Free Things to Do
Travelling to Rome on a budget may sound like it’s close to impossible. We know where you are coming from - with all those luxurious attractions charging hefty fees, it’s hard to believe there are places in Rome that come for free. However, it’s true - there are free attractions in Rome that won’t disappoint - you just have to know where to look.
The doors of art-filled churches are open to curious explorers, architectural masterpieces can be freely seen in every corner, and the interesting piazzas, historic streets and parks can be enjoyed without a price. Make your budget trip to Rome a vacation to remember by visiting the right attractions. Here are some of the free attractions in Rome you’ll surely enjoy.
Spanish StepsThe Spanish Steps is one of Rome’s most iconic attractions, a landmark easily associated with the city. This elegant staircase - which was originally intended as a gateway to Trinita dei Monti - has become a popular gathering place of tourists, a beautiful subject of many photographs, and a favorite movie setting for Hollywood movies. The wide irregular steps complemented by curves, terraces, straight flights and remarkable views is a perfect representation of Roman Baroque Style.
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Today, the Spanish Steps is a favourite hangout place among tourists and Roman youth. Sitting on the steps is a great way to unwind, and take in the hustle and bustle of the nearby Piazza de Spagna. While you’re here, take the time to mingle with other tourists. Leave the food, though, since eating is strictly prohibited here. Don’t be surprised if every now and then, enormous cameras would suddenly pop up - the Spanish steps is still a favourite location of local and international filmmakers. Located near this attraction is Via dei Condotti, a place filled with designer houses like Gucci, Prada, Armani, and Versace. tips
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Janiculum Hill Open-air Puppet ShowJaniculum Hill (Gianicolo Belvedere) is one of Rome’s most popular attractions. The hill is known for the open-air puppet shows that have been running for 59 years. Completely free, it’s one of the things families shouldn’t miss while in Rome.
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Seeing the open-air puppet shows at Janiculum Hill is a family tradition among Roman families. Today, eager tourists climb all the way up the hill to witness the famous puppet performances. The show features traditional Italian entertainment which is a funny and memorable experience for kids and kids-at-heart. Apart from the puppet show, visitors can also go sightseeing -the view of Rome from Janiculum Hill is one of the most photo-worthy sights in the city. Stay around for a little to witness the special canon fires that happens around noon. tips
Gianicolo Hill Overlooking RomeA favorite destination just outside the city of Rome, Janiculum Hill is Rome’s eighth hill, an ideal place for a quick escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
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Frolic along its peaceful pathways as you take in the breathtaking view that can be seen from the hill. Various marble statues of heroes placed in different places provide an interesting insight to the days when the place served as a fortress during the battle against French troops. The place offers a festive and relaxing ambience perfect for anyone who wants to take a break from endless sightseeing. Fun entertainment - including puppet shows and pony rides - are available for kids. Other attractions to see in this area includes Manfredi Lighthouse, Garibaldi Monument, and Church of San Pietro in Montorio. Stay a little longer around noon to hear the traditional canon fires from the top of the hill. tips
Rome Free Walking TourSee Rome’s most iconic landmarks by joining Rome Free Walking tours to the Vatican, The Colosseum, and to the most attractive parts of the city. Participated by hundreds of tourists daily, Rome Free Walking Tours allow you to relish in the beauty of the Eternal City without breaking the bank.
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Led by guides authorized by the local government, these free tours bring tourist to some of the most important landmarks in the city. The Vatican Tour, for example, takes tourists to see popular historical sights such as The Spanish Steps, Castel Sant’t Angelo, and Pantheon. With the Colosseum Tours, you’ll get to see the Roman Forum and Rome’s well-preserved aqueducts. Sundays are for free city tours to Trevi Fountain, Temple of Hadrian, and Piazza Navona. Strict adherence to the dress code is required since you will be visiting some of Rome’s sacred landmarks. tips
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00187 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy
Tour starts every morning at 10AM
*No tours on January 1st, Easter Sunday, August 15th, December 8th and December 25th. Trevi FountainTrevi Fountain, a commanding attraction in Quirinale District of Rome, is one of the world’s most beautiful fountains. This famous fountain almost looks ethereal with the beautiful aquamarine water and the majestic statue of the sea god Neptune. When the fountain was first constructed in 19 BC, its purpose was purely functional - to provide water to the Romans. However, a new tradition started - locals would throw coins to appease the gods. Today, tourists throw coins in to ensure a quick return to rome. Those looking for love can throw in a second coin.
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The Trevi Fountain makes 3,000 euros daily. Where does the money go? Coins thrown in the fountain all go to Caritas, a charity institution that provides food assistance to the poor. The fame of Trevi Fountain is immortalized by Anita Ekberg’s cavorting scene in the hit movie La Dolce Vita. The fountain can get pretty busy during the day - it is suggested that visitors come during the night when hundreds of LED lights illuminate the place to perfection. tips
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The Piazza NavonaA place which features a baroque palazzi, regal fountains, interesting throngs of hawkers, tourists and street artists. Piazza Navona is central Rome’s leisure hive. Built where the 1st century Stadio di Domiziano used to be, Piazza Navona was home to the city’s main market for over 300 years. The main attractions in this square are the three different, intricately-designed fountains.
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Other attractions in this place include the Church of St Agnese in Agone where the young St. Agnese was martyred, and the enormous museum found inside Palazzo Braschi. The beautiful paintings on display - usually created by street artists - all over the piazza offer a unique and interesting sight. During the day, a number of street performers and magicians dazzle the crowd with their jaw-dropping performances. Piazza Navona during sunset is a beauty to behold - the golden rays of the sun spread across the piazza’s buildings is a sight that needs to be immortalized by photographs. During the evenings, Piazza Navona comes to life. Its medieval beauty - emphasized by the lights - and the sounds and scent of mouth-watering delicacies lingering on the streets make this piazza a great place to relax and unwind. tips
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Take a walk at Villa Borghese ParkIf the towering landmarks of Rome make you crave for some change in scenery, then Villa Borghese must be a part of your itinerary. This enormous garden offers both entertainment and relaxation for visitors. For a more convenient way of exploring Villa Borghese, you can rent bicycles and rollerblades at the main gates.
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Villa Borghese caters to adults and kids alike - there are attractions for everyone. Art lovers can visit Borghese Gallery, a most important museum in Italy which features paintings from esteemed Italian artists Raphael and Titian. Complete your family adventures in Rome with a visit to the Rome Zoo, an attraction that houses more than 1000 animals from 200 various species. Experience true Roman culture in Passeggiata del Pincio, a beautiful garden where you can witness the talent of artists and writers staying along the path walks. Treat the kids to Casina de Raffaelo, a famous toy library for kids ages 3 to 10. Kids will gladly take a break from all the Rome tours and join the reading and interactive activities prepared especially for the little tourists. tips
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Chocolate MuseumRome is a haven for anyone who has a sweet tooth. With lanes and corners riddled with pastry shops and gelaterias, getting a sweet fix isn’t a problem. So it’s not a surprise that Said Vintage Chocolate Factory - the oldest chocolate factory in the city - is such a big hit among tourists.
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If your kids are big fans of Willy Wonka, this museum is going to be an instant favorite. Not only is this attraction full of sweet treats, it’s also rich in history - a visit to the factory includes a short introduction of Italy’s history. Vintage chocolate machineries on display will give visitors a glimpse of chocolate production from the past. The best way to end your trip to this museum is to visit the in-house cafe which serves mouthwatering treats ranging from rich hot chocolate drinks to creamy chocolate cakes. tips
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Tiburtina, 135, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
Free
Monday – Thursday 12:00 PM – 03:30 PM / 06:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Friday 12:00 PM – 03:30 PM / 06:00 PM – 01:30 AM Saturday 7:00 PM – 01:30 AM Sunday CLOSED Reti Light Rail Station
St. Peter's BasilicaRome’s St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the holiest Catholic shrines in the world visited by thousands of patrons and pilgrims every month. This spectacular landmark - built upon St. Peter’s tomb - is a one of the must-see tourist attractions for anyone visiting the Eternal City.
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Behind the building’s grand design is a much grander history - the basilica stands as concrete proof of unity and combined creativity. A short time after the fall of the first basilica, the most talented architects congregated to rebuild the sacred landmark. Inside its lavish interior tourists will see one of Michelangelo’s celebrated works - the Pieta. A visit to Rome is not complete without making a stop in this beloved building. Located near the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, the basilica and its surrounding landscapes are nothing short of breathtaking. Entrance is free so expect long queues. Observe strict adherence to dress code. tips
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Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Free
During Winter October - March: 7am - 6:30pm
During Summer April - September: 7am - 7pm Risorgimento - San Pietro
Largo di Torre Argentinatext
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Date Modified: 03/10/2019