Rome: Colosseum Arena Floor Tour & Roman Forum Walk

Summary

Walk the Colosseum arena floor then climb Palatine Hill for ancient Rome views

You’ll step onto the Colosseum’s legendary arena floor through the gladiator gate, explore tiers once reserved for Rome’s elite, wander among ancient ruins at the Roman Forum with stories from your guide, and climb Palatine Hill for sweeping city views—all with skip-the-line entry included. Expect moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound—our feet echoing on stone as we walked through the gladiator gate into the Colosseum. I’d seen it in photos, but actually standing on the arena floor was something else. Our guide, Marco, paused to let us take it in. He pointed out where wild animals used to be lifted up through trapdoors (the wood creaked under my sneakers—can’t imagine what lions thought). There was this faint smell of dust and old earth, mixed with sunscreen from other travelers nearby. Marco told us stories about gladiators and crowds; honestly, I got goosebumps thinking about how loud it must’ve been back then.

We climbed up to the first and second tiers after that. The view over the arena made me realize just how huge this place is—my legs were already feeling it a bit, but worth every step. You could see where Rome’s richest families used to sit (Marco joked they probably complained about the heat too). I tried to picture all those people packed in, shouting for their favorites. It’s weirdly quiet now except for birds circling overhead and snippets of different languages drifting up from below.

The Roman Forum is only a few minutes’ walk away. The sun was out and everything looked almost golden—columns casting long shadows, bits of grass poking through broken marble. We stopped by what used to be the Senate House; Marco explained who sat where, but honestly I was distracted by a group of school kids trying to pronounce “Julius Caesar” in Italian (one of them nailed it, which got a cheer). There’s something kind of grounding about seeing where so much history actually happened—like you’re walking through someone else’s memories.

Palatine Hill was our last stop. It’s a bit of a climb but not bad if you take your time. Up top, there’s this breeze that cuts through even when it’s hot out—and you can see all across ancient Rome. Marco called it “the Beverly Hills of old Rome,” which made me laugh because yeah, you can tell why emperors wanted to live here. I still think about that view sometimes: ruins below, city humming beyond them, pigeons hopping along old stones like they own the place.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill

• Enter Colosseum via gladiator's gate
• Explore Arena Floor and trap door
• Climb 1st and 2nd tiers of Colosseum
• Walk guided tour of Roman Forum ruins
• See Temple of Julius Caesar and Arch of Titus
• Ascend Palatine Hill with panoramic views
• Explore ancient palaces on Palatine Hill

Top questions

Is Colosseum arena floor access included on this tour?

Yes, you enter via the gladiator gate for exclusive access to the reconstructed arena floor.

How long does it take to walk from the Colosseum to the Roman Forum?

It’s only a short walk—just a few minutes between sites with your guide.

Are tickets and reservation fees included in this tour?

Yes, entry tickets and reservation fees for all sites are included in your booking price.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No lunch is included; plan to eat before or after your visit.

How physically demanding is this walking tour?

You should have moderate fitness—it includes climbing stairs and walking uneven ground.

Can wheelchair users join this group tour?

No, unfortunately wheelchairs or strollers can’t be accommodated due to site restrictions.

What do I need for entry at each site?

You must bring a valid passport or ID matching your booking name for entry checks.

What’s included

Your day covers skip-the-line entrance tickets and reservation fees for both the Colosseum—including special access to its arena floor—and guided walks through the Roman Forum and up Palatine Hill in a small group (maximum 18 people). No hotel pickup or meals are provided; just bring comfortable shoes and your ID or passport for entry checks at each site.