We have been to Rome two times: both times with a limited budget and in transit. Needless to say, one of my priorities was to find as many free things to do in Rome as possible.

Granted, there are a lot of things to do in Rome, so the simple fact of putting your walking shoes on and exploring the city will ensure you see a lot of interesting sites, sometimes without paying a dime.

But, there are also gorgeous landmarks that are, thankfully, completely free to explore. Or some of the most famous historical sites can be visited for free on certain days.

Free Things to Do in Rome: Visit the main landmarks

When I have pictured Rome before visiting, three places kept popping in my head: The Spanish Steps, The Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. Guess what? All three are free to visit!

The Spanish Steps is where you need to take a photo or a selfie! (I’ve mastered the selfie way after that visit, unfortunately). It is the longest and widest staircases in Europe and may I say also the most crowded?!

But do what we did: find a spot, sit down and plan your next move. Which, by the way, is to follow the map to the Pantheon, located nearby.

The temple dedicated to all Gods, the Pantheon, has a very interesting structure: the open oculus in the center adds drama but is also the secret to its long lasting existence. Yes, it’s crowded but oh, so magnificent.

Fontana di Trevi – Trevi Fountain for those who don’t speak Italian – is the landmark which most of us link to Rome. It has been renovated – and I have been unlucky enough to never see it in full splendor without some form of renovation taking place around it. Throw a coin in to make sure you come back to Rome.

Piazza Navona is also in the area and completely free to explore. The fountain in the center is called Four Rivers and it represents: the Ganges, Nile, Danube, and Plate. Come here during the festive season to check out the Christmas Market.

Pass by the Colosseum and check out Constantine’s Arch. It is the largest arch in Rome and was built in 315 AD.

Free Things to Do in Rome: Walk in the gardens of Villa Borghese

The gardens are Rome’s largest park so why not take the opportunity to sit down and relax. I assure you that after a some hours roaming the streets of Rome, you’ll need this break!

Free Things to Do in Rome: Walk the Apian Way

Via Appia Antica (or the Apain Way) is one of the earlier Roman roads built and connected Rome to Brindisi (Puglia region). The first 4 miles (6.5 km) is where you find many monuments to check out, such as Gate of Aurelian Walls (Porta Appia), the Tomb of Priscilla, the Catacomb of Callixtus …in other words, enough to keep you busy for hours.

If you have flexibility when you plan your trip to Rome, you may want to use this advice and check out these three amazing places. Yes, they are sold together on a combined ticket as well but why not spend 12 euros on some good food?

And speaking of culture and museums, all state museums are free to visit during the first Sunday of the month; whereas the Vatican Museums are free to visit during the last Sunday.

Booking.com

Free Things to Do in Rome: Visit the many churches

You cannot throw a stick and not find a church in Rome (or Naples , for that matter). Which is good, because most of the churches are free to visit! And they can also offer amazing respite from the heat.

Among the ones to check out are: San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, San Giovanni in Laterano, Santa Maria Maggiore, Santa Maria del Popolo, Santa Maria della Vittoria, Santa Prassede, Santi Quattro Coronati. and St Peter’s.

Free Things to Do in Rome: Take a stroll in Trastevere

This district is not up my alley by night since it’s where you’d find the rowdy travelers drinking to their heart’s desire, but…by day, this is where you can escape the touristic Rome and just enjoy a walk in the area and take photos .

Free Things to Do in Rome: Check out the city from the Vittoriano monument

I wasn’t sure I’d qualify this as kitch or not…it is certainly impressive. The view from the steps (at the top) is nice but if you climb to Ara Coeli church, near it there’s an elevator which takes you up to the roof (yes, that costs money, unfortunately).

Free Things to Do in Rome: Rome’s hills

Unfortunately not all seven can be visited for free. On Aventine Hill head to Parco Savelli for an amazing view of the city. And why not stop for a picnic here as well?

The other hill which is free to enjoy is Gianicolo. It is the highest of all and that also means…yup, amazing views! Park Gianoclo is a great place is you travel with kids.

Read more about Rome:
>>Dealing with Fumicino Airport (FCO)
>>Review: Rome Metropolitan Guesthouse

Note: this article includes links that may qualify as affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commision.