In this article, we’ll share what you can see and do in Rome for free.

Book a free tour of Rome

Yes, not all sightseeing tours need to pay tens of euros. There are several free walking tours, during which you can see the interesting sights of Rome and learn more about the history of the city.

• romefreewalkingtour.com/ – two free daily walking tours of the center of Rome and the Colosseum area;
• www.newromefreetour.com/ – Free 2-hour walking tour of central Rome in English
• freetour.com/rome/free-night-tour-rome – Free guided tour of Rome by night and by night with visits to famous landmarks (€ 3 charity fee applies).

Appreciate the grandeur of the Pantheon

This iconic building dates back to 125 BC, but it looks like new and striking in scale. You look, and the only question sounds in your head: “How did they build it?” The fact is that the dome of the Pantheon, in fact, is not reinforced with anything. And it is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of modern Rome in Piazza Navona

This is one of the most famous city squares where life is in full swing. Here locals and tourists walk, street artists create and talented musicians perform. And the number of attractions per square meter is simply off scale on the square. There are palaces, churches, fountains, as well as interesting archaeological sites.

Walk the Spanish Steps

This sumptuous baroque staircase consists of 135 steps and is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It is at its foot that locals often make appointments.

Sitting on the Spanish Steps is now prohibited, but walking on it is always welcome.

Check in at the Spanish Square

Going down the steps of the Spanish Steps, you will find yourself on the square of the Italian capital – Spanish Square, popular among tourists. It is called that because the Spanish embassy has been located on its territory since the 17th century.

The square is always sold out, regardless of the day of the week and the season, but you cannot but visit this place.

Throw a coin at the Trevi Fountain

Coins are thrown on wealth, on love, and just to return to this wonderful city. By the way, the Roman administration reported that the Trevi Fountain “earns” more than the average city museum. Tourists throw about € 3000 into the water per day.

This landmark of Rome not only fulfills wishes and pleases the eye, but also has practical value. There is a separate place in the fountain where everyone can get drinking water.

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Trastevere

The lively Trastevere neighborhood is buzzing until late at night. Local residents and tourists relax in the local picturesque streets and squares, sit in cozy atmospheric restaurants. Join us!

Take a walk along the embankment of the Tiber River

Walk along one of the largest rivers, admire the twisted bridges and plane trees hanging along the embankment.

Visit the Orange Garden

One of the most beautiful views of the city opens from here. The Orange Garden in Rome is a non-trivial place to walk and relax. And what kind of photos are obtained here!

Take a look into the Jewish ghetto

This colorful neighborhood is dotted with artisan workshops, kosher bakeries and popular trattorias. Here you can taste the most delicious falafel ever.

Take pictures of the architecture of the EUR area

EUR stands for Esposizione Universale di Roma (World Fair Quarter). This vast complex of business buildings was built on the orders of Mussolini in preparation for the world exhibition (as everyone knows, it did not take place).

The quarter is literally crammed with interesting buildings. The highlight of the area is the Palazzo del Civita del Lavoro, a masterpiece of Italian rationalism known as the Square Colosseum.

Visit Plaza Largo di Torre Argentina

This is the same Roman feline paradise you’ve probably heard of. More than a hundred cats live here, which feed from the state budget and not without the help of kind people.

But Largo di Torre Argentina is famous not only for cats. It was in this place that the first Roman emperor Julius Caesar was killed.

Visit the Roman basilicas

Even if you are a non-religious person, include the basilicas in Rome on your must-see list. You will be delighted with the beauty of the interiors.

Santa Maria Maggiore

This is one of the oldest churches in Rome (the first stone was laid in 352 AD) and the only one that has retained its original appearance almost completely.

The ceiling of the basilica is covered with gold, which was the first to be brought from America on the ships of Columbus, and the multi-colored marble floor consists of slabs of various colors, forming bizarre shapes in the form of various geometric shapes.

Piazza di S. Maria Maggiore, 42.

Basilica of Saint Praxeda

This 9th century basilica is famous for its frescoes, mosaics and Christian relics. In the temple, you cannot pass by the chapel of St. Zeno. It is decorated with amazing mosaics created by Byzantine masters.

Via di Santa Prassede, 9.

Church of San Luigi dei Francesi

The Basilica of San Luigi dei Francesi contains real treasures – original works by Caravaggio: The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew, The Calling of the Apostle Matthew and Saint Matthew and the Angel.

Piazza di S. Luigi de ‘Francesi.

Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli

In this church you can see one of the best works of Michelangelo – the Tomb of Pope Julius II with a sculpture of Moses.

Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, 4 / a.

Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican

It is impossible not to visit this architectural masterpiece, on which Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini and Bramante worked in their time. The entrance to the main Catholic shrine is free, but be prepared to stand in a kilometer-long queue in the literal sense of the word. But it’s definitely worth it. Inside, the cathedral amazes with both harmony of proportions and wealthm of decoration – there are a lot of statues, altars, tombstones, many works of art. Among the greatest masterpieces of the basilica are Michelangelo’s marble Pieta and Bernini’s Baldachin.

Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City.

Explore Villa Borghese

This is the largest green area in the city, just an amazing landscape park. It is named after the old Villa Borghese, which is the centerpiece of the Roman oasis. The park has shaded walking paths, cozy picnic corners and several great museums.

Visit museums in Rome with free admission

Your budget is limited, but you really want to touch history and beauty? Here are the Roman museums that you can visit for a “thank you”:

1. House-Museum of Pietro Canonica at Villa Borghese.
2. Museum of the Napoleonic Era;
3. House-Museum of Mario Prats;
4. Gallery of the National Academy of St. Luke;
5. Carlo Bilotti Museum of Contemporary Art;
6. Museum of Antique Sculpture by Giovanni Barracco;
7. Theater Museum Burcardo;
8. Boncompagny-Ludovisi Museum;
9. Museum of the artist Hendrik Andersen.

On certain days, admission is free even to the top attractions of the Eternal City. Remember, or better – save:

• Colosseum, Palatine and Roman Forum; first Sunday of the month.
• Vatican Museums; the last Sunday of the month, as well as the day of tourism (September 27).
• Pope’s weekly audience; every Wednesday morning.
• Palazzo Montecitorio; first Sunday of the month.
• All state museums; first Sunday of the month.

The queues at these places will of course be huge on free days, so come early.

Listen to music and watch a movie

Those who like spiritual music performed by a symphony orchestra or chapel, as well as organ concerts, should take a closer look at the announcements on the walls of cathedrals and churches. As a rule, free music evenings are held several times a month at the shrines.

For connoisseurs of classical music, the Quirinal Palace hosts free concerts every Sunday in the Paolina Chapel performed by a symphony orchestra. You can view the evening program and book a seat here.

You can also relax your soul in the House of Jazz. From time to time there are evenings with free admission. Find out when the next free days are on the House website.

And, of course, many free concerts, music of all genres and styles can be visited during the holidays: at Christmas, Easter and Rome Day (April 21). Find out about other free events in the city here.

Those who love cinema and often come to Rome know that every summer on the island of Tiberina there are screenings of famous Italian (and not only) films in the open air. Both young people and an older audience gather here.

And with the onset of cold weather, everyone moves to the House of Cinema, where they periodically organize free screenings of Italian films. Also here are meetings with authors.

Are you dreaming of visiting Rome? We can find a profitable tour for you to this wonderful city. Write us private messages on Telegram: @tmd_travel or call: +380990627628 (VIBER, WhatsApp). We will tell you all the details.