Colosseum Arena Tour

Plan Your Visit
The Colosseum is the most visited and surely the most popular monument in Rome, in the whole of Italy in fact. It is the icon of the ancient Roman Empire and of the modern city today, much like the Eiffel tower in Paris. In its day, it was a symbol of prestige and the power, might and (savagery) of the ancient Romans.

January 2 to February 15 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM February 16 to March 15 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM March 16 to last Saturday of March 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Last Sunday of March to August 318:30 AM – 6:15 PM September 1 to September 30 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM October 1 to last Saturday of October 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Last Sunday of October to December 318:30 AM – 3:30 PM

● Large bags/backpacks or any kind of wheeled/roller bags ● Glass containers/bottles ● Weapons (including pocket knives) ● Aerosol sprays

Booking tickets in advance for the Colosseum is highly recommended to avoid long lines and ensure entry to this iconic attraction. By purchasing tickets beforehand, you can secure your preferred date and time slot, allowing for a smoother and more efficient visit. Additionally, booking in advance often offers the convenience of skip-the-line access, allowing you to bypass queues and make the most of your time exploring the Colosseum and its surroundings. With advanced ticket booking, you can look forward to a seamless and enjoyable visit to one of Rome's most renowned landmarks.

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The Colosseum in Rome has a long history that dates back to ancient times. It was built around 70-80 AD by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty. This massive amphitheater was used for various events, including gladiator fights, animal hunts, and mock naval battles. It could hold up to 80,000 spectators.

The Colosseum's design is impressive, showcasing ancient Roman engineering. It's a large oval-shaped structure with four levels, standing around 48 meters tall. Built using limestone, concrete, and bricks, it has three tiers of arches decorated with different types of columns. The lower part has Doric columns, the middle Ionic, and the upper Corinthian. With ramps, stairs, and tunnels, it allowed easy movement for people and animals during events. This clever design made it efficient for spectators to enter and leave, and for shows to be staged, highlighting the Romans' skill in architecture.

At night, the Colosseum lights up, looking majestic and enchanting against the dark sky. It's a captivating sight, reminding us of its thrilling history. People enjoy its beauty and the peaceful atmosphere around it. Viewing the Colosseum at night is a magical experience, connecting us to ancient Rome's rich past.

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Experience authentic Roman cuisine while in Rome. Despite the city's upscale dining options, nothing beats the flavour of street food. Seek out spots frequented by locals, a sign of delicious and high-quality fare.

Many restaurants in Rome automatically include a service charge in your bill to compensate the waitstaff. However, if you're particularly pleased with the service or if the bill doesn't include a service charge, it's customary to leave a 10% tip.

Wearing comfortable shoes in Rome is essential for exploring its charming streets and historical sites without discomfort. With countless attractions to discover on foot, comfortable footwear ensures you can enjoy the city's wonders.

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Join your friendly and knowledgeable guide with a small group to explore the highlights of Ancient Rome. Begin by heading to the impressive stadium, where you'll learn about its architecture and the Roman's love for games. Walk through the entrance and onto the arena floor, where gladiators once fought. After exploring the stadium, venture to the oldest part of Rome, Palatine Hill, where Emperors once lived in grand homes. Wander among the ruins, enjoying the serene surroundings and breathtaking views. Finally, descend into the Roman Forum, walking along ancient roads and marvelling at temples, offices, and the senate building.

Avoid waiting in line, gain insights into history, and marvel at the Colosseum and the Ancient City with the guidance of a knowledgeable local tour guide. Discover the rich history of these famous landmarks with your knowledgeable guide. Experience the grandeur of the Colosseum as you admire its impressive structure and learn about its past, including damage from earthquakes. Then, climb Palatine Hill to see amazing views and visit old ruins like the House of Augustus. Delve into the Roman Forum, once bustling with political activity and speeches. Marvel at architectural wonders like the Temple of Romulus. Throughout the tour, listen to captivating stories that offer fascinating insights into the history of Rome.

Experience the Colosseum and Roman Forum in a personalized and unforgettable way. A friendly and professional tour guide by your side will tailor your tour to your preferences. Explore the highlights of the Colosseum and Ancient Rome according to your interests and needs. Booking this tour ensures you bypass the crowds and enjoy a private entrance to the magnificent Colosseum. After meeting your guide at Trajan’s Column, you'll take a short walk through the Imperial Forum before entering the famous Roman Forum. Once you're in the archaeological site, your private guide will point out the most famous monuments, as well as the hidden gems that are often missed in larger tours.

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Visiting the Vatican in Rome is a must for its rich historical and spiritual significance. Housing the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church, it's a centre of global reverence. The Vatican Museums showcase a vast array of artistic treasures, including iconic works by Michelangelo and Raphael. The Sistine Chapel's mesmerizing frescoes, particularly Michelangelo's masterpiece on its ceiling, leave visitors spellbound. St. Peter's Basilica, with its awe-inspiring architecture and religious significance, is equally captivating.

Nestled in the heart of Rome, neighbourhoods like Trastevere and Monti offer visitors an authentic glimpse into the city's vibrant life and rich history. Trastevere, with its narrow cobblestone streets and colourful buildings, exudes a bohemian charm. This area is renowned for its bustling piazzas, lively trattorias, and lively nightlife. Monti, on the other hand, presents a more eclectic ambiance, blending ancient ruins with trendy boutiques and artisanal shops. Its labyrinthine alleys lead to hidden gems, quaint cafes, and artisan workshops, making it a haven for artists and creatives. Both neighbourhoods boast picturesque squares where locals gather, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for leisurely strolls.

Every first Sunday of the month in Rome entry to state owned museums, galleries, parks, and some archaeological sites are free. Since it's the busiest day of the month, consider arriving early.

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Colosseum

Unforgettable Experiences

About the Colosseum Arena Tour

With this special-access Colosseum arena floor tour you get a chance to step out of the highly-trafficked areas of Rome's most famous attraction. First, you’ll enter the Colosseum through the ‘Gladiator’s Gate’. This was the side entrance which was once exclusively used by gladiators. Through this VIP entrance, you not only get the quickest way to enter the Colosseum but it also gives you the full gladiator-eye-view of what it was like to enter the combat-driven amphitheater nearly 2,000 years ago.

 

Embark on an in-depth Colosseum Arena Floor tour once you are inside. For the most amazing 360-degree views of the Colosseum, you’ll have to stand on a wooden reconstruction of the original arena floor. Due to the fact that this area is closed to the general public, it makes it one of the best places to soak up the magic of the building. With all this majesty surrounding you, your guide will tell you stories about the famous blood sports that once took place on the very spot upon which you stand.

After the Colosseum arena floor portion of the tour is finished, you will have access to the general areas of this monumental building with your guide. You'll get to see the first and second tiers over the course of an hour which includes a balcony with a great view over the Roman Forum and the Arch of Constantine.

There will also be the option of a guided tour of the center of ancient Rome - the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (depending on the itinerary, tours may sometimes start in ancient Rome before entering the Colosseum). These attractions can sometimes be difficult to decipher as they are active archeological sites, but an expert guide will make everything worthwhile. The ruins will come to life. Some of the highlights include the Senate buildings, cremation point of Julius Caesar, opulent palaces, and the Temple of the Vestal Virgins. If you are interested in these areas, make sure you book the Colosseum Arena Floor tour that includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

With this special-access Colosseum arena floor tour you get a chance to step out of the highly-trafficked areas of Rome's most famous attraction. First, you’ll enter the Colosseum through the ‘Gladiator’s Gate’. This was the side entrance which was once exclusively used by gladiators. Through this VIP entrance, you not only get the quickest way to enter the Colosseum but it also gives you the full gladiator-eye-view of what it was like to enter the combat-driven amphitheater nearly 2,000 years ago.

 

Embark on an in-depth Colosseum Arena Floor tour once you are inside. For the most amazing 360-degree views of the Colosseum, you’ll have to stand on a wooden reconstruction of the original arena floor. Due to the fact that this area is closed to the general public, it makes it one of the best places to soak up the magic of the building. With all this majesty surrounding you, your guide will tell you stories about the famous blood sports that once took place on the very spot upon which you stand.

After the Colosseum arena floor portion of the tour is finished, you will have access to the general areas of this monumental building with your guide. You'll get to see the first and second tiers over the course of an hour which includes a balcony with a great view over the Roman Forum and the Arch of Constantine.

There will also be the option of a guided tour of the center of ancient Rome - the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (depending on the itinerary, tours may sometimes start in ancient Rome before entering the Colosseum). These attractions can sometimes be difficult to decipher as they are active archeological sites, but an expert guide will make everything worthwhile. The ruins will come to life. Some of the highlights include the Senate buildings, cremation point of Julius Caesar, opulent palaces, and the Temple of the Vestal Virgins. If you are interested in these areas, make sure you book the Colosseum Arena Floor tour that includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Tour Highlights

Book the Colosseum Arena Floor Tour Online

As you enter the Arena Floor, you get to walk out onto one of the coolest restricted areas of the monument that is not available to standard Colosseum ticket holders. You will also be able to skip the line and stand on the reconstructed Colosseum Arena Floor. Travel back in time as your guide takes you to the grand opening of the amphitheater and describes the trap doors as well as the types of wild animals that also contributed to the Colosseum's popularity. Because tickets are limited and the area is restricted, you will enjoy standing on the Colosseum Arena floor with just a few other visitors.

Roman Colosseum History

Visit the Colosseum’s first and second levels after the Arena Floor portion of the tour. You will also see where Emperors sat and get to learn the rules of the gladiatorial games, both for the competitors and spectators. Your tour guide will point out interesting sites like ancient graffiti as well as describing what happened to the Colosseum after the fall of the Roman Empire.

Guided Roman Forum Tour

The Colosseum Arena Floor tour includes a visit to the Roman Forum’s major sites and the ruins held within. This area is a Roman archaeological site that was also referred to as the "Ancient City.” It was once the location of downtown Ancient Rome. As you walk down the same roads taken by famous Roman Emperors and philosopher's, you'll get to relive ancient history.

Climb Palatine Hill

The Palatine Hill is also included in the Colosseum Arena Floor tour and your guide will cover its major attractions. Along with incredible views of the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus, the Palatine Hill is also home to the Farnese Gardens. With ancient pieces of marble strewn about, the Palatine Hill is the ideal place to admire Rome’s beautiful ancient surroundings.

Book the Colosseum Arena Floor Tour Online

As you enter the Arena Floor, you get to walk out onto one of the coolest restricted areas of the monument that is not available to standard Colosseum ticket holders. You will also be able to skip the line and stand on the reconstructed Colosseum Arena Floor. Travel back in time as your guide takes you to the grand opening of the amphitheater and describes the trap doors as well as the types of wild animals that also contributed to the Colosseum's popularity. Because tickets are limited and the area is restricted, you will enjoy standing on the Colosseum Arena floor with just a few other visitors.

Roman Colosseum History

Visit the Colosseum’s first and second levels after the Arena Floor portion of the tour. You will also see where Emperors sat and get to learn the rules of the gladiatorial games, both for the competitors and spectators. Your tour guide will point out interesting sites like ancient graffiti as well as describing what happened to the Colosseum after the fall of the Roman Empire.

Guided Roman Forum Tour

The Colosseum Arena Floor tour includes a visit to the Roman Forum’s major sites and the ruins held within. This area is a Roman archaeological site that was also referred to as the "Ancient City.” It was once the location of downtown Ancient Rome. As you walk down the same roads taken by famous Roman Emperors and philosopher's, you'll get to relive ancient history.

Climb Palatine Hill

The Palatine Hill is also included in the Colosseum Arena Floor tour and your guide will cover its major attractions. Along with incredible views of the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus, the Palatine Hill is also home to the Farnese Gardens. With ancient pieces of marble strewn about, the Palatine Hill is the ideal place to admire Rome’s beautiful ancient surroundings.

Visitor Highlights

  • One of the most exclusive moments possible in Rome is entering the Colosseum Arena floor through the same entrance as the Roman gladiators.
  • You will get to see the elevator and trap door system up close. These trap doors allowed for the surprising entrance of various types of animals during a gladiator battle.
  • During the Colosseum Arena floor tour you will get a close look at the few remaining original marble seats while your guide explains the tiered seating system that was used.
  • Discover the ancient Rome Colosseum Arena by walking in the footsteps of Gladiators as you explore the special-access Colosseum Arena Floor via the ‘Gladiator’s Gate’ - the gate of warriors and heroes.
  • This is known as the most affordable special-access Colosseum tour in the market. It is also the most desirable, who wouldn't want to stand center stage in the Colosseum?
  • You’ll also save time when visiting with the Colosseum arena tour because you will bypass even the smallest lines via the skip-the-line entrance.
  • If your tour option includes the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, you will only have a short security check at these sites because the ticket is valid for the entire archaeological area.
  • The Colosseum arena floor tour can be booked as a Colosseum only tour or can be combined with a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. This means that you can tailor-make a tour that is perfect for you.
  • You get special access to the arena floor and a chance to walk where gladiators and lions battled for the appeasement of big crowds.
  • Enjoy the tour of the Roman Forum and learn the history behind each sight and structure from your guide’s commentary.
  • The enchanting view of the quaint streets of Rome and its besieging buildings all the way from the top of Palatine Hill is absolutely stunning.
  • One of the most exclusive moments possible in Rome is entering the Colosseum Arena floor through the same entrance as the Roman gladiators.
  • You will get to see the elevator and trap door system up close. These trap doors allowed for the surprising entrance of various types of animals during a gladiator battle.
  • During the Colosseum Arena floor tour you will get a close look at the few remaining original marble seats while your guide explains the tiered seating system that was used.
  • Discover the ancient Rome Colosseum Arena by walking in the footsteps of Gladiators as you explore the special-access Colosseum Arena Floor via the ‘Gladiator’s Gate’ - the gate of warriors and heroes.
  • This is known as the most affordable special-access Colosseum tour in the market. It is also the most desirable, who wouldn't want to stand center stage in the Colosseum?
  • You’ll also save time when visiting with the Colosseum arena tour because you will bypass even the smallest lines via the skip-the-line entrance.
  • If your tour option includes the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, you will only have a short security check at these sites because the ticket is valid for the entire archaeological area.
  • The Colosseum arena floor tour can be booked as a Colosseum only tour or can be combined with a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. This means that you can tailor-make a tour that is perfect for you.
  • You get special access to the arena floor and a chance to walk where gladiators and lions battled for the appeasement of big crowds.
  • Enjoy the tour of the Roman Forum and learn the history behind each sight and structure from your guide’s commentary.
  • The enchanting view of the quaint streets of Rome and its besieging buildings all the way from the top of Palatine Hill is absolutely stunning.

  • Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time, this will ensure you have enough time to find your Colosseum Night Tour meeting point.
  • While there are a few on-site toilets at the Colosseum, the waiting time can take a while. So be prepared!
  • You won’t find any luggage facilities, restaurants or cafes on-site.
  • All of the entrances to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill have a mandatory security check. This check cannot be avoided and is necessary for the safety of all visitors.
  • Only small bags are allowed inside the Colosseum. No luggage or bags with wheels are allowed.
  • Do not bring weapons, aerosol sprays or glass containers.
  • The people with reduced mobility can easily access the Colosseum as paths at all the available routes are marked. Some tours may not be wheelchair accessible, so be sure to check the tour details or opt for a private tour.
  • It is highly recommended to get your tickets ahead of time online and because tours for the Colosseum at night sell out fast.
  • The Colosseum tour prices vary and can cost anywhere from 30€ up to 100€, or more. The type of tour you choose will be reflected in the price and duration of the tour.

Covid Safety Measures:

 

  • All the areas that customers come in contact with are frequently cleaned
  • In order to reduce crowds, the number of visitors is limited 
  • Customers are required to bring and wear face masks
  • There is a mandatory temperature check for customers 
  • Social distancing standards must be maintained inside the monument

 

Special Colosseum Night Tickets:

 

  • The Colosseum night ticket does not include entrance to the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill (these areas remain closed at night).
  • It is up to the Colosseum administration to determine what areas are accessible during the Colosseum night visit. It is not guaranteed that either the arena or the Colosseum underground will be accessible to visitors at night.


 

What to bring:

 

  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Passport or ID card
  • Water

 

Things that are not allowed:

 

  • Pets
  • Drones
  • Any kind of weapons or sharp objects are not allowed.
  • Luggage or large bags, even smaller bags with wheels, are not allowed.

  • Metro: The Colosseum metro stop is located on the B line of Rome’s metro. Check the map at your local station.
  • Regional Train - Take the underground line B from the Termini Station and get off at the Colosseum stop.
  • Bus - There are many public buses that stop in front of the Amphitheatre on your Colosseum tour: 75, 81, 85, 87, 117, 118.
  • Car: There are paid parking spots available in the neighbourhoods surrounding the Colosseum.
  • Tram: Tram #3 passes the Colosseum
  • Bicycle: The Colosseum is accessible by bike, just make sure to lock your bike in an appropriate place. Bikes that are locked to the railings in archaeological areas could be taken by the police.

 

Note: The Imperial Forum Road is closed to car and bus traffic on Sundays, which means it’s the perfect time to go for rental bikes or take a nice walk along via Fori Imperiali towards the Colosseum. Some bus routes are deviated on Sundays, so be sure to allow extra time to arrive.