Let me guess: you're trying to plan your dream Rome itinerary and you’re wondering how to get into the Colosseum. If you’ve already tried to book through the official website, you probably know it’s a nightmare.
If you’ve been following me, you KNOW I’ve been looking for a solution to this for SO LONG. And I’m so happy I finally found it!
So here it is: a complete guide to visiting the Colosseum, from someone who actually lives in Rome and has been through all the chaos so you don’t have to.
I’ll walk you through the different ways to visit, how to avoid cancelled tickets, and where to book safely (with options for every kind of traveler — DIYers, tour lovers, and history nerds alike).
Why Colosseum Tickets Are So Hard to Get Right Now
Let’s talk about the official site — ticketing.colosseo.it.
Yes, it’s legit. But also? It's clunky. You can only book one month in advance, tickets sell out almost immediately, and you have to be online at 8 AM CET (Rome time!) refreshing like a madperson.
Here’s what I tell everyone:
Tickets drop exactly 30 days before your visit date
The best time to book is between 8 AM and 10 AM Rome time
You’ll need to be logged in with an account already created
If you’re flexible with your dates and time of day (and willing to stalk the site), this might work for you. But honestly, I’ve had better luck elsewhere…
The Best Solution for Entry Tickets: Book Through Klook
Here’s the game-changer: Klook is a B2B partner of the Colosseum. That means they have access to official, guaranteed tickets.
And the best part?
You can book these skip-the-line tickets up to a year in advance.
No refreshing a glitchy site.
No waking up early.
No stressing about cancellations.
Just book through Klook at least 3 days before your visit, and they’ll email your tickets directly.
👉 Click here to grab your Colosseum entry tickets on Klook
💸 Use code: BRIANNE at checkout for a discount!
What’s the Best Way to Visit?
It really depends on your travel style. Here are your options:
1. Entry Ticket Only (Self-Guided)
You get access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Just scan your ticket and go explore!
Great for: Independent travellers, families on a budget, or repeat visitors.
Book official entry tickets via Klook
Use code: BRIANNE for a discount!
2. Guided Tour (Most Popular)
Includes skip-the-line access and a licensed guide who explains everything - with stories, history, and hidden details you’d never pick up on your own.
Great for: First-timers, curious minds, and history lovers.
Book a guided tour through one of the operators I trust
3. Underground Tour (Next-Level Access)
Includes the arena floor, underground tunnels, and restricted areas. This is the only way to see where gladiators and animals once waited before battle.
Great for: Content creators, history nerds, or anyone who wants to feel like Indiana Jones.
Book the underground Colosseum experience
Use code: BRIANNE to save!
⚠️ Ticket Cancellations: What No One Tells You ⚠️
🚨 Please read this if you usually book through Viator, GetYourGuide, etc!🚨
Those sites are great outside of Rome, but I've heard too many horror stories about Colosseum and Vatican ticket cancelleations through them.
So many people have had their tickets cancelled at the last minute. Even hours before their visit. Why?
Because those platforms don’t actually hold the tickets. They rely on local operators to secure them last minute. And if the operator can’t get enough? Your booking gets wiped.
To avoid this:
✅ Book directly through the official site or official partners like Klook.
✅ For tours, stick with trusted operators, not just the cheapest option.
✅ Don’t risk it. You came all the way to Rome. Don’t leave this to chance.
Pro Tips from a Local Content Creator
The best photo spot is just outside the Colosseo metro station on Via Nicola Salvi.
Visit Palatine Hill right after the Colosseum. It’s quiet, dreamy, and full of ancient villas.
Wear comfortable shoes. There’s a lot of uneven stone.
Your ticket includes all three sites (Colosseum, Forum, Palatine) — so plan about 3 hours total.
Quick Recap (with Links!)
Entry Ticket – Use code: BRIANNE for a discount
Underground Tour – Use code: BRIANNE for a discount