Top Free Things to do in Rome – Recommended by a local

Visit the Churches

If you’re trying to find some Rome free museums, then you absolutely have to think about going to churches instead, because that’s where the real history and culture is. In Rome, almost every church you walk into is so richly decorated with historical artworks and beautiful frescoes painted by some of the most celebrated artists to have ever walked the earth – it’s incredible. My favourite is Santa Maria del Popolo, which if you’re a big fan of Tom Hanks you will definitely recognise from the film Angels and Demons. Walk inside and you’re instantly surrounded by seven-hundred years of history of art, with a collection of the most beautifully rich and detailed frescos you will ever see. Spend an hour taking in the spiritual atmosphere and looking at Santa Maria’s endless collection of relics. It’s free things to do in Rome like this that make the city so different to anywhere else on planet earth.

Photo Credit: LivioAndronico [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

Capitol Hill

Even though Capitol Hill is the smallest of the seven hills, it’s the most important to visit if you want to understand the detailed storey of Rome. Climb to the top of the hill to walk on the same cobbles where the republic was born, and where Romulus and Remus were said to have founded the city many thousands of years ago. Since we always maintain tradition, you can still see the City Hall standing here today. The exquisite Michelangelo designed Piazza del Campidoglio is perhaps the most beautiful part of the hill and it’s where you’ll get the best views of the Forum and the rest of the city. Michelangelo actually designed it to face St. Peter's Basilica instead, because this was the centre of politics at the time and it was his way of showing the importance of the Church. There are so many things to do in Rome for free around the Capitol Hill area that it’s a very good place to come when you’re on budget – it’s history, politics, art and beautiful views all in one place.

Villa Borghese

The city is famous for its beautiful parks - they’re some of the best things to do in Rome for free for people who want to take some time out from the history and art for a while. The Villa Borghese is about twenty kilometres of beautiful, landscaped garden and is one of my favourite places to spend any sunny afternoon. Find a shaded area to relax or walk around and explore the wonders of the park; which include fountains, sculptures, tree-lined avenues and flower displays. Look out for the water clock because it’s one of the most interesting things about the entire park. Originally designed for the Paris Expo over a century ago, this bizarre contraption still works and can be found in a very special tropical oasis on the south side of Borghese. Bring some food and wine and have lunch in the city’s green lung – perfect if you’re eating in Rome on a budget.

Talk to the Locals

I’ve never seen a free Rome guide that includes talking to the locals as something to do, but I don’t understand why this is. Not only is it the best of getting to know the local culture on a personal level, but it’s a great way to make some friends in Rome as well. It is true that we Romans may seem like we sometimes don’t interact with people very much, and might not speak the best English, but it is also true that for thousands of years Rome has been a city where anyone is welcome. Romans are usually very interested in your life too - so if you get talking to anyone, they might end up asking you where you are going, when you’re going there and why you are going. But just relax, this is just how we are sometimes! Go to the Trastevere district because it’s the best place to come to mix with locals and tourists - it’s everyone’s favourite place to spend an evening. It’s still very authentic here so people are much more friendly and trusting, especially after some Roman wine, and if you’re trying to do Rome on a budget it’s a winner because it’s beautiful, traditional and cheap.