Colosseum Underground Tours | See ancient Rome’s backstage

Only way to access Colosseum’s restricted underground, where gladiators once awaited their fate before battling on the arena floor.

• Everything you get: Descend into a fragile maze of tunnels, cages, and ancient lifts, once holding gladiators and animals, preserved for two millennia and accessible to only a few visitors at a time. Step onto the Arena Floor where battles raged, then climb the tiers to grasp its sheer scale, as your guide talks about prep zones, VIP routes, stage mechanics, and more.
• Why choose this: The only tour with full Colosseum access, from Underground chambers to Arena Floor and panoramic tiers, limited to a select few daily. Stand where gladiators waited, fought, then see it from the stands like ancient spectators.
• Upgrades: Add a guided visit to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, home to the Temple of Antoninus Pius, Temple of Saturn, Arch of Septimius Severus, and other political monuments. Or choose an intimate group of 6 for a more personalized experience.

Inclusions #

• Special access guided tour of the Underground and Arena Floor

• Guided tour of Colosseum with reserved entry

• English, French, or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)

• Guided tour of Palatine Hill & Roman Forum with priority access (as per option selected)

• Small group of max 6 people (as per option selected)

• Headsets

Exclusions #

• Access to upper floors

• Hotel transfers

What to bring

• Valid passport or photo ID for all visitors, including minors.
• The full name of each participant (including children) must match the ID provided at entry.

What’s not allowed

• Luggage, large bags, pets, smoking, alcohol, drugs, weapons, sharp objects, glass items, sprays, or aerosols.
• Electric wheelchairs, prams, and strollers.

Accessibility

• The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, prams, strollers, or those with mobility issues.

Additional information

• Colosseum tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled check-in time; late arrivals will not be refunded.
• 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.
• Meeting time may change—updates will be sent via call or message.
• Rain or shine, tours operate. In case of heavy rain, some areas may be closed for safety.
• In July and August, the tour duration may be shortened to 2 hours due to heat.
• The order of attractions may vary to manage crowd levels.
• Access to the underground is restricted to the general public. Be sure to book ahead to guarantee your spot!

What to bring

• A valid photo ID is required for all participants and must match the name on the reservation.
• Download your audio guide in advance on the Headout app and bring charged headphones if applicable.

What’s not allowed

• Objects such as large bags, sharp items and loose electronics must be placed in the X-ray tray during security screening.

Additional information

• If your ticket includes Mamertine Prison, your visit must begin there and you must arrive at least 1 hour before your Colosseum time slot to collect your entry ticket.
• Timed access applies to the Colosseum only; Forum and Palatine Hill can be visited anytime within 24 hours but each entrance may be used only once.
• 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.
• Each site has different opening hours, so check in advance. Plan around 2–3 hours for the Colosseum, 1–1.5 hours each for Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, and 30–45 minutes for Mamertine Prison.

Inclusions #

• Timed entry to the Colosseum

• Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

• Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese

• Special access to the Colosseum Arena (as per option selected)

• Mamertine Prison access with audio guide (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Access to the Colosseum underground & Belvedere

• Headsets

Join an exclusive tour of the Arena, the gladiators’ battlefield, limited to just a few visitors at a time.

• Everything you get: Skip the crowds and enter through the Gladiator’s Gate, straight onto the fragile, partially reconstructed Arena floor—off-limits with standard tickets. With your expert guide, uncover stories of gladiator training, bloody clashes, political intrigue, and even ancient stadium lighting. Then continue to Palatine Hill’s imperial ruins and the Roman Forum’s grand temples, arches, and basilicas.
• Why choose this: Standard Colosseum access doesn’t include the arena floor—a rare privilege due to its very limited capacity and preservation needs. See the amphitheater from a gladiator’s-eye view, learn its significance from your guide, and finish amid the Forum’s ruins.
• Upgrade: Opt for a small-group tour (15 guests) for an intimate, interactive experience, or choose a regular group tour for a budget-friendly option.

Inclusions #

• Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum

• Special access guided tour of Arena Floor

• English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian or German speaking guide (as per option selected)

• Small group of 15 people (as per option selected)

• Timed entry to the Colosseum

• Headsets

What to bring

• Valid passport or photo ID for all visitors, including minors.
• The full name of each participant (including children) must match the ID provided at entry.

What’s not allowed

• Luggage, large bags, pets, smoking, alcohol, drugs, weapons, sharp objects, glass items, sprays, or aerosols.
• Electric wheelchairs, prams, and strollers.

Accessibility

• The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, prams, strollers, or those with mobility issues.
• All visitors must pass through a mandatory security check with metal detectors.

Additional information

• Colosseum tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled check-in time; late arrivals will not be refunded.
• Meeting time may change—updates will be sent via call or message.
• Rain or shine, tours operate. In case of heavy rain, some areas may be closed for safety.
• In July and August, the tour duration may be shortened to 2 hours due to heat.
• The order of attractions may vary to manage crowd levels.
• 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.