Roman Forum (Foro Romano)

The basics

The site is most often visited on three-hour Roman Forum tours that combine a visit to the ancient city with a Colosseum tour. Whether you choose a private tour or small-group tour, it's wise to visit with an expert guide who can help you navigate the large space and bring the ruins to life with true stories of gladiators, Roman emperors, and Julius Caesar.

After your visit, check out the adjacent ruins at Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo) or pay a visit to the Capitoline Hill and Museums (Campidoglio e Musei Capitolini) to see the display of classical Roman sculptures. If you can't get enough of ancient Rome, there's plenty more history just outside the city with day trips available to Pompeii and the Appian Way and Aurelian Walls (Via Appia Antica e Mure Aureliane).

Things to know before you go

• Many tour options include hotel pickup and dropoff.

• Standard Roman Forum tickets include entry to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill (Palatino).

• Don't waste time in line—skip-the-line entry is available for both the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.

• Staying in Florence but want to see Rome? Book a day trip with round-trip transportation by high-speed train, also available from Milan and Naples.

• Provide the full names of all travelers when booking. Failure to present a voucher with all travelers' full names at the ticket office may result in denied entry to the Roman Forum.

• Aside from a lesson in Roman history, visitors can get a great view of the Eternal City from the nearby Palatine and Capitoline hills of Rome.

How to get there

The Roman Forum is located in the area between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum at the southeastern end of Rome's historical center. You can get there by metro and bus from most central hotels. The closest metro stop is Colosseo.

When to get there

As the Roman Forum shares an admission ticket with the Colosseum, it stays consistently busy throughout the day and often has long lines. Choose a walking tour with priority access to jump the queue and maximize your time.

Discovering the Roman Forum ruins

Inside the archaeological area, stick to the Forum's main thoroughfare, Via Sacra, to pass by important ruins such as the Julia Curia (where the Roman senate once met), the Temple of Vesta, and the House of the Vestal Virgins. Some of the forum's most impressive ruins include the white marble arch of Settimio Severo, the first-century Arch of Titus, the soaring columns of the Temple of Saturn, and the remains of the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine. 

Can you tour the Roman Forum?

Yes, the Roman Forum is open to the public, though visitors must purchase a ticket. Tickets to the Colosseum are also valid to enter the Roman Forum, or you can opt for a Forum Pass that includes the Roman Forum, Imperial Forum, and Palatine Hill sites.

Do you need a guided tour for the Roman Forum?

No, individuals can visit the Roman Forum without a guide. However, remember that the forum is vast, and the complex ruins are challenging to interpret without explanation or context. A guided tour is the best way to understand the history and significance of this ancient site.

How much does it cost to tour the Roman Forum?

The cost to enter the Roman Forum varies depending on your chosen ticket. Basic tickets, including the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, begin at €18 for adults (€16 for the ticket and €2 for the reservation fee); children under 18 enter for free.

Can you buy a ticket just for the Roman Forum?

No, at this time, no ticket option is available that includes admission only to the Roman Forum. Visitors can choose between a Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill ticket or a Forum Pass that includes both the Roman and Imperial Forums plus the Palatine Hill.

What days of the week are best to visit the Roman Forum?

The Roman Forum is much less crowded than the Colosseum but bursts with tourists on weekends and holidays. The best days to visit are weekdays when you can enjoy the ruins without the crowds. Avoid the first Sunday of the month, when cultural sights are open for free and exceptionally crowded.

Can you wear shorts to the Roman Forum?

Yes, and if you visit during Rome’s torrid summer months, light clothing like shorts is key to beating the heat. In addition, be sure to wear a hat and sunblock and bring plenty of water. The only Roman attractions where shorts are not allowed are religious sites like St. Peter’s Basilica.

Ways to explore

Most visitors explore the Roman Forum on a tour that also includes the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. Whether you choose a private or small-group tour, visit with a guide who can help you navigate the large space and enliven its complex ruins with true stories of gladiators, Roman emperors, and daily life in the ancient world. Afterwards, check out the remains of the nearby Circus Maximus or visit the Capitoline Hill and Museums (Campidoglio e Musei Capitolini) to admire the collection of classical Roman sculptures.

Accessibility

There is a dedicated route for wheelchair users, including elevators and chairlifts. Five wheelchairs are available for visitors at the entrance.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, water bottle, camera

What to wear

Sun hat, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

No large bags, backpacks, drones, or smoking; graffiti is punishable by fines or imprisonment.

Amenities

Restrooms, audio guides, vending machines, gift shops

Address

The Roman Forum sits in the center of Rome alongside the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and other ancient ruins. The site is walkable from other city landmarks, including the Vittoriano and the historic center, and has a dedicated metro station. The Forum is also a stop on most hop-on hop-off bus tours.

Driving

Heavy traffic and little parking around the Roman Forum make driving to the ancient site a hassle. Take the metro or a taxi, or book a hop-on hop-off bus tour or a Forum tour that includes transportation.

Public transportation

The Roman Forum is just across the street from the Colosseo station on Rome’s metro line B, which connects to line A underneath the city’s main Termini train station. Tram line 3 and ATAC city buses 51, 75, 81, 85, 87, and 118 also stop at the Roman Forum.

Best times to visit

The Roman Forum is one of the most visited sights in Rome and is especially busy at midday. Book an early morning or late afternoon tour to avoid the throngs.

Best days to visit

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are often quieter than weekends and holidays. The Forum is free on the first Sunday of each month and thus particularly crowded.

Best months to visit

Avoid the extreme temperatures at this outdoor site in winter and summer. Instead, visit in spring and fall when the weather is milder.

Special events

The annual Good Friday Via Crucis procession—led by the Pope—passes through the Forum to reach the Colosseum and attracts tens of thousands of spectators. Rome celebrates its founding each year on April 21 with a costumed procession that passes by the Roman Forum and Colosseum.