Rome Attractions
The Colosseum at night offers an entirely different experience compared to daytime visits.
As the sun sets and the crowds fade, the ancient amphitheater transforms into a breathtaking spectacle, illuminated by golden lights against the night sky.
A Colosseum Night Tour allows visitors to explore this iconic landmark without the overwhelming daytime crowds, offering a more intimate and immersive experience.
With skip-the-line access, a guided tour, and exclusive entry to the Arena Floor, you can step onto the ground where gladiators once fought and witness the Colosseum’s grandeur in a calm and mysterious atmosphere.
Whether you choose the 5 PM evening tour to enjoy the sunset or the later night tour for a dramatic after-dark experience, both options provide a unique way to explore this historic site.
Since night tours have limited availability, it’s best to book in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
Read on to discover the best Colosseum night tours, what to expect, ticket details, and why this after-dark adventure is worth it!
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Why visit the Colosseum at night?
Visiting the Colosseum is a must when in Rome. At night, you can see the Colosseum, beautifully lit up under the night sky, creating a captivating and mysterious atmosphere.
Night tours tend to have fewer visitors, allowing for a more intimate experience. With fewer people around, you can appreciate the architecture and history in a quieter setting.
As the sun sets and the summer heat fades, you can witness the beautiful sunset view and the entire monument bathed in a soft golden glow.
Go beyond: Check out the best guided tours and underground tours of the Colosseum for exclusive access to restricted areas.
Colosseum Night Tour tickets
If you wish to see the Colosseum after dark, you have two options – book the evening tour or the night tour.
Whichever tour you opt for, we suggest you book them right away because they sell out at least two to three months before.
Colosseum Evening Tour
This Colosseum Evening Guided tour lets you explore the Colosseum in the golden hour, just as the sun sets over Rome.
This tour starts at 5 pm and lasts two hours.
This semi-private tour of 11 people or less offers skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum Upper Level, Arena floor and the Roman Forum.
A local English-speaking guide will take you through the history of this Roman attraction.
The meeting point is Foro Traiano, 3607, 00187 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions
This tour offers free cancellation up to 4 days in advance for a full refund.
Cost of tickets
Adult (15+ years): Starts from €134
Child (6 to 14 years): Starts from €124
Colosseum Night Tour
This guided night tour offers after-hours entry to the Colosseum, Underground chambers and the Arena.
The tour lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes, with a maximum of 25 participants.
This tour does not include access to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.
The meeting point of this tour is Piazza del Colosseo, 21, 00184 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions
It is easily accessible by public transport. The meeting point is just in front of the Colosseo metro station. Look for the staff with the ‘Discover Rome Tours’ sign.
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Things to know before booking a Colosseum Night Tour
- Night tours are guided, and there’s no free-roam access like in the daytime.
- The tickets include entry to the Colosseum and the Arena, but not to the Roman Forum or Palatine Hill unless otherwise specified in the ticket.
- Book in advance! Night tours are available only on select days and sell out quickly. It’s best to book at least one to two months in advance.
- Security checks are mandatory. Large bags, backpacks, and sharp objects are not allowed. Arrive early to avoid missing your slot.
- When booking, travelers must provide their full names and present a valid passport or ID document matching the name provided.
Related: Best and worst times to visit the Colosseum
Colosseum at night vs. day
A day and night visit to the Colosseum has pros and cons.
Colosseum by day
- You can choose between self-guided and guided tours
- You can book your entry ticket for any time during the day
- After visiting the Colosseum, you can also visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- It gets very crowded during the day
- The weather is hot because there is no cover
Colosseum at night
- The monument is lit up, creating amazing visuals both inside and outside
- Without the crowd, it seems like a private tour of the attraction
- You get to explore areas not available as part of the regular daytime ticket
- The darkness brings about a thrill and excitement which the day tour can’t match
- The night tour tickets cost much more than the regular daytime tickets
- The night tour tickets sell out much in advance, so you have to plan much ahead
- You can only see the Rome Colosseum at night. Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are not part of the night tours
It won’t be fair on our part to pick one tour over the other.
But having said that, if you prefer a quiet, intimate experience, the Colosseum at night is better.
If you like taking your time and exploring at your own pace, then a daytime visit might be better for you.
Did you know that you can also visit the Colosseum at sunset?
Is the Colosseum Night Tour Worth It?
If you are wondering whether the Colosseum Night Tour is worth it, here is what you get:
✅ Skip-the-line access – Enter the Colosseum without waiting in long queues, ensuring a hassle-free and time-efficient experience.
✅ Exclusive night entry – Experience the Colosseum after dark, when crowds are very less, and the monument is beautifully illuminated under golden lights.
✅ Guided tour experience – Learn from an expert guide about the Colosseum’s history, gladiator battles, and the significance of its architecture in ancient Rome.
✅ Dramatic lighting effects – Witness the Colosseum’s arches, corridors, and passageways glowing under the night sky, creating a mysterious and atmospheric setting.
✅ Cooler temperatures – Avoid the intense daytime heat and explore the Colosseum in a much more comfortable and pleasant climate.
✅ A more intimate experience – With fewer visitors allowed inside, enjoy a quieter and more immersive tour without the usual daytime crowds.
✅ Limited availability – Book in advance! Night tours have fewer slots and sell out quickly, so securing your tickets ahead of time is highly recommended.
Did you know you can enter through the Colosseum’s ‘Death Gate’ for a unique experience? Find out about all the Colosseum entrances.
FAQs about the Colosseum Night tours
Here are some questions tourists ask about night tours to the ancient Roman stadium.
Can you visit the Colosseum at night?
Yes! However, night visits are only possible with a guided tour, as general admission tickets are valid only during the day. The Colosseum Night Tour provides a unique, crowd-free experience with expert commentary, access to the Arena Floor, and stunning views of the illuminated monument.
Can you take pictures during a night tour?
Yes! Photography is allowed, and night tours offer incredible opportunities to capture the Colosseum in an eerie setting.
Are there fewer tourists at night?
Absolutely! The Colosseum Night Tour has limited slots, so there will be fewer crowds than during daytime visits. This makes it one of the best times to experience the amphitheater in a peaceful and exclusive setting, free from the usual tourist rush.
How long is the Colosseum night tour?
Most night tours last 90 minutes to 2 hours. Some evening tours start at 5 pm and offer a sunset view, while other tours allow you to see the Colosseum in complete darkness.
What areas of the Colosseum are included in the night tour?
Most Colosseum night tours include entry to the main levels and the Arena Floor. Some of them also include entry to the Underground. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are not included in most tours.
Do you need to book a Colosseum night tour in advance?
Yes! Night tours have very limited availability and sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist months. It’s recommended to book your tickets at least a few weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and time slot.
What is the difference between the evening tour and the night tour?
The evening tour (5 pm – 7 pm) offers a beautiful sunset view of the Colosseum, allowing you to see it in both natural daylight and under early evening lighting. The night tour (after 7 pm) is a darker, more mysterious experience under the night sky.
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