Best Colosseum Night Tours
I still remember my first time strolling past the Colosseum at night: the warm glow of the floodlights bounced off its ancient stones, and there was a hush in the air that you rarely experience during the day.
While I’d seen the Colosseum countless times before, that nighttime visit felt like a journey back in time, almost as if I could hear distant echoes of gladiators, wild animals, and excited crowds.
Now, I’d like to share everything I’ve learned about visiting the Colosseum at night in 2025, especially since there have been changes from the special schedule they offered in 2024.
Sneak peek about my Colosseum Night Tour Experience
Last year (2024), the Colosseum offered a special event called “Una Notte al Colosseo” every Thursday from July 4 to December 19. They opened the monument as late as midnight (from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.)
so you could explore the first level, the underground tunnels, and even step onto the arena floor. I had a chance to go in early August, and it was truly magical. There were far fewer visitors than during the day, and the soft nighttime lighting made every archway and corridor feel mysterious and grand.
One of my favorite parts was standing on the arena floor with only a few people around. It made me imagine how gladiators once entered that very spot, greeted by the roar of the crowd. The guided tour lasted about an hour, weaving through dimly lit passageways where you could almost feel the history beneath your feet.
There was also a fascinating permanent exhibition with holographic projections and restored artifacts—a modern twist that brought ancient Rome back to life.
Will the Colosseum Offer the Same After-Hours in 2025?
Unfortunately, there’s no official announcement (as of now) confirming that the exact same late-night schedule will return in 2025. It might come back in the summer, or they might tweak the visiting hours. My advice? Keep an eye on the official Colosseum website or local news in Rome if you’re hoping for those special after-hours openings again.
In the meantime, there are still evening tours that start later in the day, often right after general closing time. So you can still get that atmospheric visit without the daytime crowds. These tours usually begin in the early evening (often around sunset or slightly later), giving you that magical nighttime vibe.
By the way, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive night experience in Rome, there are tours that go beyond just the Colosseum. These tours might cover multiple monuments like the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and various piazzas and many guides will show you the Colosseum from the outside as well, which can be surprisingly exciting. Seeing it illuminated against the night sky can be just as thrilling, if not more, than heading inside for a quick glimpse. Below, I’ve listed some of the tours I personally recommend for an unforgettable nocturnal adventure in the Eternal City.
Discover the Colosseum at night for a cooler, less crowded experience, including rare arena-floor access.
Consider exploring Rome’s “La Dolce Vita” at night, savoring pizza, gelato, illuminated monuments, and a wish at the Trevi Fountain.
Consider taking a golden hour guided tour of the Colosseum, skipping long lines and quickly entering after security.
Consider a sunset Colosseum tour to deepen your understanding of the Roman Empire while enjoying the city’s nighttime beauty and historic charm.
Recommended Tour
VIP After-Hours Colosseum by evening Tour
Explore Ancient Rome after sunset by admiring the moonlit Forum, then walk onto the Colosseum’s once-restricted Arena Floor, where gladiators once fought.
About this activity
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Duration: ~ 2 hours
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Live Tour Guide: English
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Colosseum Ticket: Included
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Exclusive Arena Floor access
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VIP After-Hours Entry
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See also the Roman Forum
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Small Group: max. 10 people
Tour Itinerary
Trajan’s Column & Via dei Fori Imperiali
Begin at Trajan’s Column near Piazza Venezia, then follow Via dei Fori Imperiali for a nighttime perspective of the Roman Forum. Envision the once-bustling marketplace where politicians gathered and triumphal parades took center stage.
Roman Forum (Outside View)
Take in the sweeping nighttime panorama of the Roman Forum from the outside. With the day’s crowds gone, you’ll better appreciate the grand silhouettes of ancient temples and civic spaces.
Colosseum by Night – Arena Floor Access
Enter the Colosseum after closing time for a cooler, calmer experience. Walk across the usually restricted Arena Floor—where gladiators once fought—and see newly discovered medieval graffiti. Be sure to capture unforgettable shots of the amphitheater glowing in the night sky.
Trajan’s Column & Via dei Fori Imperiali
Begin at Trajan’s Column near Piazza Venezia, then follow Via dei Fori Imperiali for a nighttime perspective of the Roman Forum. Envision the once-bustling marketplace where politicians gathered and triumphal parades took center stage.
Roman Forum (Outside View)
Take in the sweeping nighttime panorama of the Roman Forum from the outside. With the day’s crowds gone, you’ll better appreciate the grand silhouettes of ancient temples and civic spaces.
Colosseum by Night – Arena Floor Access
Enter the Colosseum after closing time for a cooler, calmer experience. Walk across the usually restricted Arena Floor—where gladiators once fought—and see newly discovered medieval graffiti. Be sure to capture unforgettable shots of the amphitheater glowing in the night sky.
Recommended Tour
Rome by Night Tour with Pizza & Gelato
Go beyond the Colosseum and explore Rome’s most dazzling landmarks under the stars, then indulge in authentic pizza and homemade gelato.
About this activity
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Duration: ~4 hours
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Live Tour Guide: English
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Pickup & Drop-off: Included
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Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
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Food & Drink: Pizza dinner & gelato
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Group Size: Small group
Tour Itinerary
Pickup in Rome (by Minivan)
Your driver-guide will collect you at your hotel or another agreed meeting point, ensuring a comfortable start to your evening adventure.
Guided Tour of Rome’s Highlights (3 hours total, including photo stops)
- Roman Forum & Colosseum (external night views): Catch a glimpse of these ancient icons bathed in atmospheric lighting.
- Pantheon: Pause for photos and a brief look inside this remarkable temple-turned-church.
- Piazza Navona: Admire the stunning Baroque fountains while soaking up the lively evening vibe.
- Spanish Steps: Stroll around this elegant square, popular with both locals and visitors.
- Castel Sant’Angelo: Marvel at the fortress’s silhouette by the Tiber River under the moonlight.
- Trevi Fountain: Embrace tradition by tossing a coin into the fountain for good luck.
Pizza Dinner & Gelato
Satisfy your appetite with an authentic Italian pizza and a refreshing soft drink at a local eatery. Then treat yourself to a scoop (or two) of velvety gelato from a classic gelateria.
Return to Rome
Relax as you’re driven back to your hotel or chosen drop-off location, rounding out your memorable Roman evening.
Pickup in Rome (by Minivan)
Your driver-guide will collect you at your hotel or another agreed meeting point, ensuring a comfortable start to your evening adventure.
Guided Tour of Rome’s Highlights (3 hours total, including photo stops)
- Roman Forum & Colosseum (external night views): Catch a glimpse of these ancient icons bathed in atmospheric lighting.
- Pantheon: Pause for photos and a brief look inside this remarkable temple-turned-church.
- Piazza Navona: Admire the stunning Baroque fountains while soaking up the lively evening vibe.
- Spanish Steps: Stroll around this elegant square, popular with both locals and visitors.
- Castel Sant’Angelo: Marvel at the fortress’s silhouette by the Tiber River under the moonlight.
- Trevi Fountain: Embrace tradition by tossing a coin into the fountain for good luck.
Pizza Dinner & Gelato
Satisfy your appetite with an authentic Italian pizza and a refreshing soft drink at a local eatery. Then treat yourself to a scoop (or two) of velvety gelato from a classic gelateria.
Return to Rome
Relax as you’re driven back to your hotel or chosen drop-off location, rounding out your memorable Roman evening.
Practical Tips Around the Colosseum
Nearby Transport
The Metro stop “Colosseo” (Line B) is right next to the amphitheater, but service hours can vary, so check the schedule if you’ll be staying out late. Taxis and ride-sharing are generally easy to find in Rome’s center.
Evening Dining
If you finish your tour around 9 or 10 p.m., you can still find plenty of late-night restaurants or cafés in the nearby Monti district—just a short walk away. Monti is known for its eclectic wine bars and trattorias.
Photos and Etiquette
Be mindful of other visitors when taking flash photos at night, as the brightness can disrupt the ambiance. And never touch or climb on the ancient stones—besides being disrespectful to a UNESCO heritage site, it’s also illegal.
How to Prepare for Your Night Tour
Book in Advance
Night tours tend to have limited spots, especially those with special access to the arena or underground. Once bookings open, secure your place quickly.
Check the Weather
Rome can be pretty warm in the evening, even past sunset, especially in July and August. Bring a light jacket or sweater if you’re visiting in spring or autumn; the temperature can drop after dark.
Comfortable Footwear
This isn’t the time for fancy shoes. The Colosseum floors (especially underground) can be uneven and steep. You’ll want sturdy sneakers or comfortable walking shoes.
Arrive Early
Even if the tour is at night, consider getting there 15–20 minutes ahead of your scheduled time. You might need to pass through security, and lines can still form.
Bring ID
Sometimes official tours require identification or the credit card used for booking, so keep that handy.
Plan Your Post-Tour Transport
Check public transport timetables in advance or consider booking a taxi if your tour ends late. This way, you can avoid the stress of finding a ride at the last minute.
Personal Reflections: The Magic of a Nighttime Visit
I’ve spent a lot of days wandering around the Colosseum, figuring out the best photo angles, the perfect vantage points, the quieter corners. But nothing compares to the experience once the sun goes down. Maybe it’s the way the lighting creates shadows that dance along the walls, or the fact that the crowds thin out so you can almost hear your own footsteps echoing in ancient corridors.
During my 2024 visit, one moment stands out: We were standing on the arena floor, the guide had just finished explaining the complex network of lifts beneath our feet, and everyone in my small group just fell silent for a minute. All you could hear was the breeze passing through the arches. It felt like the Colosseum itself was telling its story.
That’s the magic of a nighttime tour, you get a glimpse of Rome’s history in a setting that’s both dramatic and intimate. Even if the official “Una Notte al Colosseo” doesn’t make a comeback in 2025, I highly recommend you schedule some kind of evening visit. The city is extraordinary at any hour, but after dark, places like the Colosseum take on a life of their own.
