Explore Rome for Free

Rome, Italy’s capital, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. With almost 3000 years of history, culture and art the city attracts crowds of tourists every year. The most popular sites in the city include ancient ruins – Roman Forum and the Colosseum; Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum, which houses Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes.

With all these historical and cultural treasures it may seem that Rome can be a very expensive city to visit. However there are always free things to do even in a city like Rome. Have a look at our list of free things to do in Rome and explore this city on a budget.

Free things to see in Rome

Visit Pantheon, the breath-taking Roman temple. It’s an experience like no other to enter this iconic Roman building and gaze at the impressive dome. Admission is free of charge.

Take a break on Piazza Navona and take in all the architectural beauty of surrounding palazzi and enjoy spectacular fountains.

Admire St Peter’s Basilica and keep an eye out for Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s baldachin. There is no admission fee, but you can expect queues.

Hang out on the Spanish Steps and take in Piazza di Spagna. The perfect place to take a break from sightseeing and relax on these famous stairs.

See Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth), a bearded man’s face carved into marble. The legend says that if you put your hand in his mouth and tell a lie, his mouth will close and bite your hand off. You can see it for free, but donations of €0.50 are a nice gesture.

Marvel at the spectacular Trevi Fountain and honor the tradition to throw a coin into the water, which supposedly guarantees your return to Rome. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to come back?

Take a stroll in the Villa Borghese gardens. Enjoy the beautiful nature and admire the Water clock, the Alpini monument and the Temple of Aesculapius.

Take a walk on Via Appia, ancient Roman road, referred to as “the queen of the long roads”. Along Via Appia you can see many monuments like Porta Appia, many tombs and catacombs, Roman baths and the remains of Roman bridges.

Marvel at Caravaggio’s early works – Saint Matthew cycle (three pieces) in Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi, a church of Rome’s French community.

Check out Campo de’ Fiori by day to have a look at Rome’s local goods and produce and by night to enjoy the open-air pub.

Go to the courtyard of Chiesa di San Pietro in Montorio to admire the small temple – Tempietto di Bramante.

Visit Piazza del Campidoglio, which was designed in 1538 by Michelangelo and it really shows.

Come back to CourseFinders.com to read about other cities that you can explore for free, New York, Barcelona and London.

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