Roman Forum Tickets | Exclusive Night Entry & Audio Guide

What is the Roman Forum?

Originally a marketplace, the Roman Forum evolved to become the political, social, and economic epicenter of Rome. It was the city’s bustling center, where commerce and culture intertwined. The Forum was encircled by significant structures such as temples, basilicas, triumphal arches, and government buildings. Now an open-air museum, it is situated between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, offering captivating views of the surrounding landscape.

What remains of the Roman Forum today?

Here are some highlights that present-day tourists can see:

✅Temple of Saturn: Eight marble columns of this temple remain a space that was dedicated to the cult of Saturn, or the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Kronos. It’s said that on December 17, during the Saturnalia festival, even slaves were temporarily given the rights of full citizens.
✅The Arch of Titus: A symbol of brotherly admiration, it was built by Domitian to showcase his brother Titus’ triumph over the Jews. The arch contains rich depictions of Roman victory and their spoils of war.
✅The House of the Vestal Virgins: The Vestal Virgins, a group of high priestesses, were entrusted with the important task of keeping the flame in the Temple of Vesta alive. If the flame were to go out, Romans believed it would be the end of their civilization and empire. Fun fact: The Vestal Virgins were the only women who were allowed to sit in the inner tier of the Colosseum — the other women were relegated to the balcony seats.
✅Temple of Castor and Pollux: Demigod twins that were born to Jupiter and a mortal, Castor and Pollux embodied strength, valor, and victory. These values made them the patrons of Roman knights, and they stood for the qualities that the ancient civilization treasured.

What’s special about visiting the Roman Forum at night?

Exclusivity? Check.

Stillness and serenity? Check.

Magic at midnight? Double check!

When dusk falls and the stars slowly reveal themselves, the ruins of ancient Rome have a special sparkle. With granite columns standing tall in the ethereal glow from LED lighting, the whole atmosphere is one of silent magic. At night, the Roman Forum has superior appeal as there are far fewer tourists than during the daytime. You are free to walk among the ruins as you tune into a carefully curated audio guide that explains the significance of these ruins and the monuments contained within them. 

Step-by-step guide to booking Roman Forum tickets

Ready to experience ancient Rome in a different light? Let’s go!

Know before you go to the Roman Forum

1. Entry to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill are not included in this ticket, it’s an exclusive Roman Forum tour.

2. Your visit starts at Trajan’s Column, where you can admire the bas-relief decorations depicting Roman victory against the Dacians. From there, walk through the ancient marketplace and find your way into the Roman Forum.

3. For a less crowded experience, consider visiting between Tuesdays and Thursdays. Weekdays generally have fewer tourists compared to weekends.

4. The first slot begins at 8pm and the last slot is at 11pm. Try to catch one of the later slots for an added air of mystery and suspense.

Frequently asked questions

• Does my Roman Forum ticket offer skip-the-line entry?
  No, your Roman Forum entry ticket does not offer skip-the-line entry. Since it’s a nighttime tour, you’re not likely to encounter as many tourists, making your visit smoother and more relaxed.

  
  

• Can I visit the Roman Forum with Colosseum tickets?

  Yes, most standard Colosseum tickets include access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. These three sites are usually bundled together as they are all part of the same archaeological area. With a single ticket, you can explore the Colosseum, wander through the ruins of the Roman Forum, and enjoy the panoramic views from Palatine Hill. Be sure to check the specific details of your ticket to confirm access.

  
  

• How is the Roman Forum connected to the Colosseum?

  The Roman Forum and the Colosseum are part of the same vast archaeological site in the heart of Rome, reflecting the grandeur of ancient Rome. The Forum was the political, religious, and social hub of the Roman Empire, while the Colosseum served as the empire’s premier venue for public spectacles, such as gladiator games. The proximity of the two sites makes it easy to explore both in one visit, with pathways directly connecting the Colosseum to the Forum.

  
  

• What time do night tours begin?
  Night tours typically begin at or after 8pm, depending on the slots available, and the last slot is at 11pm.

  
  

• In what languages does my audio guide come in?
  Audio guides are available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, Portuguese & Chinese.

  
  

• If I get an audio guide, does that mean there is no live guide?
  Correct. A guide will not accompany you on this tour, you can tune into the audio guide that is an expert substitute to a live one!

  
  

• How long is my night tour?
  Your night tour of the Roman Forum is an hour long.

  
  

• What was life like in the Roman Forum?

  Life in the Roman Forum was bustling and vibrant, as it was the center of public life in ancient Rome. Citizens would gather here for political meetings, religious ceremonies, and socializing. The Forum was home to important buildings such as the Senate House, temples, and marketplaces. It was a place where major decisions were made, and the everyday lives of Romans played out, making it a fascinating window into the past.

  
  

• How long does it take to visit the Roman Forum?

  A visit to the Roman Forum typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in exploring the ruins. If you’re visiting the Colosseum and Palatine Hill as well, plan for a half-day excursion. It’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as there’s a lot of walking involved.