seeing the "additional sites" of the Colosseum on special tours - worth it?

Hi Tamara,
If you are getting a tour of the Coliseum already, it should include the underground and third tier. We took a tour with coop culture for 11 euro each. It required buying the tickets at a very specific time in advance, which for us meant in the middle of the night on a specific day the month before, but it was straightforward, and yes, going underground and to the third tier was great (we were parents and 3 kids 9, 12, 14). I don't know about Nero's palace or the VR tour

Best,
Jessica

Thanks Jessica. I checked and our tour of the Colosseum does not include the arena floor and 3rd level.

Third tier is now a separate ticket. The underground gives you a close up of what you see from above and a view of a reconstructed lift the Romans would have used to get up to the floor. It's fine, but if you can get to the arena floor (I think) where you walk out on a platform above this underground, you get a pretty decent view. A guided tour might give you some better info than you could get on your own, even if it's the one offered through the Colosseum and not a separate tour company. I'm not sure the underground is necessary, really, if you get to the arena floor platform. The Domus Aurea, however, was really interesting. It's chilly but not freezing and you might appreciate the coolness in August. (Maybe do this in the afternoon when it's too hot to do anything else?) Light wrap that can be tied around your waist is probably enough unless you're super sensitive to cold. There you learn how big Nero's complex was (the Colosseum site was his pool), and see some of the 2,000 year old painting still visible. The virtual reality 3d thing that you watch at one point to get a sense of what it was like when all intact was very well done.

The Colosseum was all good and fine, but I actually got more out of the Domus Aurea. I'm not a teenager but still think it would be worth it. For sure get tickets ahead of time.

Thanks. How do you get the Third Tier tickets and is that worth it?

Tamara, "worth it" for anything depends on how much time you have and how deep an interest you have in the attraction. No one can answer that question as one person's must-do is not someone else's.

logistics about how to carry jackets but then I can't take a backpack
into the Colosseum

Yes you can. You just can't take oversized backpacks. That or just tie the jackets around your waists during your visits. That's not difficult.

If you are getting a tour of the Coliseum already, it should include
the underground and third tier. We took a tour with coop culture for
11 euro each

No it doesn't include both unless you purchase the right tour. The current combo Underground + Belvedere (upper tiers) tour costs 15 euro + 2 euro reservation fee PLUS general-entry tickets fees for adults. Those can be purchased at the event desk when you arrive for your tour. The tour will also cost full price for children 12 and over, although there is no need purchase the additional general-entry tickets for under age 18. Bring their passports for proof of age.

http://www.coopculture.it/en/ticket.cfm?office=Colosseo%2C%20Sotterranei%20%2C%20Terzo%20Ordine%20e%20Belvedere&id=0&evento=6

"Individuals guided tour_ undergrounds + colosseum belvedere
price: full price € 15.00 | free: for under 12."

http://ecm.coopculture.it/index.php?option=com_snapp&view=event&id=E70BA522-3BA1-4BC5-071A-015FBFEA7456&catalogid=AC297F8A-566C-CF3B-18A5-015FC0002E80&lang=en

Tamara, as stated correctly, the Third Tier and Underground are separate tickets, you have to buy the regular ticket and additional ticket for 3rd Tier/Underground. We used the coopculture website and used their guides for this (you are not allowed to go on your own down to the Underground) and the guide was great and the cost was reasonable. Go the official website that was noted earlier in this thread. As warned, do not bring a big backpack there and I would suggest going first thing in the morning or as late as possible in late August, or you will be very hot. There are many steps so wear good supportive shoes.

Additional note: the Underground/Belvedere tours go on sale at 9:00 AM ROME TIME on the third Monday of every month for visits the following month, unless that Monday falls on a holiday. So, tours for August should not go on sale until the third Monday in July. They can sell out within minutes for high season so be online and ready to go at whatever 9:00 Rome time is in your time zone.

I was thinking of the Underground tour, but not sure if I should book the Belvedere tour too. Is it worth it? Any advice from people that have taken the tours would be appreciated.

Just a quick addition - if you want to do the underground but don't need the Belvedere, you can book an evening tour through Coopculture (at least, if you go in the summer). If I recall correctly (and I might not), it did not require a Colosseum admission as well since the Colosseum is closed to all except those on tours.

Do both. Both tours go to places that periodically close due to issues of conservation; do them both while you can!

Thanks Melissa. Looking at the coopculture site, I see the Belevedere only but not the Underground only. They are only booking out through end of March at this point, so not sure if Underground only will be added for the summer, and in the evening.

Tamara, this is the Underground tour in English.

http://ecm.coopculture.it/index.php?option=com_snapp&view=event&id=28410C15-602F-4539-A210-CE0B6183CEFB&catalogid=6D4FC07C-1720-64C8-4237-015D7A469554&lang=en

Thanks! I didn't see that one. Looks like at least until end of March (when it is booking to), the latest is 14:20pm. I will keep my eyes out. Thanks,

know that has been asked before but I thought i'd try again - if you had to choose to either to the Underground extension OR the Belvedere (upper), which would you choose? Thanks!

Chiming in on your Domus Aurea question.... I thoroughly enjoyed the Domus Aurea tour, and the VR experience is mind boggling. That said, the VR experience is in 1 room, not the entire tour. And yes, it is very cold underground. I visited in winter, so already was wearing my jacket. Not sure how to juggle the logistics of jackets and no backpack. I'm sure others can offer advice.

One alternative to consider for your kids would be the VR experience at the Baths of Caracalla. I did that VR experience this year, and greatly enjoyed it. There are 10 stops where you use the VR gear, and it gives you a much better sense of the scale of the Baths in their original state. I consider the Baths of Caracallas VR experience to be more interesting/engaging for kids. A recent discussion on that topic and other hidden gems can be found here: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/rome-smaller-must-sees-hidden-gems.