Walk through the Colosseum

The Colosseum is a living piece of Roman history. This 50,000-seat amphitheater hosted gladiator battles, animal hunts, and public spectacles for over 400 years. Walking its corridors, you can almost hear the roar of ancient crowds and feel the weight of the empire that built it nearly 2,000 years ago.

The standard tour takes you through the seating areas with views down to the arena floor and the underground hypogeum (where gladiators and animals waited). Premium tours give access to the arena floor itself or the underground tunnels - worth the extra cost for the experience.

The Colosseum sits at the heart of ancient Rome, with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill right next door. All three are included on the same ticket and easily fill a full day.

Pro tip: Buy tickets online in advance or you'll wait hours in line. The best value is a timed entry ticket with Forum/Palatine access. Underground and arena floor tours book up fast. Go early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better light.