Trajan's Markets Guided Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore ancient Roman shopping mall
- Visit Imperial Fora Museum
- Skip-the-line access
- Expert guide insights
- Rich historical context
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Expert guide
- Skip-the-line entry
- Audio headsets
- Food and drinks
Itinerary
Begin your journey at Trajan’s Markets, often called the world’s oldest shopping mall—a stunning feat of Roman engineering. As you explore the multi-level structures, it’s as if you’ve stepped back 2,000 years into ancient Rome. Your guide will reveal fascinating details about Roman life and commerce, illustrating how this vibrant hub was once central to society. Admire the grand arches, preserved shopfronts, and innovative designs that still inspire architecture today. Don’t miss the sweeping views of the nearby Imperial Forums and ruins—ideal spots for memorable photos. Your tour continues inside at the Museum of the Imperial Fora, where sculptures and artefacts reveal Rome’s incredible history. As you walk through, your guide will share intriguing stories of the Imperial Fora, once the bustling heart of Roman life, and the emperors who built these imperial fora. Feel the spirit of ancient Rome and leave inspired by its lasting legacy in this immersive experience.
Meeting point
Start Location
Trajan's Column, Via dei Fori Imperiali, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine
- Photography is allowed without flash
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Bring a bottle of water
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- The museum provides a wheelchair for people with reduced mobility
- Three floors of the museum are accessible by wheelchair, the lower two unfortunately can't be visited with a wheelchair.
- We recommend you to bring your own headphones in order to minimise plastic waste
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved and you will be walking on uneven surfaces and climbing steps
- It is recommended to have a moderate level of fitness to join this tour since Trajan's Markets have many uneven surfaces and steps and stairs
Traveler reviews
Great tour of Trajan’s Market
Francesca was our tour guide on May 3. She was an excellent guide and brought to life Trajan’s market. She was very knowledgeable, prepared and friendly. We had been to Rome several times and had wondered what was hidden in the large site. Highly recommend this tour if you’re looking for something different in Rome.
The ancient shopping mall
This tour exceeded my expectations. Seeing the market inside was much more rewarding than just seeing it from Via Fori Imperiali. The tour was about two hours and I felt like it was the exact amount of time needed. The most enjoyable aspect was seeing that our modern day shopping mall really replicates this ancient market. The idea of covered hallways with open spaces lined up around it was duplicated.
well worth doing, a...
well worth doing, a fraction of the crowds that swamp the Forum yet the buildings are equally as impressive. Our guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and gave us all extra time as we had asked so many questions! Recommend
Very interesting,...
Very interesting, although not as known as other major atractions it helps to better understand the roman society. The guide was very knowledgeable
Worth a visit.
Extremely interesting tour, with breathtaking views of the heart of Rome and the Imperial Forums. To note an excellent bookstore, and very friendly staff.