Skip to main content

Tourthebest

Expert guide · Optional hypogeum

Colosseum Underground & Arena Premium Tour

Free cancellationSkip the lineSmall group, max 10
2 hoursCheck availability to see starting times
1–10 peopleSmall group with a local expert guide
Free cancellationCancel up to 3 days before the start time…
Skip the lineSave up to 2-3 hours

About this tour

Go behind the scenes on our premium Colosseum underground tour, with arena floor access and the option to explore the hypogeum below it.

Start on the arena floor

Your expert, licensed guide begins where the gladiators fought, explaining how the games were staged and how Roman engineers built the amphitheatre.

The hypogeum: Rome’s backstage

Under the arena lies a maze of tunnels, cages and machinery where gladiators prepared and wild animals were lifted into the arena. Seeing it up close makes the spectacle of the games feel real. Underground access is limited and sells out early, so book ahead.

Highlights

  • Optional access to the Colosseum underground (hypogeum)
  • Arena floor access
  • Expert licensed guide
  • Small group of 10 people at most
  • The engineering behind the games

Itinerary

  1. Start

    Meet at Colle Oppio Park

    Meet your guide by the dark blue Tour the Best flag.

  2. 45 min

    Colosseum arena floor

    Stand where the gladiators fought.

  3. 45 min

    The underground

    Tunnels, cages and lifts of the hypogeum (underground option).

  4. 30 min

    Upper tiers

    Finish with sweeping views of the amphitheatre.

  5. End

    Colosseum

    Your tour ends inside the Colosseum.

What's included

  • Expert licensed guide
  • Colosseum entry ticket with arena floor access
  • Underground access (with that option)
  • Roman Forum and Palatine Hill entry
  • Headsets
  • Small group, 10 people at most
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities

Good to know

Meeting point
Colle Oppio Park entrance, next to Oppio Caffè Via delle Terme di Tito, 72, Rome. Look for our guide with the dark blue Tour the Best flag. Please don't go to the Colosseum entrance or ticket office. Nearest metro: Colosseo (Line B).
Languages
English, Spanish, French
What to bring
Passport or ID card for every traveller; comfortable walking shoes
Names
Full names must match each traveller's ID and can't be changed after booking
Not allowed
Large bags, luggage, weapons or sharp objects
Arrival
Please arrive 15 minutes before your start time
Accessibility
Not suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility
Weather
Tours run in all weather; the arena floor can close at short notice in heavy rain
Not suitable for
People with claustrophobia
Cancellation policy

Cancel up to 3 days before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 3 days before the tour are non-refundable.

Meeting point

Colle Oppio Park entrance, next to Oppio Caffè

Open in Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

Is the Colosseum underground always included?

Underground access is an option you choose when booking, and depends on availability.

How much walking is involved?

About 2 hours on foot, with several staircases and uneven ground.

Do I need ID?

Yes, bring a passport or ID card for every traveller, matching the names on the booking.

What's the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation up to 3 days before the tour.

You might also like

See all tours
2 hours

Small group · Golden-hour light

Colosseum Arena Floor Early Evening Tour

Walk onto the Colosseum arena floor in the soft evening light, with a small group and a local guide who brings gladiator Rome to life.

1–10 people 4.2
From$163per person
From, per person$100
Check availability