Top Ten Free Things To Do In Rome ~ Italy

Getting to Rome, Italy can be expensive, seeing some of the most popular sites doesn’t have to be.  Here is our list of Top Ten Free Things to do while visiting Rome with your family.

People Watch On The Spanish Steps

The Piazza di Spagna derives it’s name from the Spanish embassy to the Holy See, which is located on the expansive piazza. It’s best known for the Spanish Steps, the famous flight of stairs that leads up to the church of Trinità dei Monti which overlooks the picturesque piazza. You can see this site in five minutes, pausing only to snap a picture, or more than half an hour if you are brave enough to take the journey to the top of the steps.

Throw A Coin In The Trevi Fountain

Make a wish and throw some coins into the world’s most famous wishing well, the Trevi Fountain.  According to legend, this will ensure your return to Rome.   Snap a picture and do some people watching.

Tour St Peter’s Basilica

The largest church in Christendom, and possibly the world’s most famous church, is located in the centre of the Vatican City and open for free tours daily. (some exceptions do apply)  Note: If you have bare shoulders or too much leg showing, you will not be allowed in the basilica.  Also worthy of note:  Don’t miss the Vatican Grottoes located underneath the church, several Popes (including Pope John Paul II) and St. Peter are buried here.

Walk The Roman Forum

Located within walking distance from the Colosseum, these ruins were originally the site a marketplace and such events as important elections, trials and gladiator fights.

Take In The Piazza Navona

(Photo by Giuseppe Moscato)

One of the busiest tourist locations in Rome, the Piazza Navona is quieter in the morning and busier in the evenings.  The cafe’s and restaurants in the area often charge a premium for the opportunity to watch the world go by while you enjoy your meal. You can choose to grab a table for a late lunch and drink in the city, or simply meander hand in hand and breathe in the atmosphere.  Piazza Navona is five minutes walk to west of the Pantheon.

Tour The Pantheon

The Pantheon was built in 120 AD and to date is the most complete surviving building in Rome.  This building has a large hole in the ceiling that allows rain or snow to fall into the space and onto the marble below.  If you are in the area when rain or snow falls be sure to run for the Pantheon to take in this beautiful occurrence.

Relax In The Villa Borghese

Central Rome’s largest gardens.  Said to be one of the few green spaces in the Ancient City where you can truly relax, unwind, perhaps have a picnic far removed from the noise, the hustle and bustle of the city.

Amble Through Trastevere

With so many neighbourhoods to explore, make sure to take the time to get lost in the narrow and winding streets of Trastevere, the oldest neighbourhood of Rome.

Test The Mouth Of Truth

Photo opp!  Located walking distance from Piazza Venezia, in the portico of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. This large marble carving depicts the face of a man with of course, an open mouth.  Legend has it if you reach your hand in this carving, and have lied in love, the mouth will close on your hand.  Do you dare test the legend?

Visit the Vatican Museum

Rome’s most popular destination is always busy, but it’s not always free, except on the last Sunday of every month!  Be prepared for even larger crowds and lines on these days offering free entrance.