Rome got 2 days

When are you going - busier time of year? It’s been almost 7 full years since we were there, in December, and maybe policies and strategies have changed, so I won’t weigh in on ticket suggestions. Except for the Colosseum, definitely add the Underground Tour option. Worth seeing the foundations and parts of the passageways used to shuttle animals and people around for the spectacles. You also get to see the place from the ground level, looking up at the seating area and others milling around above.

You can buy the tickets from the official website. I did this and printed out the tickets prior our trip. I found this to be easy and efficient with no scammers aggravating me.

Not to disparage, and if you only have two days in Roma it's better than none. But we did 3 days, 2 nights in 2010, running around via taxis and the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus to see everything, and it was a blurry meh-fest.

In contrast, two years ago we spent a leisurely week at an apartment overlooking a daily market. Bought a weekly bus/Metro pass. Had rough plans but would decide each day over a breakfast of coffee, fruit and cured meat and cheese what to do. And in February, we didn't need reservations for anything. It was glorious.

Rome takes time to 'get'. Hope you have a great time!

do I need to buy tickets ahead of time

Yes, if you don't want to stand in a very long ticket line.

Can I buy a tour there ?

Most tours sell out in advance, and this is especially true for high season. If you want to take one of the economical options offered by the Colosseum itself, then book one in advance from the website:

https://www.coopculture.it/en/the-colosseum.cfm

I like the YouTube videos by The Tour Guy
Here's one he did on "see Rome in a Day"
https://youtu.be/Z3pTI9je2ZQ

His company offers tours but he does lots of videos for exploring on your own

hi Pecanlady,

December is slow time in Rome. Except for Vatican, I don't think you need to buy tickets in advance. Don't need a tour. I would have the podcast and Guide book and leave some time aside for exploration. That way, let the place tell you stuff rather than have everything explained.

If you really want to understand Rome, watch some movies like Roman Holiday, Three Coins in the Fountain or some of the Fellini movies.

MK

December is slow time in Rome.

The OP doesn't state what month she'll be traveling.

I’ve been to the Colosseum twice, once in April, once in July. Both times the ticket lines were crazy long. I personally would buy in advance. Why squander your very short time in Rome by waiting in line, or worse, getting there and finding it sold out?