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Colosseum Arena Tickets & Tours
Experience the Colosseum’s epicenter with exclusive Arena Floor access—battlefield of the mighty gladiators.
- Everything you will get: Enter through the exclusive Gladiator’s Gate and stand on the Arena Floor for a fighter’s perspective of the amphitheater. With reserved timed entry, explore the level 1 seating, the Museum at level 2, and then roam the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill at your own pace with an immersive offline audio guide.
- Why choose this? Only experience that grants you rare access to Arena Floor—offering a chance to feel like Rome’s fiercest combatant, plus a self-paced tour with an offline audio guide.
Experience the Colosseum’s epicenter with exclusive Arena Floor access—battlefield of the mighty gladiators.
- Everything you will get: Enter through the exclusive Gladiator’s Gate and stand on the Arena Floor for a fighter’s perspective of the amphitheater. With reserved timed entry, explore the level 1 seating, the Museum at level 2, and then roam the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill at your own pace with an immersive offline audio guide.
- Why choose this? Only experience that grants you rare access to Arena Floor—offering a chance to feel like Rome’s fiercest combatant, plus a self-paced tour with an offline audio guide.
Inclusions
- Exclusive Arena floor access
- Timed entry to Colosseum
- Access level 1 & 2 and Museum
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Multilingual audio guide
Exclusions
- Live guide
- Colosseum underground and upper floor access
- 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.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Elevate your Colosseum visit with an expert-led tour and exclusive Arena Floor access—walk where gladiators fought.
- Everything you get: Enter at the time slot of your choosing 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: Enter at the time slot of your choosing 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.
- 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 Colosseum tour (15 guests max) with optional arena access for a more interactive experience.
- Everything you get: Enter the mighty Colosseum at your chosen time and enjoy a more personal experience with just 15 guests. Walk its ancient seating rows, visit the museum, dive into Roman history at the Forum and catch the panoramic city views at Palatine Hill—all in a small, engaging group.
- Why choose this? A small group means better access to your guide, fewer distractions, and a more engaging exploration of ancient Rome.
- Upgrades: Opt for Arena Floor access for an exclusive gladiator’s perspective.
Small-group Colosseum tour (15 guests max) with optional arena access for a more interactive experience.
- Everything you get: Enter the mighty Colosseum at your chosen time and enjoy a more personal experience with just 15 guests. Walk its ancient seating rows, visit the museum, dive into Roman history at the Forum and catch the panoramic city views at Palatine Hill—all in a small, engaging group.
- Why choose this? A small group means better access to your guide, fewer distractions, and a more engaging exploration of ancient Rome.
- Upgrades: Opt for Arena Floor access for an exclusive gladiator’s perspective.
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
- Arena floor access (as per option selected)
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Access to the Colosseum underground
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Meals
- 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.
- Opt for hosted entry to get personal assistance from a dedicated host, helping you save time, navigate lines, and reach the entrance smoothly, also includes an audio guide.
- 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.
- Opt for hosted entry to get personal assistance from a dedicated host, helping you save time, navigate lines, and reach the entrance smoothly, also includes an audio guide.
- 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, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese (as per option selected)
- Access to Mamertine Prison (as per option selected)
- Hosted entry with audio guide (as per option selected)
- Multimedia video (as per option selected)
- Booklet (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, or opt for a small group of 8 for a more personalized experience.
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, or opt for a small group of 8 for a more personalized experience.
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 (as per option selected)
- Small group of max 8 people (as per option selected)
- 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
Colosseum Arena in a nutshell
- Historical significance: The Arena Floor was the battleground where gladiators fought brutal duels, wild animals were unleashed, and grand spectacles entertained thousands of spectators.
- Structure: Originally a wooden floor covered in sand (harena in Latin, giving the arena its name), it concealed a complex underground network of tunnels and chambers.
- Dimensions: The Arena Floor spans 87m x 55m, covering the underground hypogeum.
- Materials used: Wood and sand (historically), with modern reconstructions using steel and wood to restore sections for visitors.
- Current use: A restricted-access area offering visitors a gladiator’s perspective of the Colosseum, providing unmatched views of its tiered seating and a deeper connection to its bloody past.
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 Arena tickets explained
Category
Arena Floor access
Additional features
Why go for it?
Recommended tours
Access only
✅
Expert-led tour of Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
Enjoy exclusive access to the Arena Floor, later learn about gladiator battles and Roman history from your guide.
Access + Audio Guide
✅
Audio guide in multiple languages, self-guided experience
Ideal for independent explorers who want flexibility while discovering the Colosseum’s history.
Premium access: Arena + Underground
✅
Expert guide, small group (max 8), guided tour of Colosseum with special access to Underground
Go beyond the Arena Floor and learn about Colosseum’s hidden secrets with exclusive access to the Underground tunnels where gladiators and animals awaited battle.
Highlights of the Colosseum Arena
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
A view unlike any other
From the Arena Floor, the Colosseum’s towering walls feel even more imposing, and the sheer scale of the amphitheater truly sinks in. Standing at its heart, you can fully appreciate the intricate design of the remaining walls, the structural order of the seating areas, and the brilliance of Roman engineering. Look up at the stands and imagine 50,000 Romans cheering (or jeering), as the arena buzzed with energy. While the Colosseum’s exterior is iconic, seeing it from the inside out—through the eyes of those who once stood here—is an experience not to be missed.
Frequently asked questions about Colosseum Arena tickets
Why are Colosseum Arena tickets so hard to get?
Arena access is severely limited to preserve the floor and manage crowds. This makes Arena tickets highly sought after and prone to selling out months in advance, especially in peak season. Don't expect to find last-minute availability.
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.
Does an Arena ticket guarantee access to the entire Colosseum?
No. An Arena ticket primarily grants access to the Arena Floor. Access to other areas, like the standard Colosseum levels, Underground, or Upper Levels, may require separate tickets or a combined tour package. Confirm what areas are covered before purchasing.
Are Colosseum Arena tickets cheaper if purchased on-site?
Typically, no. Arena access is often only available through pre-booked tours or online ticket packages. On-site ticket sales are rare, and if available, prices are unlikely to be lower. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
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.
How much extra does Arena access cost compared to standard tickets?
Expect to pay a significant premium for Arena access. Prices can range from 50% to 70% more than standard entry, reflecting the exclusivity and limited availability of these tickets. If someone is claiming to sell you arena access for a very low cost, make sure it is legitimate.
