding lake, vineyards, and fields that have remained relatively untouched since Emperor Nero's day. It also houses the beautiful gardens of Colle Oppio Pavilion.
Virtual Reality Experience: Get a glimpse of Domus Aurea’s glorious days through special lighting effects and illuminated reconstructive panels specially designed to give visitors a virtual 3D reality experience.
Your Domus Aurea Access Explained
Guided Tour of Domus Aurea with Virtual Reality Experience
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
The best and only way to access this beautiful archaeological site in Rome is by opting for a guided tour.
You can explore Emperor Nero’s former palace and hear fascinating stories and interesting trivia about the history of Domus Aurea from an expert guide.
You also get to enjoy a virtual reality experience that offers a glimpse into the site’s glorious past.
Cancellation Policy
This booking is non-refundable and cannot be modified.
Explore the Domus Aurea in Rome
Octagonal Room
One of the most beautifully preserved rooms in the Domus Aurea is the Octagonal Room. This eight-sided room opens into five small chambers with remains of frescoes in some of them, and also has an opening for light to come in. The room was believed to have been covered in mosaics and used as a dining room to host parties.
Domus Aurea Convivium Room (Dining Room)
Another interesting and carefully preserved room inside the palace is the Domus Aurea Convivium Room, which continues to maintain its original wall paint and mosaic floor. Historians believe that the room was painted black to hide the stains that the smoke from the open fire would create on the walls.
Frescoes on the Walls and Ceiling of the Domus Aurea
The Domus Aurea is home to some beautiful frescoes and mosaics, most of which are damaged and continue to pose a challenge to archaeologists wanting to preserve them. You will be able to spot them with the help of good lighting and an expert guide. Some of the notable ones include the Pompeian-style frescoes, depictions of Anubis, and the Hector and Andromache frescoes.
Ulysses and Polyphemus Mosaics
One of the most prominent mosaics is one that depicts Ulysses and Polyphemus located on the vault of the Nymphaeum inside Domus Aurea. Located high on the ceiling, this octagonal artwork with gold leaf traces is important because it is one of the first and finest examples of figurative mosaics. It depicts Ulysses offering some wine to Polyphemus.
Colle Oppio Pavilion
The south of the Domus Aurea is home to the magnificent gardens of the Colle Oppio Pavilion. Soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding lake, vineyards, ornamental fountains, and fields that have remained almost untouched since Emperor Nero's day. The gardens span over 125 acres and extend into parklands and lakes.
Plan Your Visit to Domus Aurea in Rome
Domus Aurea is open from Friday to Sunday from 9 AM to 6:15 PM.
Closed: It remains closed from Monday to Thursday.
Best Time to Visit
Entry to the Domus Aurea is limited therefore you will not experience too many crowds either in the high season or low season. Book in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
Address: Via della Domus Aurea, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Getting There
You can reach Domus Aurea via bus, metro, or taxi.
By Bus: Board buses 51, 75, 85, or 87 and get off at the Colosseo bus stop. The meeting point is just a 5-minute walk from there.
By Metro: Board metros MEB or MEB1 and get off at the Colosseo station. The meeting point is just a 5-minute walk from there.
By Taxi: You can also hail a cab which will drop you to the park entrance. The main door is hardly a 2-minute walk from there.
There are two entrances to the Domus Aurea - Via della Domus Aurea and Via di Serapide.
The Via della Domus Aurea is located just a few steps away from the Colosseum while Via di Serapide is located near the Colle Oppio Pavilion.
Domus Aurea can only be accessed through guided tours.
There are no cloakrooms or storage facilities available at the site.
The Domus Aurea tours include an expert guide, which is why no audio guides are available.
There is a ticket desk at the entrance from the Oppian Hill Park in case you need any information.
Drop in at the bookstore located at the entrance before or after your tour.
There are toilet facilities available at the Domus Aurea.
The tour is wheelchair accessible.
The use of the Oculus Rift device for prolonged periods is not recommended for children under 13 years of age as well as people affected by epilepsy or serious eye diseases.
The attraction in itself is partially accessible to wheelchair users since excavation work is still in progress. Those with reduced mobility may not be able to access all sections of the palace.
Here are a few restaurants near Domus Aurea for you to dine at:
Royal Art Cafe Roma: This upscale Italian restaurant offers spectacular views of the Colosseum along with delicious food, drinks, beer, and wine located just 210m away.
Pasqualino Al Colosseo: Enjoy a traditional Roman meal at this restaurant 400m from the Domus Aurea while soaking in the magnificent views of the Colosseum and the neighborhood.
Ristoro Della Salute: Gorge on a wide selection of pizzas, pastas, salads, meat and fish items, and other traditional dishes while sipping on some heady cocktails at this nearby restaurant 230m away.
Hostaria Al Gladiatore: Located in Piazza del Colosseo about 290m from the Domus Aurea, this restaurant is known for its Mediterranean and Roman cuisine especially carbonara, gricia, amatriciana, and cacio e pepe.
Book your tickets online and well in advance because the attraction can only be accessed via a guided tour and admission to the site is limited.
Don’t forget to wear a face mask.
Make sure you wear comfortable footwear since you will have to do a lot of walking inside Domus Aurea.
The tour is wheelchair accessible.
Make sure you’re wearing a jacket or something warm because temperatures inside the palace can be as low as 10 degree Celsius.
Domus Aurea is shut on weekdays as restoration work is still in progress.
Avoid carrying luggage or any big suitcases or backpacks since there is no storage facility available at Domus Aurea.
Photography is permitted inside the attraction. However, taking pictures or recording videos of the multimedia production or virtual reality experience is strictly prohibited.
Colosseum: Located in the center of the city just across the street from the Domus Aurea, the Colosseum is the largest standing amphitheater in the world that once hosted gladiator games. Visit the Colosseum and learn about its bloody past and fascinating history.
Roman Forum: Originally a marketplace, the Roman Forum was the place where public meetings, gladiatorial combats, and law courts took place. It was lined with open-air markets and surrounded by ruins of important government buildings of the time.
San Pietro In Vincoli: Built during the 5th century, San Pietro In Vincoli is a Roman Catholic titular church and minor basilica that houses Michelangelo’s statue of Moses and the relic of Saint Peter's chains when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem.
Borghese Gallery: Located in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana, the Borghese Gallery houses the greatest collection of Bernini statues and several paintings and artworks by artists like Bellini, Raphael, Titian, Rubens, and Caravaggio.
Palatine Hill: The most famous of the seven hills in Rome, Palatine Hill is considered the birthplace of the Roman Empire because it was home to several aristocrats and emperors of the time. It is now largely an open-air museum housing excavations from the hill and other ancient sites of Italy.
Frequently asked questions about Domus Aurea access
Yes. You can book online in advance to secure your spot for your Domus Aurea visit.
Your booking includes access to the palace, an expert guide fluent in English and Italian, and a virtual reality experience that brings the ancient Roman site’s past to life
No. Currently, there are no discounts available.
Cancellation or rescheduling is not available for Domus Aurea.
Domus Aurea is a palace built by Emperor Nero Claudius in 64 AD.
Your visit includes access to highlights like the Octagonal Room, the gardens of the Colle Oppio Pavilion, the Convivium Room, and the palace’s beautifully preserved frescoes and mosaics across its walls and ceilings.
No, special entry options aren’t offered. Access is limited to small groups of around 20–25 visitors at a time, ensuring a more controlled and immersive experience.
It takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to complete a Domus Aurea tour.
Domus Aurea is open from Friday to Sunday from 9 AM to 6:15 PM.
The Domus Aurea is located in Parco del Colle Oppio (also known as the Oppian Hill Park) in Rome, Italy.
Step inside Emperor Nero’s lost palace with a guide and experience its ancient grandeur through cutting-edge VR.
Everything you get: Travel back 2,000 years as you explore the ruins of Domus Aurea, Nero’s lavish Golden House. With an expert guide leading the way, use a VR headset to see the palace as it once stood—glimmering with gold and adorned with grand frescoes. Learn about its history, restoration efforts, and the emperor’s extravagant vision.
Why choose this? The only tour that brings Nero’s lost palace to life with immersive VR, expert narration, and exclusive site access.
Inclusions
#
Entrance ticket to Domus Aurea
VR headset experience
Guided tour through 12 key sites in English or Spanish (as per option selected)
Exclusions
#
Food and beverages
Transfers
Bring a valid ID for ticket validation. Late arrivals may not be accommodated.
Comfortable shoes are recommended; the site has uneven terrain.
VR Experience – The headset is included but not suitable for children under 6 or those with severe motion sensitivity.
The tour involves stairs and uneven paths; wheelchair access is limited.
Photography is allowed without flash. Tripods and professional equipment are prohibited.
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Join an exclusive tour of the Arena, the gladiators’ battlefield, limited to just a few visitors at a time.
Everything you get: Enter through the Gladiator’s Gate and walk directly onto the partially reconstructed Arena floor, an area not included with standard entry. Your expert guide brings the space to life with stories of gladiator training, fierce battles, and political spectacle. Then explore the imperial ruins of Palatine Hill and the grand temples, arches, and basilicas of the Roman Forum.
Why choose this: Standard Colosseum access doesn’t include the arena floor, a rare privilege due to its very limited capacity and preservation needs. See the amphitheater from a gladiator’s-eye view, learn its significance from your guide, and finish amid the Forum’s ruins.
Upgrade: Choose your ideal group size for the Arena experience. Opt for a regular group (up to 25 guests) for a value-led option, a small group (15 guests) for better interaction, or an ultra small-group tour (maximum 7 guests) for the most personalized and immersive gladiator’s-eye experience.
Inclusions
#
Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum
Special access guided tour of Arena Floor
English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian or German speaking guide (as per option selected)
Small group of 15 people (as per option selected)
Semi-private group of max 7 people (as per option selected)
Timed entry to the Colosseum
Headsets
What to bring
Valid passport or photo ID for all visitors, including minors.
The full name of each participant (including children) must match the ID provided at entry.
What’s not allowed
Luggage, large bags, pets, smoking, alcohol, drugs, weapons, sharp objects, glass items, sprays, or aerosols.
Electric wheelchairs, prams, and strollers.
Accessibility
The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, prams, strollers, or those with mobility issues.
All visitors must pass through a mandatory security check with metal detectors.
Additional information
Colosseum tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled check-in time; late arrivals will not be refunded.
Meeting time may change—updates will be sent via call or message.
Rain or shine, tours operate. In case of heavy rain, some areas may be closed for safety.
In July and August, the tour duration may be shortened to 2 hours due to heat.
The order of attractions may vary to manage crowd levels.
As there is no timed entrance to the Palatine and Forum, it is impossible to skip entry lines. Please expect a delay when entering these sites.
You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
What to bring
Valid photo ID; entry may be denied without it.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a bottle of water.
What’s not allowed
Name changes after booking.
Entry without the exact full name provided at booking.
Accessibility
Not accessible for wheelchair users, prams/strollers, or visitors with mobility issues.
Some areas have uneven surfaces.
Additional information
Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled entry at the Arch of Constantine meeting point.
Security checks may cause minor delays.
Colosseum entry fee is €18 (or €24 for Arena access) plus a €2 booking fee.
The order of the tour may change—check for updates before your visit.
Palatine Hill and Roman Forum do not have timed entry; expect potential wait times.
Inclusions
#
Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum
English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, German or Japanese speaking guide (as per option selected)
Small group of 15 people (as per option selected)
Semi-private group of 7 people (as per option selected)
Timed entry to the Colosseum
Headsets
Exclusions
#
Arena access
Access to Underground and Belvedere
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Guided Tours
Domus Aurea Guided Tour with VR Experience
Step inside Emperor Nero’s lost palace with a guide and experience its ancient grandeur through cutting-edge VR.
Everything you get: Travel back 2,000 years as you explore the ruins of Domus Aurea, Nero’s lavish Golden House. With an expert guide leading the way, use a VR headset to see the palace as it once stood—glimmering with gold and adorned with grand frescoes. Learn about its history, restoration efforts, and the emperor’s extravagant vision.
Why choose this? The only tour that brings Nero’s lost palace to life with immersive VR, expert narration, and exclusive site access.
Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum with Exclusive Arena Floor Guided Tour
Join an exclusive tour of the Arena, the gladiators’ battlefield, limited to just a few visitors at a time.
Everything you get: Enter through the Gladiator’s Gate and walk directly onto the partially reconstructed Arena floor, an area not included with standard entry. Your expert guide brings the space to life with stories of gladiator training, fierce battles, and political spectacle. Then explore the imperial ruins of Palatine Hill and the grand temples, arches, and basilicas of the Roman Forum.
Why choose this: Standard Colosseum access doesn’t include the arena floor, a rare privilege due to its very limited capacity and preservation needs. See the amphitheater from a gladiator’s-eye view, learn its significance from your guide, and finish amid the Forum’s ruins.
Upgrade: Choose your ideal group size for the Arena experience. Opt for a regular group (up to 25 guests) for a value-led option, a small group (15 guests) for better interaction, or an ultra small-group tour (maximum 7 guests) for the most personalized and immersive gladiator’s-eye experience.
