Rome offers a wide range of free activities that allow people to enjoy its beauty without spending a euro. Not surprisingly, it is nicknamed an open-air museum by many. Not only art, but also enjoyable activities to do in company or alone. Take note.
Visit monuments and historical places
- Pantheon: admission to admire one of Rome’s most iconic monuments is free for residents; for others, a full ticket costs 5 euros.
- Altare della Patria: is an imposing monument located in a square that will change its appearance to accommodate a new metro stop. Climbing the stairs of the Vittoriano is free!
- St. Peter’s Basilica: Admission to the basilica is free. Observe the following opening hours 7 a.m. to 7:10 p.m. You will need a lot of patience, generally the line to get in is long!
- Church Sacred Heart of the Suffrage: also known as Little Cathedral, on the Prati riverfront.
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Places and Fountains
- Navona Square: famous for Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, here during the Christmas season you will also find Christmas stalls.
- Trevi Fountain: a world-famous symbol of Rome, where many wishes are made by throwing a monetina.
- Spanish Steps: With its famous Spanish Steps and the Fountain of the Barcaccia.
- Piazza del Popolo and its acoustic effect: Many people know Piazza del Popolo but few know that… the wall, in the center of which is the Neptune fountain, hides a curious effect. Stand where the fountain is and talk toward the wall with the other person positioned at the corner of the end of the wall (so far away). From the outside, to the person looking at you, it will look like a communication facing the wall. But you will hear, instead, the other person’s voice as if he or she were a few inches away.
A walk in the parks and green areas
- Villa Borghese: this large park in the heart of Rome holds many surprises, such as the scoiattolini that can be glimpsed among the trees.
- Orange Garden: offers a spectacular view of the city from the Aventine Hill.
- Communal Rose Garden: not open year-round, but certainly a free activity not to be missed.
- Japanese Garden: few people know about it, but we recommend a visit to the Japanese Cultural Institute to see the work of Ken Nakajima.
- Giardino delle Cascate: in the EUR area you can discover the garden created by Raffaele De Vico; at the time used as a movie set.
Museums and Exhibitions
- Municipal Museums: free on the first Sunday of the month, including the Capitoline Museums and the Borghese Gallery.
- Napoleonic Museum and Barracco Museum (museum houses)
Viewing Points
- Gianiculum Terrace: offers breathtaking views of Rome and is home to the traditional cannon shot at noon.
Unique Experiences
- Keyhole: on the Aventine Hill, look through the keyhole of the Knights of Malta Priory: you will see the Dome of St. Peter’s!
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