Visiting Rome is tempting, but it can be hard to keep up with the budget. The good news is that there are plenty of free things to do in Rome, including among the must-see monuments! As you stroll through the historic heart of the city, your eyes will be drawn to the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican. Let yourself be charmed by the historic authenticity of one of the world's most beautiful cities. With our 15 free things to do in Rome, you'll be able to take in the sights without breaking the bank!
1. Visit St. Peter's Basilica for free
Like most religious buildings st. Peter's Basilica opens its doors to you free of charge. Access to the Sistine Chapel, on the other hand, is not free. There may be a long queue to get in, but it's well worth the wait to admire the rich decor, the beautiful dome and Michelangelo's famous work.
To discover St. Peter's Basilica in a new light, don't hesitate to seek out one of Rome's best rooftops, where you can contemplate it while sipping a drink.
2. Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome's top free activities
The trevi Fountain also attracts crowds, but it's one of Rome's must-do free activities. All it costs is a possible coin tossed into the water, a gesture accompanied by a small wish. If you arrive (very) early, you can even take a nice photo with very few people around!
3. Free activities in Rome: contemplate the Colosseum
Did you know? The entire historic center of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Colosseumis of course one of the 21 must-sees in Rome, but it's not free to visit. However, there's nothing to stop you contemplating and photographing it from the outside.
4. Discover the charm of Campo Marzio
Campo Marzio is a quieter part of Rome, a little way from the main centers of interest. Here you'll discover authentic, colorful alleyways full of charm. It's a lovely stroll for lovers, and one of the free things to do in Rome.
The article to read: Top 11 sun destinations without flying!
5. Admire the view of the Roman Forum from Capitoline Hill
Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and you'll be fully aware of this when you admire the view from Capitoline Hill. From this panoramic vantage point, you can contemplate part of the city, including the famous Roman Forum. Entrance to the latter is not free, but there's nothing to stop you from mentally and photographically immortalizing it from up there!
6. Contemplating Rome's Pantheon
Among Rome's free activities, don't miss the chance to take beautiful photos of the Pantheon ! Visiting it will cost you a few euros, but from the outside you can contemplate it for free, soaking up its majesty, its history, its power.
The article to read: What to do in Italy? The 27 must-sees!
7. Book your place on the New Rome Free Tour
Guided tours of Rome can be expensive. But have you heard of the New Rome Free Tour? It allows you to visit the city for free, on foot, on a guided tour. The idea is to leave your guide a small tip, as he or she will take you to all the city's must-sees with all their knowledge. The top free things to do in Rome!
8. The Circus Maximus, one of Rome's free activities
Originally dedicated to games and fights, the Circus Maximus was an essential leisure venue in ancient Rome. Although all that remains of it is a vast green space with few ruins, the site can now be visited free of charge. It is possible to view the Circo Maximo 's life of yesteryear with virtual reality goggles, but this experience is not free.
9. Free activities in Rome: escape on the Via Appia Antica
Why not follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans? Visit Via Appia Anticawith its ancient cobblestone streets, is sure to take you back in time. Today, you can walk along the Via Appia Antica, but it's easy to imagine the wagons and troops of the Romans crossing what was then the city's main thoroughfare. Your free walk will allow you to contemplate several monuments: the Porta San Sebastiano, the Domine Quo Vadis' church and the city's catacombs.
The article to read: What to do with children in Rome Top 15 activities
10. Search for the unusual hidden courtyard of the Arco degli Acetari
Far from the splendor of the great Roman buildings, the hidden courtyard of the Arco degli Acetari plunges you into the popular Rome of yesteryear. This former private courtyard, located near Campo dei Fiori, has a charm all its own. Its colorful buildings, somewhat overgrown with ivy, create a magical little bubble from the past. Adorable... and free !
11. Strolling around Piazza di Spagna is free!
Visit spanish Steps is famous in Rome for its monumental staircase linking it to the Church of the Trinità dei Monti. It's a great place to stroll around, admiring the Barcaccia Fountain and the surrounding buildings, or sipping a drink on the terrace. That's the great thing about Rome: the city is overflowing with wonders, which you can admire for free just by taking a stroll!
12. Attend the Pope's weekly address at the Vatican
Except in exceptional circumstances, the Pope gives a public audience in front of the Vatican, in St. Peter's Square, on Wednesday mornings. Texts and religious songs are sung, mostly in Italian. Whether you're a believer or not, it's a unique and free experience to enjoy on a trip to Rome. The Wednesday papal audience is free of charge, but you must reserve a ticket to guarantee access. To attend,you must obtain a ticket from the Vatican and collect it in person in Rome. Places are limited and demand is very high.
Also read Top 10 cities to visit in Italy
13. Stroll the aisles of the Villa Borghese and admire the view
While admission to the main building is subject to a fee, a visit to the villa Borghese park won't cost you a cent. Let yourself be carried away by the charm of the English-style gardens, adorned with statues, fountains and other sculptures. It's an enchanting stroll, not to be missed and free of charge!
Read the article: Weekend in Rome: how to get the most out of a weekend?
14. Meet the artists in Piazza Navona
Among the treasures you'll find during your visit to the city is the Piazza Navona is a must-see. Its impressive dimensions, together with the beautiful Fountain of the Four Rivers and its period buildings, make it one of Rome's most beautiful squares. Many artists exhibit and sell their works here.
Good to know: among the must-do activities in Rome at Christmas, the Piazza Navona Christmas market is a must!
15. Stroll through the Campo de' Fiori market
The Campo de' Fiori is one of Rome's best-known squares. Every morning (except Sundays) there's a large market selling flowers and other fresh produce. Surrounded by period buildings, the square comes alive in the evening, with its bars and restaurants.
Good to know many museums can be found in the vicinity of this famous square. If you take a stroll on the first Sunday of the month, you can visit several of them for free!
What museums are free in Rome on the 1ᵉʳ Sunday of the month?
Between October and March, many museums in Rome are free on the 1ᵉʳ Sunday of the month. Of course, these days attract dense crowds, so don't arrive too late! Free admission extends to all national museums, and there are many:
- The Colosseum Archaeological Park: Flavian Amphitheatre, Arch of Constantine, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
- The Borghese Gallery: visit free of charge, but with a €2 reservation in advance.
- Rome's National Gallery of Ancient Art: Palazzo Barberini and Palazzo Corsini, two art museums.
- The Appia Antica Archaeological Park: Santa Maria Nova Complex, Cecilia Metella Mausoleum, Villa dei Quintili, Capo di Bove Complex.
- The Pantheon, the best-preserved architectural work of ancient Rome.
- The Galleria Spada and its superb trompe-l'œil gallery by Borromini.
- The Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II - Vittoriano, offering an exceptional view of Rome.
- The Baths of Caracalla, magnificent imperial thermal baths.
- Castel Sant'Angelo National Museum, a fine collection of Italian military artefacts, art and history.
- The National Etruscan Museum at Villa Giulia: Etruscan works, as well as works from pre-Roman Italy.
- The National Roman Museum, divided into four sites: Crypta Balbi, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Palazzo Altemps and the Baths of Diocletian.
Good to know: The Vatican is also free to visit on certain days of the year: the last Sunday of the month!
Tip from Petit Futé: try to visit Rome during the " Settimana della Cultura " (Culture Week), usually in April/May.All the city's monuments and museums are open to visitors free of charge!
Rome is an ideal destination to visit in November, so you can continue to enjoy the fine Mediterranean weather. Want to go even further? Discover our itinerary tips for visiting Rome in 3 days, as a couple or with the family. We also invite you to treat yourself to some of the best Italian specialities, so you can fill up on good food during your stay. Need a bit of peace and quiet after all that? Find the best places to escape the crowds in Italy.
And discover the most popular things to do in Rome:
