Roman Forum – Information on Admission Prices, Opening Hours, Wait Times, and More Tips

The oldest Roman forum is the Roman Forum. It is located between the Capitol and the Palatine Hill in the heart of Rome's historical center, not far from the Colosseum. This roughly 2800-year-old forum was the economic and social center of Rome and the Roman Empire for centuries.

How do I get to the Roman Forum?

The Forum is located close to the Colosseum, and you can use the Metro Line B to the "Colosseo" station. From the metro station, it is only a few meters on foot to the Roman Forum. Alternatively, the public buses (ATAC) of the city of Rome can be used. The bus lines 51, 75, 81, 85, 87, 118, and 673 stop at "San Gregorio," while the bus lines 81, 85, 87 stop at "Fori Imperiali." The Roman Forum is also easily accessible by tram.

Stop	Transport
Colosseo
Colosseo / Salvi N.	Tram 3 + 8
Colosseo	Bus 51, 75, 85, 87, 117
San Gregorio	Bus 51, 75, 81, 85, 87, 118, 673
Fori Imperiali	Bus 81, 85, 87

What is the admission cost to the Roman Forum?

For adults over 18 years old, the on-site admission price for the Roman Forum is 16.00 Euros. The ticket is sold as a combination ticket, which also allows you to visit the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum. Please note that separate admission rules apply for visiting the Colosseum. EU citizens up to the age of 25 can purchase discounted combination tickets. Each purchaser must also pay a processing fee for the tickets for the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

The ticket can also be used at the Colosseum and for visiting the Palatine Hill – these entries are already included. Tickets are valid for either 24 hours or 2 days, depending on the type, and allow for one-time entry each.

Where can I buy tickets for the Roman Forum?

The Roman Forum has two separate entrances where combination tickets can be purchased: one at "Via della Salaria Vecchia" and the other at "Via di San Gregorio," which is located directly next to the Colosseum. Tickets for the Roman Forum can also be bought at the sales points of the Colosseum, as the tickets have the same validity. However, we recommend purchasing your ticket online in advance of your visit to the Roman Forum to avoid long waiting times at the ticket counters.

What is included in the ticket for the Roman Forum?

In addition to visiting the Roman Forum, the tickets also allow access to the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. Each ticket grants one-time access to the mentioned attractions within its validity period.

What are the opening hours of the Roman Forum?

The Forum is open daily from 8:30 AM throughout the year. The only closing days are January 1 and December 25. On certain days, the Roman Forum may be temporarily closed, for example during Papal visits (Good Friday) or sporting events.

Opening hours from March 31 to September 30, 2024

Opening hours October 1 - October 26, 2024

What are the waiting times at the Roman Forum?

Since the Roman Forum is located very close to the Colosseum and the tickets are valid for multiple attractions, many visitors to Rome take advantage of this. This is also reflected in the waiting times at the Roman Forum. If you do not already have a ticket, you should expect at least an hour's wait at the ticket counters. Depending on the time of day, this can sometimes be even longer. If you already have a ticket, you can use the special entrances for ticket holders. The waiting times here are significantly shorter than at the entrances for visitors without tickets.

Tip: If you visit the Roman Forum in the afternoon, the waiting times are usually much shorter than in the morning and midday hours.

Can I visit the Roman Forum for free?

Yes, on certain days it is possible to visit the Roman Forum and the Palatine for free. The city of Rome offers its residents and visitors several days each year when this is possible. Usually, this is the first Sunday of each month and a few additional days, such as the Italian National Day on June 2nd. However, expect significantly longer waiting times on these days compared to the already long wait times.

Free admission days in 2024 for the Roman Forum / Palatine:

• January 7, 2024
• February 4, 2024
• March 3, 2024
• April 7, 2024
• May 5, 2024
• June 2, 2024
• July 7, 2024
• August 4, 2024
• September 1, 2024
• October 6, 2024
• November 3, 2024
• December 1, 2024

History of the Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was once the pulsating heart of ancient Rome, the place where public, religious, political, and commercial life unfolded. It was the nucleus of Roman civilization, and its remnants tell the story of the Roman Empire today.

The beginnings of the Forum date back to the 7th century BC when it was still a marshy valley between the seven hills of Rome. Over time, the area was drained and began to transform into the central square of Rome, where temples, basilicas, and other public buildings were erected. During the Roman Republic, the Forum continuously grew. It became the focal point for political activities, with Senate meetings, elections, and public speeches. Many of the most famous figures in Roman history, from Julius Caesar to Cicero, left their marks here.

With the rise of the Roman Empire under Augustus, the Forum reached its peak. Monumental buildings, triumphal arches, and temples defined the cityscape and underscored the power and wealth of the empire. However, the Forum began to decline in the late Middle Ages. Much of its structure was destroyed, plundered, or built over in time. Despite this destruction, many ruins have remained, bearing witness to Rome's grandeur to this day.

Archaeological excavations in the 18th and 19th centuries brought the remains of ancient Rome back to light. Today, the Roman Forum is one of the city's most important tourist attractions and a captivating open-air museum that provides insight into the glorious past of the Eternal City.

The Roman Forum is not just a window into the past; it is a place that embodies the legacy, culture, and history of one of the greatest civilizations that ever existed. Every stone, column, and fragment tells a story of triumph, intrigue, and innovation. A visit here is like a journey back in time, to the heart of ancient Rome.