Top 20 Free Attractions in Rome You Can’t Miss

Looking for the best free things to do in Rome plus all the cheap attractions in Rome for budget travelers? Well, look no further, because this guide has it all.

The great thing about Rome is that many of the attractions are completely free. Moreover, if they are not free, they are at least state-run and have a low-cost entrance fee. Rome can be a surprisingly affordable place for a capital city. With so many free things to do in Rome, you could keep busy for a week without experiencing everything the city has to offer.

Free Rome Attractions and Cheap Things to Do

Are you exploring Rome on a budget or want to keep your euros for fine Italian food? We’ve put together a list of 20 of the best free things to do in Rome to enhance your travel itinerary.

You don’t have to break the bank to explore this ancient city. In fact, some of the best activities in Rome are absolutely free! So, sit back and take notes; we’re about to delve into all the cheap and free Rome attractions to help maximize your experience.

1. Trastevere

Stroll through the streets of the Trastevere neighborhood, one of Rome’s most traditional areas. Located to the west and just over the bridge from the city center, it’s a place where you can wander the narrow streets, listen to live performances, and generally soak in the vibrant yet tranquil atmosphere of this unique part of the city.

Relax in a corner café, get lost among the streets and colorful buildings, or arrive in the evening for a lively nightlife scene. Also, be sure not to miss the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. It is a must-see! Trastevere is an attraction in itself and won’t cost you a penny!

2. Appia Antica Regional Park

Often overlooked, Appia Antica Regional Park is an ancient collection of cobblestone streets, monuments, and a sprawling nature park, located just a 20-minute drive south of the city center.

One of the best activities is to rent a bike for only €3 per hour and spend your afternoon touring key attractions while stopping off for a picnic along the way. You’ll pass one of the most famous and oldest roads in the world, Appia Antica Way, built in 312 B.C., and the Catacombs of St. Callixtus.

3. Rome’s Free State-Run Sights

The state government has launched an initiative that allows all state-run sights in Rome to be free to visit on the first Sunday of every month! If you time your trip to Italy right, you could save over a hundred euros during your visit.

On the first Sunday of every month, attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Castel Sant’Angelo, Borghese Gallery, and many more galleries, museums, and outdoor monument complexes are free of charge.

4. The Vatican For Free

Visit one of Rome’s most iconic attractions without spending a dime! Contrary to the state-run attractions that are free on the first Sunday of every month, a visit to the Vatican on the last Sunday of every month is completely free to enter before 13:30!

On this day, you’ll have access to the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, potentially saving almost €30 per person. Arrive early, however; it’s a popular day for visitors!

The Vatican is a must-see location that houses the Pope and a remarkable collection of art, architecture, monuments, and historical gifts to the Catholic Church from past centuries.

5. St Peter’s Basilica

One of the best free experiences is to enter the most prominent Catholic church in the world. Many people don’t realize that entry to St Peter’s Basilica is free if you’re not opting for a guided tour. It is actually the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel that require an entrance fee.

Simply queue up near St Peter’s Square to gain entry, though be sure to arrive early as queues can become lengthy! Once inside, you’ll admire a stunning 15th-century church filled with ornate gold furnishings, renaissance paintings, and beautiful decor throughout.

Walk underneath the basilica dome and look up for an unforgettable view! This is also one of the best picture spots in Rome! For a minimal fee of €7, you can climb to the top of the dome to find some of the best views of Rome and St Peter’s Square.

6. Villa Borghese Park

Centered around the famous Villa Borghese gallery, this park provides a much-needed escape from the busy streets and tourist sites of the city center. Located a short walk from the Spanish Steps, it offers some of the most panoramic views you’ll encounter!

Stroll through the gardens, rent a bike to tour the entire perimeter, or relax on a park bench by the lake while enjoying the fresh air and scenery.

7. Join a Free Walking Tour

As such a historic locale, you’ll likely find yourself wandering by famous streets and iconic sites without background knowledge. A free walking tour is an excellent way to gain in-depth insights into the city’s history from knowledgeable locals.

This is always our preferred option for free activities in a city. Walking tours showcase the best of Rome and help you gain familiarity with its geography. Various tours are available for many of the free city center sights.

8. Climb the Spanish Steps

Positioned beneath Trinità dei Monti church and in front of Piazza di Spagna, sit one of the most talked-about sights in Rome. The ‘butterfly-shaped’ 18th-century Spanish Steps are a popular congregation point for local employees on lunch breaks, as well as tourists admiring the stunning square scenery.

Capture photos from behind the fountain, then ascend to the top of the steps for an excellent view of St Peter’s Basilica dome in the distance. Short on time in Rome? Be sure to check out the options to maximize your visit.

9. Eat in Rome’s Jewish Ghetto

The Jewish Ghetto of Rome, located west of the city center, is an excellent base for exploration. Established in the 1500s, this trendy yet historic area has a distinctly different atmosphere compared to the rest of Rome.

As you wander the streets, you can envision what the area felt like hundreds of years ago. Today, it’s an eclectic melting pot of artists, tourists, and locals who have lived here for decades. Explore an art studio, sample delicious sweet treats from a Jewish bakery, or browse a vintage market.

10. The City Center Backstreets

Part of the joy of visiting Rome is simply wandering around and marveling at impressive buildings, colorful alleyways, and monuments at every turn. Put away your map, take out your camera, and lose yourself in the exploration. You never know what hidden gems you might discover!

This therapeutic activity is an excellent way to find areas off the main tourist trail, and we’ve enjoyed many adventures getting lost in the backstreets of Rome.

11. Janiculum Terrace

For the best views of Rome, visit Janiculum Terrace if you prefer to escape the bustling tourist center for peaceful parks and stunning cityscapes.

Cross the river to the west and trek up to Janiculum Terrace. Parco del Gianicolo is a lovely spot to relax with a picnic before ascending to the terrace for phenomenal skyline photos.

12. Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill

Even though the title of our list is ‘Free and Cheap’ things to do in Rome, we find the €12 entry fee for these ‘must-see’ attractions an incredible value for what you’ll experience.

This combination ticket grants you access to the Colosseum, ancient sites of the Roman Forum, and the majestic gardens and remnants of the Roman Emperor’s palace at Palatine Hill.

Allow at least 3 hours here to explore one of our favorite locations in ancient Rome. Do remember, however, that the first Sunday of every month allows free admission!

13. Best Pizza in the City

A trip to Rome doesn’t have to focus solely on the sights! Italian cuisine is world-renowned, and you can indulge without breaking the bank. Scattered throughout the city are pizza-by-the-slice takeaway counters and delis, which are the local lunch favorites.

Our top recommendation is Pizza E Mozzarella, an unassuming pizza joint where you can grab a slice for just a few euros, perfect to enjoy alongside a freshly baked Cannoli during your visit.

14. Tour the 2000-year-old Pantheon

The Pantheon should be at the top of your must-visit list, and many find it even more impressive than the Colosseum! This grand façade was built as a temple in 125 AD and remains one of the most intact ancient sites in the eternal city.

Capture images outside before entering for free, where you will discover a magnificent interior with a vast dome ceiling spanning 27m in diameter. This is undoubtedly one of the best free activities in Rome. Who knew entering such an ancient landmark could be done without a fee?

15. Santa Maria del Popolo Church

You don’t need to tour the Vatican to experience stunning Renaissance architecture and art; there’s a church at nearly every corner in Rome, each beautifully adorned. These churches are completely free to enter and explore when services aren’t in session.

One of the most picturesque churches is Santa Maria del Popolo, a small building with a grand interior featuring exquisite chapels, ornate paintings, and gold decor.

Unlike the Vatican, you’ll likely encounter far fewer crowds, allowing you to appreciate the artwork in tranquility.

16. Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant-Angelo, a castle dating back to 135 AD, is worth a visit when you’re near Vatican City. This historic Roman fortress sits at the base of St Angelo Bridge over the river, offering a stunning photo opportunity from the city center.

The main highlight is the impressive exterior, but you can also choose to explore inside. For an entrance fee of just €5 if arriving between 9 am to 11 am, you can tour the castle rooms, see ancient weaponry, and enjoy panoramic views of the river from the wall barracks. Arrive after 11 am, and the entrance fee increases to €14.

17. Shopping at Testaccio Market

Visiting local markets is always a treat, especially when they’re food-centric! Mercado Testaccio boasts over 100 fresh food and gift stalls offering quality ingredients at great prices. It’s one of the best markets in Rome, so take the time to wander around. Even if you don’t purchase anything, it’s worth a visit!

Grab supplies to prepare meals back at your accommodation, snack on affordable goodies, or simply wander and soak up the lively atmosphere.

18. Take a Break in a Piazza

Rome’s main squares are abundant, each showcasing its own unique style. These squares have served as gathering points for locals for centuries, today merging Romans with tourists from around the globe.

Explore the beautiful architecture of various piazzas and take the opportunity to people-watch from a nearby café. It’s a great way to relax after a full day of walking.

Here are some notable Roman Piazzas you should not miss, many of which you’ll find while visiting the city’s key sights:

• Piazza Navona
• Piazza Santa Maria
• Piazza Campo De’ Fiori
• Piazza Del Popolo
• Piazza Di Venezia
• Piazza Di Spagna

19. Aventine Hill and Orange Garden

Aventine Hill offers a relaxing retreat just outside the busy city center, but the main attraction here is the stunning views of Rome and the Vatican’s St Peter’s Basilica.

Take a memorable photo through the famous ‘keyhole’ spot or enjoy a romantic stroll in the orange garden. It’s especially beautiful during sunrise or at sunset.

20. The Trevi Fountain

One of the most iconic sights in Rome is also free to visit. The intricate craftsmanship and Baroque design of the Trevi Fountain render it one of the most recognized fountains in the world.

Marvel at the sculptured backdrop and turquoise waters both at night and during the day for completely different experiences. According to tradition, tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain ensures your return to Rome; so why not give it a try?

It can get crowded, so aim to arrive early for a better experience. We once visited just after midnight, and it was completely magical with no one else around.

We hope to inspire you to explore some of the best free attractions in Rome while spending very little! The city is filled with impressive buildings at every corner, scenic viewpoints, and historic streets that you can wander through without spending a cent.

Use these ideas to enjoy the best free activities in Rome alongside top paid attractions for a budget-friendly trip.

More Information for your trip to Rome

• 3 Days in Rome: The Ultimate Rome Itinerary
• 22 of The Best Things to do in Rome
• Where to Stay in Rome: The Best Neighborhoods and Areas
• Places to Visit Near Rome: 10 Off the Beaten Path Destinations
• Gladiator School in Rome
• Ancient Rome in Photos

Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in the post above, but these are all products we highly recommend. We won’t include anything on this page that we haven’t verified and/or personally used.

• Facebook
• Twitter