The 10 free activities and visits to Rome

Visit Rome: What are the free activities and visits to Rome, a mythical city of Antiquity that has become a major European tourist point of interest?

Italy would never have become Italy without the presence of the city of Rome, to whom it owes everything. Are we not talking about the “Roman Empire”, which made the city of Rome the center of the ancient world? The influence of the Roman world on the current Roman metropolis is no longer to be demonstrated.

It is felt during the visit of this city with a thousand facets, typically Italian and which will seduce the tourist of passage. Even though he is only attracted to the free activities to do in Rome, he is still able to enjoy his stay on the spot.

The purpose of this mini-guide is to allow it to achieve it, by presenting 10 free visits to Rome. Andiamo!

1. Saint-Pierre Basilica

It is impossible to escape when you are looking for free visits to Rome: basilica Saint-Pierre The Vatican is one of the city's emblematic monuments and, what does not spoil anything, its access is totally free!

Built at the precise location of the tomb Saint-Pierre — an apostle of Christ — she is famous all over the world. Moreover, you certainly already know the sublime fresco of Michelangelo — The Creation of Adam — presented in the mythical Sistine Chapel.

This one is offered to the visitors who come to admire this richly decorated basilica, protected by the Swiss Guards and their famous bariole outfit designed, it is said, by Michelangelo himself.

Attention : access to the dome and the various museums of the Vatican remains paid.

2. The Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain is located on the square of the same name, right in front of the Poli Palace. Built in the 18th century, this colossal baroque fountain is the largest and most famous fountain in the city of Rome. It is also one of the most emblematic buildings since it appears in many films, as in Fellini’s famous "La Dolce Vita" scene, featuring the delicious Anita Elkberg.

As one of the best free activities to do in Rome, it is stormed by clouds of tourists summer and winter. Free? Actually, not quite. A custom indeed pushes tourists passing to place themselves back to the fountain before throwing a coin, from the right arm, which would ensure them to return to the Italian capital to recover the room!

3. The exterior of the Colosseum

Here is still one of the most famous monuments in Italy and even the world! The Colosseum , the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire located in the heart of the city and built more than 2000 years ago, shows the power of Rome at its peak.

Today in ruins, this is one of the best free visits to Rome. To be content with the exterior of the Colosseum does not cost a centime, but allows to see the interior – whose access is paid – through the arcades. So, ready to take you for a gladiator or a tank pilot?

4. Campo de’Fiori

In Italian, Campo de’ Fiori means "the flower field". According to legend, a flowery meadow existed in this place before the place was paved! Located between Piazza Navona and the Farnese Palace, the Romans make an appointment to share a typical Mediterranean friendly moment.

Nowadays, a nice market has settled on this authentic and warm space, Monday to Saturday. We’re here to buy fruit and vegetables, fish and poultry, or just walk with family to enjoy one of the most beautiful free visits to Rome!

5. The Pantheon

The Pantheon — religious building — today acts as a basilica, but it was not always the case. Built more than two millennia ago by order of General Agrippa, it was originally used as a temple dedicated to the deities of Roman mythology.

This architectural prowess includes the largest dome in Antiquity, and today does not show any signs of structural weakening. In fact, it is probably the best preserved of ancient Roman buildings!

The interior is as beautiful as the exterior and it falls well, its visit does not require any payment at the entrance. This is one of the best free activities to do in Rome, whether you are alone or with your family.

6. The Capitol Hill

Small topographical information: the splendid city of Rome is built on seven hills, including that of the Capitol , the smallest located west of the city, between the Champ de Mars and the Roman Forum. Considered as the heart of the Eternal City, it is one of the must-see places to discover in the city when you are looking for a free visit to Rome.

From above, you can admire two splendid panoramas, one overlooking the agglomeration to the northwest, the other to the Roman Forum and extending to the Colosseum! We recommend that you discover these unforgettable views in the morning or evening, in order to escape the many visitors and badauds who came to admire the city.

7. The park of the villa Borghese

Here is one of the most beautiful free visits to Rome. In the beautiful neighborhoods of the north of the city, after crossing the Piazza del Popolo which offers a unique view of the city of Rome, enter the park of the Villa Borghese , the most famous green space in Rome!

The Borghese villa is named after a rich noble family from Siena , and the adjoining park has splendid shaded avenues planted with pine trees and with many splendid fountains.

Around the lake, a place of romantic rendezvous par excellence, cyclists and skate enthusiasts come to enjoy the exceptional setting by taking the paved tracks. We recommend you finish your visit with the sublime terrace of the Pincio One of the best spots to observe and photograph the city!

8. Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of the largest in Rome and also the most touristic. It must be said that the place is absolutely splendid and offers visitors the opportunity to do one of the best free activities to do in Rome!

Built on the ruins of the famous Domitian stadium dating from the 1st century, it welcomes splendid architectural ensembles such as the fountain of the Quatre-Fleuves de Bernini, the church of Sainte-Agnès-en-Agone de Borromini and countless baroque monuments.

In addition to typical Roman restaurants and cafés, many urban entertainment and shows are regularly organized on site and help make the place one of the most enjoyable places to discover when you venture into the Italian capital.

9. La Settimana della Cultura

When you search for free visits to Rome, you can be taken off by acknowledging that, as elsewhere, museums, historical and cultural points of interest or archaeological sites are paid. But whatever!

It is possible for you to take advantage of an initiative set up by the Italian Ministry of Culture, which resembles the French Heritage Days. During this week, traditionally organized in the spring, more 400 tourist sites — usually paid — become free or open to the public when they are usually closed.

It is therefore a unique opportunity to discover what the city has to offer you more beautiful and precious: the Palazzo Massimo, the Palazzo Massimo thermes of Caracalla , the sublime gallery Borghese , Barberini Palace or Hadrian Villa. It is up to you to choose what attracts you most, but still waiting for a very strong affluence!

10. The streets of Campo Marzio

Campo Marzio — the Champ de Mars, in the language of Molière — is in fact one of the 22 rioni (historical quarter) of the Italian capital. Walking there is certainly one of the free activities to do in Rome. This busy sector, where the largest Italian luxury brands have been installed, does not lack cultural and tourist assets.

In addition to chic cocktail bars and high-priced shops, you can sink into the colourful and vibrant narrow alleys of day and night, to discover a popular and authentic Rome that will charm the visitor!

Except for place of Spain , one of the most famous in the city and offering a splendid viewpoint on Rome, one can also enter some totally free art galleries. It is also possible to simply photograph this pretty neighborhood to bring home memories quite unforgettable. And why don't you make friends want to do the same!