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. Michelangelo’s Moses Sculpture
Marvel at Michelangelo’s Moses for free in Rome at the Basilica San Pietro in Vincoli (St Peter in Chains) and, of course, the chains of St Peter plus other art works.
This catholic church is a minor basilica in Rome and was consecrated in 439 by Pope Sixtus III and had renovations in the 15th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to carve his funerary monument and in 1515, after a falling out with the pope and working on other projects, Michelangelo completed the sculpture.
Michelangelo’s sculpture is a much smaller version than Pope Julius II had ordered, but he died in 1513 so he didn’t have any say in the final project.
San Pietro in Vincoli is located less than 10 minutes’ walk from the Colosseum.
Metro: take Line B to Cavour stop.
Address: Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli 4a, Rome
Hours: 7:30 am to 12:20 pm; 15:00 to 17:50 (daylight savings time 18:50)
Michelangelo’s masterpiece sculpture of Moses
2. Spanish Steps
Another absolute must is to visit the Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinita dei Monti).
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 but don’t sit on the Spanish Steps, because apparently you can be fined for doing so.
Visiting the Spanish Steps is one of the most beautiful free things to do in Rome especially in spring when the azaleas bloom
3. Celio Archaeological Park
Not far from the Colosseum you will find Celio Park and a small outdoor archaeological park that is free of charge.
Stroll among the marble fragments, pillars, tombs and grave markers of this beautiful outdoor museum for a slice of Roman history.
While in the neighborhood I also recommend visiting the Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paulo (also known as Church of the Chandeliers). Here you can admire the numerous ornate chandeliers in the church which was built on the site where two Christian martyrs, John and Paul, lived and were executed.
Beneath the church which is free to visit there is also the Case Romane del Celio (Roman Houses of Celio) museum which does have an entrance fee.
Address: Viale del Parco Del Celio, 20, Rome
Hours: 7:00 to 17:30 in winter and 7:00 to 20:00 during daylights savings
Celio Archaeological Park is one of the best free attractions in Rome
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 ( 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.
Designed by Michelangelo, Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri is a most interesting 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.
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 6th century, of Pope Sylvester.
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.
You can walk around the entire outside of the Colosseum in Rome for free
10. The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano
Dive deep into the cultural and religious history of Rome at the Archbasilica of St John Lateran, the only archbasilica in the world.
The oldest of the four papal basilicas in Rome was originally dedicated in 324, with major restoration work completed in the 17th century by architect Francesco Borromini.
Beyond the religious importance of the church, the architecture, apse mosaic, gilded coffered ceiling, colossal statues, and magnificent marble mosaic floor make this a must-visit site for anyone visiting Rome.
Entrance to this beautiful and historical basilica is one of the best free things to do in Rome. The best time to visit is early in the morning on weekdays before any tour groups arrive.
Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the Basilica of St. John Lateran on April 2, 2026.
Address: Piazza di San Giovanni In Laterano, 00184
Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Admire the majestic Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano for free in Rome
Formerly Free Things to Do in Rome
Two major attractions in Rome that used to be free, the Trevi Fountain and The Pantheon, now charge an entrance fee.
Trevi Fountain Now Costs 2 Euro to Visit
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 and an absolute must-do. While it used to be free to visit the Trevei Fountain it now costs 2 euro, plus one or two or three euro to toss into the fountain.
Visiting the Trevi Fountain is probably the most popular thing to do in Rome
Pantheon no Longer Free to Visit
If you’ve ever dreamt of walking in the shoes of the great Romans, then you must visit the Pantheon. While this amazing architectural wonder used to be free to visit, it now costs 5 euros.
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.
The best time to visit is on a weekday at 9:00 am but if you plan to go on the weekends, be sure to reserve your tickets ahead of time.
When I tried to book a ticket online in February 2026 it wouldn’t accept my credit card, or debit card, or Paypal. I’ve heard other tourists had the same problem. If this is the case for you I recommend getting to the Pantheon about 15 minutes before opening time on a weekday to buy your ticket onsite. Note that there are separate lines for cash payment (longer line usually) and credit card payment.
Visit the Pantheon in Rome used to be free but now costs 5 euros
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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