Best FREE Things to Do in Rome, Italy
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Rome is one of the most culturally and artistically rich cities in the entire world.
With so many historical sites to see – from ancient statues frozen in time, to weathered Travertine stone architecture – there’s nothing short of free things to do in Rome, Italy! Whether you enjoy strolling around the romantic, narrow alleyways of Piazza Navona, marveling at the monumental Italian sculptures in the square, or would rather have a photoshoot in front of the Colosseum, first-time travelers and experienced wanderers will enjoy everything Rome has to offer!
Every summer, Rome welcomes over 35 million tourists, hoping to catch a taste of the “European summer” lifestyle. To enjoy the late afternoon aperitivo with an aperol spritz in hand, worry-free, is the dream, right? I call it the “Italian Dream”.
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Peak season in Rome can be very expensive, however there is no shortage of amazing free things to do in Rome, Italy!
After visiting Rome twice – the first time on a two-week study abroad course about Roman antiquity, and the second during my semester abroad in Florence – I’ve compiled a list of my favorite FREE things to see and do when you visit Rome!
Andiamo!
My Favorite FREE Things to Do in Rome, Italy
Explore the Ruins Throughout the City
Every cobblestone pathway crossed is a step into Roman antiquity.
Roman ruins scatter the city, reminding visitors of the empire that once reigned supreme over modern day Europe, parts of the Middle East, and Northern Africa. Even if you don’t plan on purchasing an entry ticket to the Roman Ruins just outside the Colosseum, you can still explore Roman antiquity via a self-guided walk around the city. Rome itself is a museum, and walking around the city to catch glimpses of ancient architecture is one of the BEST free things to do in Rome, Italy!
The Roman Ruins can be viewed for free from Piazza del Campidoglio, located at the top of the Capitoline Hill. Designed by Michelangelo, the Renaissance architecture of Piazza del Campidoglio is a hidden gem for viewing the Roman Ruins and the Colosseum.
The Pantheon, one of Rome’s oldest standing structures, built in 25 BC by Marcus Agrippa, is arguably more magnificent from the outside than it is on the inside…plus you don’t have to wait in line if you’re admiring the structure from the piazza surrounding it! When you reach the magnificent round structure, you’ll wonder how exactly the round monument has stood for this many years. The ancient Romans were on to something when they constructed all these amazing monuments!
Much like the Pantheon, the Colosseum can be admired without the purchase of an entry ticket. However, if you want to enter the monumental arena, you’ll need to purchase a ticket. Get Your Guide hosts a variety of guided tours of the Colosseum, offering skip-the-line packages for viewers who want to learn more about the unique history (and epic battles!) of the monument.
If you DO want to book that guided tour, here’s my TOP PICK for a guided tour of the Roman Ruins – Colosseum included!
One of my most memorable FREE experiences in Rome was visiting the Colosseum for sunset and watching the sky decorate the ancient stone with a rainbow of colors. Admiring the Colosseum from the outside – at sunrise or sunset – is one of the best free things to do in Rome, Italy, offering an unforgettable view of this ancient wonder without spending a dime.
Catch Sunrise at the Trevi Fountain and Toss a Coin for Luck!
For the adventurous early birds who don’t mind waking up with the sun, head to the Trevi Fountain before sunrise to enjoy the fountain with fewer crowds!
Built on a system of ancient Roman aqueducts at the convergence of three roads, tre vie, from which it gets its name, the Trevi Fountain is a magnificent artistic and architectural masterpiece carved out of the same travertine stone that built the Colosseum. The fountain is another representation of Rome’s ancient splendor, and the intricate planning required to develop a system of aqueducts that could support a Republic of its size proves it! I’ve visited the Trevi Fountain at all hours of the day, only to see crowds spilling into the adjacent piazzas…even at midnight!
Visiting the Trevi Fountain at sunrise — one of the best free things to do in Rome, Italy — is the perfect way to snap that perfect photo without battling the crowds. Make sure to bring a few coins with you! Tossing one coin into the fountain guarantees your return to the ancient city of Rome (believe me, I’ve returned to Rome twice now!), a second coin guarantees love, and a third might just get you a wedding ring…or extra luck if you need it!
travel tip!
Periodically the Trevi Fountain is cleaned and emptied, usually on a weekday (Mondays and Fridays, sometimes Wednesdays).
The exact days and times of the cleanings are not specified, however, if you plan to visit for sunrise, choose to visit Tuesday or Thursday! Not an early bird? The Trevi Fountain is just as spectacular in the night as it is during the day! After midnight when the city sleeps, the crowds die down and the fountain is an awesome place to visit on your way home from a night out! Don’t forget your coins!
Visit a Museum on FREE Museum Day
During a day trip from Rome to Florence — back when I was a budget-conscious student — I lucked out without even realizing it.
My visit happened to fall on the first Sunday of the month, which meant free entry to most museums in Italy! I visited the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell’Accademia, two of Florence’s most incredible museums for FREE. Rome is no exception when it comes to this special day every month.
Many museums in Rome offer free museum day the first Sunday of every month, with exception to the Vatican Museums which offer a free day on the LAST Sunday of every month! I made sure to plan my second visit to Rome over the first Sunday so I could access my favorite museums in Rome, all for FREE. Additionally, the Roman Ruins and the Coliseum can be entered for free on the first Sunday too!
“Free museum day” is arguably one of the best free things to do in Rome, Italy, especially for families or budget conscious travelers.
Some of my FAVORITE museums include:
- Galleria Borghese (my FAVORITE gallery in Rome!)
- Capitoline Museums
- Roman Ruins, Palatine Hill and the Colosseum
- MAXXI Modern Art Museum
travel tip!
Expect A LOT of crowds during the first Sunday of every month at all museums across Italy!
If you are planning on visiting one of Rome’s most iconic sites, I recommend getting an early start on the day and picking one or two major museums to explore during the free day. Nobody can fit it all in one day, especially because a lot of sites don’t offer timeslot reservations on free days. You either wait in line, or get there early enough to not have to do so.
Explore Artwork in a Roman Basilica
One of the highlights of my first study abroad course in Rome was exploring the city’s magnificent basilicas, each brought to life by my professor’s insightful tours and stories.
We traversed the entire city in search of the beautiful religious architecture and the amazing artworks within. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a church or a basilica to be as ornate and grand as those in the city of Rome.
My favorite basilica is Chiesa di Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola which features a stunning painted ceiling that rivals the Sistine Chapel. As an Art History nerd, I was also so excited to see Bernini’s famous Ecstasy of St.Theresa perched monumentally in the Chiesa Santa Maria della Vittoria. But there’s nothing quite like St. Peter’s Basilica – the largest and most ornate basilica in the world – decorated with gold opulence that will take your breath away! Exploring the ornately decorated basilicas and churches around the city is one of the best free things to do in Rome, Italy!
Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City
Why not visit another country while you’re at it!
The Vatican City – the smallest country in the world – has one of the most extensive museums you’ll ever explore. Much like the Louvre in Paris, it would take an eternity to explore all the artwork in the Vatican Museums. Each visit gives you the chance to explore different artworks and dive deeper and deeper into the city’s rich history.
The Vatican Museums offer FREE TICKETS on the LAST Sunday of every month!
The monumental St. Peter’s Basilica at the heart of Vatican City is FREE for anyone to enter. When you visit Vatican City, don’t miss the basilica! It is one of the most beautiful basilicas I’ve ever seen in my life.
NOTE: If you want to climb the dome in St. Peter’s Basilica, you have to reserve a time-slot and pay for a ticket. I recommend booking your ticket with Get Your Guide! However if you don’t plan on climbing the dome, visiting the basilica is FREE!
Stroll Around the Roman Piazzas
The city of Rome is one giant open air museum.
You could spend your entire time in Rome exploring the city’s piazzas, traversing through ancient ruins, or indulging in the delectable food scene! The city molds itself to the type of traveler you are.
On my first visit to Rome, I stayed just outside the picturesque Piazza Navona. With towering sculptures guarding ancient fountains, I loved Piazza Navona’s energy so much I booked an accommodation near the beautiful square for my second visit!
I highly recommend staying at Terrazze Navona when you visit Rome!
The beautiful Piazza Navona rivals the architectural masterpieces like the Pantheon and the Colosseum. Piazza Navona is worth adding to your list, even if you don’t decide to stay nearby.
One of Rome’s most famous piazzas is Piazza di Spagna. The “Spanish square” gets its name from the Spanish Steps leading up to Trinita dei Monti, a beautiful Gothic-style church. With a plethora of high-end fashion shops around the piazza, and too many restaurants to choose, Piazza di Spagna gets busy during the day!
In contrast with the city’s Greek artistic and architectural influences, Piazza di Spagna is a Baroque-style piazza with architecture to match the time period. Watch out for pickpockets and scammers when you visit Piazza di Spagna and visit early to beat the crowds!
Just on the outskirts of Rome is Piazza del Popolo, one of the largest and most visited piazzas in Rome. Twin churches, Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto stand guard over the large square making this piazza incredibly picturesque. One of my favorite gelato shops, Gelateria La Romana, is just a short walk outside the beautiful square!
Find the Hidden view of Rome at Villa del Priorato di Malta
What if I told you that the KEY to one of the most breathtaking views of St. Peter’s Basilica is hidden at the end of a Roman scavenger hunt?
Perched at the top of the Aventine Hill, one of Rome’s notable seven hills, lies the Villa del Priorato di Malta, the current seat of the Sovereign Knights of Malta. At its entrance gate, a mysterious keyhole perfectly frames St. Peter’s dome in a stunning, postcard-worthy view. It’s one of Rome’s best-kept secrets, tucked away from the usual tourist paths — and worth every step to find. If you can find the hidden view of St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ve found the key to one of the BEST free things to do in Rome, Italy!
Picnic at Villa Borghese
Just outside the famous Galleria Borghese, one of my favorite museums in Rome (and DEFINITELY the museum you should visit first on free museum day!), is a grand Roman park which offers peace and respite from the busy Italian city life.
Villa Borghese is the perfect place to picnic or people watch.
If you’re lucky to travel to Rome during the last week in May, make sure to visit the Piazza di Siena horse show. This elegant event showcases a variety of equestrian performances — and the best part? You can watch from outside the arena for free.
I stumbled upon the Piazza di Siena horse show on my first visit to Rome by sheer luck (maybe it was that coin I tossed into the Trevi Fountain??). As a lifelong “horse girl”, I felt incredibly lucky to witness not only the grace and power of the show jumpers but also the stunning beauty of Villa Borghese’s peaceful park setting. It’s an unforgettable experience for horse lovers and travelers alike, and one of the BEST free things to do in Rome, Italy, if you plan on visiting in my.
I hope this travel guide helps you find some of the best things to do in Rome, Italy!
Exploring these unforgettable spots is just the start…
For more of the best free things to do in Rome, Italy, check out my ultimate Rome itinerary to plan the perfect adventure in the Eternal City!
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