15 free things to do in Rome on your first visit

Do you want to visit Rome while spending as little as possible? So follow this Top 15 free visits, museums and activities to do in the Italian capital that I have created so that you can enjoy them without breaking the bank.

We hear (too) often a rumor claiming that Rome is a city whose visit is expensive. Funny how the same people will talk to you about any big city. I am going to show you here that the truth is far from these hearsay.



Indeed, a visit to the Eternal City is always unforgettable, even with a tight budget! And it's always nice to enjoy a place you've always dreamed of discovering without breaking the bank!

Let's find out together 15 free things to do and places to visit in Rome.

Contents

1. Top free monument tours in Rome: the Pantheon

15 free things to do in Rome on your first visit

Looking for the top free monument tours in Rome? Then you absolutely must see the Pantheon. This majestic 2000-year-old temple dedicated to the ancient Roman gods is one of Rome's must-see sights.

This tour is surprisingly free, so you will be free to marvel at the splendid decorations that adorn the dome without spending a single penny! So save your change to beat your compulsive gelato tasting record!

2. Enter St. Peter's Basilica

It is arguably the most famous Catholic religious building in the world. Thus, St. Peter's Basilica is one of the main reasons many travelers come to Rome. It is surprising, given the huge influx of tourists passing there every day, that the visit is completely open and free (however, you will need to purchase a paid ticket to enjoy the impressive view from the top of the dome. ).



3. Visit Villa Borghese for free

15 free things to do in Rome on your first visit

The gardens of Villa Borghese are among the most beautiful in the city, and are admired and recognized for their lush vegetation. In addition, the visit is completely free. You will discover sumptuous fountains, gardens of majestic flowers, and the splendid collection of art of the villa, built in the middle of the park.

4. Unmissable free things to do in Rome: Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous places in Rome that you absolutely must visit, plus the visit is free. Tradition has it that a toss of coins in the water of the fountain offers a chance of return to travelers, who will be sure to find their donation there.

Apart from this original activity, you won't have to part with a penny here! It's a hot spot with tourists, so be prepared for the crowds.

5. Visit the Janiculum in Rome

15 free things to do in Rome on your first visit

This Roman hill is the ideal place to come and admire the free and unobstructed view of the city that this promontory will offer you. Go there at night, for an exceptional experience, the view will take your breath away!

6. Admire the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo

Come and take advantage of the free visit of this church in Rome if you wish to admire the admirable work of Caravaggio. Many of his paintings secretly dot the city, some in obscure and curious places. As the entrance to it is completely free, it would be a shame not to take advantage of it!


7. Visit Piazza Navona

15 free things to do in Rome on your first visit

This bustling square is one of the focal points of the Eternal City, and you can stroll there at leisure all afternoon (it's a perfect place for die-hard observers!).


Overflowing with fountains and wacky little cafes, this is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll, and soak up the city's atmosphere. Ideal for a lazy afternoon!

8. What to do for free in Rome? The Basilica of Sainte-Praxède (Santa Prassede)

This delicate church was made famous by one of its columns, on which Christ himself was allegedly tied and scourged. It is not one of the best known places in Rome, but if you are hungry for history or a Christian atmosphere, it is worth a visit.

9. Take a stroll through the Spanish Steps

15 free things to do in Rome on your first visit

Tourists usually flock to the Spanish Steps to photograph its monumental and iconic staircase (so should you - you'll understand when you see it!).

Besides, if you are looking to bring back something completely free from your trip to Rome, this is the perfect place to bring back your own photos as typical souvenirs of the Italian capital.

Why not make an obsolete return to the tradition of sending postcards, and send your own creations to your loved ones?

10. Visit the Basilica of Saint Mary Major for free

Sainte-Marie-Majeure was built to commemorate the place where the snow would have curiously fallen, during the summer of 356. Whether you believe this strange legend or not, this is an emblematic monument of Rome to visit for free, which is worth definitely a detour if you have time.


11. Admire the Marble Stadium (Stadio dei Marmi)

15 free things to do in Rome on your first visit

This athletics stadium, which is completely free to visit, takes its name from the 64 marble statues that surround its stands. These works representing various athletes practicing a traditional sport (javelin, pallone or tennis court) were donated by the various Italian provinces during the construction of the monument.


12. Visit the Basilica of Saint Clement of the Lateran

This church is famous for the archaeological remains located in its basement. There are thus Roman ruins, including the temple of Mithra (mithraeum), dating from the imperial period, but also the remains of an old church, dating from the 4th century.

In one of the basement rooms, you can hear an astonishing sound of waterfall, caused by the proximity to the old sewage system of ancient Rome, the Cloaca Maxima.

If the visit to the upper part of the building is free, you will need to purchase a ticket to visit the underground section.

13. Visit the Protestant cemetery for free

15 free things to do in Rome on your first visit

The two famous poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley (whose wife Mary is the author of the Frankenstein cult) are buried here. This cemetery is also known for its amazing vaults, including a replica of an Egyptian pyramid.

14. The church of Saint-Charles-aux-Quatre-Fontaines

This small church, whose entrance is entirely free, is noted for its eccentric decorations and ornaments, as well as by the welcoming religious who reside there, who will be happy to guide you through the building and share its history with you.

15. Free garden visit to do in Rome: the Orange Garden (Parco Savello)

15 free things to do in Rome on your first visit

Are you looking for a beautiful garden to visit for free in Rome? The view from Savello Park, perched on the Aventine Hill, is one of the most beautiful in Rome. Many visitors come to picnic there, and do not hesitate to spend the afternoon there, among the many orange trees that grow there.

To wrap up this article, I can tell you that Rome is a city where there is a plethora of things to do, even for visitors on a tiny budget looking for free things to do and things to do.

Please don't hesitate to leave me a comment if you have more and don't forget to share this article with your family and friends if you liked! Enjoy your stay in Rome.


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