10 Free Things to Do in Rome, Italy
10 Free Things to Do in Rome, Italy
We are continuing our ‘10 Free Things to Do’ series, with the Italian capital city Rome, as voted for by you, via our Instagram Story.
Many of Europe’s most popular destination can cost you an arm and a leg. But they don’t have to, if you know what to do and where to go.
Free Activities and Experiences in Rome, Italy
1) Free Walking Tour
Enjoy the Roman sites as part of a free walking tour, which departs from the Spanish Steps daily. Reserving your spot, online and in advance, is mandatory! To book your 2 hour tour which includes Prime Minister House, Temple of Hadrian and the Tomb of Raphael, click here.
2) Walk down Via Margutta
For some great Instagram worthy photos you must walk down Via Margutta. This charming and adorable road is draped with ivy, and was featured in the classic film, Roman Holiday, starring the beautiful Audrey Hepburn.
3) Visit Piazza del Campidoglio
Located on the Capitoline Hill, absorb the magnificence of Michelangelo’s divinely designed piazza. It is one of Rome’s most stunning municipal places.
4) The Villa Borghese Gardens
The largest public park in Rome, Villa Borghese, is of course free to enter. Within the gardens you can see the Villa Borghese palace, now called the Borghese Gallery. While this museum does charge a fee to enter, enjoying its exterior and surrounding fauna and flora does not.
5) Explore the Jewish Quarter
For a different, but authentic feel of Rome, experience the atmosphere of the Jewish Quarter, home to artisan workshops, vintage clothing stores, delectable kosher bakeries and fantastic trattorias aka Italian restaurants.
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6) Experience an Audience with the Pope
You can have a public (not private) audience with Pope Francis for free by booking tickets, very much in advance. For information including reserving tickets visit Papalaudience.org
7) Learn about Rome’s history during World War II
The Museo Storico della Liberazione, is an unsettling museum that tells the story of Rome, during its Nazi occupation in WWII.
8) People watch!
A great activity wherever you visit is people watching. The best place to relax and people watch in Rome is on the Spanish Steps.
9) Walk part of the Appian Way
On a Sunday (because no cars are allowed), step foot on Europe’s first highway, which was built-in 312 B.C. You’ll see ruins of Roman monuments, two major Christian crypts, and the Domine Quo Vadis Church. If you’re particularly observant you may even see the footprints rumoured to belong to Jesus Christ.
10) Sunday Morning = Museum Trip
The Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani) are free to visit on the last Sunday of the month from 9am – 12:30 p.m. This is an absolute must for your Rome itinerary. “Sunday Free-day” includes access to the famous Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, Pio-Clementino Museum and a lot more.
Bonus Activity in Rome, Italy
Our bonus activity, isn’t totally free, but very affordable. Before leaving Rome, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, to guarantee a return to Rome.
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How expensive is Rome, Italy?
According to Worthly, the website dedicated to sharing information about price tags and net worth’s, reported that Rome is Italy’s most expensive city to both visit and live. There are many reasons why our favourite tourist destinations are expensive, two possible reasons are:
- The currency of your home country, may be weaker than the currency of your holiday destination. For example, at publishing, the US Dollar was weaker than both the Euro ($1 = €0.89) and Pound ($ = £ 0.80). This means that your money won’t stretch as far. So keep saving, between booking and departure!
- Also, many bars, restaurant and hotels take advantage of their popularity and increase their prices. This only seems to be places that target tourists. So, keep your eyes open for places full with locals and special offers.
When you look at prices, food in Rome is 17% more expensive than in Lisbon, Portugal. Taxi’s and a typical meal in Rome are also more expensive than Miami, USA. The same can be said when compared to New York City, USA.
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