Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator's Gate

Walk in the footsteps of gladiators on the Colosseum floor and see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

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5 / 5 See All 2992 Reviews

· 3.00h · Rome, Italy

Reaching the Colosseum’s Arena Floor is no easy feat; tickets sell out quickly, leaving most visitors stuck in crowded corridors with limited views. With us, bypass the lines and enter through the Gladiator’s Gate to stand on the Arena Floor, giving you a front-row view of Rome’s nearly 2,000-year-old symbol of power and glory. With your friendly guide, uncover the Colosseum’s brutal past, then continue to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to explore the epicenter of ancient Roman life.

Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator's Gate

A tour group at the Colosseum on the Arena Floor with tour guide from The Tour Guy

A group of tourists entering the Colosseum Arena Floor with their guide from The Tour Guy.

A woman having her picture taken at the Colosseum.

A group of tourists on the 1st level of the Colosseum with their guide from The Tour Guy.

A woman looking over the Arena Floor at the Colosseum.

A group of tourists inside the Roman Forum while on tour with The Tour Guy.

A group of tourists standing under the Arch of Titus in the Roman Forum.

A group of tourists inside the Roman Forum with their guide from The Tour Guy.

A group of tourists walking past the Temple of Julius Caesar with their guide from The Tour Guy.

A pair of tourists in the Roman Forum with their guide from The Tour Guy.

A man looking at the Arch of Titus in the Roman Forum.

A group of tourists walking through the Palatine Hill

A group of tourists infront of the Senate House in the Roman Forum with their guide from The Tour Guy.

A woman standing near the Colosseum with her guide from the Tour Guy.

Meet your guide outside the Colosseum metro stop
Colosseum
Arena floor
First level
Second level
Arch of Constantine
Roman Forum

Arch of Titus
House of the Vestal Virgins
Temple of Julius Caesar
Temple of Antoninus Pius
Arch of Septimius Severus
Palatine Hill
Senate House
End your tour near the Colosseum

You'll meet your local guide and small group of 25 or fewer people at a easy to reach location near the Colosseum (exact directions can be found on your voucher). There, you'll get a taste of what you'll see and experience before heading off to your skip-the-line entry at the Colosseum. Here you'll walk through the infamous Gladiator's Gate to the Arena Floor that most tourists can't access.

Your passionate Colosseum guide will share fascinating stories about this ancient Roman attraction as they lead you to the first and second tiers for epic views of the arena. Finally, enjoy a guided walk to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where your guide will tell you of their history and the part they played in daily Roman life.

Colosseum Arena Floor Tour Description

Your 3-hour tour includes:

Skip-the-line Colosseum tickets
Exclusive access to the Arena Floor of the Colosseum
First and second tier access at the Colosseum
Guided tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
An expert English-speaking guide
A maximum group size of 25

Please note that depending on the assigned entry time for the Colosseum, your tour might enter the Roman Forum first and end in the Colosseum. This product includes an entry ticket to the Colosseum + Arena, Forum and Palatine, for which our cost is 24 Euro per person.

Colosseum Arena Floor Tickets

Avoid the crowds with special access to an area of the Colosseum that's not available to regular Colosseum ticket holders: the Arena Floor. You'll step back in time as you trace the footsteps of warriors who once entered through the imposing Gate of Death (or the gladiator's gate.) Visit the opening to the reconstructed trap door and hear your guide describe the wild animals and warriors who once fought here to the delight of ancient Roman society. It's a unique chance to imagine the fear and adrenaline that competitors must have felt so many years ago.

Roman Colosseum History

After the Arena Floor, go on a journey to the Colosseum's first and second levels. See where emperors sat and learn the rules of the gladiatorial games for both competitors and spectators. Learn why the ancient amphitheater was named the Colosseum, plus many more interesting facts. You'll spend an amazing 1.5 hours exploring the top attraction in Rome with your super-knowledgeable guide.

Guided Roman Forum Tour

Not far from the Colosseum sits the Roman Forum, and your guide will lead you through these ancient ruins on a guided walking tour. This Roman archaeological site was once the location of downtown ancient Rome. You'll visit some of the most famous Roman Forum buildings including the Temple of Julius Caesar, Arch of Titus, the Roman Senate House, and more. Re-live ancient history as you walk down the same roads taken by famous Roman emperors and philosophers.

Climb Palatine Hill

From the ancient downtown, your guide will lead you to a place we like to think of as the Beverly Hills of Ancient Rome. Climb the Palatine Hill and take in the views over Circus Maximus. You'll explore the 2,000 year old palaces and learn stories of Rome's rich and famous.

By the end of the tour, you'll leave the Colosseum and Forum with a camera full of incredible pictures and a mind full of knowledge about life in ancient Rome.

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What you get with this tour

Skip the line tickets
Wheelchair accessible
Guide gratuities
Meals

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5.0/5 (based on 2992 reviews)

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Best tour I’ve been on!

29 September 2025

Reviewed by
Davis Riley

I can’t remember the tour guide’s name, I think she said to call her Luna or Muna, but she was insightful and constantly saying something interesting about what we were passing by. You could tell she was passionate and reverent about this special place. I have been on some good tours this trip, but she did the best job.

Amazing

29 September 2025

Reviewed by
Isabelle Racine

Loved David’s tour. Informative, funny and well organized. Worth spending for !

29 September 2025

Reviewed by
Elisabeth Rotondo

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Government-issued ID for entrance to the Colosseum. Archaeological sites have uneven terrain so wear comfortable sneakers. Bring sunscreen and a water bottle during the hot summer months.

Does the Arena Floor ever close to the public?

Sometimes the Colosseum closes access to the more restricted areas with little notice. This usually happens in cases of heavy rainfall or an emergency repair. If this happens, we will visit other areas of the Colosseum, and the tour will continue with the same duration. As the Arena Floor is only a portion of this tour, there are no refunds if Colosseum Management closes it at short notice.

What if I have concerns about my mobility?

If you have any doubts about your mobility, we suggest taking Private Colosseum Tour so we can better accommodate your needs.

Does my tour still run if it rains?

The Tour Guy runs guided tours rain or shine. In cases of heavy rainfall, the Colosseum management may close the Arena Floor at the last minute for safety. We do our best to make alternate Arena Floor arrangements, but we cannot guarantee a substitute date. If your group is subject to closures by the Colosseum and does not get access to the Arena Floor, we still continue on the tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. There is no refund given if the Arena Floor portion of the tour is closed.

What to bring?

Government-issued ID for entrance to the Colosseum. Archaeological sites have uneven terrain so wear comfortable sneakers. Bring sunscreen and a water bottle during the hot summer months.

Does this tour let me skip the line?

Yes! You'll avoid the main admission line to access the Colosseum via a seperate entrance with your guide.

Will my tour time change?

Yes, the start time of your tour is likely to change. Please keep your day open. Your final start time will be sent 5 days before the date of your tour.