Colosseum Arena Floor Tickets | Exclusive Access

What’s the hype behind the Colosseum Arena?

The Colosseum is renowned for its brutal gladiator battles and epic exotic animal fights. In its heyday, it was the site of executions, where petty (and big-league) criminals met their fate spectators cheered on. To experience where all this action unfolded, you’ve got to get down to the Arena. This now-reconstructed stage was where these gory encounters took place; a wooden floor covered with sand, designed to absorb the relentless carnage left behind.

Why take a tour of the Colosseum Arena?

Simply put, a tour of the Arena is essential for a complete experience. In ancient times, the Colosseum boasted 80 entrances: 76 for the common folk and the rest, reserved for royals, aristocrats and gladiators. Your guide will usher you in through a Gladiator Gate, allowing you the chance to walk in the footsteps of a gladiator, literally. As you stand in the Arena, prepare to be regaled by tales of bravado and bloodshed (did you know? Gladiators who didn’t make it out alive were taken out from an exit that was exclusively meant for the deceased).

Step-by-step guide to booking Colosseum Arena tickets

Now that you’ve decided that the Arena should be an integral experience of your Colosseum tour, here’s how to secure your tickets:

I’ve booked my Colosseum Arena tickets, what next?

1. After booking, you will receive a voucher on your mail. 

2. Five days before your visit, we’ll send you detailed instructions on where to meet your guide and which entrance to use.

3. Do carry a valid ID proof where the name on the ticket and ID match (digital copies are acceptable).

4. Arrive 15-20 minutes before your slot to meet your guide and complete security checks.

Frequently asked questions about booking Colosseum Arena tickets

• Why are Arena tours of the Colosseum so sought after?
  Besides offering you the opportunity to see where live gladiator action unfolded nearly 2000 years ago, Arena tours are also sought after due to their exclusivity factor. Standard Colosseum tickets don’t offer entry to this section of the monument, so you will have to purchase them separately. So, its function coupled with its uniqueness contributes to its appeal.

  
  

• How long does an Arena tour last?
  Arena tours take between 2.5-3 hours. This is inclusive of a guided tour of the Colosseum, plus a guided tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

  
  

• What’s the connection between the Underground and the Arena?
  The gladiators and animals likely came on stage from the Underground or Hypogeum, which was their holding ground below the Arena. Through a complex system of ropes and pulleys, the participants were hoisted on stage to the Arena floor from the Underground.

  
  

• Do my Colosseum Arena tickets also offer access to the Underground?
  No, the Underground cannot be viewed with your Arena tickets. You need to purchase special access tickets separately for access to the Underground.

  
  

• Do Colosseum Arena tours come with other benefits?
  Yes, Arena tickets come with the option to choose a guide that speaks your language. You can avail an English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, or Portuguese-speaking guide. Further, you can also choose a small-group tour (with max. 15 members) if large crowds are not for you. 

  
  

• Can I explore the Arena of the Colosseum on my own?
  No, the Colosseum Arena can only be entered with a professional tour guide. Guests cannot visit unaccompanied.