The Roman Colosseum is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a must-see sight if you’re visiting Italy’s capital, the Eternal City.
Below you’ll find useful information to plan your visit, such as opening hours, transport to the Colosseum, information about security and accessibility, and more.
The Colosseum and underground area, the Hypogeum.
Where is the Colosseum located?
The address of the Colosseum is Piazza del Colosseo, 1, in Rome, Italy.
For those travelling by car, the Colosseum’s GPS coordinates are 41.8902° N, 12.4922° E.
If you’re in Rome and need directions to the Colosseum, use the following Google Map to find the best route from your current location.
The Colosseum
Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy · Google Maps
Important: Be sure to check the Opening hours before your visit, as they vary depending on the time of year.
How to get to the Colosseum
The Colosseum is very well serviced by Rome’s extensive public transport network. It can be reached by subway, multiple bus lines, and by tram. Below is a list of all public transport options to go to the Colosseum from practically anywhere in Rome.
- Metro B line, get off at the Colosseum stop.
- Bus lines 51, 75, 81, 85, 87, and 118.
- Tramway line 3.
If you don’t want to take public transport you can also take a taxi, just make sure that it is an official, licensed cab.
You’ll recognize them because they have the “TAXI” sign on the roof of the vehicle, are all white, and they have the Commune di Roma logo on the side.
Also make sure your cab has a meter, and that the driver turns it on when you get in, otherwise you could end up paying much more than you should.
Things to see near the Colosseum
The Colosseum is surrounded by other beautiful and famous monuments that are well worth viewing. The most important ones are:
- The Arch of Constantine: Situated right next to the Colosseum, this triumphal arch celebrates Constantine’s victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge. It’s an unmissable sight, and the best part? You can access it without a ticket.
- Mamertine Prison: A hidden gem of ancient Rome, this underground prison is where Saints Peter and Paul were said to be imprisoned before their martyrdom. It’s a powerful, historical site with deep ties to early Christianity. Prebook your ticket here to get access to Mamertine Prison and other iconic Roman sites.
- The Roman Circus (Circus Maximus): Imagine chariots thundering around this massive arena, the crowds cheering wildly. It’s a peaceful park now, but standing here, you can almost hear the echoes of those ancient races. At the Empire’s peak, it could seat up to 150,000 spectators. For the best perspective, view it from the Palatine Hill.
- The Palatine Hill: Known as the birthplace of Rome, the Palatine Hill houses the remains of many ancient palaces and temples. It offers stunning panoramic views of the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus. Entry is included with Colosseum tickets.
- The Roman Forum (Foro Romano): This was the beating heart of ancient Rome, where everything happened—politics, religion, commerce. Wander through the ruins and picture what life was like 2,000 years ago. You can visit it with the same ticket as the Colosseum.
Tips and things you should know for your visit
Below are some tips and other important information you should take into account when visiting the Colosseum.
Security
Like all major tourist attractions, the Colosseum’s security is quite stringent to keep visitors safe. Visitors are not allowed to enter the monument with large bags, suitcases, or backpacks.
If you are carrying your travel backpack or luggage, you will be denied entry. Small and medium-sized bags are allowed but will be screened by security and must pass through a metal detector.
Italy’s military police force, the Carabinieri
Skipping the line
No one likes to wait in long lines, especially under the Roman sun. If you pre-book your tickets, you can skip the ticket line, but you’ll still need to pass through security. Depending on the time of year, this could take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour.
To make the most of your visit, try to get there early—around 8:30 AM when the Colosseum opens—or just before closing time. Not a morning person? Consider joining a guided tour that often comes with priority access. You can find more info on our tours of the Colosseum page.
Is the Colosseum accessible for disabled people?
Yes, the Colosseum is accessible to disabled people. Its main entrance has no stairs, the inside is mostly flat save a few areas because of the old cobblestones, and there is an elevator that takes visitors to the upper floor.
Parking near the Colosseum
Thinking of driving to the Colosseum? Here’s the best advice: don’t do it. Navigating and finding parking in Rome’s city center is a real challenge, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.
You’ll save yourself a lot of time, money, and stress by sticking to public transport. Yes, pickpockets can be an issue, but as long as you stay aware and keep an eye on your belongings, you should be just fine.
Does the Colosseum have a dress code?
The Colosseum doesn’t have a dress code. But, keep in mind that you’ll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs, so comfort is key. Think sneakers or comfy sandals, and breathable clothes like shorts, leggings, or hoodies.
Rome can get pretty sunny, especially if you’re exploring the area around the Colosseum, so don’t forget to pack your sunscreen.
Is the Colosseum child friendly?
Yes, the Colosseum can be a great experience for kids, but a bit of planning helps. If you’re visiting during the summer, try to go early in the morning to avoid the heat. Book a guided tour if possible — it helps you skip the long lines and keeps the visit organized, which is especially helpful with little ones in tow.
Beyond that, it depends on your child. If they’re into stories of ancient ruins and brave Roman gladiators, they’ll probably love it. The Colosseum is where history comes alive, making it a fun and educational experience for curious kids.
What is the best way to see the Colosseum?
The best time to visit the Colosseum is early in the morning before large crowds form, and the best days are during the week, as it will usually be less crowded than on the weekends. However, if you’re willing to spend a little more, a night time tour is probably the most interesting way to visit. Keep in mind that the night tour does not include a combined ticket for the Roman Forum and the Palatine hill as a normal Colosseum ticket would, so if you want to see those monuments too you’ll have to visit them separately.