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Planning a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill? These remarkable archaeological sites offer a glimpse into the political, religious, and everyday life of ancient Rome. But with different ticket options, restricted-access SUPER sites, and the nearby Colosseum to consider, figuring out what to book can be confusing.
I’m Amy French, Ph.D., a history professor and the creator of Roaming Historian. I’ve visited Rome 16 times and spent nearly a year of my life traveling throughout Italy. My husband, Jon, and I spend several months each year exploring Europe and the Americas, and Italy remains one of our favorite destinations. I combine my academic background with extensive firsthand travel experience to help readers understand the history behind the places they visit and make informed decisions about tickets, tours, and itineraries.
The Colosseum was the center of public entertainment, hosting gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and other spectacles. The Roman Forum was the political, religious, commercial, and social heart of the city. Overlooking the Forum, the Palatine Hill is one of Rome’s seven hills and, according to tradition, the birthplace of the city. Archaeological evidence confirms that the hill was inhabited as early as the eighth century BC, the period associated with Rome’s legendary founding by Romulus. Later, it became an exclusive residential neighborhood and the site of imperial palaces built by Augustus and his successors. The word palace derives from Palatine.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to buy Roman Forum and Palatine Hill tickets, what’s included in the Forum SUPER Pass, which archaeological sites are worth prioritizing, and how to choose a guided tour. I’ll also share practical advice to help you make the most of your visit.
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill: Quick Visitor Guide
Can you visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill without a Colosseum ticket? Yes. Purchase the separate Forum SUPER Pass through the official Colosseum Archaeological Park ticketing website or through a reseller like GetYourGuide.
How much do tickets cost? At the time of publication, the full-price Forum SUPER Pass is €18. The standard combination ticket covering the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill is another option (also €18). Check the official website for current prices and ticket choices.
What does the Forum Pass SUPER include? It provides access to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Imperial Fora, and designated additional archaeological sites, museums, and SUPER sites, subject to opening schedules and availability. At the time of publication, the SUPER sites are: Palatine Museum, House of Augustus, House of Livia, Aula Isiaca and Loggia Mattei, Domus Tiberiana, Santa Maria Antiqua, Horrea Piperataria, Temple of Romulus, Curia Julia, and Roman Forum Museum.
How much time should you allow? You should allow at least three hours to visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, or four hours if you plan to explore the restricted SUPER sites.
Should you take a guided tour? I strongly recommend a tour covering the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, particularly if this is your first visit. A knowledgeable guide provides the historical context necessary to understand the ruins and visualize ancient Rome. LivTours offers semi-private (6 or fewer) tours that have lots of specialized options and they offer my readers 10% off two or more tours with code AMYRH10 and my link.
Table of Contents
- What to See at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tickets: Which Pass Should You Buy?
- Why I Recommend a Guided Tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- My Recommended Rome Tour Partners
- Planning Your Visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Explore Rome with a Local Guide
- Plan Your Italy Trip: My Helpful Guides to Get You Started
- Traveling Soon? Trusted Tour & Travel Partners
What to See at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
The Colosseum Archaeological Park encompasses three of ancient Rome’s most important sites: the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. You could spend several hours exploring the area, but these are the highlights I recommend prioritizing.
Roman Forum Highlights
- Arch of Titus: Built to commemorate Rome’s victory in the Jewish War and the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, the Arch of Titus features reliefs depicting the Roman triumphal procession. Look for the famous scene showing soldiers carrying treasures from the Temple in Jerusalem, including the menorah.
- Temple of Saturn: The Temple of Saturn was the state treasury of ancient Rome and a major temple dedicated to the god of agriculture. Today, it is easily recognizable by its eight surviving grand columns.
- Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine: This enormous structure demonstrates the engineering achievements of imperial Rome. Its surviving vaulted sections give visitors a sense of the scale and grandeur of the original building.
- Santa Maria Antiqua: One of my most favorite places in the Forum, this early medieval church contains remarkable frescoes spanning several centuries. The paintings offer an exceptional glimpse into Byzantine and medieval Rome. (SUPER site)
- Curia Julia: Built by Julius Caesar and completed under Augustus, this well-preserved building served as the meeting place of the Roman Senate. (SUPER site)
- Temple of Romulus: This circular, domed building is notable for its remarkably preserved ancient bronze doors and was traditionally identified as a temple dedicated by Emperor Maxentius to his deified son, Valerius Romulus. (SUPER site)
- Temple of Antoninus and Faustina: Originally dedicated to Faustina by her husband, Emperor Antoninus Pius, the temple was later rededicated to both.
- Temple of Vesta and House of the Vestal Virgins: The Temple of Vesta housed Rome’s sacred fire, tended by the Vestal Virgins. Nearby, their residence included courtyards and living quarters for these influential priestesses, whose privileged position came with strict obligations.
Palatine Hill Highlights
- Hut of Romulus: Archaeological remains of early Iron Age huts provide evidence of settlement on Palatine Hill during the eighth century BC. Although we cannot identify a particular hut as Romulus’s home, the discoveries correspond to the period associated with Rome’s legendary founding.
- House of Augustus: Explore the residence associated with Rome’s first emperor and its remarkable surviving wall paintings. (SUPER site)
- House of Livia: Traditionally associated with Augustus’s wife, this residence contains important examples of Roman wall painting. (SUPER site)
- Domus Tiberiana: This enormous imperial residence overlooks the Roman Forum. Its exhibition rooms provide insight into the palace and its archaeological history. (SUPER site)
- Domus Flavia and Domus Augustana: These impressive palace complexes formed the public and private sections of the imperial residence. The Domus Flavia contained ceremonial and reception spaces, while the Domus Augustana served as the emperor’s private residential quarters.
- Stadium of Domitian: This long, sunken space resembles an athletic stadium, although its precise purpose remains debated. It may have served as a landscaped garden or recreational area for the imperial household.
- Farnese Gardens: Established during the Renaissance by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, these gardens are among Europe’s earliest botanical gardens. They also offer some of the loveliest views overlooking the Roman Forum.
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tickets: Which Pass Should You Buy?
You have several options for visiting the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, and you do not necessarily need a ticket to the Colosseum. The best choice depends on which archaeological sites you want to explore and whether you want to visit the Colosseum as well. The Colosseum Archaeological Park currently offers three main ticket options:
1. Standard Colosseum Ticket — €18
The standard ticket includes admission to: the Colosseum’s first and second levels, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. You must reserve a timed entry for the Colosseum. The ticket is valid for 24 hours, allowing you to visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill at a different time within that period. This is a good option if you want to see the Colosseum along with the main archaeological areas of the Forum and Palatine Hill. It does not include the Colosseum Arena Floor or Underground.
2. Forum Pass SUPER — €18
If you are primarily interested in the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the Forum SUPER Pass may be the better choice. This ticket does not include the Colosseum. Instead, the Forum Pass SUPER provides access to several additional archaeological spaces that are not necessarily included in the standard visitor experience. Another advantage of purchasing the Forum SUPER Pass online is that it does not require a timed entry reservation. The ticket can be used within 30 days of purchase, but once validated, it is valid for that day only. Individual SUPER sites have their own opening schedules and capacity restrictions, so not every site will necessarily be open during your visit. I absolutely think the SUPER sites are phenomenal and an amazing visit.
3. Full Experience Ticket — €24
The Full Experience ticket includes the admission covered by the standard Colosseum ticket and the Forum SUPER Pass, along with access to an additional area of the Colosseum. Depending on the ticket you select, this additional access may include the Arena Floor or the Underground. The Underground is particularly difficult to book through the official ticketing website. If visiting the Underground is a priority, plan well ahead and check the specific access included before purchasing. I would seriously consider booking a tour that includes the Colosseum with a reputable tour company like The Tour Guy. Check availability of their “Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.”
Where Should You Buy Tickets?
I recommend purchasing tickets directly through the official Colosseum Archaeological Park ticketing website or through a reputable company like LivTours, The Tour Guy, Viator, or GetYourGuide. For more detailed information about Colosseum ticket types, timed reservations, and booking strategies, see my guide: How to Get Colosseum Tickets in Rome.
Why I Recommend a Guided Tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
I am a history professor, so perhaps I am a little biased, but I firmly believe these archaeological sites are much more interesting when you understand their historical background. The Roman Forum area would have been crowded with merchants, politicians, citizens, religious officials, and visitors from across the Roman world. Buildings were decorated with marble, statues, painted surfaces, and elaborate architectural details. Today, much of that decoration has disappeared, leaving foundations, columns, and fragments of walls. The same is true of Palatine Hill. A knowledgeable guide helps you reconstruct that past.
My recommendation is to take a guided tour that includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Seeing all three together helps you understand how Rome’s political center, imperial residence, and public entertainment spaces are related to one another. If seeing the Colosseum isn’t on your agenda, then certainly consider a guided tour of just the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. I’ve wandered through these archaeological areas countless times and taken numerous tours over the years. Nothing makes them come alive quite like a knowledgeable local guide who understands the history of the Colosseum Archaeological Park.
My Recommended Rome Tour Partners
I particularly recommend LivTours and The Tour Guy for travelers interested in a more engaging, guided experience. Viator and GetYourGuide are useful alternatives for comparing operators, group sizes, itineraries, and prices.
LivTours — Semi-Private and Private Tours
LivTours specializes in high-quality semi-private and private tours, particularly in Italy. Its semi-private experiences are limited to a maximum of six people, making them an excellent choice if you prefer a smaller group and more opportunities to interact with your guide. Save 10% on two or more tours with my discount code AMYRH10 and my affiliate link: Explore LivTours Rome Experiences
The Tour Guy — Engaging Small-Group and Private Tours
The Tour Guy offers engaging small-group and private experiences with local guides. Its tours are a good option for travelers who want an informative experience without necessarily booking a completely private tour. Explore The Tour Guy Rome Tours
Viator — Compare Tours and Experiences
Viator offers a large selection of tours and experiences, making it useful for comparing different operators, group sizes, itineraries, and prices. Explore Colosseum and Roman Forum Tours on Viator
GetYourGuide — Flexible Booking Options
GetYourGuide offers guided tours and local experiences with a range of booking options. It is another useful resource for comparing experiences that combine the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Explore Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Tours
My advice: Don’t simply choose the least expensive tour. The quality of the guide and the historical context they provide can make a substantial difference in how much you take away from your visit.
Check Live Tour Availability If you prefer to lock in your dates right now, you can use the search tools below. I’ve partnered with both Viator and GetYourGuide so you can easily compare real-time pricing, see what is available during your travel dates, and secure your spot before the busy season sells out.
Looking for last-minute tickets or specific time slots? Check GetYourGuide’s live calendar directly:
Planning Your Visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
A little preparation will make your visit considerably more enjoyable. The archaeological area is extensive, with uneven terrain, limited shade, and several sites with individual opening schedules.
- How Much Time Should You Allow? I recommend allowing at least three hours to explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. If you purchase the Forum SUPER Pass and want to visit the additional archaeological sites, allow four hours or more. A guided tour covering the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill generally takes several hours. Check the advertised duration and consider allowing additional time if you want to explore independently afterward.
- When Is the Best Time to Visit? Spring and fall generally offer more comfortable temperatures. If you’re visiting in summer, Rome is hot; I recommend visiting in early morning when temperatures are cooler. Winter can also be a pleasant time to visit, although daylight hours are shorter and the archaeological park may have reduced opening hours. Always check the official opening schedule before your visit, particularly if you want to explore the SUPER sites, as some are only open on certain days.
- Where Are the Entrances? There are several entrances to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, including via Sacra near the Arch of Titus, via della Salara Vecchia, via di San Gregorio, via del Tulliano, and via del Foro Romano. Entrance opening may change depending on season, so check ahead.
- What Should You Bring? You will do a considerable amount of walking over uneven ancient paving, gravel paths, and slopes. I recommend bringing: comfortable walking shoes with good traction, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen and a hat, your ticket, identification matching the name on your ticket, and a snack. The snack is highly important, especially if you—like me—are prone to getting “hangry.” There is relatively little shade in many parts of the archaeological park, so plan accordingly during the summer.
- Is the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Wheelchair Accessible? Accessibility is more challenging here than at many of Rome’s museums. The archaeological area contains uneven ancient paving, gravel paths, slopes, steps, and considerable elevation changes. Some routes are difficult/impossible to navigate with mobility limitations. If you or someone in your party has mobility limitations, consult the official archaeological park’s accessibility information and map before your visit. Also confirm accessibility directly with any tour operator before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Can you visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on the same day?
Yes, you have to unless you buy two separate tickets. When you enter, regardless if you enter the Roman Forum or the Palatine Hill, your ticket is considered activated for both. You cannot leave and come back without buying another ticket. Allow at least three hours for a general visit, or longer if you want to explore the SUPER sites.
Is the Roman Forum free to visit?
Not generally. Admission usually requires a ticket. Free admission is offered on designated dates, including the first Sunday of the month, subject to the archaeological park’s conditions and ticketing procedures.
Is a guided tour of the Roman Forum necessary?
A guided tour is not required, but I strongly recommend one, particularly for first-time visitors. Many buildings are difficult to interpret without historical context. A knowledgeable guide can explain what the structures looked like, how they were used, and why they mattered in Roman history.
Can you visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill in one day?
Absolutely. Many guided tours cover all three sites in one visit. If you want to explore independently or visit additional SUPER sites, allow more time.
What is the difference between the House of Augustus and the House of Livia?
Both are important examples of Roman domestic architecture and wall painting on Palatine Hill. The House of Augustus is associated with Rome’s first emperor, while the House of Livia is traditionally associated with his wife. Access to both depends on the archaeological park’s current opening schedule and your purchase of a ticket that includes these SUPER sites. Both are phenomenal, but a little different. I prefer the House of Livia’s frescoes, but the House of Augustus is more expansive.
Final Thoughts
I can’t stop visiting the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. I’ve been countless times and still find something new each time. Honestly, I prefer them to the Colosseum. Don’t get me wrong…the Colosseum is awesome and something you must see when in Rome, but it’s relatively compact and once you’ve seen it, looking at it from the outside provides a similar thrill. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are so spacious that one trip is certainly not enough. I found a building on Palatine Hill in 2013 that I didn’t find again until 2026! And I was looking each time!
I hope you have a fabulous time in Rome. Let me know what your favorite part was. Happy travels! Amy
About the author: I’m Amy French, Ph.D., a history professor, seasoned traveler, and the voice behind Roaming Historian. My husband, Jon, and I spend several months each year traveling the Americas and Europe…exclusively with carry-on luggage. I share stories that blend history and travel to give my readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore. Browse my Travel Guides, Visit Italy, and Travel Tips pages for my best stories and advice. If you love Italy, join my “Italy Travel Tips, Planning, and Inspiration” Facebook group.
Explore Rome with a Local Guide
Make the most of your time in the Eternal City. These are my recommended tour partners for discovering Rome’s remarkable historical sites, museums, and neighborhoods.
| Tour Partner | What They Offer |
| LivTours – Semi-Private & Private Tours | High-quality tours with small semi-private groups (maximum 6 guests) and private experiences. Save 10% on 2+ tours with code AMYRH10. |
| The Tour Guy – Small-Group & Private Tours | Engaging small-group and private tours with knowledgeable local guides. |
| Viator – Rome Experiences | Compare thousands of tours, day trips, and experiences. |
| GetYourGuide – Rome Experiences | Guided tours, attraction tickets, and local experiences with flexible booking options. |
Check out some of Viator’s Rome Experiences
Browse GetYourGuide‘s Colosseum, Palatine, and Roman Forum Experiences
Plan Your Italy Trip: My Helpful Guides to Get You Started
1. Essential Italy trip planning
- How to Plan a Trip to Italy — Plan here
- Essential Italy Travel Tips — Read the guide
- What to Book in Advance in Rome — Read the guide
- Best Places to Visit in Italy Browse the page
2. Popular tickets and attractions
- How to Get Colosseum Tickets in Rome — Read the guide
- Vatican Museums Tickets: Tours and Booking Tips — Read the guide
- Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City — Read the guide
- Pantheon Rome Tickets and Visitor Guide — Read the guide
- Trevi Fountain Fee Explained — Read the article
3. Getting around Italy
- How to Book Trains in Italy — Read the guide
- How to Get from Rome Airport (FCO) to the City Center — Read the guide
- How to Get a Taxi in Italy — Read the article
4. Itineraries and destination guides
- 3 Days in Rome Itinerary — Read the guide
- 3 Days in Florence Itinerary–Check out the itinerary
- 2 Days in Venice: What to Do, See, and Book — Read the guide
5. Practical travel tips
- How to Pack Light: The Definitive Carry-On Packing Guide — Read the guide
- When to Buy Travel Insurance — Read the guide
- How to Find the Best Authentic Restaurants in Italy — Read the guide
- Do You Tip in Italy? — Read the guide
- All Travel Tips — Browse the complete collection
More of Viator’s Rome Experiences
Traveling Soon? Trusted Tour & Travel Partners
Planning your trip? Here are my trusted travel partners — thoughtfully chosen for quality, reliability, and exceptional experiences.
- LivTours (high-quality semi-private and private European tours led by expert guides)
Save 10% with code AMYRH10 (valid on two or more tours).
https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61 - The Tour Guy (engaging small group & private European tours)
https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi - Viator (compare thousands of tours, day trips, and experiences worldwide)
https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector - GetYourGuide (flexible booking options for tours, attractions, and local experiences)
https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher - Shore Excursions Group (high-quality shore excursions with lower prices and return-to-ship guarantees.)
https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com - Expedia (flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages)
https://expedia.com/affiliate/p7ZcFsz - Hotels.com (book hotels globally and earn free nights through their rewards program)
https://www.hotels.com/affiliate/rdDAFaG - VRBO (private homes and unique stays ideal for families and longer trips)
https://vrbo.com/affiliate/KvF3nms - Travel Insurance.com (compare policies side-by-side to protect your trip at no extra cost)
https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44 - Omio (global travel in one place, compare train, bus, ferry, and flight tickets) https://omio.sjv.io/PzgOVY
- LEVEL8 (stylish, durable luggage designed for travelers, with 10% off for my readers using code ROAMING10 through my link) https://tidd.ly/47oAQ6a
Affiliate Disclosure
Roaming Historian may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links. This comes at no additional cost to you (some affiliates even offer my readers a discount) and helps support the research and storytelling that go into every article. All opinions are always my own; I don’t accept guest stories on my site because I want my readers to know that the blog they’re reading was written by Amy French, Ph.D. aka the Roaming Historian.