14 Free or Cheap Things To Do in Rome, Italy

Is there anything free to do in Rome? Yes, it is a resounding yes. While Rome is not the most budget-friendly city in Italy, there are many inexpensive and free activities to do. Rome, Italy’s historic city, has never failed to capture the hearts and imaginations of locals and visitors. Rome is one of the world’s most romantic and stunningly beautiful cities. It maintains a proud sense of heritage while remaining at the forefront of the modern world. Some of the world’s greatest thinkers and inventors were born in Rome. It also houses the Catholic Church and some of the best preserved classic buildings in the world. Furthermore, you may find some of the world’s best cuisine here. Rome is unquestionably a place that everyone should see at least once in their lives. 

Rome is NOT known for being a low-cost travel destination. It’s no surprise that a trip to the Italian capital can drain your bank account. We understand how difficult it is to resist the allure of world-class gelato and coffee. Don’t be concerned about squandering half your trip cash on a romantic weekend in Rome. With a mouthwatering list of inexpensive and free things to do in Rome, we’ve got you covered. All of these activities cost less than ten euros, and half of them are free. All of these free things to do in Rome were ones in which we participated. So don’t be concerned. Whether you’re a history buff, an art connoisseur, or a nature enthusiast, Rome is full of premium spots and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered by those on a budget. Check out more on the official Jet2holidays website.

List of 14 Cheap and Free Things To Do in Rome

1. Free Entry to the Vatican 

Instead of being open on the first Sunday of each month, the Vatican is available on the LAST Sunday of each month. On the other hand, the crowds at the Vatican are insane on any given weekday. Consider the mayhem that happens when thousands of individuals are enthusiastic about saving the cost of a ticket. But, if you don’t mind spending a few hours queuing in St. Peter’s Square, go ahead. Use this free entrance day to your advantage. Visiting the Vatican is one of the best things to do in Rome.

2. Get Lost in Trastevere’s Cobbled Streets

Walking around Rome’s historic streets is one of the things to do in Rome. Also, it is both intriguing and accessible. Its bohemian ambiance, modern cultural scene, artisan shops, and busy nightlife make it ideal for an evening stroll as the sun sets and people flood the streets. Trastevere is the perfect place to start learning about the laidback Italian culture without spending a dime (not that many, at least) if you’re on a tight budget. 

3. Free Entries to Museum

If you’re a real budget traveler and plan your trip to Rome carefully, you can take advantage of the free entrance days that happen once a month. Admission to over 25 museums, galleries, archaeological sites, parks, and gardens is accessible on the first Sunday of every month, regardless of age. The Colosseum, Roman Forum/Palatine, The Museum of Modern Art, Borghese Gallery, Roman National Museum, and the Caracalla Thermal Baths are all free to enter.

4. Tons of Pizza

It should come as no surprise that Rome is brimming with pizza restaurants. Pizza flows freely in Rome, from modest stalls to opulent establishments. There is a lot of fantastic pizza in Rome, and the most significant part is that you can eat a lot of it for relatively little money. In Rome, many smaller pizza restaurants sell rectangular pizza blocks per weight. With 5 euros, you can generally have a meal with various types of pizza. Having freshly baked pizzas is one of the best things to do in Rome.

5. The Pantheon

One of Rome’s most famous tourist attractions is now free to see! The Pantheon, located in the Piazza Della Rotunda in the heart of Rome, is one of the most impressive and well-preserved ancient Roman structures. Emperor Hadrian built the Pantheon, a Roman temple dedicated to the Pagan gods of Pagan Rome, between 118 and 125 AD. Its interesting architectural architecture and tastefully furnished interior make it a must-see on every trip to Rome.

6. Observe Life in One of Rome’s Many Piazzas

Piazzas, or large open areas for pedestrians, abound in Rome. People usually chat or drink after a long day at this place, and street performers display their strange and fantastic talents. Moreover, hanging out in them and taking in all the Rome sights, sounds, and fragrances is free. Piazza Navona is a great place to sit and people-watch while sipping a beer or eating gelato. The atmosphere here is overwhelming, especially at night when the illumination lights up the massive Baroque building and the Four Rivers Fountain.

7. The Aventine Keyhole

The unique Villa might be the summit of Aventine Hill. The Knights of Malta have possessed it for centuries. It now serves as the Embassy of the Order of Malta. Looking through the keyhole of the unimpressive gates, you’ll have a breathtaking view that perfectly frames the dome of St Peter’s Basilica. 

8. Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is an excellent place to stroll and get cover from the sun under the trees on hot, stuffy summer days. The grounds at Villa Borghese are free to access, and the park is so large that you could easily spend a few hours exploring all of the secret gardens and areas, as well as the beautiful statues and fountains that appear amongst the trees. 

9. Trajan’s Market

Trajan’s Market, Rome’s ancient “retail center,” is a massive historical complex of stores, offices, and warehouses where Romans used to congregate to do business and acquire and exchange products. Apollodorus of Damascus created the Trajan’s Market between 100 and 110 AD. Designed by, it has survived extraordinarily well to this day. 

10. Gianicolo Hill

Rome is renowned as the “City of Seven Hills.” There are numerous options for getting a panoramic perspective of the city. Although not technically one of Rome’s “seven hills,” Gianicolo (Janiculum) Hill offers one of the broadest and most unique views of the Eternal City. Gianicolo Hill, located just beyond the Trastevere area, is easily accessible on foot, either by stomping up the moderately steep steps or by the curving path that is a little gentler on the thighs.  

11. Caravaggio Painting

Something is compelling and engaging about witnessing a work of art in its original location. Fortunately for those on a tight budget, it is feasible to escape paying gallery admission fees and experience some of the world’s most iconic art for free in the heart of Rome. Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was an Italian painter who lived in Italy from 1592 until 1610. His work straddles the Renaissance and Baroque movements and is one of the most iconic Italian painters. Visiting churches is one of the best things to do in Rome.

12. Altare della Patria

The Altare Della Patria, also known as the, is a monument created in 1885 to celebrate Vittorio Emanuele, the first unified King of Italy. Whether you love or despise it (as many Romans do), there’s no doubting the sheer size of this enormous marble tower, which stands out against Rome’s gentle and lovely cityscape. You can take the elevator to the top for €7.00 and enjoy stunning 360-degree views of Rome. Watching the little people moving back and forth in Piazza Venezia, you may sense where some of Rome’s most iconic attractions are.

13. Santa Maria del Popolo

Santa Maria del Popolo appears on a site haunted by the ghost of Roman Emperor Nero. The interiors of the basilica are a departure from the contemporary structures. There are several important works of art by Caravaggio in the Basilica.

14. Campo de Fiori

Campo de Fiori, another essential square in Rome, was previously a flower field. In the mid-15th century, the plaza started. Given its appeal among businesses, the piazza is currently one of the most flourishing areas of the city. As you spend time in the region, you will be able to appreciate nearby structures such as Palazzo Orsini.

Conclusion

Check out our Rome Travel Guide, which includes itineraries, tours, culture trips, the best hotels, restaurants, and more. Head over to the official website of Jet2holidays to know more about Rome Travel packages and things to do in Rome.

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