Rome is one of the most popular cities in the world, welcoming between seven and ten million visitors each year. Naturally, that popularity has driven up prices – but exploring Italy’s capital doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Having lived in Rome for two years (and returning every year since), I’ve learned countless ways to experience the Eternal City on a budget.

Whether you’re after spectacular viewpoints, free museums, or delicious street food, here are my favourite free and inexpensive things to do in Rome.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). This helps to keep the blog running and growing, with lots of free content for you to enjoy. 

Top Free Attractions

One of the things I love the most about Rome is that it is like an open air museum. Everywhere you turn, you’re surrounded by ancient ruins, marble statues, and centuries of history – and much of it can be enjoyed for free.

Some of the city’s most famous sights cost very little or nothing to visit: wander past the Colosseum, admire the Pantheon’s exterior (entry is now €5 for non-residents), and stroll around Piazza Venezia. Every corner has something beautiful to discover.

Spanish Steps

Named after the Spanish Embassy that once stood nearby, these steps connect Piazza di Spagna and the Trinità dei Monti church. Climb to the top for beautiful city views – but note that sitting or eating on the steps can result in fines.

Circus Maximus

Once the grand stadium for Roman chariot races, the Circus Maximus is now a vast park where you can walk, picnic, or simply imagine the roar of the ancient crowds.

The Vatican Museums (last Sunday of each month)

Normally quite expensive, entry is free on the last Sunday of every month (9am–2pm, last entry 12:30pm). Just expect queues! Check the calendar carefully; the last Sunday offer applies as long as the date doesn’t clash with holidays like Easter Sunday, June 29th (Sts. Peter’s and Paul’s Day), 25th of December (Christmas Day) and 26th of December (St. Stephen Day).

State Museums (first Sunday of the month)

On the first Sunday of each month, many state-run museums and archaeological sites offer free entry. This includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Borghese Gallery, and Terme di Caracalla! Remember to wear comfortable shoes because there will be long queues involved, but it’s worth it to see these world-class sites for free.

Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)

This 2,000-year-old Roman road is a dream for walkers and cyclists. Lined with ancient tombs, ruins, and catacombs, it offers a glimpse of countryside within the city. You can rent a bike nearby or simply stroll for hours surrounded by history.

Beautiful Piazzas and Fountains

You could spend days just exploring Rome’s piazzas — lively public squares filled with art, fountains, and atmosphere.

• Piazza Navona – My personal favourite! It’s home to the stunning Fountain of the Four Rivers and surrounded by street performers, cafes, and Baroque buildings.
• The Trevi Fountain – As of 2025 access to the area right at the edge of the Trevi Fountain is now regulated – you may need to book a slot and pay a token fee (around €2) if you want that up-close experience, although you can still admire the fountain from the square without charge.
• Piazza del Popolo – A grand square featuring twin churches and an Egyptian obelisk. Climb the steps to the Pincio Terrace for incredible views.
• Campo de’ Fiori – By day, a bustling market selling souvenirs and local produce; by night, a lively hub of bars and restaurants.
• Piazza della Madonna dei Monti – The heart of the Monti neighbourhood, perfect for people-watching with a gelato in hand.
• Fontana delle Tartarughe – A beautiful and lesser-known turtle fountain tucked inside the Jewish Ghetto, one of Rome’s most atmospheric areas.

Churches and Basilicas Worth Visiting

Rome has over 900 churches, and most are free to enter. They’re not only places of worship but also artistic masterpieces filled with mosaics, frescoes, and sculptures.

• St. Peter’s Basilica – The most famous church in Rome and an architectural marvel. Every time I visit, it just takes my breath away. Entry is free, though there’s a small fee to climb the dome for panoramic views. Keep in mind there is a strict dress code; your knees and shoulders must be covered as it is a religious site.
• Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore – One of Rome’s largest and most important churches, known for its stunning mosaics, glittering gold interior and rich history.
• Basilica of San Clemente – Built on layers of history, this church sits atop a 4th-century basilica and Roman buildings. There’s no charge to enter the basilica, although there’s a fee to visit the underground archaeological sites.
• San Pietro in Vincoli – Home to Michelangelo’s powerful statue of Moses.
• Battistero Lateranense di San Giovanni in Fonte – Dating back to 324 AD, this small baptistery has an unusual octagonal shape and stunning interior decorations. There is artwork dedicated to Constantine, late Roman mosaics, marble patterned flooring, sculptures and wall frescos to be discovered.
• Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano – The oldest of Rome’s four Papal basilicas, filled with frescoes, mosaics, and relics from the Last Supper.
• Caravaggio’s masterpieces – Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio is one of Italy’s most iconic, beloved painters, creating beautiful artwork during the Renaissance and Baroque movements. His paintings can be found across the city in the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi, the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo and the Church Sant’Agostino near Piazza Navona.

Best Free Viewpoints in Rome

Most people pay to climb to the top of St Peter’s Dome, but there are wonderful spots to enjoy panoramic views of the city without spending a thing.

• Terrazza del Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill) – A romantic spot for sunset, overlooking domes, rooftops, and monuments.
• Victor Emmanuel II Monument (Altare della Patria) – Enjoy free views from the first-floor terrace café in Piazza Venezia. There’s a paid lift for an even higher perspective.
• Aventine Hill – Home to the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci), a peaceful park with sweeping views of St Peter’s Basilica. Don’t miss the famous “keyhole view” nearby!
• Pincian Hill (Pincio Terrace) – Overlooking Piazza del Popolo and the Villa Borghese Gardens, it’s perfect for a romantic evening stroll.

Free and Low-Cost Tours

If you enjoy learning about the history behind the ruins, join a free walking tour (tip-based, usually €10+). It’s a great way to get your bearings and meet locals. I recommend Sandemann’s free walking tours – they offer expert-led routes through the Colosseum area, Trastevere, and the Vatican.

If you prefer to go at your own pace, download Rick Steves’ free audio guides, which include tours of the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Reduced Entry Prices

Many museums and historic sites in Rome offer discounts or free entry to certain visitors, which can be a great way to save money while sightseeing. For example, EU citizens aged 18–25 often get discounted tickets at state-run museums and archaeological sites. Kids under 18, teachers, and students studying subjects like architecture, art history, or fine arts in the EU may also qualify for free or cheaper tickets.

To make sure you get the best deal, always check the museum’s website before your visit to see if you qualify for a reduced price.

Budget-Friendly Food and Drink

Rome is heaven for food lovers — and eating well doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

• Sample Street food: Grab a slice of pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), supplì (fried rice balls), or porchetta sandwiches from local bakeries and markets. Check out my post on where to find the best street food in Rome to get my tried-and-tested recommendations!
• Drink coffee like a local: Stand at the bar for your espresso instead of sitting down; locals pay around €1, while tourists at tables can pay up to €8 near landmarks like the Pantheon!
• Order house wine: In Italy, the vino della casa (house wine) is both delicious and affordable. Served in carafes – either as a half litre (mezzo litro) or full litre (litro) – a litre usually costs €8-10.
• Go for aperitivo: Pay for a drink and enjoy the complimentary snacks – perfect for a light (and cheap!) dinner. Sometimes the food includes slices of pizza, small sandwiches or pasta, but most of the time it’s an elaborate buffet.
• Rent an apartment with a kitchen: Cooking some meals at your accommodation helps you save money and practise cooking with authentic Italian ingredients. There are lots of open-air markets across the city; two of my favourites at Mercato Testaccio and Nuovo Mercato Esquilino.

And don’t waste money on bottled water – Rome’s nasoni fountains dispense cold, clean water from ancient aqueducts. Affectionately known as nasoni (“big noses”, due to their shape), these taps are connected to Rome’s aqueducts and run deep under the ground so the water is always refreshingly cold. Bring a refillable bottle and fill up as you go.

Instead of having a full sit-down meal, go for aperitivo! Aperitivo is a great way to save money: you pay for a regularly priced beer, cocktail or glass of wine, and then have access to food provided by the bar or restaurant. Sometimes the food includes slices of pizza, small sandwiches or pasta, but most of the time it’s an elaborate buffet. You can fill your plate more than once, so it can be a very affordable dinner option.

Affordable Places to Stay

Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses in Rome, but it’s possible to stay comfortably without overspending.

I recommend looking just outside the historic centre – areas like Testaccio, Piramide and Monti are full of charm and great local restaurants, with easy access to public transport. Check out my post Where to Stay in Rome: The Best Areas and Neighbourhoods to help you choose your ideal neighbourhood.

Browse Booking.com’s best budget-friendly hotels in Rome to compare prices and locations. For sociable travellers, boutique hostels such as The Beehive offer shared kitchens and group activities like walking tours and quiz nights.

When to Visit Rome

Rome doesn’t really have a quiet season; people flock there all year round.

• Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are perfect for mild weather, fewer crowds, and lively local events like the Rome Film Festival and Romaeuropa Arts Festival.
• Summer (June–August) brings high temperatures and crowds. Visit early in the morning for major sights, or enjoy evening walks when the city cools down.
• Winter (November–March) is Rome’s quietest season, offering cheaper accommodation and a festive atmosphere during Christmas and Carnevale in February.

Getting To and From Rome’s Airports

Rome has two airports – Fiumicino and Ciampino. If you fly into Fiumicino airport, you can take the Leonardo Express train to Termini station (€14), but a cheaper route is the regional train which stops at Trastevere, Ostiense and Tuscolana stations. This route only takes 15 minutes longer and costs €8 to any of the above stations.

If you’d prefer to take a taxi, there is a set price from Fiumicino airport to the city centre. It’s €50, which includes all passengers and all luggage. The centre is defined as anywhere within the Aurelian city walls. It is illegal for a taxi driver to charge you more, unless your accommodation is outside of the marked area. Discuss the fare beforehand and if he/she tries to charge extra, walk away and find another driver.

If you fly into Ciampino, you can pre-book a seat on a Terravision shuttle bus. It costs €4 if you book in advance, and a few euros more on the day. The journey time is around 40 minutes. If you’d prefer a taxi, the flat rate is €35 into Rome’s city centre.

Getting Around Rome

I personally think the best way to see Rome is on foot. There is something magical about getting lost in Rome’s winding roads and picturesque side streets. If you’d rather use public transport, Rome has lots of buses and trams. The service is slow and sometimes delayed, but it’s a great way to see the city for a much lower price than a taxi or Hop On/Hop Off bus!

A single ticket, valid on the metro, buses and trams, currently costs €1.50. You can pick up tickets from local tobacco shops, newsstands, and vending machines at the stations. You can also use contactless payment methods on the metro. A 24-hour transportation pass for the metro, bus, and trams is just €7 and a 48-hour pass is €12.50. If you’re staying longer, you can get a one-week pass for €24. Children under the age of 10 can travel for free, with an accompanying adult. These tickets can save you money if you use the system a lot, and are very convenient as you don’t have to waste time buying tickets.

When you’re in the city, avoid hailing a taxi on the street as the drivers often charge extortionate rates to tourists. Uber is not commonly used so I suggest you download it Taxi or Free Now, two apps which allow you to search for and book taxis from your phone. You can share your location and where you want to go, see which taxis are nearby, how long it’ll take for one to reach you and how much your taxi journey will cost. You can pay through the app.

If you plan to visit lots of attractions, consider the Roma Pass, which includes free entry to some museums, discounts for others, and unlimited public transport for 48 or 72 hours.

---

I hope these suggestions will help you save money while enjoying wonderful Rome! Whether you’re wandering through ancient ruins, marvelling at Baroque fountains, or sipping espresso at a neighbourhood café, there are countless ways to experience the magic of Rome on a budget.

If you have any questions or other cost-saving ideas, please leave them in the comments below.

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow