15 Free Things to See in Rome
The Eternal City is quite expensive, but there are many free things to see in Rome if you know where to look for them. And that will make your trip unforgettable without spending a cent. From iconic landmarks to beautiful public spaces, this city is full of free attractions that anyone can enjoy.
So, whether you’re on a tight budget or just looking for free things to see in Rome, this guide will show you the best spots to visit. Let’s explore the top 10 free places that make Rome a perfect destination for budget travellers.
The Colosseum (from the outside) and Piazza del Colosseo
One of Rome’s most famous symbols, the Colosseum, is a must-see for every traveller. While you need to purchase tickets to enter, outside the Colosseum is just as impressive. And it’s free to admire. The landmark was once the site of gladiatorial battles and public spectacles. Today, it remains a powerful reminder of Rome’s imperial glory.
Take a walk around Piazza del Colosseo. It offers a variety of views from different angles, making it a great spot for photography and creating memories. Nearby ruins include the Arch of Constantine, another free sight to enjoy.
Early morning or late evening visits are ideal to avoid the heavy crowds. During sunset, the Colosseum glows in soft light. It’s a perfect starting point for your sightseeing tour, as it’s located close to other important landmarks such as the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
For an extra treat, consider visiting the Colosseum at night. It’s beautifully illuminated at night, giving you a different perspective on this ancient wonder—still entirely free from the outside.
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (from the outside)
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill represent the heart of ancient Rome. The best part is that you don’t need a ticket to appreciate their grandeur. Visiting the Forum and Palatine Hill typically requires an entrance fee. However, several free viewpoints around the area allow you to soak in the architecture. These spots are some of the best free things to see in Rome, offering great views of the ancient ruins.
One of the best spots to see the ancient ruins is along Via dei Fori Imperiali. It’s the road that runs between the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia. You can see the Forum’s temples, towering columns, and monumental arches from here.
Another excellent viewpoint is from Capitoline Hill. It’s one of Rome’s seven hills and home to the Capitoline Museums. From here, you can enjoy the Forum, with its ruins framed by the surrounding landscape.
One of the Best Free Things to See in Rome:
St. Peter’s Basilica
Another major landmark in Rome that offers free entry is St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. This grand church, the largest in the world, is one of the holiest sites for Catholics. Enjoy the Renaissance architecture, the towering dome designed by Michelangelo, and the incredible art inside.
Go inside to marvel at Michelangelo’s famous Pieta sculpture. It depicts the sorrowful Virgin Mary cradling the body of Jesus. The basilica also has masterpieces by Bernini. You can admire the Baldachin, the massive bronze canopy over the main altar.
Attending a Papal Mass is one of the unforgettable free things to see in Rome. These events are free, but you might need tickets for special occasions like Easter or Christmas. On most Sundays, the Pope offers a public blessing from his window overlooking St. Peter’s Square. This event draws crowds of devoted followers and visitors.
Remember to dress modestly if you want to enter the basilica. Cover your shoulders and knees. Otherwise, the guards will not let you enter the basilica. Additionally, the lines to get inside can be long. So visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid larger crowds. And you can find more tips in this article about top things to see in Vatican City.
Don’t forget to take some time to explore St. Peter’s Square. This grand open space features 284 impressive colonnades, a stunning central Obelisk and two beautiful fountains. The square is a significant site for major religious events and gatherings.
The Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna
You should definitely visit the Spanish Steps. It’s one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks and a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists. These 135 steps connect the Piazza di Spagna at the bottom with the Trinita dei Monti Church at the top.
You’ll find the Fontana della Barcaccia at the base of the steps. Shaped like a half-sunken boat, the fountain commemorates a historic flood of the Tiber River.
The Piazza di Spagna area is known for its luxury shopping streets, such as Via Condotti and Via del Babuino. Even if designer stores aren’t in your budget, the high-end fashion displays are part of the experience. Exploring these chic streets is one of the most enjoyable free things to see in Rome.
It’s worth noting that while sitting on the steps was once a favourite pastime, recent rules prohibit sitting for long periods to preserve the site.
Pantheon (from outside)
One of Rome’s best-preserved and most iconic ancient buildings is the Pantheon. It was originally constructed in 27 BC and rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian around 120 AD. It was initially a temple dedicated to all the gods of ancient Rome. In the 7th century, it was converted into a Christian church, which helped preserve it through the centuries.
The Pantheon’s dome is a remarkable feat of ancient engineering, with its central oculus—a 9-meter-wide opening that lets natural light in. The dome remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world to this day.
Located in Piazza della Rotonda, the Pantheon is also a great starting point to explore other nearby free landmarks, like Piazza Navona or the Trevi Fountain.
One of the Most Popular Free Things to See in Rome:
Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome. Its stunning Baroque design features sculptures of Neptune and mythological figures such as Tritons and sea horses.
This iconic site is one of the most popular free things to see in Rome. Tradition says that if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain, your destiny is to return to Rome. This ritual has been a part of the fountain’s charm for centuries. Every year, visitors toss millions of euros that are donated to local charitable causes.
While the Trevi Fountain is impressive at any time of day, it’s especially magical at night. The fountain glows in the soft light when it’s lit up, and the atmosphere is much quieter.
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is one of the liveliest squares in Rome, filled with street performers, artists, and plenty of tourists. The square is built on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian. Its oval shape reflects the original structure. Today, it’s a place to relax, people-watch, and admire the surrounding architecture.
If you want to learn more about the Eternal city, check out his Rome travel guide book.
One of the Most Unexpected Free Things to See in Rome:
Villa Borghese Gardens
The Villa Borghese Gardens are perfect for running from the city hustle. This is one of the largest public parks in Rome. The park has beautiful statues, fountains, and meticulously landscaped areas. There’s even a small lake where you can rent boats for a leisurely paddle, though this requires a fee.
One of the park’s highlights is the Pincio Terrace, which offers one of the city’s best panoramic views. The terrace overlooks Piazza del Popolo and Rome’s skyline. It’s a perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty of the Eternal City at sunset, making it one of the must-see free stuff to do in Rome.
Locals with families, joggers, and friends usually gather here on weekends for leisurely activities. This makes Villa Borghese a great place to experience Roman life away from the more touristy spots.
Largo di Torre Argentina (Roman Cat Sanctuary)
Largo di Torre Argentina is a must-visit spot during your trip to Rome. Especially, if you love history and cats. This intriguing square is home to the ruins of four ancient temples. It is famously believed to be the site where Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March in 44 BC. As you explore the square, you’ll see the impressive remains of the temples, which date back to the Republican era of ancient Rome.
But what truly sets Largo di Torre Argentina apart is its currently a sanctuary for stray cats. The square is home to dens of cats who lounge and roam freely among the ancient ruins. Local volunteers take care of these cats.
This combination of ancient ruins and easygoing cats makes Largo di Torre Argentina, one of the more unusual free attractions in Rome and definitely worth a visit.
Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
Often overshadowed by St. Peter’s Basilica, the Basilica di San Giovanni is worth the visit as well. It’s actually the cathedral of Rome and the seat of the Pope. This church, located near the Lateran Palace, is free to visit and offers a look at ancient Roman and Christian history. It is the oldest basilica in the Western world, originally consecrated in 324 AD.
Inside, you’ll find a beautifully decorated interior with statues of the apostles, mosaics, and frescoes. The grand altar houses St. Peter and St. Paul relics. Don’t miss the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs) nearby, believed to be the steps Jesus walked during his trial before Pontius Pilate.
Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)
The Appian Way, or Via Appia Antica, is one of the world’s oldest and most important roads. Originally built in 312 BC, it connected Rome to the southern regions of Italy. Today, it offers a peaceful escape from the city. The road is lined with ancient tombs, ruins, and beautiful countryside, and it’s free to explore.
You can walk or rent a bike to explore this ancient road. And enjoy sights like the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, Roman aqueducts, and remains of catacombs. The Appian Way is a hidden gem for budget travellers, providing a glimpse of Rome’s ancient past away from the busy city centre.
Trastevere Neighborhood
Exploring the Trastevere neighbourhood is one of the delightful free things to do in Rome. It’s one of the city’s most charming and vibrant areas. The neighbourhood has narrow, cobblestone streets and a lively atmosphere. The squares are filled with local cafes and shops.
While exploring Trastevere, be sure to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria. It is one of Rome’s oldest churches and offers free entry. This basilica dates back to the 4th century and is renowned for its stunning mosaics. The intricate designs and vibrant colours depict biblical scenes and add to the church’s serene atmosphere.
As the sun sets, Trastevere becomes a lively hub filled with locals and visitors enjoying the vibrant nightlife. The neighbourhood also has several beautiful squares, such as Piazza Santa Maria, where you can relax and people-watch.
One of the Hidden Free Things to See in Rome:
Aventine Hill and the Keyhole
Aventine Hill is one of Rome‘s seven hills. Known for its serene gardens and stunning views, the hill is home to the beautiful Basilica of Santa Sabina. It dates back to the 5th century and is an excellent example of early Christian architecture. The basilica’s elegant interior and impressive wooden doors are worth visiting.
One of the unique highlights of Aventine Hill is the Keyhole of the Knights of Malta. It’s a small peephole that offers a view of St. Peter’s Basilica framed by lush greenery.
The Aventine Rose Garden is located nearby and is another lovely spot to visit, especially in spring when the roses bloom. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, picturesque streets, and lovely viewpoints.
The Tiber River Walk
Walking along the banks of the Tiber River is one of the scenic free things to see in Rome. Enjoy city views, including historic bridges like Ponte Sant’Angelo and Ponte Sisto. A highlight of the walk is Isola Tiberina, the island in the river, connected by picturesque bridges. The island is home to the ancient Basilica of San Bartolomeo and features lovely spots to sit and relax.
Bonus Tip for Your Free Things to See in Rome: Free Walking Tours
One of the best ways to see much of the city is by joining a free walking tour (my favourite are Sandeman’s New Europe walking tours). These tours, led by local guides, take you to some of Rome’s top landmarks and provide interesting facts and stories about the city’s history.
While the tours are technically free, tipping the guide is appreciated if you enjoyed the experience. It’s an excellent way to see many of the free attractions in Rome while learning from an expert.
Rome is a city full of wonders; you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it. From ancient ruins and grand churches to lively squares and peaceful parks, there are countless free things to see in Rome that will make your visit unforgettable.
By exploring these free activities in Rome, you can experience the city’s rich history, culture, and beauty on any budget. So grab your walking shoes and get ready to discover the amazing Rome.
And if you want to visit other towns near the city, check these 5 destinations for a day trip from Rome.
More to Explore
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Amalfi Day Trip from Rome
