Discover with us the most interesting things to do in rome for free. From museums to exhibitions and fascinating parts of the city: here is free sites in Rome.
Ready to explore Rome without breaking the bank? Let’s dive into the most captivating free attractions this incredible city has to offer, from museums to quirky spots that you won’t want to miss.
- Free Museums in Rome
- Free Attractions in Rome
- Free exhibitions in Rome
- Beyond Museums: Unique Free Attractions in Rome
Exploring Italy’s stunning cities on a shoestring budget? You bet! After showing you how to experience Milan for free, it’s time to tackle Rome. This city is like one giant open-air museum, offering visitors breathtaking sights at every turn. But beyond these iconic landmarks, there are plenty of other spots where you can soak up the culture without spending a dime. So, are you ready to explore?
Let’s uncover together the best free things to see and do in Rome, including must-visit museums, lush gardens, and some truly unique corners of the city. And, of course, we’ll also share tips on where to eat great food on a budget!
Free Museums in Rome
Here’s a tip: all Rome’s museums can be visited for free every first Sunday of the month, unlike the Vatican Museums, which are open to the public on the last Sunday of the month.
Discovering the Galleria dell’Accademia San Luca
One such gem is the Galleria dell’Accademia San Luca, located inside Palazzo Carpegna. This gallery showcases works from artists associated with the academy, including the renowned Guido Reni.
The Museo della Liberazione
Another fascinating stop is the Museo della Liberazione. Housed in a building that once held Nazi prisoners, this museum offers a poignant look at the occupation and liberation of Rome. Through artifacts, photographs, and documents—including audiovisual materials—the museum tells the story of this dark chapter in the city’s recent history.
The Mint Museum
Also of great interest is Rome’s Museum of the Mint, which exhibits over 20,000 items, including coins, medals, and minting objects from the Middle Ages to the present day. Here, you can also observe an extraordinary apparatus of period machinery, some of which is still works today.
The Napoleonic Museum
The Napoleonic Museum features a rich collection of artwork and memorabilia related to the Bonaparte family’s epic life in Rome, including several paintings made for the emperor by artists of the time.
Free Attractions in Rome
Now let’s leave the museums to visit three very particular corners of the Eternal City, which you may never have heard of. The Galleria Sciarra is a covered walkway, an Art Nouveau architectural masterpiece that will surprise you in the midst of Rome’s classicism: you can visit it for free by looking for it near Via del Corso.
On the Aventine Hill, on the other hand, you will find the Orange Garden, an evocative green space with lush plants, and the nearby Villa of the Priory of Malta: its peculiarity is the splendid perspective of the Dome of St. Peter that you can enjoy from the keyhole!
Finally, you know that Rome’s districts always conceal amazing surprises: the street art masterpieces of Tor Marancia, for example, or the ancient charm of Rome’s Jewish quarter with its evocative alleyways. Another exciting area to visit (strictly free!) is the Coppedè district, an eclectic mix of styles in which art nouveau and art deco blend, but you can also find examples of Greek, Gothic, Baroque and even medieval art. These buildings has inspired artists and directors, including the Beatles and Dario Argento.
1. St. Peter’s Basilica
- Located in Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most famous churches in the world. Entrance to the basilica is free, and you can admire the stunning architecture, art, and the famous Pietà by Michelangelo.
2. The Pantheon
- The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings and is free to visit. The interior dome and the oculus are particularly impressive.
3. Trevi Fountain
- The Trevi Fountain is a must-see in Rome. You can visit this iconic fountain at any time, and it’s a beautiful place to take photos and throw in a coin for good luck.
4. Piazza Navona
- This beautiful square is home to three stunning fountains, including Bernini’s famous Fountain of the Four Rivers. It’s a great place to stroll, people-watch, and enjoy the architecture.
5. Roman Forum (From the Outside)
- While entering the Roman Forum requires a ticket, you can still view many of the ruins from the outside, especially along Via dei Fori Imperiali and the Capitoline Hill.
6. Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps
- The Spanish Steps are one of Rome’s most famous landmarks. You can climb the steps for a great view of the city or just relax in the piazza below.
7. Villa Borghese Gardens
- These large public gardens are a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. You can explore the park’s paths, fountains, and even catch a view of the city from the Pincian Hill.
8. Piazza del Popolo
- This large square is one of Rome’s most famous, with twin churches, an Egyptian obelisk, and a beautiful fountain. It’s also the gateway to the Villa Borghese Gardens.
9. Basilica di San Clemente
- While the lower levels require an entry fee, visiting the ground level of this beautiful church is free. It’s known for its stunning mosaics and frescoes.
10. Trastevere Neighborhood
- Explore the charming streets of Trastevere, one of Rome’s most authentic and vibrant neighborhoods. Walking through its narrow alleys and enjoying the street art and local life is completely free.
11. Piazza Venezia
- This central square is surrounded by impressive buildings, including the Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland), which is free to admire from the outside.
12. Campo de’ Fiori
- Visit this lively square in the morning to experience the bustling market, or come in the evening to enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
13. Bocca della Verità
- Located in the portico of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, the Mouth of Truth is a fun and free stop. Legend has it that it will bite off the hand of anyone who tells a lie.
Free exhibitions in Rome
The Carlo Bilotti Museum
Finally, if you love contemporary art, you can’t miss the Carlo Bilotti Museum, inside the Villa Borghese Orangery, which houses works by Andy Warhol, Giorgio de Chirico, Giacomo Manzù, Larry Rivers, and Gino Severini as well as several traveling exhibitions.
MAXXI (National Museum of 21st Century Art)
MAXXI often offers free entry to certain exhibitions, especially during special events or on specific days. It’s worth checking their calendar for opportunities to see contemporary art and architecture exhibitions without an entrance fee.
Where to eat in Rome on a budget
Eating well while spending little in Rome is not a utopia: in the city’s best trattorias, you can sample succulent local dishes without spending a fortune, while Roman street food offers countless alternatives for a quick meal.
Any more ideas? Here you can find a few places to eat in Rome
Il Quagliaro is a home-style osteria where you can enjoy the best of Roman cuisine at great prices (a spaghetti all’amatriciana, for example, costs only €7).
Ciao Checca is an eatery that reinterprets tradition with a modern twist and offers you starters in cardboard cups for €6.50.
You will also find great food at very competitive prices at the Testaccio Market, with its multitude of stalls that offer something for everyone.
To Rome with Italo
The ideal mode of transport for your low-cost trip to Rome is by train: take advantage of the advantageous Italo train deals to Rome and arrive comfortably and stress-free at your destination, ready to enjoy the incredible attractions of the city… without spending a fortune!
