Free Things to Do in Rome

The Trevi fountain is one of the most prominent attractions in Rome and is also one of the largest baroque fountains in Rome. Visiting this fountain does not involve any costs as it is one of the free things to do in Rome. While visiting the Trevi fountain, you can toss a coin into it, as it is believed that it brings you good luck. In case you are planning to visit this fountain, do remember that it can get crowded at times, so either arrive early in the morning or at night when the crowds are almost none. The fountain is easy to spot once you arrive in the centre of the city.

Popularly known as Janiculum, the Gianicolo is one of the tallest hills in Rome. One of the free things to do in Rome is heading to Gianiolo and admire the views of the Roman skyline. The city is filled with a lot of age-old structures and viewing them from the city will give you a unique perspective of the city. While in Gianicolo, you can head to places like The Secret Door, Statue of Garibaldi, and even the canon of Gianicolo. There is also a tradition of the cannon firing a blank round everyday at noon that you can watch while in Gianicolo.

Santa Maria del Popolo is one of the best places to check out brilliant artworks, especially by Caravaggio and Raphael. It is a free thing to do in Rome and is at its best during the daylight hours. If you are visiting this church, don't forget to look closely at the benches as it is filled with inscriptions with the names the benches are dedicated. The chapel is relatively smaller and in case you are planning to visit, do remember not to arrive during the service times as it can get crowded.

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The Roman Pantheon is said to be 2000 years old and is the only building that is well-preserved despite the test of time. It is a centre of worship and is known for its architecture. Tourists visiting the Pantheon can admire the interior features, like how the oculus acts as a natural light source that illuminates the entire place. During the afternoon, the lighting points down directly onto the marble floor and is a sight to behold. In fact, you can even check out the light show during 21 April- the day Rome was founded. 

The Piazza Navona was previously known as the Stadium of Domitian and was used for athletics and sporting events. The place is famous for its baroque architecture and is now an open space that hosts a lot of festivals, celebrations, and events related to live entertainment. Tourists usually opt for unwinding in this place and it is one of the free activities to do in Rome. Even now you can check out the remains of the sporting stadium and can also see iconic fountains, international embassies and towering statues. In fact, this place was also the shooting spot for prominent Hollywood films like “Angels and Demons” and “National Lampoon's European Vacation.” Whether you are visiting Rome with a family or couples, this place is ideal.

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The Spanish steps got its name because of the Spanish Embassy located adjacent to the Holy See. This is an 18th century staircase with lampposts on both sides and connects the Trinita dei Monti church and is located close to the Trevi Fountain. Tourists visiting the Spanish Steps can head to the Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Boat) to admire the views of the city. In case you are planning to visit this place, don't forget to head to Condotti as it is one of the most sought-after shopping destinations in Rome for its luxury shopping outlets.

Popularly known as Forum Romanum, the Roman Forum is a set of ruins that was once the centre of Roman governance and culture. The structures here were once a part of official buildings and markets where people used to gather and engage in trading activities too. The structures here are more than thousands of years old. While in the Roman Forum, you can check out the shrines and temples, the residence of the King of Rome, and even the open air market. This is a free thing to do in Rome that will give you a fresh perspective into what makes Rome unique and how different cultures flourished together and is suitable for both adults and kids.

The Castel Sant'Angelo is a mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian. It is famous for the bridge that connects it with the city centre of Rome and is filled with statues of angels on both sides inspired from Dante's Divine Comedy. Tourists visiting this place usually opt for free activities to do in Rome, like taking pictures of the statues. In case you want to check out this place but in an offbeat manner, you can even opt to travel in a ferry and get a glimpse of the Castel Sant'Angelo. In fact, this place was also featured in the film adaptation of Dan Brown's Angels and Demons as it was this place that served as a hideout for the Illuminati.

The Campo de’ Fiori is a famous marketplace that you can check out to buy some flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Today, a lot of local outdoor cafes and bars adorn the market that you can make the best use of for meet ups. This place was established in the 19th century and has flourished ever since. It was originally a flower market but it later went on to accommodate more features like taverns, inns and a place for public executions. In fact, the Campo de Fiori is also one of the best places in Rome you must travel to get the best views of the sunsets.

This arch was built in 312 AD to celebrate the victory of Emperor Constatine I at the Battle of Milvian Bridge. It is famous for using a lot of recycled statues sourced from Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius. In case you are anywhere near the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, then you can head to this arch to know more about Roman architecture because it was well preserved and is now a historical and cultural landmark. This is one of the most photographed monuments in Rome, so when you’re in the city and are looking for free things to do in Rome.