From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Christina Victoria Hiromoto
US

Christina

United States
Jan 2026

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#I've been to the Vatican Museums before, and both times have really been a great experience. The first time I had a 4:30pm booking on a weekday and the crowds were very little. There was still a line outside the museums we had to wait in, and another line inside to scan our passes. This time we booked with Headout for 8:30am on a tuesday morning. It felt much easier as we were escorted as a group through the lines by simply scanning our tickets. It was also not too crowded during that time! We personally wanted to have an entire morning and Headout had tickets left (The Vatican website did not) for those times. It was nice because we were not rushing at all. Definitely avoid the lunch hours to beat the crowds! Also they have a cafe/food area--lifesaver!
Jordi Chaparro Gonzalez
JP

Jordi

Japan
Jan 2026

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Here's a professional reviewer. This is my third visit to the Vatican, and I'm really delighted. There were hardly any lines, the staff was super friendly, and everything was much better organized than I remembered. If I could add anything, it would be a couple more signs to guide people when leaving the museum, which would be great. Also, the prices weren't too bad in the cafeteria. I highly recommend a visit, but I did go during the off-season.
Ardit Luzi
GR

Ardit

Greece
Jan 2026

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Our experience in Rome will last forever! We were very lucky to have AMR for our guide! We learnt about true history and the way he approaches tourists is so positive and interactive!!
Kelsey Keating
GB

Kelsey

United Kingdom
Jan 2026

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The shear beauty and magnitude of the building and really it was walking up the steps that brought me this moment of awe.
Antonio rotella

Antonio

Jan 2026

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This is the first time I've used Headout for a booking. What can I say? I had a great experience. At the agreed time, I met one of their representatives, who was very friendly, helpful, and MULTILINGUAL. She gave me my tickets and explained all the steps I needed to take to access the facilities without any problems. I recommend this host.
MARIA VICTORIA VAZQUEZ BOZA
ES

Maria

Spain
Jan 2026

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The host was very easy to find, and there were no lines at the entrance. The pantheon is impressive; it's a place you can't miss if you come to Rome.
Rungoat Maïwenn
FR

Rungoat

France
Jan 2026

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The Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill are incredible places to visit. These are monuments that are not to be missed. My partner and I really enjoyed ourselves and were pleasantly surprised by how peaceful the Palatine Hill was. We even wondered how this was possible, given that it is a historic monument in the heart of the capital. As for the Pantheon 🏛️, we enjoyed it, it's still a monument worth discovering, but we were a little disappointed because we expected to see more, as it's "only one room" to visit, especially since the combo ticket wasn't particularly good value, as the price is €5 per person and we paid €10 per person. We found it expensive for what it actually was.
Mary Twomey

Mary

Jan 2026

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Great tour with a great guide. Wasn't too crowded until we got to the sistine chapel which was uncomfortably packed and made it very hard to see anything and we were rushed out by the security guards so a bit underwhelmed by that. No fault of our guide who was a wealth of knowledge about all things related to the Vatican


Guided tour of the Colosseum is...

✔️ With a local expert

Travel back in time with a licensed historian who brings gladiator battle, arena's legendary past and lesser-known details to life—no dry lectures, just great storytelling.

✔️ Without the wait

Skip the long ticket lines and enter directly with priority access. Spend more time exploring ancient wonders and less time standing in queues.

✔️ Efficient and immersive

In 1.5–3 hours, explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill with a well-planned route that ensures you see the highlights without feeling rushed.

✔️ Engaging and interactive

Ask questions, uncover secrets, and immerse yourself in the history of Ancient Rome. Your guide transforms the ruins into a vivid story you won’t forget.

What to expect on a guided tour of the Colosseum

Tourists on the Colosseum arena floor during a semi-private tour with Gladiator’s Entrance.
Colosseum interior with tourists on the arena floor during a semi-private tour in Rome.
Visitors exploring the Colosseum arena during a guided tour in Rome.
Colosseum underground passageway with ancient stone walls in Rome, Italy.
Tour group enjoying view of Roman Forum with Colosseum and Palatine Hill in background.
1/5

Meet your guide & enter with ease

Your experience begins outside the Colosseum, where your licensed guide gathers the group and hands out headsets for clear commentary. With reserved entry, you’ll skip the ticket line and head straight to the security check. In minutes, you’ll step through the ancient arches into one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks.

Start with sweeping views from the upper levels

Your guide leads you to the first and second tiers, where 50,000 Romans once roared for gladiatorial games. From these vantage points, you’ll see the arena floor and the underground chambers below while hearing vivid stories of spectacles, emperors, and the social hierarchy that defined the amphitheater’s atmosphere.

Walk the Arena Floor, the gladiator’s stage

Feel the drama as you step onto the reconstructed Arena Floor, where gladiators once fought for survival. Few tours include this coveted access. From this stage, framed by soaring tiers of stone, your guide will bring the roar of the crowds and the brutal contests vividly back to life.

Descend into the Underground

On an upgraded tour, descend to the Colosseum’s most exclusive area. Explore hidden tunnels, animal cages, and ancient lifts that powered the games. Entry is strictly limited and only possible with a guide, making this the most atmospheric part of your visit.

End with time to explore the Forum & Palatine Hill

Most guided tours also include entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. After your Colosseum visit, your guide may lead you through these ruins, tracing Rome’s political, religious, and imperial heart. Even after the tour, you’re free to linger, wander the ruins, and soak in the history at your own pace.

Which guided tour is best for you

Tour typeDurationGroup sizeLanguagesInclusionsWhy go for itPrice fromRecommended tour

Standard tours

2.5–3 hours

~25 guests (upgrade available: max 15)

English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, German

• Skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill • Expert guide

Covers all three ancient sites with context and storytelling

€23Guided tour

Underground tours

1.5–3 hours

Small groups (~10–6 guests)

English, Spanish, French

• Restricted Underground access (tunnels, lifts & cages) • Arena Floor access • Guided tour of ancient sites

The most exclusive and atmospheric way to explore

€80Exclusive tour

Private tours

3 hours

up to 10 guests

English, Spanish, Italian, French

• Guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

An uncrowded, intimate way to experience the ancient site

€539Private tour

Express tours

1–1.5 hours

Semi-private (6) or small group (~15)

Multiple languages, including kid-friendly options

• Fast-track guided highlights • Optional Arena-only or Forum-focused visit

Ideal if you’re short on time for an efficient and engaging visit

€39Express tour

Other thematic tours you might like

Family-friendly tours

  • ✅ Fun, interactive storytelling for kids
  • ✅ Gladiator stories & Roman myths
  • ✅ Historical depth for adults

Access: Colosseum

Recommended experiences: Colosseum for Kids: Family-Friendly Guided Tour

Explore family-friendly tours

Night tours

  • ✅ Evening entry with fewer crowds
  • ✅ Cooler temperatures
  • ✅ Striking, illuminated views of the Arena

Access: Colosseum, Arena Floor

Recommended experiences: Colosseum Evening Guided Tour with Arena Access

Book Colosseum night tours

Domus Aurea tours

  • ✅ Exclusive entry to Nero’s Golden House
  • ✅VR recreations of frescoes, halls & gilded splendor
  • ✅ Access to a rarely open site

Access: Domus Aurea

Recommended experiences: Domus Aurea Guided Tour with VR Experience

Explore the Domus Aurea

Audio & self-guided tours

  • ✅ Self-paced exploration
  • ✅ Audio guide for context & stories
  • ✅ Flexible, pressure-free experience

Access: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill

Recommended experiences: Colosseum Access with Audio Guide

Book Colosseum audio tours

Highlights covered on the tour

Tourists with a guide overlooking the interior of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy.

Seating Rows

Stand where 50,000 Romans once roared, from emperors' seats to commoner benches.

Ancient Roman statues displayed inside the Colosseum Museum in Rome.
Gladiator Arena
Colosseum Underground
Belvedere

Things to keep in mind when you go on a tour

Restroom sign with male and female symbols on wooden plaque.
  • No cloakroom or luggage storage: Only small bags (max 40x35x15cm) are permitted. Large backpacks, wheeled suitcases, or large umbrellas aren't allowed and cannot be stored at the site.
  • Restrooms: Located near the main entrance and on the second level—use before your tour, as breaks are limited and lines can be long.
  • Drinking fountains: Free water refill spots are available in and around the Colosseum—essential in hot months.
  • No on-site café: Plan a meal before or after your visit; food is not allowed inside.
  • Gift shop: At the exit, with books, replicas, and Roman-themed souvenirs.
Plan your visit
Handing over a British passport.
  • Valid ID/passport: Tickets are nominative and checked against ID at security; no match, no entry.
  • Printout or digital voucher: Your ticket and confirmation must be shown for entry and group check-in.
  • Comfortable closed shoes: Expect uneven terrain, ancient stairs, and lots of walking; no heels or flimsy footwear.
  • Water bottle: Bring a refillable (plastic/metal) bottle, glass is forbidden; refill at fountains inside.
  • Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses: Essential during Roman summer since shade is limited, especially on arena and upper tiers.
  • Minimal valuables: Pickpockets target crowded sites; leave extras at your accommodation.
  • Cash: Useful for restrooms, tips, or nearby kiosks—some may not accept cards.
  • Small umbrella/raincoat: Sudden showers are possible, but no large umbrellas.
Security screening with handheld metal detector before tour.
  • Arrive early: Arrive at least 15–20 minutes before your time slot—late arrivals risk denied entry.
  • Security checks: All must pass airport-style security; liquids, sharp objects, glass, and drones are prohibited.
  • No food, drink, or gum: Only water allowed inside the monument.
  • Photography: Allowed for personal use—no flash, tripods, or selfie sticks.
  • Stay with your group: Wandering off may mean missing your special access segment or losing re-entry rights.
  • Touching and climbing forbidden: Respect fragile ancient stones and barriers.
Tour group with guide overlooking the interior of the Colosseum in Rome.
  • Dress for the weather and walking: Light, modest clothing and sturdy shoes; the ancient site can get dusty and hot.
  • No strict formality required: But avoid costumes, sports gear, and anything considered disrespectful or unsafe.
  • Shoulders and knees covered: Recommended when visiting religious or archaeological sites in Italy.
Person tying purple sneakers next to high heels on wooden floor.
  • The Colosseum is huge, and the entrances can be confusing. Arrive 30 minutes before your slot so you have time to clear security and find your guide without stress.
  • Ancient marble and uneven stone steps can be slippery. Flat, closed shoes are more practical than sandals if you’ll be doing the full Forum and Palatine circuit.
  • Ask about the “shade spots”. Guides often pause in shaded corners to explain history. Don’t hang back too far, or you’ll miss both the story and the relief from Rome’s sun.
  • If your group uses headsets, the audio cuts out if you wander too far. Stick within 10–15 meters of your guide.
  • Save energy for Palatine Hill. The climb looks gentle, but in summer heat it can be draining. Pace yourself and keep some water/snacks handy for after the tour ends.
  • Your guide will point out the best Arena-floor angle (straight down the hypogeum) and Palatine Hill view (Colosseum framed against the Forum). These are the shots everyone envies.
Prepare ahead for a smooth visit

Frequently asked questions about Colosseum tours

Late arrivals risk being denied entry, especially for special access tours. Most tours allow a 15–30 minute grace period, but after that your ticket is void and refunds are not provided. Always arrive 15–20 minutes early for check-in to avoid missing your group.

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Opening hours

Entrances

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