Free Things To Do In Rome For Budget Travelers
Here's a list of the best free things to do in Rome to fill your itinerary without needing to open your wallet.
If you’re planning a trip to Rome and want to keep costs low, you’ll be happy to know that Rome is full of so many incredible free experiences.
From exploring ancient ruins and piazzas to wandering through famous neighborhoods and breathtaking churches, there’s no shortage of free things to do in Rome.
Here's my list of top things to do if you're on a budget, and looking to fill your itinerary.
Visit The Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient monuments and a must-see for anyone interested in history and architecture. Originally built as a Roman temple and later converted into a church, it has stood for nearly 2,000 years. Its most famous feature is the massive dome with the central oculus, the only source of natural light, which creates a dramatic effect as the sun moves across the interior.
Inside, you’ll find marble floors, ancient inscriptions, and the tombs of important figures such as the Renaissance artist Raphael and several Italian kings. Entry to the Pantheon is now ticketed, but it remains one of the most affordable and rewarding sites in the city.
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Visit The Trastevere Neighborhood
Trastevere is one of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods, known for its medieval character and village-like atmosphere. Its narrow cobbled streets, ivy-covered buildings, and hidden courtyards make it perfect for exploring on foot. The area is home to historic churches such as Santa Maria in Trastevere, as well as lively piazzas where locals and visitors gather.
During the day, you’ll find artisanal shops and small cafés tucked into side streets, while at night the neighborhood comes alive with restaurants, wine bars, and street performers. Trastevere offers a more authentic, local feel compared to the busier parts of central Rome, making it a favorite for travelers who want to experience everyday Roman life.
Explore Via Appia Antica
Via Appia Antica is the oldest road in Rome, dating back to the Roman Empire. Today, it’s one of the city’s most fascinating archaeological sites. Stretching for miles just outside the historic center, the road is lined with ancient catacombs, ruined villas, and old monuments that give you a glimpse into daily life in ancient times.
Visitors can walk or bike along the cobblestone path, explore underground catacombs like San Sebastiano or San Callisto, and stop at scattered ruins along the way. It’s a unique experience that combines history, archaeology, and a peaceful escape from Rome’s busy streets.
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see on any visit. Built in the 18th century, it’s a stunning example of Baroque architecture, featuring dramatic sculptures and flowing cascades of water. Visitors flock here not only to admire its artistry but also to take part in a long-standing tradition—tossing a coin over your shoulder into the fountain, which is said to guarantee your return to Rome.
Because it’s one of the city’s busiest attractions, the best times to visit are early in the morning or later at night when the crowds thin out and the fountain is beautifully lit.
Via del Corso
Via del Corso is Rome’s main shopping street, running straight from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo. It’s a lively thoroughfare lined with international brands, local boutiques, and plenty of places to stop for a coffee while people-watching.
Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth a stroll just to soak up the energy and admire the window displays that range from high-end fashion to affordable shops. Along the way, you’ll also find side streets leading to hidden piazzas and historic churches, making it a good mix of shopping and sightseeing.
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are one of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks, built in the 18th century to connect Piazza di Spagna at the base with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. This monumental staircase of 135 steps is a prime example of Roman Baroque design and remains a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors.
Many people come here to sit on the steps, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and take in views over the piazza below. The surrounding area is also worth exploring, with luxury boutiques, historic cafés, and nearby attractions like the Keats-Shelley House and Villa Borghese Gardens within walking distance.
St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most important religious sites in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Located in Vatican City, the basilica is among the largest churches ever built and a highlight of any visit to Rome. Inside, you’ll find incredible works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s ornate Baldachin over the papal altar.
Visitors can also climb to the top of the dome for sweeping views across St. Peter’s Square and the city of Rome. Entry to the basilica is free, but expect security lines, especially during peak hours, and note that a modest dress code is enforced.
Visit Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas and a must-see for anyone interested in early Christian art. Built in the 5th century, it’s renowned for its spectacular mosaics that depict biblical stories in vivid detail, many of which have survived for over 1,500 years.
The basilica also features a richly decorated interior with marble floors, gilded ceilings, and impressive chapels. Located near Termini Station, it’s easy to reach and free to enter, though donations are welcome. Visitors should also take time to admire the basilica’s bell tower—the tallest in Rome.
Visit Campo de' Fiori
Campo de’ Fiori is one of Rome’s most famous squares, best known for its daily open-air market. Each morning, the square comes alive with stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, spices, and local specialties, making it a great place to experience a slice of Roman life.
In the evenings, the atmosphere shifts as restaurants and bars around the piazza fill with locals and visitors enjoying the nightlife. At the center stands a statue of philosopher Giordano Bruno, a reminder of the square’s historic past. Its central location also makes it easy to combine a visit here with nearby attractions like Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.
Explore The Basilica of Santa Maria
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, dating back to the 4th century. Located in the heart of the Trastevere neighborhood, it’s especially famous for its glittering golden mosaics, which decorate both the façade and the interior apse with detailed biblical scenes.
The church is free to enter and offers a quiet, reflective space away from the busy piazzas outside. Visiting here also gives you a chance to explore the charming streets of Trastevere, known for their lively cafés, restaurants, and authentic Roman atmosphere.
Visit Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi
The Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi) is one of Rome’s most famous fountains and the centerpiece of Piazza Navona. Designed in 1651 by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, it symbolizes the four great rivers known at the time: the Nile in Africa, the Ganges in Asia, the Danube in Europe, and the Rio de la Plata in the Americas.
Each river is personified by a statue surrounding a central Egyptian obelisk, making the fountain both an artistic and cultural showcase of the Baroque era. Piazza Navona is free to visit, and the fountain is especially beautiful when lit up in the evening.
Basilica of Saint Paul
Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome and a site of great religious importance. Built on the spot where Saint Paul is believed to be buried, the basilica is a popular pilgrimage destination as well as an architectural landmark.
Its vast interior is known for impressive golden mosaics, towering columns, and a serene cloister that offers a peaceful escape from the city. While it’s slightly outside the historic center, it’s easily reached by metro or bus, and the visit is well worth it for both its history and beauty.
Visit The Basilica of San Giovanni
As the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope, the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano is Rome's cathedral and holds the title of "Mother Church" of the Roman Catholic faith.
Explore Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo is one of Rome’s most striking urban squares, located at the northern gate of the historic city. The square is known for its neoclassical design and impressive landmarks, including the twin churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto. At its center stands the Flaminio Obelisk, an ancient monument brought from Egypt that dates back more than 3,000 years.
The square also features ornate fountains and serves as the starting point of Via del Corso, making it a natural hub for exploring the city. For some of the best views in Rome, head up to the Pincio Terrace, which overlooks the piazza from above.
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