This post covers the best tours which include a visit to the underground area beneath the Colosseum.
We also provide details about the official tour and night tours which include access to the underground.
OVERVIEW
The underground tunnels of the Colosseum is where slaves and wild animals were stored, including gladiators.
The dungeons of this amphitheater are full of the history of ancient Rome that you can learn about on a tour of the site.
Access to the Colosseum underground chambers is only available via tours, which means you will need a tour guide to join you while you’re visiting this area of the landmark.
In addition to the old dungeons, each of these services also includes a tour other highlights of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill as well. Some companies also provide access to the arena floor or Belvedere.
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, there are also some VIP Colosseum underground tours available at night.
The standard Colosseum tour which includes underground access is around €80-€130 depending on which company you choose and runs for about 3 ½ hours.
After a daytime tour, you can take your time to look around the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill at your own leisure. This isn’t possible during the night tours.
The night tours are a bit cheaper at €65-€85 per ticket, but it’s also shorter at only 2 ½ hours in length. These outings can sell out quickly, so it will be important to reserve your tickets ahead of time.
Most companies offering explorations of the Colosseum underground offer small group tours with limited space for 25 or fewer guests.
TOP 3 GUIDED TOURS
The following section will cover our pick for the three best guided tours of the Colosseum underground.
These outings provide special VIP access to the landmark, including skip-the-line tickets, and they are often more readily available than the official guided tour of the Colosseum.
It’s also worth noting that these tours cover both the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, but the official tour only includes admission to these sites and does not provide a guided experience of either location.
Needless to say, there are several great reasons to consider one of the following Colosseum underground tours, but we will also include information about the official guided tour below.
The Roman Guy
Access to the underground sells out quickly, but The Roman Guy always gets admission thanks to their status as approved tour guides.
During this Colosseum underground tour, you’ll visit the dungeons and the arena floor as well as both Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum.
While discovering each of these sites, you’ll also have an opportunity to see landmarks such as the Arch of Constantine, the Arch of Titus, the Stadium of Domitian, Julius Caesar’s Temple and much more.
Once you’re done with the tour, you’ll have an opportunity to explore both the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill at your own pace.
- €124.95/Adults | €83.95/Youth | €34.95/Children
- Maximum of 24 guests.
- Duration: 3 ½ hours
- Availability: Daily
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
City Wonders
Much like their competitors, this company also offers skip-the-line access to the amphitheater, admission to the underground dungeons and the Colosseum arena floor, as well as a tour of both the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
While on this tour you’ll have the chance to learn all about what life was like during the age of gladiatorial combat, and you’ll also discover more about Roman history dating back thousands of years.
Don’t forget that even after the tour ends, you’ll still have a chance to wander around the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
- €84 per person
- Maximum 25 participants
- Duration: 2 ½ hours
- Daily tours in English 9:15 am, 10:15 am, 11:30 am, 13:30 (1:30 pm), 15:30 (3:30 pm), and other times by season.
- More information or to book.
City Wonders is one of the larger walking tour companies in Rome. This small group tour covers the Colosseum, the Forum, and Palatine Hill.
NOTE: This company does not currently offer a cancellation policy.
Roma Experience
As with their competition, this tour will also include exclusive access to the arena floor, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
While touring these locations, you’ll see the first and second rings of the Colosseum.
Ticket prices will vary depending on group size, with admission to smaller groups carrying a slightly higher price. If you want to avoid large groups, this is an excellent opportunity.
In addition to the tour, you can also visit both the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill afterward at your leisure.
- €129 Adult | €119 Children (4-14) | €49 Infant (3 and under)
- Duration: 3 ½ hours
- Most Days @ 09:30
- More information.
There are too many to list in this post so check here for even more Colosseum underground tour options, including private tour options.
NOTE: If for whatever reason you can't make it to the Colosseum for this activity, you can return your tickets up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
OFFICIAL COLOSSEUM UNDERGROUND TOUR
Another option is to take the Colosseum's official tour which is far less expensive than private companies' tours.
Note that this tour sells out very quickly so try to purchase the tour least 2-3 weeks in advance to make sure that you can take the tour when you want.
While the price is lower, the official underground Colosseum tour is only 1 - 1 ½ hours in length, which means that the private company tours are longer, more in-depth tours.
However, if you’re looking for the quickest tour possible which includes underground access, this is an excellent option.
There is also an official underground tour which includes access to the Belvedere as well. This is the third level of the Colosseum and it provides fantastic views of the historic landmark.
Each official underground tour is available in English, Spanish and Italian, while private companies typically only offer tours in English. If you’re looking for other language options, the official tour may be a better choice.
Don’t forget that just like all the other daytime options, the official guided tours will also give you access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for the rest of the day after your tour.
What's Included
- Entrance to the Colosseum
- Didactic Tour of the Colosseum
- Entrance to the Roman Forum and Palatine
- Entrance to S.U.P.E.R. Sites (Oratorio dei Quaranta Martiri, Museo Palatino relativamente al I livello, Esterno di casa di Augusto, Schola Praeconum)
- Entrance to temporary exhibitions
Colosseum Underground + Arena Tour
- €34/Adults | €14/EU Citizens (18-25)
- €12/ Youth (under 18) | €2/ Children 6 and under
- Availability: Daily
- Duration: 1 - 1 ½ hours
- Purchase English tickets or learn more.
- Purchase Spanish tickets or learn more.
- Purchase Italian tickets or learn more.
Tickets Only
You can also get skip-the-line tickets with access to the Colosseum underground without taking the official tour.
However, this area is only available to visitors with a licensed tour guide, so you’ll still need to pay for a guide to show you around.
What's Included
- Entrance to the Colosseum w/ Access to the Arena
- Accompanied visit to the Underground
- Entrance to the Roman Forum, Palatine, and Imperial Forum
- Entrance to S.U.P.E.R. Sites (Oratorio dei Quaranta Martiri, Museo Palatino relativamente al I livello, Esterno di casa di Augusto, Schola Praeconum)
- Entrance to temporary exhibitions
Colosseum Underground Tickets
- €24/Adults | €4/EU Citizens (18-25) | Free for Youth 18 and under
- Availability: Daily
- Duration: 1 ½ hours
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
COLOSSEUM UNDERGROUND NIGHT TOUR
In addition to the tours available during the day, some companies also offer Colosseum night tours which include access to the underground and other areas.
As we detailed in our overview, these tours offer a unique opportunity to see this historic landmark after dark, but they are a bit shorter than the typical daytime tour.
Keep in mind that night tours make it impossible to see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill after your tour, which you can do during the day.
Despite these factors, it’s worth noting that these services are a bit cheaper than the other options in this post, so in addition to seeing the Colosseum after dark, you’ll also save a bit of money!
If you’re curious about all the nighttime tours available which include the underground area, see our post on which Colosseum tours are best.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can you visit the Colosseum underground without a tour?
No. Unfortunately, access to the underground is only offered via guided tours.
Is the Colosseum arena the same as the underground?
Technically, no. The underground is actually below the arena floor, although you can see some of this area from above.
Are the Colosseum underground tunnels open to the public?
While you can take a public tour which will take you through the underground tunnels of the Colosseum, this area is not accessible for standard ticket holders.
Is there a dress code to visit the Colosseum?
No, there is no specific dress code, but we recommend wearing comfortable clothing such as a t-shirt, jeans, or even a skirt during the warmer months.
Since there is a lot of walking, you might want to wear comfortable shoes as well!
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