The Colosseum is one of the most visited landmarks in the world — a colossal relic of Ancient Rome and an unforgettable highlight of any trip to the Eternal City. While guided tours are popular, not everyone wants to follow a group or stick to a rigid schedule. If you’re an independent traveler who prefers to explore at your own pace, a self-guided tour of the Colosseum might be the perfect option.
Exploring the Colosseum on your own allows for a more flexible and personal experience. You can linger in the places that interest you, move quickly through crowded areas, and build your own itinerary around your day. With a little planning and the right tools, a self-guided visit can be just as informative and even more enjoyable than a guided group tour.
So how do you make the most of your self-guided tour of the Colosseum? Here’s everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
Start with Your Ticket
First things first: you need a ticket. Entry to the Colosseum is by timed reservation only, so you’ll need to book in advance. Standard Colosseum tickets include access to three main sites: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, all of which are located next to one another and can be visited on the same day.
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Coopculture website or via other authorized ticketing platforms. You’ll receive an e-ticket that you can show on your phone. If you want to explore more than just the basic levels, you can upgrade to tickets that include access to the underground chambers and the arena floor, which are typically only accessible with a guide or in specially timed self-guided entry slots.
Download an Audio Guide or App
To replace the commentary of a live guide, you’ll want an audio guide or a reliable Colosseum app. Several high-quality options are available for download in app stores, offering GPS-enabled maps, storytelling, historical facts, and visuals to enhance your visit. These audio tours range from simple overviews to deep dives into Roman history and architecture.
Look for apps that include:
- Interactive maps
- Trackable stops throughout the monument
- Background on the architecture, history, and key figures
- Descriptions of events such as gladiator battles and animal hunts
Alternatively, you can rent an official audio guide at the entrance for a small fee, though bringing your own headset and using a downloaded app may be more convenient and offer better quality content.
Plan Your Route
While the Colosseum isn’t overwhelmingly large, planning your route ahead of time ensures that you make the most of your visit. Here’s a basic structure to follow:
Start at the Ground Level
Once inside, begin at the base of the Colosseum. Here, you’ll see the original entrances and corridors used by Roman citizens. As you walk around the elliptical structure, you’ll see where spectators once sat, from the lower tiers reserved for senators to the upper levels for commoners.
Step onto the Arena Floor (if available)
If your ticket includes access to the arena floor, don’t miss it. Standing here offers a powerful perspective of the entire amphitheater, from the seating tiers above to the hypogeum (underground) below. This is where gladiators once fought and dramatic spectacles played out for the roaring crowds.
Explore the Upper Level
Next, head up to the second level. From here, you get panoramic views of the interior and can appreciate the full scale of the monument. You’ll also find exhibitions and displays detailing the Colosseum’s history, construction techniques, and its transformation over the centuries.
Visit the Exhibits
Throughout the monument, there are rotating exhibitions featuring archaeological finds, reconstructions, and educational displays. These sections are clearly marked and are ideal places to pause, read, and learn more as you move through the site.
Take Your Time
One of the biggest advantages of a self-guided tour is that you can go at your own pace. Want to sit and imagine a gladiatorial fight unfolding before you? Go ahead. Curious about the construction of the stone arches or the engineering of the hypogeum? Linger and explore. You can skip the crowded photo spots and find quieter corners to appreciate the structure’s incredible craftsmanship and history.
Combine with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Your ticket also includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which are located just across the street. These sites are massive and rich in history, and you can tour them on your own using the same audio guide app or a map. The Forum was once the heart of Roman public life, while Palatine Hill offers sweeping views and legendary connections to the founding of Rome.
It’s worth doing the Colosseum and the Forum/Palatine Hill on the same day, though you’ll want to pace yourself and wear comfortable shoes — both involve a lot of walking and uneven terrain.
Also read: Reasons Why You Should Visit Athens
Tips for a Great Self-Guided Visit
- Book early: Time slots fill up fast, especially during peak season.
- Go early or late: Visiting early in the morning or in the late afternoon means cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.
- Stay hydrated: Especially in the summer months, the stone structure can get very hot.
- Bring headphones: If using an app or audio guide, a good pair of headphones makes a big difference.
- Check for closures: Restoration work or special events may limit access to certain areas.