Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, an open-air museum, and as such, it is full of wonderful things to do for free! You do not believe it? Here we leave you 10 of the things you can do in Rome without spending even 1 euro:
1. The Pantheon
One of the most impressive buildings in Rome, built between 118 and 125 AD and dedicated to all the gods. Today there is no trace of that worship of the divinities and inside what can be found are the tombs of two of the kings of unified Italy, Victor Manuel II and his son Umberto I, and other great Italian artists. like Raphael or Vignola.
Almost free: a few minutes walk from the Pantheon is one of the best ice cream parlors in Rome, Giolitti. The €2.50 ice cream with cream costs is worth every penny! By the way, we recommend the pistachio flavor.
2. At Isla Tiberina
Many travelers don’t even know that there is an island in Rome… yes, yes, an island in the middle of the Tiber River! Do not expect blue waters, palm trees and white sand: the Tiber Island, considered the smallest populated island in the world, offers you a mini-walk between small charming houses, the Church of San Bartolomé and some stairs where you can sit and chat with your friends while the Tiber surrounds you.
Almost free : before arriving on the Tiber Island buy some supplÃ, some rice balls with mozzarella and tomato. They cost approximately €1 and are to die for.
3. Spanish Steps
Named for formerly hosting the Spanish embassy of the Holy See, the Spanish Steps is one of the most beautiful in Rome. Here you will be breathless, not only because of the stairs that you must climb to reach the Church of Trinidad dei Monti, but also because of the magnificent view that you will have from up there. Don’t forget to take a selfie in front of the Barcaccia, one of the most emblematic fountains in the city.
Almost free : if you want to enjoy the best tiramisu in Rome, try Pompi, . €4 of happiness.
4. Trevi Fountain
Although if we talk about fountains we cannot forget the most famous in the world: the Fontana di Trevi, the symbol of the Roman dolce vita. It is said that if you throw a coin into the fountain you will return to Rome, if instead of one you throw two, you will meet the love of your life here, and if there are three you will end up marrying him/her.
Almost free : throw a coin… a single penny guarantees you return to Rome, it’s worth finding out if the legend comes true, right?
5. Campo de Fiori Market
There are few places as colorful and lively as the Campo de Fiori market. Here, every morning, hundreds of ‘nonne’, Italian grandmothers, come in search of the freshest fruit and vegetables. Quite a show! At night this same square becomes one of the liveliest places in the city.
Almost free : try the Italian fashion cocktail, the Spritz Aperol. Prices vary depending on the place (calculate about €2.50-5).
6. The Ghetto
The old Jewish quarter is one of the least visited by travellers, but for us it is worth spending a morning walking its streets. The walk will bring you many surprises and you will run into corners full of history, such as the Portico d’Ottavia, the Temple of Apollo Sosiano and the Synagogue of Rome. In addition, its many restaurants give it a touch of color and vitality.
Almost free : don’t leave the ghetto without trying a typical kosher dessert from Forno Boccioni, its ricotta cheese cake and cherry jam (€3.50).
7. Largo di Torre Argentina
The main reason to stop in this square is not its Roman remains but its curious inhabitants: the stray cats. For a few years it has become its biggest attraction, both for travelers and locals.
Almost free : if you want to do something specific for these stray cats, you can make a donation to their association, which is in charge of sterilizing, medicating and nourishing them. You can also do a remote adoption. If you are interested, find out here.
8. Basilica of San Pietro
One of the main reasons to come to Rome is to visit its impressive Basilica of San Pietro, well technically it is not in Rome but in the Vatican state. Regardless of its location, one thing is for sure: it is breathtaking!
Almost free : we advise you to pay the €5 to go up to the dome and have Rome under your feet.
9. Trastevere
If there is a neighborhood that deserves to wear out the sole of each shoe, this is Trastevere. Here each corner is more fascinating than the previous one: squares, alleys, vintage cars, clothes hanging on balconies, churches and lots and lots of life.
Almost free : having a cappuccino on a terrace in Trastevere, while you observe every detail of this traditional neighbourhood, is priceless, well yes, a handful of euros.
10. Janiculum Hill
The Gianicolo is considered the eighth hill in Rome, and although it is not part of the historical “7 hills”, there is something that makes it very special: a cannon that, every day at 12.00, is fired from the Belvedere viewpoint. This tradition dates back to 1847, when Pope Pius IX ordered a cannon to fire a salvo at 12 o’clock so that all the church bells in Rome would be synchronized. Without a doubt, a curious and free experience!
Almost free : you shouldn’t miss a stroll in the Gianicolo park, which offers a spectacular view of the city. And if it’s summer, don’t miss a grattachetta, a granita with fruit syrups typical of Rome (€3).
