Rome is probably on most travelers’ bucket lists — and for good reason. It’s a city known for its numerous iconic sites such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain. Apart from that, it’s also home to intricate and beautiful architecture, vibrant arts, and scrumptious local cuisine.
But let’s be real, traveling to many European cities, including Rome, can get quite pricey. Flight prices depend on where you’re coming from, hotel rates are determined by the length of your stay, and your pocket money will depend on the activities in your curated itinerary.
While traveling to Rome on a budget is quite difficult, we’ll do our best to help you spend less and experience more. And hey, we’ve also rounded up some free things to do in Rome, so if that’s something you want to know more about, keep reading!
1. Enter the Colosseum for free 🤩
Level up your experience of Rome aboard a hop-on hop-off bus
Yes, it’s true — you can enter the Colosseum for free! Entrance tickets to this landmark are free every first Sunday of the month, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
Important Note: Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Even without a ticket to the Roman Forum or the Colosseum, their exteriors are actually what many travelers fly to Rome for! So go ahead — take your time, walk around, and marvel at their beauty, free of charge.
And to add even more to your itinerary, one of the best free things to do in Rome is simply to explore the areas surrounding its postcard-worthy landmarks. There, you’ll find street snacks, as well as trinkets to take home.
But if you want to get to visit more places quickly, or if you’re just a bit tired from all the walking, here’s another way to explore the best of Rome — aboard a hop-on hop-off bus! The route has eight stops, including the Piazza di Spagna, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum — and you can choose when to hop on and when to hop off. While on board, an audio commentary is available in 13 different languages that will tell you the history and significance of Rome’s most iconic landmarks.
The hop-on hop-off bus ticket on Klook comes in six different types:
- One-run ticket (no hop-off): A single, non-stop journey valid only on your chosen date.
- Half-day ticket: Valid for four hours on your selected date. Time begins upon your first hop-off.
- Full-day ticket: Valid for the entire day on your chosen date.
- 24-hour ticket: Valid for 24 hours from your first hop-off.
- 48-hour ticket: Valid for 48 hours from your first hop-off.
72-hour ticket: Valid for 72 hours from your first hop-off.
2. Explore the wonders of the Trevi Fountain, Trastevere, Rome's centuries-old churches, and more—free of charge 🤭
The Galleria Borghese, or Borghese Gallery, is home to pieces by artists like Caravaggio, Canova, and Raphael
It really is your lucky day, because we have more free things to do in Rome in store just for you! Here are some top picks that you definitely cannot miss:
- Enter St. Peter’s Basilica: one of the most famous churches in the world. Make sure to take some time to just admire its exquisite interiors.
- Explore Piazza Navona: a lively square that offers free street performances, stunning fountains, and beautiful architecture.
- Stroll through Trastevere: you can use the included public transport (if you have a Roma Pass) to travel to the charming neighborhood of Trastevere. Take your time to relax and admire the numerous street art.
- Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain: it’s a tradition said to ensure your return to Rome. You can even go in the area underneath the Trevi Fountain but this requires a ticket!
- Climb the famous Spanish steps: go up 135 steps to reach the Trinità dei Monti Church that offers amazing views, perfect for taking photos.
There are honestly so many free things to do in Rome, thanks to its numerous historic sites — many of which are churches and chapels. Some of these include: the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the Pantheon, and the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels and Martyrs.
Klook Tip: Make sure to wear appropriate clothing, especially if you plan to visit sacred places like chapels and churches. Do not wear shorts or sleeveless tops.
Saint Peter's Square is located just in front of St. Peter's Basilica
Another great way to see the best of Rome is by getting the OMNIA Vatican and Rome Card. This all-in-one pass gives you access to over 30 museums, art galleries, and historic sites in both Rome and the Vatican City.
There are two types of passes for you to choose from:
- 24-hour pass: This includes a hop-on hop-off bus ticket and admission to several attractions, such as the Sistine Chapel, Mamertine Prison, Vatican Museums, and the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano.
- Important Note: After purchasing the pass, you’ll need to book your preferred time slot before visiting the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
- 72-hour pass: This includes everything in the 24-hour pass, plus a 72-hour Omnia Card and a 72-hour Roma Pass. You’ll also get free access to some public transportation in Rome (operated by ATAC) for 72 hours, along with discounts on some attractions and restaurants.
More things to do in Rome (not free, but affordable! 🤗)
3. Immerse yourself in Rome’s vibrant opera scene
Opera shows in Rome are also famous because of the historic venues that host them
Although it’s not a free thing to do in Rome, it’s still worth watching at least one show! One of the reasons Italy is a popular destination among travelers is its world-renowned opera shows. Luckily, this affordable Opera Night pass is only a click away. You get to enjoy amazing shows in Rome, such as “Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons” and “The Three Tenors.” Both are famous shows, but of course, choose the one that best fits your travel plans, as each show runs on a different schedule:
Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons: Monday, 8:30pm
The Three Tenors: Saturday, 8:30pm
These two shows above are the most famous ones to catch while in Rome! But please take note that the Opera Night pass is an open ticket for any available opera event or venue scheduled during your visit.
4. Save more with the Klook Pass Rome!
With the Klook Pass Rome, you get the chance to visit the preserved and historic Roman city of Pompeii
This one’s not free either, but it’s a great budget tip for all you travelers! The best way to experience more and spend less is definitely with the Klook Pass Rome. Just choose from 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 top activities or destinations, and you’re good to go. Whether you get 2 or 6, you’ll only be needing one pass to enter each site or join each activity. So, if you want the convenience that you deserve, get the pass and save up to 35%!
Best places to stay in Rome on a budget
Relais Rione Ponte is not as pricey as most hotels in Rome and is also located in the city center
For hotels, we’ve also got you covered with a few that are budget-friendly options compared to most accommodations you’ll find in Rome.
Prices start at USD 174.34:
Now that we’ve given you ideas for some free things to do in Rome, budget hotels to stay in, and even helpful budget tips, you’re more than ready to finally plan your trip. While Rome can be enjoyed by solo travelers, it's best experienced with your loved ones. So, gather up the gang, pack your bags, and hop on a plane to the Eternal City! ✈️
FAQs
1. What is there to do in Rome for free?
A lot of things, actually! You can toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, explore many plazas like Piazza Navona, stroll through gardens and parks like Villa Borghese, and admire architectural sites like the Pantheon.
2. Can you enter the Colosseum in Rome for free?
Yes, you can enter the Colosseum in Rome for free on the first Sunday of each month. But, please take note that tickets are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. What is the number 1 must-see in Rome?
The Colosseum, of course! It symbolizes the Roman Empire and will forever be iconic for its amphitheater, which hosted gladiatorial contests in ancient times.
4. Can you see the Trevi Fountain for free?
Yes, you can see and visit the Trevi Fountain for free, as it is a public landmark located in the city center. It’s also open to visitors 24/7, so feel free to stop by at any time of the day.
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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