Originally Posted by
boybi
I was thinking my thread would also be of help to other visitors to Italy, as I've posted, when I search for like Colosseum tickets, the results will mostly be from guided tours. I don't like being in a tour group, so I just wanted to book entrance tickets online to save on queuing time to purchase tickets at the site, not because I am afraid of being pickpocketed.
I've enjoyed the Colosseum and Forum independently, using Rick Steves' audio tours - free to download on your phone.
Just be aware that at the Colosseum and the Forum, there are areas that can only be accessed with a tour guide. Of specific interest, the houses of Augustus and Livia on the Palatine have just recently been restored and opened but only to guided tours. Also the underground areas of the Colosseum require a guide.