10 Best Free Things to Do in Rome (Italy)

There’s no denying that Rome is one of the most insanely beautiful cities in the world. As you stroll through the streets there’s a work of art, architecture, or monument around every corner.

Incredibly, many of these special places are free to visit, so if you’re traveling on a budget, Rome is the perfect place to be.

For thousands of years, Rome has been a city for the people. So no matter who you are or how much money you have in your pocket, you can still enjoy the splendors of this great metropolis.

Many of these things to do for free in Rome are public monuments, so you can visit them 24/7—another plus. So when jet lag has you up at night you can visit them without the massive crowds.

Keep reading to discover 10 of the best things to do for free in Rome.

1. Trevi Fountain

There’s no better way to start your time in Rome than throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain.

Legend says that if you throw one coin into the fountain (with your back to the fountain, over your left shoulder) you’ll return to Rome.

Throw two and you’ll fall in love with an Italian.

Throw three, and you’re destined to marry that lucky Italian.

Luck aside, the Trevi Fountain is one of the best things in Rome to do for free and an absolute must-do.

Visiting the Trevi Fountain is probably the most popular thing to do in Rome for free

2. Spanish Steps

Another absolute must is to visit the Spanish Steps.

Lucky for us, this major landmark is one of the things to do for free in Rome.

These iconic, super-wide steps lead from the Piazza di Spagna up to the Trinità dei Monti.

It may be a bit daunting to climb all 135 steps to the top, especially on a hot summer day.

If it’s not too crowded, you can pause during the climb by taking a seat on a step to rest.

Pink Azaleas at the Spanish Steps in Rome.

Visiting the Spanish Steps is one of the most beautiful free things to do in Rome especially in spring when the azaleas bloom

3. Pantheon

If you’ve ever dreamt of walking in the shoes of the great Romans, then you must visit the Pantheon.

This magnificent domed structure was built in 27 BCE by Marcus Agrippa and is the final resting place for several Italian kings and the famous painter Raphael.

Amazingly, visiting the Pantheon is one of the free things to do in Rome and is open most days.

But if you plan to go on the weekends, be sure to reserve your tickets ahead of time.

Pantheon in Rome Italy is free to visit.

Visit the Pantheon in Rome for free

4. Piazza Navona

One of the most beautiful public squares in Rome is Piazza Navona. Clearly making it one of the best things to do for free in Rome.

Here you’ll love to take in the gorgeous architecture that surrounds the square.

The piazza is home to three incredible fountains: Fountain of the Four Rivers, Fountain of the Moor, and Fountain of Neptune.

There are plenty of places in the piazza to enjoy a coffee or have a bite to eat.

Piazza Navona is a beautiful place to visit in Rome

5. Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri

There are a number of reasons Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (St. Mary of the Angels and of the Martyrs) is a must-do on any Rome itinerary.

For one, it was designed by the great Michelangelo just before his death.

Amazingly it was built in an ancient Roman bathhouse.

Last but not least, the meridian line is marked on the floor of the church, tracking the calendar as sunlight hits the line at noon each day—pretty cool!

All of this makes Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri one of the best things in Rome to do for free.

Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri church in Rome.

6. Villa Borghese

There’s no better way to escape the hustle and bustle of the energetic city than taking a stroll in the gardens of Villa Borghese.

As the largest public garden in the city, it’s one of the best free things to do in Rome.

To visit the galleries of the Villa Borghese you’ll have to purchase tickets. But free tickets are available on the second Wednesday of each month. Just be sure to reserve these in advance.

Rome Villa Borghese garden sculpture of woman with basket.

Be sure to visit the gardens of Villa Borghese – the largest public park in Rome

7. Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo is true to its name as the Square of the People; of course it is free to visit.

You’ll love strolling through the piazza and seeing all of the amazing architecture.

You can’t miss the twin churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria Montesanto, the Basilica Santa Maria del Popolo, or the Egyptian obelisk set in the piazza’s center.

Visit Piazza del Popolo and then walk up the staircase to watch the sunset in Rome

8. Basilica dei Santi Silvestro e Martino ai Monti

If you’re looking for free stuff to do in Rome, consider a visit to the Basilica dei Santi Silvestro e Martino ai Monti.

It welcomes guests for free during the day, but not when religious events are happening.

This beautiful church has a history that dates way back to the 2nd century. Back then, it was a prayer site.

The church was built in the 4th century and underwent renovations a number of times after. Today it’s a magnificent place to explore.

Also known as San Martino ai Monti, the church was built on top of an ancient Roman building, and you can visit it from the crypt.

There you will also see the ancient mosaic, created in the 6^th century, of Pope Sylvester.

Basilica dei Santi Sylvestro e Martino ai Monti in Rome.

When you visit San Martino ai Monti also go downstairs to view the ruins and mosaic

9. Colosseum

The iconic Colosseum is the symbol of the great city of Rome.

This gigantic architectural masterpiece will be the backdrop for much of your time in the city—perfect for any selfie.

One of the best places to view the Colosseum is from atop Oppian Hill.

But you can also walk around the entire outside of the Colosseum without any fee.

To experience the Colosseum from inside you’ll normally have to buy a ticket. But there are select days when admission is free.

Colosseum in Rome Italy is free to walk around the outside of this historic amphitheatre.

You can walk around the entire outside of the Colosseum in Rome for free

10. The Basilica of San Clemente

Dive deep into the history of Rome at the Basilica of San Clemente.

You’ll be in awe of the beautiful 12th-century church with its spectacular decorations from floor to ceiling.

Below the basilica is a 4th-century church with Medieval mosaics, and further down is a 1st-century temple.

Entrance to the beautiful basilica is one of the best free things to do in Rome. To visit the excavated sites below you’ll need to buy a ticket in advance.

Spend some time at the beautiful Basilica San Clemente in Rome

Final Thoughts

There you have it: 10 incredible free things to do in Rome. There’s no denying that there’s so much to do in this awesome city, and a lot of it includes free stuff to do. So, no matter how many euros you have in your pocket, you’ll be in for a great time.

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