Rome can be expensive, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it. There are many free things to do in Rome, from wandering through its beautiful streets to soaking in the charm of its piazzas and parks—all without spending a cent.
Parks
Exploring Rome’s parks is entirely free and a great way to unwind while soaking in the city’s atmosphere.
Villa Torlonia – The park features towering maritime pines, exotic palm trees, and charming villas in lush greenery.
Villa Celimontana – A peaceful escape from the city, with gently sloping lawns and vibrant flowerbeds, ideal for a quiet picnic or a break from the urban hustle.
The Gianicolo – Known for its breathtaking panoramic views, this hill also has some summer-only bars where you can enjoy the stunning view of Rome’s rooftops.
Villa Borghese – This iconic park was once Cardinal Scipione Borghese’s private estate in the 17th century. It’s a massive 80-hectare space with gardens, open lawns, and tree-lined clearings, perfect for a relaxing walk.

Churches and Art
Visiting Rome’s churches won’t cost you a thing, and many of them are home to incredible works by artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and Caravaggio.
St. Peter’s Basilica – Of all the stunning churches in Rome, St. Peter’s is the most extensive and breathtaking. It showcases centuries of artistic brilliance, with highlights like Michelangelo’s Pietà, his massive dome, and Bernini’s impressive baldachin.
Santa Maria del Popolo – Designed partly by Bramante and Bernini, this Renaissance church is a treasure trove of art. Its stunning chapels feature works by some of the biggest names in art history, including Caravaggio, Bernini, Raphael, and Pinturicchio. Commissioned by Rome’s elite families, it’s one of the city’s most art-filled churches.

Basilica of St. Peter in Chains – This 5th-century church is a must-see for pilgrims and art lovers. It’s famous for Michelangelo’s Moses statue and the chains believed to have held St. Peter during his time in the Mamertine Prison. Legend has it that the chains miraculously fused when brought back to Rome.
Church of St. Louis of the French – This church has been the heart of the French community in Rome since 1589. Inside, you’ll find an impressive Baroque interior. It houses three of Caravaggio’s most famous paintings, all centered around the story of St. Matthew. They consist of The Calling of St. Matthew, The Martyrdom of St. Matthew, and St. Matthew and the Angel. These paintings are housed in the Contarelli Chapel. They are some of Caravaggio’s earliest religious works. Even in these early pieces, his signature realism style and dramatic lighting are already evident.
Free Museums
Vatican Museums – If you’re in Rome on the last Sunday of the month, don’t miss the chance to visit the Vatican Museums for free. Inside, you’ll find the world-famous Sistine Chapel and endless corridors packed with incredible artwork. The museum spans over 7 kilometers of galleries and holds more masterpieces than some entire countries. These include Michelangelo’s exquisite Sistine Chapel ceiling, Raphael’s frescoed rooms, and the classical sculptures in the Museum Pio-Clementino.
State Museums – Rome has some great free civic museums, like the Carlo Bilotti Museum, which features modern art donated by the collector Carlo Bilotti. The collection includes works by Giorgio de Chirico, Andy Warhol, Gino Severini, Larry Rivers, and Giacomo Manzù. Another must-see is the Giovanni Barracco Museum of Ancient Sculpture, where you can admire ancient art from Egypt, Assyria, Greece, Rome, and more.
Remember! On the first Sunday of every month, all state museums in Rome are free to enter!

Monuments
Trevi Fountain – One of the most iconic spots in Rome, the Trevi Fountain is free to admire, though many toss a coin in to ensure they’ll return to the city! This stunning Baroque fountain took up almost the whole piazza. Federico Fellini famously featured it in his classic film La Dolce Vita, with Anita Ekberg splashing in the water alongside Marcello Mastroianni.
Bocca della Verità – Legend has it that the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) will chomp down on the hand of anyone who tells a lie. This sizable marble disc, featuring a carved bearded face, is one of Rome’s most famous curiosities. Originally part of a fountain or ancient drain cover, it now sits in the portico of the medieval Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.
Pantheon—Originally a pagan temple and later converted into a church, the Pantheon is one of Rome’s most impressive architectural feats. Built 2,000 years ago, it’s the best-preserved ancient monument in the city and an essential piece of Western architecture. The outside shows its age, but the inside is breathtaking. When you pass through the bronze doors, you can look up at the massive concrete dome. It is the largest dome ever built without reinforcement.

Piazzas
People-watching in Rome’s piazzas is a quintessential part of any visit.
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Piazza Navona – Famous for its Baroque buildings, sculpted fountains, and outdoor cafés, Piazza Navona is like an open-air stage in the heart of Rome. For 300 years, it was the city’s primary market, and today, it’s filled with vendors, street performers, tourists, fortune tellers, and plenty of pigeons.
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Piazza del Popolo – Was once used for public executions, with the last one occurring in 1826. Initially, it was a simple square featuring just a fountain, horse trough, and washing basin. In 1538, architects redesigned it to serve as the grand entrance for people arriving in Rome from the north. Over the centuries, various renovations have occurred, with Giuseppe Valadier creating its current elliptical shape in 1823.

Campo de’ Fiori – Lively and colorful, Campo de’ Fiori is one of the busiest piazzas in Rome. By day, it hosts a bustling market. At night, it turns into an energetic outdoor bar scene. Though full of life now, the square has a dark history as the site of public executions, most notably the burning of philosopher Giordano Bruno in 1600. His memory is honored by a solemn statue of the hooded monk, placed in 1889.
Piazza di Spagna – The Spanish Steps leading up from Piazza di Spagna have been a popular gathering spot since the 18th century. It’s the perfect place to sit and people-watch as visitors snap selfies, honeymooners look for romantic photo ops, and more. Back in the late 1700s, the area was so popular with English tourists on the Grand Tour that locals started calling it “The English ghetto.”
Useful Tips
Transportation: The Roma Pass gives you unlimited access to all public transport around the city.
Wi-Fi: Many hostels, hotels, bars, and cafés provide free Wi-Fi.
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