Rome Attractions
The Colosseum is stunning at any time of day, but witnessing it during sunset provides a magical and unforgettable view.
Sunset tours of the Colosseum are popular because they help tourists avoid the summer heat and offer fascinating views of the amphitheater.
Rome’s summers, from April to September, can be scorching, with temperatures soaring up to 45°C during the day before cooling to around 17°C at night.
However, evening temperatures are much more comfortable, typically ranging from 20°C to 25°C, making a sunset visit the ideal choice.
During these months, sunset in Rome occurs between 7:30 PM and 8:45 PM, which is why most Colosseum sunset tours start between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM.
These guided tours often begin at the Roman Forum, continue through Palatine Hill, and conclude at the Colosseum, perfectly timed for a breathtaking sunset view.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Colosseum sunset tours—why they are better, ticket options, prices, timings, and how to book the best experience.
Table of Contents
Sunset Tour tickets
| Tickets | Access to | Time | Prices |
| Guided Sunset Tour of Colosseum Arena & Roman Forum | Colosseum, Roman Forum, Arena, Upper Level | 5 pm | €144 |
| Colosseum Sunset Tour with entry | Colosseum | 4 pm | €60 |
| Colosseum Arena Twilight Tour & Imperial Forum Visit | Colosseum, Arena, 1st and 2nd level, Trajan’s Column | 4 pm | €64 |
Go beyond: Check out the best guided tours and underground tours of the Colosseum for exclusive access to restricted areas.
Guided sunset tour of Colosseum Arena & Roman Forum
Starting time: 5 pm
This Colosseum Evening Guided Tour offers a breathtaking experience as you explore the ancient amphitheater during the golden hour, just as the sun sets over Rome.
This semi-private tour, limited to 11 participants or fewer, includes skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum Upper Level, Arena Floor, and Roman Forum, ensuring an intimate and immersive experience.
The two-hour tour begins at 5 PM at the Roman Forum, where your expert guide will lead you through the ruins, temples, and arches that once formed the heart of the Roman Empire.
Walking along the historic Via dei Fori Imperiali, you’ll make your way to the Colosseum, where exclusive Arena Floor access lets you stand where gladiators once battled.
The tour concludes at the Upper Level, offering stunning panoramic views of the monument and a chance to see ancient graffiti etched into its walls.
This tour offers free cancellation up to 4 days in advance for a full refund.
The meeting point is Foro Traiano, 3607, 00187 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions
Cost of tickets
Adult (15+ years): Starts from €144
Child (6 to 14 years): Starts from €134
Guided sunset tour of only Colosseum
Starting time: 4 pm
This guided sunset tour offers skip-the-line access to the Colosseum, allowing you to explore this iconic landmark without the hassle of long waits.
You can choose between two tour options: a private tour starting at 3:15 PM, lasting approximately 1.5 hours, or a shared group tour beginning at 4:00 PM, which lasts for one hour.
Tours are available in multiple languages, so be sure to select your preferred language when booking.
Please note that entry to the Roman Forum and Arena Floor is not included in this tour.
Cost of tickets
Shared Tour
Adult (18+ years): Starts from €60
Child (5 to 17 years): Starts from €48
Infant (4 years and younger): Starts from €8
Private Tour
Adult (18+ years): Starts from €229
Youth (12 to 17 years): Starts from €65
Child (5 to 11 years): Starts from €50
Colosseum Arena Twilight tour & Imperial Forum visit
Starting time: 4 pm
This immersive Colosseum tour grants access to the first and second levels, the Roman Forum, Arena Floor, and Trajan’s Column.
Your journey begins at the Colosseum’s central Arena, where gladiators once fought before thousands of spectators. Standing on the Arena Floor, you’ll gain a unique, up-close perspective of this legendary amphitheater.
An expert guide will then lead you through the Colosseum’s first and second levels, uncovering fascinating details about its history and architecture.
The tour continues along Via dei Fori Imperiali, one of Rome’s oldest and most historic roads, where your guide will tell tales of emperors, conquests, and daily life in ancient Rome.
Walking past the Roman Forum and Imperial Forum, you’ll witness the remnants of what was once the heart of Roman civilization.
The experience concludes at Trajan’s Column, a remarkable monument depicting Rome’s military triumphs.
As this is a group tour, headsets are provided to ensure you don’t miss a word of your guide’s captivating commentary during this two-hour exploration.
The meeting point is at Via della Polveriera, 8, 00184 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions
Cost of tickets
Adult (18+ years): Starts from €64
Child (6 to 17 years): Starts from €65
Infant (5 years and younger): Starts from €5
Explore more in a day
Why sunset tours are better than daytime tours?
Fewer crowds & a more peaceful experience: Sunset tours attract fewer visitors compared to the daytime rush, allowing for a quieter, more intimate exploration of the Colosseum. With smaller tour groups, you can move freely, take better photos, and fully immerse yourself in the history without distractions.
Stunning golden hour views: The warm, golden light of the setting sun transforms the Colosseum into a breathtaking spectacle. The play of light and shadows enhances the details of its ancient walls, creating the perfect setting for photography and a more visually striking experience.
Cooler temperatures for a comfortable tour: The Roman sun can be harsh, especially in summer, making midday visits exhausting. A sunset tour offers a much cooler and more pleasant experience, ideal for families, older travelers, and anyone looking to explore without the discomfort of the heat.
More engaging storytelling & guided experience: With fewer crowds and a dramatic sunset backdrop, guides can create a more immersive storytelling experience. Hearing about the Colosseum’s history—gladiator battles, emperors, and its architectural marvels—feels even more powerful as the day transitions into night.
Exclusive access to the colosseum at night: Some sunset tours extend into the evening, allowing visitors to see the Colosseum illuminated under soft lights. The night setting adds an eerie yet magical atmosphere, making it a unique experience that daytime visitors miss.
Did you know that you can also visit the Colosseum at night?
Know before you go
- All Guided tour tickets include skip-the-line access to the Colosseum, but the security checkpoints cannot be skipped. So arrive early and be at the meeting point 15-30 minutes before your tour starts.
- It is mandatory to carry a valid ID during your visit.
- Some tickets require the correct names of the tourists to be entered and verified twice before the trip starts. You will be asked for this information when booking your tickets.
- The order in which the sites are visited during the tour can vary; the Colosseum may be explored first, followed by the archaeological sites, or vice versa.
- When you visit the Colosseum, remember to bring enough water and wear comfortable shoes, as this attraction requires a lot of walking.
- Bring a camera because the golden-hour lighting is perfect for photography.
- Check the weather and avoid booking on rainy days for the best experience.
- Travel light since large bags are not allowed inside the Colosseum.
Did you know you can enter through the Colosseum’s ‘Death Gate’ for a unique experience? Find out about all the Colosseum entrances.
When in Rome, do what the Romans do – learn to be a Gladiator. This unique experience lets you familiarize yourself with the ancient gladiator weapons, clothing, and sports and grants access to the Gladiator School of Rome Museum.
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