Best Free Things to Do in Rome

THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Rome

Best Free Things to Do in Rome

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What travellers are saying

  • abdo
    Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My stay at The Westin Las Vegas Hotel Spa was othing short of amazing. The hotel's ambiance was elegant and inviting, and the room was spacious and wellmaintained. The staff provided exceptional service, ensuring all my needs were met. The spa was a true oasis, and I enjoyed a blissful massage and other rejuvenating treatments. The hotel's location was perfect for exploring the city's attractions. I highly recommend this hotel for a memorable stay in Las Vegas
    Written 6 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dawn J
    Yorktown, VA4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was so looking forward to seeing Trevi Fountain. Unfortunately it was surrounded by scaffolding while Rome prepares for their jubilee next year and the water was turned off. Very crowded and hard to get close to see anything. I will go back as this is something I really want to see, especially at night. Just give Rome time to to finish their prep for next year.
    Written 9 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Excursion284553
    Providence, NC16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We walked all over Rome and finished in Trastevere, we decided that it was time for dinner and started looking at menus as we walked. We went to SONNINO for dinner. We enjoyed a delicious house Red Wine with apperitvos then a main course of Spaghetti Carbonara and some pizza too. Our waiter was fantastic and the bill was very reasonable. We then walked back into Rome and to our Hotel. A wonderful evening.
    Written 7 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN6,332 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Piazza Navona is beautiful and especially magical at night when the surrounding buildings and fountains are illuminated. It is a highlight of a visit to Rome. The piazza as it looks today was constructed in the 1600s and was developed around the Palazzo Pamphilj which was the family palace of Pope Innocent X. He commissioned Gian Lorenzo Bernini to sculpt the stunning Fountain of the Four Rivers which is the centerpiece of the Piazza Navona. It has a copy of an Egyptian obelisk surrounded by four river gods representing the major rivers of the four continents under the authority of the Pope- the Nile representing Africa, the Danube representing Europe, the Ganges representing Asia, and the Río de la Plata representing the Americas. The Fountain of Moro is at the south end of the piazza and the more impressive Fountain of Neptune is at the north end. The piazza is lined with former palaces and churches including the baroque Church of Sant'Agnese. The Piazza Navona is usually packed with hordes of tourists, but if you arrive in the early morning or late in the evening, it is a more serene experience. There are a number of restaurants and cafes lining the square. While offering incredible views and ambience, they have a reputation of being overpriced and serving only average quality food. A better option is to grab some gelato from one of the shops nearby and grab a bench in the evening and sit and take in the scene making for a quintessential Rome experience.
    Written 8 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • James S
    Toronto, Canada2,050 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore or Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major was one the first attractions in Rome we saw and one that we visited on more than one occasion. This was possibly due to the fact that is was less than three blocks from our hotel. In fact we could view part of the steeple from our hotel room window.

    The Basilica is one of the four major Papal Basilicas in Rome. It sits atop the Esquiline Hill. A Church or Basilica has existed here for centuries the first being constructed around 434 AD. The present Basilica dates from around 532 AD. Since that numerous repairs and additions have been undertaken over the centuries including repairs due to damage from an earthquake in 1438.

    The Basilica is also known as the Our Lady of the Snows a name given to it in 1568 based on a popular tale. Apparently in 352 AD a wealthy Roman couple who were childless made a vow to donate their possessions to the Virgin Mary and prayed to her as to how they should dispose of said property. During the night of August 5th at the height of summer snow fell on the summit of the Esquiline hill and in the shape of the outline of the present Basilica, which the couple had constructed in honour of the Virgin Mary.

    While located in the centre of Rome the Italian Capital the Basilica as a Papal Basilica is actually part of the Vatican City and the complex of buildings has a status somewhat akin to that of a foreign embassy.

    Touring the Basilica is easy. It is one of the stops on the HOHO Bus and one of the few places where the bus actually stops at the site. It is about 4 blocks away form Roma Termini the main train station and transit hub. It is open daily from 7:00 Am to 7:00 pm and admission is free although donations are welcome. Admission to either the Archeological Exhibits an/or the Liberian Historical Museum which contains much of the Basilica’s treasures does require the purchase of separate tickets.
    Written 6 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lanny
    London, UK4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We rented bikes and explored the beautiful gardens, stopping for a picnic by the lake. The art gallery is stunning, but book tickets in advance. The sunset view from Pincio Terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo was the perfect end to our day. A romantic oasis in the heart of Rome.
    Written 6 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • chriswood72
    Nottingham, UK1,445 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I'll omit any information regarding the monument as this has been covered in other reviews.
    Basically free to enter the monument unless you go in the galleries or take the elevator to the roof area (12 euro).
    Lovely little cafe near the glass elevator to the roof.
    Fantastic views from all areas of the monument and impressive interior to the building.
    Lots of steps so not advisable for those with mobility issues.
    Very impressive monument and worth visiting.
    Written 28 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Foodie_vinay
    Mumbai, India188 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is one of the many churches in Rome with beautiful paintings. There is a large mirror in the center of the church and change 1 euro to take picture with the painting.

    There are so many people line up to take a picture.

    It has a fake dome painted above the main altar, and there are many beautiful sculptures . It is definitely worth your visit!
    Written 5 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • James S
    Toronto, Canada2,050 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    For some reason the Spanish Steps were one place I knew I had to visit when in Rome. They weren’t the only attraction I hoped but they were the one I couldn’t in any circumstances miss. I don’t even know why this was, just it was. Therefore, it was one of the places we visited on our first afternoon in the Eternal City.

    We actually waled there from the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major heading more or less north in a straight line along Via Agostino Depretis until it turns into Via della Quattro Fontane after Via Nazionale and then in turn into Via Sistina after Via del Tritone. This comes out at the Trinità dei Monti the catholic Church at the top of the steps.

    The walk took about 25 minutes plus stops to admire some building and fountains along the way. For those less energetic there is a Metro (subway) Station Spagna on the Orange Line just to the north of the steps and several bus routes pass close by. The HOHO Bus does include it as one of it’s scheduled stops. Although due to narrow streets and congestion the actual HOHO stop is on Via Ludovsi opposite the Hotel Eden about a ten minute walk away.

    There is some debate as to how the Spanish Steps received their name. It is generally accepted that they were constructed to connect the Trinità dei Monti at the top of the 29 metre (95 foot) hill to the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See at the bottom in the Palazzo Monaleschi. Apparently, construction was authorised by Pope Gregory XIII in the 1580s to complete the recent updates to the façade of the Church. Costs were covered by the late Etienne Gueffier a French diplomat who at his passing in 1680 left some of his fortune to cover the construction. A competition for a design was conducted in 1717 and the stairs were finally completed in 1725. Naturally over the centuries repairs and renovations have been ongoing with the latest being in 2016.

    There are 135 steps in the stairway in total. Single wide section at the top and bottom are connected by two curving middle sections. The steps are quite steep and the stonework could become slippery when wet so some care should be taken when ascending or descending.

    In addition, the staircases, and indeed the whole area are not surprisingly crowded, It is illegal to actually sit on the steps and doing so carries a fine of 400 Euros. However, this didn’t seem to to deter the hordes of selfie stick carriers who stopped to preen and pose.

    Ascend or descend is definitely something you will want to do. There is a beautiful observation platform at the top in front of the church and the Sallustiano Obelisk which dominates this plaza. At the bottom is the large Piazza di Spagna surrounded by several cafes and high-end retail stores. In it’s centre is Baroque Fontana della Barcaccia built in the 17th Century.

    The view from the bottom looking up with the church and the obelisk is spectacular, however the view from the top overlooking the city especially at sunset is beyond description.

    One of the things I did notice while descending on the right hand or northern side was a series of what appeared to be apartments to the north of the steps. I was later to find out these are part of Internazionale Domus Rome Residence. The view from their small balconies must have been spectacular but I wonder what such proximity to the crowds had on enjoying a quiet coffee out there.
    Written 8 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GAR
    967 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Rome has a rich and long history that has left us with a plethora of atmospheric streets in its old town. It’s one of the most fascinating old cities in the world
    Written 13 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tinaNtravel
    San Jose, CA2,096 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Starting with the Holy Door on the right as you face the Basilica this is an absolutely amazing Basilica, but then all four of the major Basilicas are amazing. The altar is jaw droppingly beautiful. In the middle, downstairs is a beautiful statue of St. John the Baptist. Everything in this Basilica is stunning from the ceiling to the floor and everything in between. There are wonderful paintings, sculptures and marble throughout. This Basilica is an easy, perhaps 5–8-minute walk from the San Giovanni subway stop. This is definitely worth a visit.
    Written 6 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, MN6,332 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Fountain of the Four Rivers designed by famed sculpturer Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1651 is the centerpiece of the atmospheric Piazza Navona and creates a beautiful sight. It was originally controversially constructed for Pope Innocent X who had his family palace at adjacent Palazzo Pamphili. In the center is a copy of an Egyptian obelisk topped by the Pamphili family emblem of a dove with an olive branch. Surrounding this is four river gods representing the major rivers of the four continents under the authority of the Pope- the Nile representing Africa, the Danube representing Europe, the Ganges representing Asia, and the Río de la Plata representing the Americas. The fountain is particularly beautiful at night as is the entire Piazza Navona when it is illuminated. Come experience it early in the morning or later at night to avoid the crowds that are here most of the day.
    Written 8 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Beth421970
    Alamosa, CO121 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We rented a VRBO overlooking this area and found it very charming. Very early in the morning the vendors set up for somewhat of a farmer's market. Around 4:30pm they begin to take things down. You are able to bargain with most of the vendors.
    In the evening, all the restaurants place outdoor seating and it is very enjoyable. I would really recommend this area to stay, as it is very walkable to all the major attractions.
    Written 28 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MidwestKathM
    Detroit, MI1,096 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Santa Maria is considered the likely first official place of Christian worship in Rome. Its original church building was completed in 340 A.D. Through the centuries, it was expanded and renovated. As you enter the building, note the fragments of ancient friezes. Within the basilica, three naves are divided by 22 granite columns. Mosaics were added in the 12th century, the same year the bell tower was constructed. The floor mosaics date back to the 13th century, while the gilded ceiling dates to the 17th century. I took my time checking out all the details. I sat and looked up to the octagonal ceiling painting "Assumption of the Virgin" by Domenichino, surrounded by gilded coffers. I looked down and around to see the beautiful mosaic flooring. I walked to the back of the church for the long shot up the center aisle and the main altar with "The "Coronation of the Virgin"mosaic above. Lots of other details to enjoy as well.
    Written 24 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jerry K
    Batesville, IN22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    St Peter in Chains Church was amazing especially the ability to walk up to a Michelangelo's "Moses" with no crowd around to wade through... just beautiful !
    Written 11 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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