15 Free Things to do in Rome: Explore the Eternal City Without Spending a Euro

Looking for free things to do in the Eternal City? Rome is a living museum, filled with ancient ruins, charming neighborhoods, and world-class museums—many of which offer free entry or special free admission days. From street performers at Piazza Navona to peaceful gardens like Villa Borghese, here’s how you can explore Rome without spending a single euro.

1. Explore the Vatican Museums on the Last Sunday of the Month

The Vatican Museums offer free admission on the last Sunday of every month. These world-class museums in Vatican City house works by Michelangelo, Raphael, and ancient Roman sculptures. Arrive early—it’s one of the most popular free sites in Rome.

2. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro)

St. Peter’s Basilica is a masterpiece of the Catholic Church, located in Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro). You can enter the basilica for free and admire its grand dome, stunning mosaics, and sculptures. Don’t miss the weekly Papal Audience held here.

3. Admire the Art at Santa Maria della Vittoria

Home to Bernini's "Ecstasy of Saint Teresa," Santa Maria della Vittoria is a baroque jewel that’s completely free to enter. It's one of the numerous churches in the historic center offering masterpieces without an admission fee.

4. Stroll Through Villa Borghese and Villa Borghese Gardens

The vast Villa Borghese estate, including the beautiful Villa Borghese Gardens, is an ideal escape from the city’s hustle. Located on the north side near Piazza del Popolo, it’s perfect for walks, bike rides, and relaxing by the fountains.

5. Catch Panoramic Views from Gianicolo Hill

Gianicolo Hill, one of Rome’s seven hills, offers some of the best views over Ancient Rome. It’s a quiet place for sunrise or sunset and is surrounded by embassies, monuments, and fountains.

6. Wander the Historic Jewish Ghetto

The Jewish Ghetto is a fascinating district filled with cobbled streets, kosher eateries, and ivy-covered buildings. Established in the 1500s, it showcases layers of ancient history, local life, and Roman life in one compact area.

7. Climb the Spanish Steps and Explore Piazza di Spagna

The Spanish Steps connect Piazza di Spagna to Trinità dei Monti. A popular taxi stand and meeting spot, this lively square is a great place to rest and admire views of Del Corso and nearby designer shops.

8. Visit the Pantheon – A Roman Temple with Free Entry for Some

Originally built as a Roman temple under Emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon now stands as a church. While it usually requires an admission fee, Rome residents and those under 18 enjoy free entry.

9. Enjoy the Atmosphere of Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona, built on an ancient stadium, features three stunning fountains, including the Four Rivers by Bernini. This lively square is a hub for street artists, street performers, and open-air cafes.

10. View the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill from Capitoline Hill

You can see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill from Capitoline Hill, a free vantage point designed by Michelangelo. A must for fans of ancient history and photography, especially around Piazza del Campidoglio.

11. Visit Santa Maria del Popolo near Piazza del Popolo

Located at Piazza del Popolo, Santa Maria del Popolo is home to works by Caravaggio and Raphael. A quiet church filled with art history, it’s also conveniently located near the city center and train station.

12. Discover Campo de’ Fiori by Day and Night

Campo de’ Fiori is a vibrant market by day and transforms into a lively atmosphere by night. Located close to many hostels and apartments, it’s the perfect place to feel the pulse of Roman life.

13. Roam Around Piazza Venezia and the Il Vittoriano Monument

Standing at the heart of the historic center, Piazza Venezia is the gateway to the Roman Forum and Via del Corso. While entry inside the Il Vittoriano monument has a fee, admiring it from the outside is completely free.

14. Enjoy Street Art and Culture in Trastevere and Beyond

Explore Rome’s Street Art Museum, an open-air, unofficial gallery with works in areas like Ostiense. Pair this with a visit to San Luigi dei Francesi, where Caravaggio’s art is displayed for free.

15. Relax at Circus Maximus and Aventine Hill

Circus Maximus, once used for chariot races, is now a peaceful park near Aventine Hill. Climb up to the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) for a hidden view of St. Peter’s Dome through a famous keyhole.

Bonus Free Experiences in Rome

• San Clemente: A layered church with ancient ruins—free to enter its upper level.
• Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere: A beautiful square with a church that holds some of the oldest stunning mosaics.
• Walking Along the Tiber River: A scenic and peaceful way to explore bridges and views with Google Maps guiding your route.
• Passeggiata Tradition: Join Romans for their evening Passeggiata—a leisurely walk through historic areas.
• Markets Like Porta Portese: Open Sundays, offering vintage items and a taste of local life.

FAQs

What attractions are free in Rome?

• St. Peter’s Basilica and Peter’s Square
• Villa Borghese Gardens
• Piazza Navona (street artists and fountains)
• Pantheon (free for residents and under-18s)
• Spanish Steps
• Gianicolo Hill (panoramic views)
• Jewish Ghetto (historic area with kosher eateries)
• Circus Maximus (ancient chariot racing stadium)
• Campo de’ Fiori (market and lively atmosphere)
• Santa Maria della Vittoria (church)
• Trevi Fountain (iconic landmark)
• Capitoline Hill (view of ancient ruins)

How can I spend my free day in Rome?

• Start with a sunrise view from Gianicolo Hill
• Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and Peter’s Square
• Stroll through the Villa Borghese Gardens
• Enjoy street performers at Piazza Navona
• Shop or explore the market at Campo de’ Fiori
• Admire the Trevi Fountain
• Walk along the Tiber River
• End with a sunset at Piazza del Popolo

Is Rome a walkable city?

• Yes, the historic center is walkable and full of attractions
• Explore ancient ruins, such as the Roman Forum and Pantheon
• Stroll through Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia, and Piazza del Popolo
• Visit charming neighborhoods like Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto
• Cobbled streets and ancient history are easily accessible by foot

How not to get mugged in Rome?

• Stick to well-lit and busy areas, like Piazza Navona and Vatican City
• Keep valuables secure in your bag and avoid displaying them
• Use Google Maps to stay on safe routes, especially near train stations
• Stay alert in crowded places like Campo de’ Fiori and on public transport
• Watch for pickpockets in tourist hotspots and markets

What can I do in Rome for free?

• Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain
• Explore Gianicolo Hill and Villa Borghese Gardens
• Wander through the Jewish Ghetto and street art in various locations
• Enjoy free entry to the Vatican Museums on the last Sunday of the month
• Walk along the Tiber River and explore Roman ruins
• Check out ancient churches like Santa Maria della Vittoria and San Clemente

What to do in Rome on a budget?

• Explore free entry sites like Villa Borghese Gardens, Santa Maria del Popolo, and San Luigi dei Francesi
• Visit free museums on the first Sunday of the month (e.g., National Roman Museum, Capitoline Museums)
• Stroll through markets like Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza del Popolo
• Enjoy street performances and street art
• Eat at local cafes in the Jewish Ghetto for affordable meals

What are the 8 free museums in Rome?

• National Roman Museum (Palazzo Massimo, Baths of Diocletian)
• Capitoline Museums
• Borghese Gallery (free with advance booking)
• Trajan’s Market – Museum of the Imperial Forums
• Museum of Roman Civilization
• Villa Torlonia Museums
• Napoleonic Museum
• Gallery of Modern Art (check for free entry dates)

Read Next: 15 Free Things to Do in Venice – Explore the Floating City on a Budget

Conclusion

With so many free things to do in Rome, you don’t need a big budget to experience the richness of this Eternal City. Whether you're marveling at ancient architecture, soaking up history in Vatican City, or strolling down cobbled streets, these free sites will leave you awe-inspired and grateful for Rome’s generosity.