Roman Forum: Tickets, Hours and What to See First

The Roman Forum, an emblem of Roman antiquity, was the center of legal and social life in ancient Rome. Its ruins tell the story of a civilization and give you a clear sense of what life was like back then.

It was an architectural marvel, with squares, columns, statues and administrative buildings, and together with the Palatine and the Imperial Forums, this was the real brain of the Roman Empire. Along with the Colosseum, it is one of the most unforgettable things to see in Rome.

What to see at the Roman Forum

Every morning, the people of this great city left their homes and headed for the Forum. There they met to do business, to see people and to be seen.

It is also striking to see how well the temples, columns, arches and other remains have survived. You can hardly believe they are right there in front of you.

Besides the Colosseum, the Capitoline Museums are close by. It is without doubt one of the most important monuments in Rome to visit, even if you only have one day in Rome.

The Roman Forum and the Imperial Forums: history and differences

People often mix up the Roman Forum and the Imperial Forums, and vice versa. In fact, at the beginning there was only one forum: the Roman Forum.

The Forum was the center and the heart of Rome. It also served as a market, with food stalls and vendors selling clothes and other goods.

As Rome grew quickly, new forums gradually appeared. The Imperial Forums were made up of the Forum of Caesar (built by Julius Caesar), the Forum of Vespasian (built by Augustus) and the Forum of Trajan. All of these forums were connected to one another.

Back then, at the Roman Forum you would find the people of Rome themselves. Everyone from every social class was there: the poor, the rich, children and the elderly.

Prices

• Standard ticket: €18.00 (€16 + €2 booking fee)
• Reduced rate: €4 (€2 + €2 booking fee) (for EU citizens aged 18 to 24)
• Free entry: for EU citizens under 18 and over 65

The standard ticket includes an audio guide but not priority entry. Priority access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine is included in the Omnia Card and Go City Rome Pass Pass tourist cards.

The ticket is also valid for the Palatine archaeological area and for the Colosseum. It is valid for 48 hours from the moment you use it at any of the three sites.

Opening hours

The opening hours of the Roman Forum, like those of the Colosseum, vary quite a bit depending on the date. It always opens at 8:30 am; in winter it closes around 4 pm or 5 pm, and in summer around 7 pm.

It is closed on December 25, January 1, Good Friday and May 1.

The Roman Forum and Colosseum with a guided tour

For extra convenience, you can book a 3-hour guided tour in Spanish and pick up more curious facts and stories from an expert. Use the button below to book through our platform Viabam.

How to get there

Address: Via della Salaria Vecchia. Colosseo metro station.