Rome on a budget? Why not! Italy’s historic capital doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Many museums and attractions charge big admission fees, but there are famous sights that are completely free. Wander around the city, stumbling in history at every turn cost nothing.
Check out my list of top 10 things to do in Rome without spending a cent.
#1 Pantheon
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church. It was commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus. The Pantheon was built almost two thousand years ago and its dome is still the world’s largest. The most remarkable part of it is its dome – The eye of the Pantheon (Oculus). The diameter of the dome is 43 meters. An interesting fact is that the distance from the floor to the top of the dome is exactly equal to its diameter. The Oculus is the only source of light and even rain doesn’t fall inside the dome.
Just in front of The Pantheon is the square Piazza Della Rotonda and the Fontana del Pantheon. You can fill your bottle with water from there before continue exploring the city. From there you can head to everywhere, everything is just a few steps away, and Rome is better to explore on foot.
The first time when I was in Rome I stayed just right next to Largo di Torre Argentina, a great area. It’s within a few minutes walking distance from the Pantheon. Also, did you know that Largo di Torre Argentina is the place where Caeser was murdered? Now it has turned to a cat sanctuary in Rome.
#2 Explore Trastevere
The name Trastevere comes from Latin and it literally means ”beyond the Tiber”. The neighborhood is on the west bank of the Tiber, and once you cross the river, you’ll see and feel the difference. It’s filled with narrow streets lined by ancient houses, and the vibe is bohemian. You’ll find plenty of handicrafts, jewelry, art. The neighborhood is full of cafes, restaurants, and bars. At night it buzzes with local people and travelers, hanging out and drinking at the bars.
#3 Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain
Oh, that was something I wanted and dreaming of doing for a long time. The Trevi fountain is one of the most beutiful fountains in Rome and my absolutely favorite tourist attraction in the Eternal city.
The legend of the Trevi fountain basically says that if you throw a coin in the fountain, one day you’ll be back. For that reason, or just because it is a thing, every day thousands of people throw coins in the water estimated on average about 3000 euros. The Trevi Fountain is one of the main attractions in Rome and maybe the most famous fountain in the world, that’s why is no surprise that is always full of people.
There are hundreds of people constantly throwing coins, taking pictures, etc. So, if you want to admire the beautiful architecture of the fountain without getting annoyed by so many people go there early in the morning, and by that, I mean around 6 in the morning, and it’s still not sure that there would not be anyone else, but for sure there would be fewer people.
The Trevi Fountain is one of my favorite sights in Rome and throwing a coin, wishing to come back is on also on my list of top things everyone should do in Rome.
#4 St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s is famous as a place of pilgrimage, but even non-believers can appreciate and admire the church’s majesty. The Pope presides at a number of liturgies throughout the year, drawing an audience of 15 000 to over 80 000 people. The Basilica is regarded as the greatest building of its age. Is one of the four churches in the world that hold the rank of Major Basilica.
Be prepared to wait in a line for a long time to get inside. It may take you half an hour or more, depends.
#5 Enjoy the views
Views, views, views… I love them. There are many places in Rome where you can admire the beauty of the city. One of the most famous are Gianicolo Hill and Palatine hills. You can get an amazing view over the Vaticana from St Peter’s Basilica dome, but this one is not free. The ticket costs 5/7 euros, depends if you want to take the stairs or the elevator.
My favorite view was from the Giardino Degli Aranci, which means ”the garden of orange trees”. The garden is so charming and peaceful. Standing there and staring at the monuments, rooftops, and domes, you can easily forget about time. Thank you, Andreas, (my Roman guide) for taking me there.
READ NEXT: Must have experiences in Rome away from the tourist attractions
#6 Find the secret keyhole
Just a few steps from the orange gardens is the door to the Priory of the Knights of Malta, up on the Aventine hill. Look through the keyhole and you’ll see a perfect view of St Peter’s Basilica. Is it a lucky coincidence or it was designed that way, no one knows.
#7 Villa Borghese gardens
Villa Borghese is a garden, containing museums and attractions. It is the third-largest park in Rome. It’s so big that you can spend your whole day there. The locals use it for different sports activities, like running, bicycling, or just walking and relaxing.
#8 Garbatella
A different neighborhood in Rome. It was founded in the late 1920s. The oldest section of the area is divided into project units. Garbatella is designed with curved sidewalks and angular plazas. It residents the free-thinking spirits, the neighborhood is filled with graffiti. In this area, you’ll find the Gandhi hotel, stairs of love, and more, but probably you would also need a local guide to show you these places, or just ask the locals. Thanks again Andreas for showing me this area.
#9 EUR modern architecture
EUR is a business district, located south of the city center. The letters EUR stands for Esposizione Universale Roma. Most of the area is a property of a company owned by the Ministry of Economy and the Rome municipality. The most famous building at EUR is the Pallazzo Della Civilta Italiana, which has become known as the ”Colosseo Quadrato” (Square Colosseum).
#10 Jewish Ghetto
Hidden in the heart of the city, between Campo de’Fiori and Piazza Venezia, this atmospheric area is studded with shops, kosher bakeries, Jewish restaurants. It’s a lesser-known area of Rome, also one of the best. Of course like everywhere else in Rome there’s a layered history waiting to be discovered.
There are other things to do for free in Rome, but that is my top 10. Enjoy!
Thanks for reading,
Bilyana
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