Seeing the Colosseum at night is one of those Rome experiences that people still talk about years later. The crowds are gone, the arches glow in warm light and the city noise drops away. But night openings are limited to selected dates, and not every « night tour » actually takes you inside. Here is how to book the right one.
Colosseum night tours available
Inside vs outside: two very different « night tours »
| Format | What you get | Price | Our view |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided night tour inside | Evening entry, guide, often underground & arena | ~€60–100 | The real thing — book this |
| Official evening opening | Timed entry on selected nights, limited route | varies | Great if your date matches |
| « Rome by night » walking tour | Colosseum and Forum from outside, plus other sights | ~€25–45 | Nice stroll, not a visit |
Colosseum underground & arena night tour
Our pick- Duration: ~2 h
- Price: from ~€90
- Group: small
- Season: selected evenings
The most atmospheric way to see the hypogeum: you walk the corridors where gladiators waited, then step onto the arena floor under the lights. Want the daytime version? Read our Colosseum underground tour guide.
Colosseum night visit with arena
Best value- Duration: 1–1.5 h
- Price: from ~€60
- Includes: tiers and/or arena
A shorter evening visit focused on the amphitheatre itself. Perfect after dinner in Monti, ten minutes’ walk away.
Read also: Best Colosseum tours
Is a night tour better than a day visit?
- ✔ Pros
- Far fewer people, better photos
- Cooler temperatures in summer
- Many night tours include the underground
- A unique memory of Rome
- ✘ Cons
- Limited dates and times
- No Roman Forum or Palatine (closed at night)
- Usually pricier than a day tour
If it is your first time in Rome, the best combination is a day tour of the Forum and Palatine (included in every Colosseum ticket) plus a night visit of the Colosseum itself.
Tips for a Colosseum night tour
- Check the date first: night tours are not daily. If your evening is not listed, it is not running.
- Bring a light layer: the underground stays cool even in summer.
- Eat first or after in Monti (Via del Boschetto, Via Panisperna) — or join a Rome food tour the next evening.
- Photography: no tripods; phones handle the lighting well.
- Getting back: metro line B runs until about 11:30 p.m. (later on Fridays and Saturdays); taxis wait on Via dei Fori Imperiali.
Quick quiz: test yourself before you go
1/2 Are the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill open on Colosseum night tours?
Night tours cover the Colosseum only; visit the Forum and Palatine during the day.
2/2 When do Colosseum night openings mostly run?
Night visits are seasonal and limited to specific dates.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Colosseum at night?
Yes, on selected evenings with an official night opening or a guided night tour, mostly between spring and early autumn. Outside those dates you can only admire it from outside.
How much is a Colosseum night tour?
Expect about €60–100 per person for a guided night visit inside, depending on whether the underground is included.
Does the Colosseum night tour include the underground?
Many do, but not all. Check that the listing mentions the underground or hypogeum.
What time do Colosseum night tours start?
Usually after the daytime closing, between about 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. depending on the season.
Affiliate disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links to GetYourGuide. If you book through them we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and were checked in October 2026 — the live price on the booking page always prevails.