Visiting Rome: What free activities and tours are available in Rome, the mythical city of antiquity that has become a major European tourist attraction?
Italy would never have become Italy without the presence of the city of Rome, to whom it owes everything. Don’t we speak of the « Roman Empire », which made the city of Rome the center of the ancient world? The influence of the Roman world on today’s Roman metropolis is well established.
You’ll feel it when you visit this thousand-faceted, typically Italian city, which is sure to seduce the visiting tourist. Even if you’re only interested in the free things to do in Rome, you can still make the most of your stay here.
The aim of this mini-guide is to help you do just that, by presenting 10 of the free things to do in Rome. Andiamo!
See also:
17 must-do things to do in Rome
10 ideas for guided tours in Rome
Rome in 3, 4 or 5 days: our itineraries for a stay in Rome
1. Saint Peter’s Basilica
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Shamanick
There’s no escaping it when you’re looking for free things to do in Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the city’s most emblematic monuments, and what’s more, it’s completely free to enter!
Built on the precise site of the tomb of St. Peter – one of Christ’s apostles – it is famous the world over. In fact, you’re probably already familiar with Michelangelo’s sublime fresco – The Creation of Adam – in the mythical Sistine Chapel.
Visitors can admire this richly-decorated basilica, protected by the Swiss Guards and their famous multicolored uniforms designed, it is said, by Michelangelo himself…
Please note: access to the dome and the various Vatican museums is subject to a charge.
2. Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is located in the piazza of the same name, just opposite the Palazzo Poli. Built in the 18th century, this colossal Baroque fountain is the largest and best-known of Rome’s fountains. It is also one of Rome’s most emblematic buildings, appearing in numerous films, including the famous scene in Fellini’s « La Dolce Vita », starring the delightful Anita Elkberg.
Arguably one of the best free things to do in Rome, it’s swarming with tourists in summer and winter alike. Free? Well, not quite. In fact, it’s customary for tourists to stand with their backs to the fountain before throwing a coin into it with their right arm, thus ensuring that they will return to the Italian capital to collect the coin!
3. The Colosseum exterior
Here’s another of Italy’s – and indeed the world’s – most famous monuments! The Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire, is located in the heart of the city and was built over 2,000 years ago, demonstrating the power of Rome at its height.
Now in ruins, it is nevertheless one of the best free visits to make in Rome. It doesn’t cost a cent to visit the outside of the Colosseum, but you can get a glimpse of the interior – to which admission is charged – through the arcades.
So, are you ready to feel like a gladiator or a chariot driver?
4. Campo de’Fiori
Photo credit: Shutterstock / rarrarorro
In Italian, Campo de’ Fiori means « field of flowers ». Legend has it that a flowery meadow existed here before the area was paved! Located between Piazza Navona and Palazzo Farnese, Romans gather here to share a typically Mediterranean moment of conviviality.
Today, this warm, authentic space is home to a pretty market, open Monday through Saturday. Here, you can shop for fruit and vegetables, fish and poultry, or simply take a family stroll and enjoy one of Rome’s most beautiful free tours!
5. The Pantheon
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Phant
The Pantheon – a religious building – now serves as a basilica, but this was not always the case. Built over two millennia ago on the orders of General Agrippa, it was originally used as a temple dedicated to the deities of Roman mythology.
This architectural feat includes the largest dome in antiquity, and even today shows no sign of structural weakening. In fact, it’s probably the best-preserved ancient Roman building!
The interior is just as beautiful as the exterior, and just as well, there’s no admission charge. It’s definitely one of the best free things to do in Rome, whether you’re on your own or with the family.
6. Capitoline Hill
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Lucky-photographer
A little topographical information: the splendid city of Rome is built on seven hills, including the Capitoline Hill, the smallest located to the west of the city, between the Field of Mars and the Roman Forum. Considered the heart of the Eternal City, it’s one of the must-see places in the city when you’re looking for a free tour of Rome.
From up there, you can admire two splendid panoramas, one overlooking the city to the north-west, the other looking towards the Roman Forum and stretching all the way to the Colosseum! We recommend that you set off to discover these unforgettable views in the morning or evening, to escape the many visitors and onlookers who have come to admire the city.
7. Villa Borghese park
This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful free visits to be made in Rome. In the beautiful northern districts of the city, after crossing the Piazza del Popolo, which offers a unique panorama of the city of Rome, enter the Villa Borghese park, Rome’s most famous green space!
Villa Borghese takes its name from a wealthy noble family originally from Siena, and the adjoining park features splendid shady pine-planted avenues and a number of splendid fountains.
Around the lake, a romantic rendezvous par excellence, cyclists and roller-skaters come to enjoy the exceptional setting on the paved roads. We recommend ending your visit at the sublime Pincio terrace: one of the best spots for observing and photographing the city!
8. Piazza Navona
The Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s largest and most visited squares. It’s an absolutely splendid spot, offering visitors the chance to enjoy one of the best free activities in Rome!
Built on the ruins of Domitian’s famous 1st-century stadium, it is home to splendid architectural ensembles such as Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, Borromini’s Church of Santa Agnese in Agone and countless Baroque monuments.
In addition to the typical Roman restaurants and cafés, numerous urban events and shows are regularly organized on site, making it one of the most pleasant places to discover when venturing into the Italian capital.
9. La Settimana della Cultura
Photo Credit: Filckr – THEfunkyman
When you’re looking for free tours in Rome, you may be taken by surprise to find that, like everywhere else, museums, historical and cultural points of interest and archaeological sites are not free. But never mind!
You can take advantage of an initiative launched by the Italian Ministry of Culture, similar to the French Journées du Patrimoine.
During this week, traditionally held in spring, more than 400 tourist sites – which usually charge a fee – become free or open to the public when they are usually closed.
It’s a unique opportunity to discover the most beautiful and precious things the city has to offer: the Palazzo Massimo, the Baths of Caracalla, the sublime Borghese Gallery, the Palazzo Barberini or Hadrian’s Villa. It’s up to you to choose what appeals to you most, but be prepared for a huge crowd!
10. The streets of Campo Marzio
Photo credit: Shutterstock / S.Borisov
Campo Marzio – the Field of Mars, in the language of Molière – is in fact one of the 22 rioni (historic districts) of the Italian capital. A stroll through it is certainly one of the must-do free activities in Rome. Home to some of Italy’s most prestigious luxury brands, this upmarket area has no shortage of cultural and tourist attractions.
In addition to the chic cocktail bars and expensive stores, you can also wander through the colorful narrow streets, which are bustling with activity day and night, to discover a popular and authentic Rome that’s sure to charm any passing visitor!
In addition to Piazza di Spagna, one of the city’s most famous squares, offering a splendid view of Rome, you can also visit some of the art galleries, which are completely free of charge. It’s also possible to simply photograph this pretty district and take home unforgettable memories. And why not inspire your friends to do the same!
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