Roman Forum Tours and Activities

Roman Forum
Roman Forum
Roman Forum featuring château or palace, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Roman Forum
Roman Forum


Explore one of the most renowned archaeological sites in the world and immerse yourself in the ancient atmosphere where the Roman Empire began.

At its height, the Roman Empire covered 2.5 million square miles (6.5 million square kilometers), but at the very center of the sprawling Empire was the Roman Forum, now a crumbling monument to the power once wielded by ancient emperors and their vast armies.

Though the Roman Forum site itself is reasonably small, it is easy to pass by a gem without realizing. The lack of information about the structures you’ll see is far from ideal, but you can pick up an audio guide for a small fee from a booth by the Arch of Titus, near to the Colosseum.

Points of interest around the forum include the front pillars of the Temple of Saturn (located at the northwest tip of the site), the oldest-surviving ruins in the complex, and the grand marble Arch of Septimius Severus, built in 203 to celebrate the emperor’s victories against the Parthians. Other popular highlights include the Arch of Titus (1st century), the Temple of Vesta and the Church of Santi Luca e Martina (both 7th century). However, with hundreds of monuments dotted around the site there are also lesser-known highlights to seek out, like the colored-marble mosaic floors inside the Curia Julia, the building in which the senate used to debate.

The best way to visit the forum is in conjunction with a visit to the Colosseum, as the ticket fee allows entrance to both attractions (as well as Palatine Hill). This ticket is valid for two days, so you can take your time to explore the site thoroughly. Bear in mind, however, the forum is only open until 6 p.m. most days during summer and until 1 p.m. on Sundays. There is little shade on the site, so sunscreen and water are essential.

Whenever you go, prepare to be amazed. It may be crumbling, but the moment you start to stroll the Via dei Fori Imperiali, you’ll see the Roman Forum remains as impressive as ever.

The main entrance is on the Via dei Fori Imperiali, but there’s another at Via San Gregorio 30.

The forum is in central Rome. Bus stops and the Metro train station Colosseo are all nearby.

Plan a trip to see Roman Forum

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Albergo Etico Roma
Hotel Delle Civette
Relais de la Poste

Tours & day trips

See all 393 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 73 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 68 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 13 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Roman Forum

Hotel Imperiale by OMNIA hotels

Hotel Imperiale by OMNIA hotels

4 out of 5
Via Vittorio Veneto, 24, Rome, RM
Hotel Imperiale by OMNIA hotels
citizenM Rome Isola Tiberina

citizenM Rome Isola Tiberina

4 out of 5
LUNGOTEVERE DE CENCI 5-8, Rome, RM
citizenM Rome Isola Tiberina
iQ Hotel Roma

iQ Hotel Roma

4 out of 5
Via Firenze, 8, Rome, RM
iQ Hotel Roma
The Hive Hotel

The Hive Hotel

4 out of 5
Via Torino 6, Rome, RM
The Hive Hotel
Hotel Artemide

Hotel Artemide

4 out of 5
Via Nazionale 22, Rome, RM
Hotel Artemide
Napoleon Hotel

Napoleon Hotel

4 out of 5
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II 105, Rome, RM
Napoleon Hotel
Hotel Quirinale

Hotel Quirinale

4 out of 5
Via Nazionale 7, Rome, RM
Hotel Quirinale
Argentina Residenza Style Hotel

Argentina Residenza Style Hotel

4 out of 5
Via di Torre Argentina 47, Rome, RM
Argentina Residenza Style Hotel
The Social Hub Rome

The Social Hub Rome

Viale Scalo San Lorenzo 10, Rome, RM
The Social Hub Rome
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Roman Forum

Exploring the Roman Forum offers a myriad of exciting activities, including captivating photo tours that capture the essence of ancient Rome. Visitors can also enjoy vibrant live music performances and engaging city excursions that delve into the rich history and culture of the area. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and stunning architecture that surrounds this iconic site.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Rinascente Flagship Store - Via del Tritone, only 1.1km away, offering family-friendly vibes. Testaccio Market, 1.6km away, has a vibrant public market atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, check out Eataly Roma, located 3.2km from the Forum.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Stadio Olimpico, where you can catch a thrilling sporting event. For tennis enthusiasts, Rome Central Tennis Stadium offers excellent facilities nearby. Enjoy family time at the Olympic Swimming Stadium, which features a welcoming aquatic environment perfect for swimming and relaxation.

Adventure

Explore the Federal Equestrian Center at Pratoni Del Vivaro, located 29.0km from the Roman Forum, for thrilling horseback riding adventures. For hiking enthusiasts, the Ancient Appian Way, situated 21.6kms away, offers scenic trails. Don't miss Hydromania, a vibrant waterpark just 9.7km away, perfect for family fun.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the Roman Forum is vibrant and enchanting. The Theatre of Marcellus, a mere 644m away, offers a cultural experience, while Palazzo Santa Chiara and Teatro de'Servi Roma, both located 0.9.7km away, provide romantic and family-friendly entertainment options, making for a delightful evening out.

Find the best attractions near Roman Forum

The Roman Forum in Rome, Lazio is a cultural treasure trove, featuring stunning churches, ancient ruins, and vibrant piazzas. It offers a unique outdoor experience for tourists keen to explore its historical significance. Don't miss the chance to visit the Imperial Forums and other nearby attractions that highlight the rich tapestry of Roman history. Whether you're wandering through the Roman Forum or discovering the broader locations in Rome, you'll find plenty to captivate your interest.

  • Colosseum: Explore the iconic ruins of the Colosseum, a magnificent symbol of ancient Rome. Just a short stroll from the Roman Forum, this colossal amphitheatre offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the past, where gladiators once battled and spectators gathered in awe.
  • Trevi Fountain: Visit the stunning Trevi Fountain, a historic masterpiece known for its intricate sculptures and enchanting waters. Toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome, embracing the rich culture and legends that surround this beloved attraction.
  • Pantheon: Marvel at the Pantheon, an architectural wonder and one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome. Its magnificent dome and grand columns create a serene atmosphere, inviting you to reflect on the remarkable history and artistry of this timeless structure.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Roman Forum

To save money during your visit to the Roman Forum, consider exploring nearby free attractions like the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. Plan your trip between January and February or November for lower accommodation rates, and book your hotel about a month in advance. Tuesday is the cheapest day to stay, while Friday tends to be pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, and look for package deals to combine your stay with flights and activities for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Roman Forum are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Roman Forum about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Roman Forum is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Roman Forum is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and customize your preferences. You can easily sort the results by price, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll find sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near the Roman Forum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.