Trajan’s Markets: Rome’s Ancient Shopping Mall & Imperial Centre
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Trajan’s Markets: Rome’s Ancient Shopping Mall & Imperial Centre worth booking?
Trajan’s Markets: Rome’s Ancient Shopping Mall & Imperial Centre is a 1.5-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from $29 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (6)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $29 per person
Discover Rome’s ancient daily life on a 1.5-hour guided tour of Trajan's Markets and the Museum of the Imperial Fora. Immerse yourself into the world’s oldest shopping mall, with its grand arches and well-preserved shopf
What you get
About this experience
Discover Rome’s ancient daily life on a 1.5-hour guided tour of Trajan's Markets and the Museum of the Imperial Fora. Immerse yourself into the world’s oldest shopping mall, with its grand arches and well-preserved shopfronts. Feel as if you’ve stepped through a portal into ancient Rome and get a glimpse into the daily routines from nearly 2,000 years ago. Continue to the museum, where unique artefacts and captivating stories bring Rome's imperial history to life. Choose for a small group experience or private option for a truly exclusive journey through Roman architecture, history, and daily life. Don’t miss this immersive experience into the heart of ancient Rome’s past.
What's included
Included
- Headsets to hear the guide clearly
- Expert live guide
- Entrance fees to Trajan's Markets and the Museum of the Imperial Fora
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Pick-up and drop-off
- Optional gratuities
What you'll see and do
Mercati di Traiano - Museo dei Fori Imperiali
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.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rome
Meet us in front of the iron gates of Trajan's Column, opposite the church of Santa Maria di Loreto, Via dei Fori Imperiali, 00187 Rome. Look for a member of staff holding a yellow Touriks sign.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Private Tour in Portuguese
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: This option is for a 1.5hr private guided tour of Trajan's Market and Imperial Fora Museum with a Portuguese-speaking guide
Private Tour in German
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: This option is for a 1.5hr private guided tour of Trajan's Market and Imperial Fora Museum with a German-speaking guide
Private Tour in French
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: This option is for a 1.5hr private guided tour of Trajan's Market and Imperial Fora Museum with a French-speaking guide
Private Tour in Italian
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: This option is for a 1.5hr private guided tour of Trajan's Market and Imperial Fora Museum with a Italian-speaking guide
Private Tour in English
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: This option is for a 1.5hr private guided tour of Trajan's Market and Imperial Fora Museum with an English-speaking guide
Private tour in Spanish
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: This option is for a 1.5hr private guided tour of Trajan's Market and Imperial Fora Museum with a Spanish-speaking guide
Small-Group Tour in English
Small-Group Tour Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: This option for a 1.5-hour shared guided tour of Trajan's Market and Imperial Fora museum in a group of maximum 10 in English
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, pt, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- TOURIKS
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 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
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Trajan’s Markets: Rome’s Ancient Shopping Mall & Imperial Centre. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
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.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much, we are glad to hear that you enjoyed our Trajan's market guided tour :)
via Tripadvisor
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.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your throughout review, we are very happy to hear that you enjoyed our Trajan's Markets guided tour. We look forward to welcoming you back into one of our other tours in Rome!
via Tripadvisor
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
Response from the operator: Thank you so much, we are really glad to hear that you enjoyed our Trajan's Markets guided tour!
via Viator
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
Response from the operator: Thank you! We are glad to hear that you enjoyed our tour of Trajan's Markets: it's definitely an hidden gem!
via Viator
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.
Response from the operator: Merci beaucoup! On est très heureux à savoir que vous avez aimés notre visite!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $29 to $299
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Trajan’s Markets: Rome’s Ancient Shopping Mall & Imperial Centre: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.
How much does Trajan’s Markets: Rome’s Ancient Shopping Mall & Imperial Centre cost?
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Prices start at $29 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rome usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Trajan’s Markets: Rome’s Ancient Shopping Mall & Imperial Centre take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rome is not rushed.
Is Trajan’s Markets: Rome’s Ancient Shopping Mall & Imperial Centre worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Rome, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Trajan’s Markets: Rome’s Ancient Shopping Mall & Imperial Centre?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Trajan’s Markets: Rome’s Ancient Shopping Mall & Imperial Centre suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Trajan’s Markets: Rome’s Ancient Shopping Mall & Imperial Centre?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rome can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rome and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Trajan’s Markets: Rome’s Ancient Shopping Mall & Imperial Centre start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rome within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rome?
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Rome runs on skip-the-line access. The Colosseum underground, the Vatican before opening, and the catacombs south of the walls all require a licensed operator, and the price gap between the good ones and the rest is smaller than you would expect. We rank by guide credentials, group size and how reliably the promised access actually materialises. On Outty we rank every Rome experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Rome Pasta and Tiramisu Class: Ravioli, Fettuccine & Fine Wine 5*, Pasta Making & Wine Tasting with Dinner in Frascati from Rome, Rome: Pizza & Tiramisu or Gelato Class with Flowing Fine Wine 5*. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
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April, May, September and October. August is hot and half the city is shut. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rome?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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