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Colosseum Arena tickets & tours
Elevate your Colosseum visit with an expert-led tour and exclusive Arena Floor access—walk where gladiators fought.
- Everything you get: Skip the wait with timed entry and follow your expert guide through the seating rows as well as the museum displaying historic artifacts on level 2. Step onto the exclusive Arena Floor, where gladiators fought for survival, before exploring the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
- Why choose this? Most tours don't include the Arena Floor—this one takes you onto it. Walk where gladiators fought and experience the Colosseum like never before with an expert guide who brings history to life.
- Upgrade: Choose between a small group tour (15 guests) for a more intimate, interactive experience or a larger group tour (25 guests) for a budget-friendly option.
Elevate your Colosseum visit with an expert-led tour and exclusive Arena Floor access—walk where gladiators fought.
- Everything you get: Skip the wait with timed entry and follow your expert guide through the seating rows as well as the museum displaying historic artifacts on level 2. Step onto the exclusive Arena Floor, where gladiators fought for survival, before exploring the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
- Why choose this? Most tours don't include the Arena Floor—this one takes you onto it. Walk where gladiators fought and experience the Colosseum like never before with an expert guide who brings history to life.
- Upgrade: Choose between a small group tour (15 guests) for a more intimate, interactive experience or a larger group tour (25 guests) for a budget-friendly option.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum
- English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian or German speaking guide (as per option selected)
- Small group of 15 people (as per option selected)
- Special access to the Colosseum Arena floor
- Access to Colosseum tier 1, 2 & Museum
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Guided tour of Arena
- Access to Underground and upper floors
- Hotel transfers
- The experience is not accessible by wheelchair, pram/stroller baby carriage, or people with mobility issues.
- Rain or shine, this tour won't be canceled. If there is a heavy downpour, some areas of the tour will be closed for safety reasons.
- Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID with you to gain entry. Photo IDs are mandatory for minors and adults.
- This tour is strictly for adults only (18+). Tickets for individuals under 18 are not available. If a minor (under 18) arrives with an adult ticket, they may be denied entry.
- The order of attractions visited might be subject to change. Your guide will help you navigate all 3 sites daily of the crowds.
- As there is no timed entrance to the Palatine and Forum, it is impossible to skip entry lines. Please expect a delay when entering these sites.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Small group tour with up to 15 guests that allows more interaction and attention.
- Enjoy a personalized and intimate experience on a small-group tour that lets you fully immerse in the rich history of 3 of Rome's architectural wonders.
- Beat the large crowds on your way to the Colosseum. Dive straight into Colosseum's action with an intimate group led by your guide.
- Roam the amphitheater and the halls as your guide reveals the hidden legends of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- Savor picture-perfect moments and sweeping panoramic views from the city's best vantage points at Palatine Hill.
Small group tour with up to 15 guests that allows more interaction and attention.
- Enjoy a personalized and intimate experience on a small-group tour that lets you fully immerse in the rich history of 3 of Rome's architectural wonders.
- Beat the large crowds on your way to the Colosseum. Dive straight into Colosseum's action with an intimate group led by your guide.
- Roam the amphitheater and the halls as your guide reveals the hidden legends of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- Savor picture-perfect moments and sweeping panoramic views from the city's best vantage points at Palatine Hill.
Inclusions
- Small-group guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Expert local English, Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, or German-speaking guide
- Access to the Colosseum floors 1 and 2
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Group of up to 15 guests
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Access to the Colosseum underground, arena floor, or upper floors
- Tip: At the Roman Forum, ask your guide about the ancient religious practices in the House of the Vestal Virgins, once occupied by priestesses who tended the sacred fire of Vesta.
- The experience is not accessible by wheelchair, pram/stroller baby carriage, or people with mobility issues.
- Rain or shine, this tour won't be canceled. If there is a heavy downpour, some areas of the tour will be closed for safety reasons.
- Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid Photo ID with you to gain entry.
- The order of attractions visited might be subject to change. Your guide will help you navigate all 3 sites daily of the crowds.
- As there is no timed entrance to the Palatine and Forum, it is not possible to skip entry lines. Please expect a delay when entering these sites.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reserved entry to the Colosseum at your selected time with the flexibility to explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill within 24 hours.
- Everything you get: Enter at your selected time and explore the seating rows where Romans watched battles unfold. Visit the on-site museum on Level 2, displaying artifacts from the Colosseum’s past. Head on to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill within 24 hours, uncovering ruins of temples, markets, and palaces.
- Why choose this? Most tickets require you to visit all three sites in one go—this one doesn’t. Enter the Colosseum at your selected time, then explore the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill anytime within the next 24 hours. No rush!
- Upgrades: Choose an audio guide for expert insights that accompany you on your phone, watch an immersive multimedia video to experience Ancient Rome before stepping into the amphitheater, or take advantage of an English guidebook to uncover hidden stories as you explore.
- Upgrade to include a visit of the Arena Floor, where gladiators once fought under the roar of the crowd, or explore Mamertine Prison, where history’s most infamous prisoners were held.
Reserved entry to the Colosseum at your selected time with the flexibility to explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill within 24 hours.
- Everything you get: Enter at your selected time and explore the seating rows where Romans watched battles unfold. Visit the on-site museum on Level 2, displaying artifacts from the Colosseum’s past. Head on to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill within 24 hours, uncovering ruins of temples, markets, and palaces.
- Why choose this? Most tickets require you to visit all three sites in one go—this one doesn’t. Enter the Colosseum at your selected time, then explore the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill anytime within the next 24 hours. No rush!
- Upgrades: Choose an audio guide for expert insights that accompany you on your phone, watch an immersive multimedia video to experience Ancient Rome before stepping into the amphitheater, or take advantage of an English guidebook to uncover hidden stories as you explore.
- Upgrade to include a visit of the Arena Floor, where gladiators once fought under the roar of the crowd, or explore Mamertine Prison, where history’s most infamous prisoners were held.
Inclusions
- Timed entry to the Colosseum
- Access tier 1 & 2 and Museum
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Special access to the Colosseum Arena (as per option selected)
- Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Polish, Italian & Chinese (as per option selected)
- Guidebook (as per option selected)
- Multimedia video (as per option selected)
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Live guide
- Access to the Colosseum underground or upper floors
- Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid Photo ID with you to gain entry.
- Please note that timed priority entry is only available at the Colosseum, but the tickets for the Forum and Palatine will remain valid for an additional 24 hours after the Colosseum entry time selected during booking.
- Note that there are 2 entrances: one for the Colosseum, and another for the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (combined). You may enter each entrance ONLY ONCE and not re-enter.
- The security check can take 30 mins or more. To make the process quicker, please insert any object (including mobile phone) in the bag/backpack or in the tray to be included in the X-ray.
- Going for the audio guide? Simply ensure that the guides are downloaded on the Headout app before your visit. It’s super simple to use, and you get offline access with an easy language-switching feature. Just make sure your phone is fully charged and don’t forget to bring your favorite headphones!
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Explore the restricted Underground chambers, where gladiators and wild animals awaited their fate before battle.
- Everything you get: Descend into tunnels, holding cells, and trapdoors where gladiators prepared for battle. Then, step onto the Arena Floor and stand where battles once raged. Explore the seating tiers and museum, where ancient artifacts reveal Rome’s past. Your expert guide brings to life the spectacles, rulers, and warriors that shaped Roman entertainment.
- Why choose this? The only tour that grants full access to the Colosseum—from its Underground chambers to the Arena Floor and panoramic tiers. Step onto the battleground, then see it from the stands, just as spectators once did.
- Upgrades: Expand your journey into ancient Rome with a guided tour of the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, home to the Temple of Antoninus Pius, Temple of Saturn, and the Arch of Septimius Severus.
Explore the restricted Underground chambers, where gladiators and wild animals awaited their fate before battle.
- Everything you get: Descend into tunnels, holding cells, and trapdoors where gladiators prepared for battle. Then, step onto the Arena Floor and stand where battles once raged. Explore the seating tiers and museum, where ancient artifacts reveal Rome’s past. Your expert guide brings to life the spectacles, rulers, and warriors that shaped Roman entertainment.
- Why choose this? The only tour that grants full access to the Colosseum—from its Underground chambers to the Arena Floor and panoramic tiers. Step onto the battleground, then see it from the stands, just as spectators once did.
- Upgrades: Expand your journey into ancient Rome with a guided tour of the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, home to the Temple of Antoninus Pius, Temple of Saturn, and the Arch of Septimius Severus.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Colosseum & Underground
- English, Portuguese, French, Italian, or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- Exclusive Arena Floor access
- Exclusive Underground access
- Access to the Colosseum tier 1 & 2 and Museum
- Guided tour of Palatine Hill & Roman Forum with priority access (optional)
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Access to upper floors
- Hotel transfers
- All guests must go through an airport-style security check at entry for maximum safety. Expect to stand in line, this mandatory step cannot be skipped.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, baby carriages, and people with mobility issues.
- Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID with you to gain entry.
- Access to the underground is restricted to the general public. Be sure to book ahead to guarantee your spot!
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Top things to do in Rome
Quick Facts about the Colosseum Arena
- Location: Inside the Colosseum.
- Built: Between 70-80 AD.
- Original use: Battleground for gladiatorial contests, and dramas based on classical mythology.
- Structure: Wooden floor topped with sand.
- Dimensions: 87 m (287 ft) long and 55 m (180 ft) wide.
Why Visit The Colosseum Arena?
- A unique side of the Colosseum: The arena floor, once stained with the blood of gladiators and ferocious animals that fought to the death for the entertainment of both the affluent and the proletariat, is the focal point of the Colosseum.
- Insight into Roman history and culture: On this tour, you will get to hear eerie and enthralling tales about the Arena’s construction and restoration, the bloody fights, and more, giving you an insight into ancient Roman culture.
- Enjoy a 360-degree view of the Colosseum: Walk through one of the Gladiator gates onto the floor where combats took place. This allows you to experience the moment of entering the Colosseum as a gladiator would. As you stand on the Arena floor you can catch a 360-degree view of the amphitheater.
Your Colosseum Area Tickets Explained
Skip the Line Guided Tour
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
- These guided tours allow you skip-the-line access to the Emporer's Box and Arena of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- The skip-the-line access will ensure that you don't have to waste time standing in long lines. You can simply skip past the queue and enter the ancient amphitheater.
- Your expert guide gives you an overview of the history and culture of Rome while delving into stories about the Colosseum during its hay days.
- The tour is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
Cancelation Policy
You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Colosseum Skip the Line Tickets
Night Tour
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
- During this after-dark tour of Rome's massive amphitheater, you will get to explore the first and second tiers of the Colosseum.
- You will also gain entry to the restricted areas of the Colosseum such as the Arena floor.
- You also get to explore the Roman Forum.
- Going on this tour ensures that you get to enjoy a quiet, crowd-free experience.
- The small group size will ensure that you don't miss out on all the intriguing stories about the Colosseum's glory days that the guide will share.
Cancelation Policy
You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Colosseum Night ToursWhat can I do on a Colosseum arena floor tour?
Walk through the Gladiator Gate
Out of the 80 entrances of the Colosseum, 76 were reserved for the general public. The remaining 4 were known as the Grand Entrances, namely, the North Gate, the South Gate, the Gate of Life, and the Gate of Death. During gladiator games, the gladiators entered the arena through the Gate of Life and if they survived, exited through it. Those who were wounded or killed were taken out of the stadium through the Gate of Death. During the visit, you will be able to enter the Colosseum through the Gate of Life, which is today dubbed the "Gladiator's Gate", allowing you to experience what it might have been like to enter the amphitheater packed with spectators.
Walk on the Arena floor
Follow in the footsteps of ancient gladiators by walking on the partially reconstructed Arena floor. This unique experience provides a distinct perspective of the massive amphitheater and allows you to envision the magnitude of the events once held here. Imagine the roar of the crowd and the tension of the spectacles as you stroll across the sand-strewn platform, and you'll truly appreciate the Colosseum's Arena as the epicenter of Roman public life. However, it's important to remember that very little of the original arena floor remains today; what you will be walking on is a partially reconstructed section of the floor.
Explore underground tunnels
Underneath the Arena floor lie the underground tunnels, known as the hypogeum. Although separate from the Arena, these tunnels were integral to its function. The hypogeum, not part of the original construction, was commissioned by Emperor Domitian to house animals and gladiators as they prepared for the battles that took place above. This area is made of two levels of connected corridors and tunnels that connect to the main stage. and was equipped with complex machinery to lift men and beasts to the Arena. Today, you can explore these tunnels and witness first-hand the stark contrast between the glamour of the Arena and the harsh realities of the world beneath it.
Colosseum Underground Tours
Marvel at the architecture
Take in the grandeur of the Colosseum's architecture while standing at its heart. From the Arena, you can truly appreciate the intricate design of the remaining walls, the structural order of the seating areas, and the immense scale of the amphitheater. This unique perspective offers profound insight into the sophistication and grandeur of Roman engineering. While the image of the Colosseum from the outside is iconic, experiencing the architecture from the inside out is an opportunity not to be missed.
Frequently asked questions about Colosseum arena tickets
What is the Colosseum Arena?
The Colosseum Arena is the central stage of the Colosseum, an ancient Roman amphitheater in Rome, Italy. It functioned as the primary venue for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, and dramas based on Classical mythology during the Roman Empire.
Where can I purchase Colosseum Arena tickets?
Tickets can usually be purchased online or at the ticket office on-site. However, buying in advance is recommended to avoid long queues. It will also allow you the opportunity to see all the different ticket types that are available and choose the best one suited for your Colosseum visit.
How much do Colosseum Arena tickets cost?
Prices for Colosseum tickets that include Arena access can vary, typically starting at €54, depending on the type of tour selected. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, please check our website.
What can one do in the Colosseum arena?
For starters, it is a hair-raising experience to merely stand on the arena floor, although the modern version is a reconstruction of its past. You can also access the Gladiator/Stern Gate from inside, from where gladiators came on to the Colosseum floor. Stepping on to the arena also offers a unique interior perspective of the Colosseum.
What is the Rome gladiator arena made of?
Constructed mainly out of wood and covered with sand. The arena floor needed to be both strong enough to support the fights and animals, yet also replaceable to accommodate repairs and soak up blood and other fluids. Now, you can see a reconstructed section of the wooden arena floor during your visit to the Colosseum today.
Who can enter the Colosseum Arena?
The Colosseum Arena is accessible to the public, but access may be restricted to those who have booked tickets that provide access to this section. Do purchase your tickets in advance, as entry to the specific areas inside the Colosseum is often limited to manage the number of people and preserve the site.
Does my Colosseum Arena ticket give me access to other parts of the amphitheatre?
Typically, a standard Colosseum ticket will give you access to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill. However, access to specific areas like the Hypogeum usually requires a special ticket. Be sure to confirm what your ticket includes at the time of purchase.
What happened underneath the Colosseum floor?
A complex network of tunnels and chambers, known as the hypogea, existed underneath the arena floor. This underground network housed gladiators, animals, scenery, and stage machinery.
What events took place on the Colosseum arena?
-Gladiatorial combats: These were the most famous events, featuring gladiators fighting each other or wild animals.
-Venationes: Animal hunts showcased exotic beasts like lions, tigers, bears and elephants.
-Naumachie, or mock naval battles: In the ancient times, it was believed that the arena was flooded to orchestrate naval battles.
-Executions: Condemned criminals sometimes faced their punishment in the arena.
What is the cancelation policy for Colosseum Arena tours?
Ticket cancellation or change policies can vary. Most Colosseum Arena tours allow you to cancel up to 48 hours in advance to get a full refund. Ensure that you check for the cancelation policy beforehand.
