Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

The Roman Forum sits just below the Palatine Hill and is a rectangular plaza surrounded by the ruins which was once the heart of the ancient city of Rome. It was the venue for speeches, criminal trials, and Gladiatorial battles.

The Palatine Hill is the centre of seven major hills in Rome and it once was where palaces, imperial buildings and was mostly occupied by houses of the rich with spectacular views over the city.

Palatine is believed to be where the long history of Roman civilization began and where the Emperors of Rome ruled over one of the largest empires in the world.


Where is the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill located?

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are located in the centre of Rome just a few minutes walk from the Colosseum and the Colosseo Metro station (Linea B).


How much do the tickets cost to get in to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill?

Tickets are all inclusive of the three sites including the Colosseum. You can get tickets which include the Colosseum from the official site Roman Forum Tickets however these generally cost more than those from Get Your Guide – Roman Forum Tickets and Tours where you have many options to choose from including a guided tour or a self guided tour with an audio-guide App.

Whether you book via the official site or via Get Your Guide – Roman Forum Tickets and Tours you can easily check available dates but unlike the Colosseum you don’t need a timed slot for entry to the Roman Forum or Palatine Hill, you just need to use the ticket within 24 hrs. We do recommend booking the tickets in advance especially in the peak season May to September.

Ticket costs from Get Your Guide – Roman Forum Tickets and Tours vary depending on which options you choose, availability, dates and times but a rough idea of costs are:

  • Self guided tickets that include the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill, with an audio guide, start from £20 / €24 / $26
  • Self guided tickets that include entrance to the Colosseum, and the Arena floor, Forum and Palatine Hill start from £57 / €48 / $62
  • A 2.5hr guided tour of the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill start from £42 / €49 / $54
  • A 3hr guided tour of the Colosseum, the Underground and Arena, the Forum and Palatine Hill are around £120 / €143 / $155.

Children under 6 are free and those aged between 7 and 17 are significantly discounted however, if you are booking through Get Your Guide – Roman Forum Tickets and Tours be sure to check whether the tickets you are selecting allow children as some exclude bookings for those aged 17 and under.

Be mindful also to check the meeting point location as some ticket providers offices or meeting points can be further away from the attractions. They are all generally close ie 5-10 minutes walk but it is something to take note of.


What hours is the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill open?

The area opens daily at 9am however from 30 March to 30 September it is open 8.30am to 7.15pm.

From October 1 to 25 it is open 8.30am to 6.30pm and from October 26 to 28 February it is open 8.30am to 4.30pm.

It is closed 25 December and January 1.


Where is the entrances to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill?

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill entrances are located within the same archaeological park and can be accessed through several routes. The main entrance to the Roman Forum is on Via dei Fori Imperiali whilst the Palatine Hill entrance is on Via di San Gregorio which is near the Colosseum. You can also enter the Roman Forum from the Palatine Hill area or vice versa.


What do I need to show to get entry into the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill?

You will need to show a valid passport or ID when entering the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. This is required to verify your identity and match the name on your ticket or pass. 


How long should I spend at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill?

Its a personal preference and depends on how interested you are in exploring the entire area and looking at the ancient artefacts and ruins but you should allow at least two hours.


What is there to see at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill?

As you meander through what was once the beating heart of the Roman Empire it gives you a glimpse into amazing buildings and ruins which once stood magnificent palaces, courthouses and temples. There is also the Palatine Museum with its sculptures and archaeological finds and the views from the area are stunning allowing you to see over Rome from the viewpoint of those that once stood there 3000 years ago.