The Roman Forum, or Forum Romanum, lies in Rome, Italy, in the valley between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills. It was once a marshy lake, drained and transformed over centuries into the nerve center of the Roman Empire.
Why it is worth the trip
This is not a single monument but a sprawling archaeological landscape of temples, basilicas and architectural fragments that grew organically over hundreds of years. You can still see the travertine paving laid in the reign of Augustus, and walk among the Temple of Vesta, the Regia, the Comitium and the vast Basilica of Maxentius. Follow the Via Sacra and you trace the route victorious generals took toward the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus. Standing there, you feel how much of Roman life, from commerce to law to celebration, happened in this one place.
The best time to go
Going early in the day beats the crowds and gives you room to wander the open ruins at an unhurried pace. Choose a season with mild weather, since the site is largely exposed and you will spend hours walking outdoors.
How long to allow
Allow ample time to wander the excavations and fragments, and more if you want to pair it with the neighboring Palatine Hill.
Getting there
The Forum sits in the historic center of Rome, within walking distance of the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, so it is easy to reach on foot from nearby sights.
What to book ahead
If you plan to see several archaeological sites, such as the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, look into a Roma Pass, which can cover entry to several sites and help you skip some of the longer queues.
Nearby
The Colosseum and the Palatine Hill are an easy walk away. The Pantheon, one of the best-preserved structures from the first century, and Castel Sant'Angelo are also close by.