Rome is a city packed with history, culture, and delicious food. There’s no doubt that it can be an expensive place to visit, especially when it comes to admission tickets for famous tourist attractions such as the Colosseum or the Vatican Museums. However, there are plenty of amazing sights to see in Rome that won’t cost you a dime. Here are some of the best free attractions that you can enjoy on your next trip to Rome.
1. The Spanish Steps
This iconic set of steps is a must-see attraction for any Rome visitor. The 138 steps lead up to the Trinità dei Monti church and offer stunning views over the city. Did you know that the steps were built in the 18th century to connect the church to the Spanish Embassy?
2. Trevi Fountain
Probably the most famous attraction in Rome, the Trevi Fountain is free to visit and always crowded with tourists. It’s said that if you toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain, you’ll return to Rome one day.
3. Piazza Navona
This charming square is surrounded by beautiful Baroque buildings and features three magnificent fountains, including the famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers). Piazza Navona was built on the site of an ancient stadium, which where its unique shapes comes from. Here, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can rest after walking the Roman streets.
4. Villa Borghese Gardens
This park is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Rome’s busy streets. The gardens are full of sculptures, fountains, and beautiful views over the city. There’s also a lake where you can rent a paddleboat. Did you know that the gardens were once the private estate of the Borghese family?
5. Appian Way
This ancient road was once the main route in and out of Rome and is now a popular spot for jogging and cycling. Along the way, you’ll see ancient ruins, catacombs, and even a park with a Roman aqueduct. It is one of the oldest surviving roads in the world, and it is believed to have inspired the famous saying “All roads lead to Rome.”
6. The Knights of Malta Keyhole
Located on Aventine Hill, the Knights of Malta Keyhole offers a stunning view of St. Peter’s Basilica. When you look through the keyhole, you’ll see a perfectly framed view of the basilica at the end of a long, tree-lined path. The door belongs to the headquarters of the Knights of Malta, a Catholic order that dates back to the 11th century.
7. Giardino degli Aranci
Also known as the Orange Garden, this peaceful park is located on the Aventine Hill and offers beautiful views over the city. The park is full of orange trees which give it its name, and features a beautiful terrace with a stunning view of Rome. There’s also an amazing optical illusion in this Roman park, so make sure you check it out.
8. Church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola
This stunning Jesuit church is free to enter and features one of the most beautiful frescoes in Rome and a fake dome. Initially, the church was designed to have a dome, but as they ran out of money, it was replaced with a canvas that creates the illusion of a dome.
9. St. Peter's Basilica and Piazza de San Pietro
Saint Peter’s Basilica is the biggest church in the world and an important pilgrimage site for millions of Christians. The entrance inside the church is free, but if you want to climb up to the dome, you will have to pay a few euros and walk up a few hundred steps.
Saint Peter’s Basilica houses important religious relics, like the tomb of St. Peter which is said to be exactly below the Altar of the Confession, but also priceless pieces of art, like Michelangelo’s Pieta. There are a lot of interesting things to see inside the church, but also in the amazing square. Find the heart of Nero, see the columns aligned, and admire the beautiful Egyptian obelisk, the only still-standing witness at St. Peter’s execution. Watch the video below for more information:
10. Piazza del Popolo
Located in the heart of Rome, Piazza del Popolo is a beautiful square that features an Egyptian obelisk, a fountain, and two twin churches. The square is surrounded by elegant buildings and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The Piazza del Popolo also hides an interesting gem: a secret telephone. Well, not an actual telephone, but an interesting acoustic effect known as the “echo” of Piazza del Popolo. Find out how to test it in the video below:
11. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
This stunning Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the largest churches in Rome and it is free to enter. The basilica features beautiful mosaics, a bell tower, and a crypt that is said to contain a piece of the manger from Bethlehem. This church has an amazing energy and it’s my favorite basilica in Rome, due to the way I felt there. Recently, I read that it’s also the Pope’s favorite, so I guess I’m not the only one who thinks it’s special.
12. Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano and The Holy Stairs
This is one of the oldest and most important churches in Rome, and also the official seat of the Bishop of Rome, aka the Pope. Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano houses beautiful statues and frescoes, but also some important religious relics, like a piece of the table Jesus used at the Last Supper. Near the basilica, there is the Scala Sancta or the Holy Stairs. According to Catholic tradition, these 28 marble steps are the same ones Jesus climbed on the way to his trial.
13. Campo de' Fiori
This lively square is home to a daily outdoor market that sells everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. Campo de’ Fiori is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a great spot to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere of Rome.
14. Church of Saint Peter in Chains
In the beautiful Church of Saint Peter in Chains, you can see the chains that are said to have bound Saint Peter when he was imprisoned in Rome, but also a famous statue of Moses, one of Michelangelo’s masterpieces. And like all churches in Rome, it is free to visit.
15. Trastevere Neighborhood
This is where the fun happens in Rome. Located on the west bank of the Tiber River, the Trastevere neighborhood is a charming and lively area of Rome. The narrow streets are lined with colorful buildings, cafes, and restaurants, and the neighborhood is home to several beautiful churches and piazzas.
16. Bocca della Verita
Also known as the Mouth of Truth, this ancient stone carving is located in the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church in Rome. The carving depicts a man’s face with an open mouth, and according to legend, if you tell a lie while your hand is in the mouth, it will be bitten off. While the legend is just a myth, it’s still a fun and unique attraction to visit for free in Rome.
