Top 10 Cheap Things to Do in Rome
Rome is not an expensive city to visit. It gets that unfortunate reputation sometimes thanks to tourist traps, but most attractions in Rome are actually pretty inexpensive – and a huge amount of the city is completely free to enjoy. Below is a growing list of amazing cheap things to do in Rome, some of which you can do without putting your hand in your pocket.
1. St Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica, is one of Italy’s most renowned landmarks. Situated in Vatican City, this grand domed structure dominates the skyline and is visible from various points throughout Rome. Entry to St Peter’s Basilica is free, meaning you can visit this attraction whenever you want, and take your time to admire the architecture and priceless works of art.
2. See The Pope
Going to visit the Pope can be a fantastic experience, especially if you are looking for things to do in Rome for free. Whether you’re religious or not, taking the time to try and see the Pope give the Angelus at noon is more than worth travelling to St Peter’s Square.
It is worth noting that St Peter’s Square can get very busy with people waiting to see the Pope, so be sure to arrive early to guarantee yourself a spot – we recommend around 11:30am.
3. Fontana del Pantheon
Located outside The Pantheon is the beautiful Fontana del Pantheon, a large fountain decorated by sculptures of dolphins, and topped by an Egyptian obelisk. The Fontana del Pantheon is more than 450 years old, and even now, showcases its wonderful baroque architecture and craftsmanship.
The Fontana del Pantheon is a popular meeting place, and is well worth some time to admire its grandeur if you are planning on visiting The Pantheon.
4. Visit the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is without a doubt one of Rome’s most famous attractions, boasting beautiful architecture, which makes it a must-see option for many people on their vacation in Rome. The Trevi Fountain is famous for people facing away from it, and tossing a coin over their shoulder, which, according to legend, means you will return to Rome one day.
Bear in mind that the fountain is a hotspot for tourists, so can get very busy during peak-times of the day. You can visit the Trevi Fountain whenever you like, and it makes an excellent stop on one of our many self-guided walking tours.
5. See Michelangelo’s Pietà
Rome is the home of many breathtaking works of art, making it a must-visit for many lovers of art around the world. One of the best things you can do when in Rome, whether you’re a lover of art or simply trying to find things to do in Rome on a budget, is to go and see Michelangelo’s “Pietà”.
La Pietà depicts a mother grieving as she holds the body of her son, and is a beautiful display of the heights of craftsmanship. You can find La Pietà in St Peter’s Basilica, which is entirely free to explore, and is well worth a visit for this and many other magnificent works of art.
6. Go to See Rome’s Street Art
Rome is famous for its art, architecture, and being a hub of cultural significance. A more modern iteration of this is the rise of street art that Rome has seen, which is especially true in Tor Marancia, where street art has been encouraged and allowed to flourish.
Walking around and admiring the street art is, in our opinion, one of the best cheap things to do in Rome, and is well worth a visit.
7. Self-Guided Walking Tours
If you are wondering what you can do in Rome for free, then look no further than a self-guided walking tour. One of the best ways to experience Rome and soak up the atmosphere is to travel and foot and explore the city.
A self-guided walking tour gives you the same experience, but with a little more direction for those who are more unfamiliar with Rome. There are many free self-guided tours available, so pick something that includes places of interest you want to visit. And of course, while walking through Rome, be sure to explore and wander off the tour if something catches your eye!
8. Visit the Coppedè Quarter
If you’re looking for things to do in Rome on a budget, then visiting the Coppedè Quarter is a must. The Coppedè Quarter can be found just north of Rome’s city center, and is a charming town famous for its eccentric architecture. The Coppedè Quarter is typically not as popular with tourists, and so can be a pleasant and less intense place to visit and spend a few hours.
9. Find the Best Views in the City
I don’t think anyone would disagree that Rome is a beautiful city, home to many architectural masterpieces, which makes exploring the city a wonderful experience. So with that in mind, one of the best cheap things to do in Rome is to take the time to enjoy some of the best views that the city has to offer.
There are many different viewpoints that you can visit for free throughout the city, all providing jaw-dropping views of different parts of the city and the skyline.
10. Go For a Run Around Rome
If you are a fan of going for a run or a walk, there are many places where you can go to do so in Rome, which offer a different perspective on the city. There are many parks and running tracks you can go to that mean you can exercise safely, while avoiding the crowds and traffic.
One of our favourite places we recommend runners to visit is the ancient Circo Massimo, an ancient sports stadium where chariot races used to take place.
Special Mention: The Pantheon
The Pantheon, unfortunately, is normally not free to visit and explore. However, on the first Sunday of every month, The Pantheon opens their doors to the public for free. If you can organise your trip to Rome to align with this data, it could potentially make a great free trip!
Bear in mind that because access on the first Sunday is free, you can expect it to get very busy. So turn up early if possible, and be prepared that you may have to wait a little to get inside.
More Cheap Things to Do in Rome
La Pietà
Michelangelo’s “Pity” can take you by surprise with the raw emotions it conveys. The grief of a mother cradling her adult son’s violently broken body is a language that outstrips its religious origins, and speaks to the viewer on a universal human level.
Aperitivo: Rome’s low-cost drink and food extravaganza
Aperitivo is a phenomenon by which you can eat and drink well in convivial surroundings all over Rome. Great for ‘early bird’ eaters.
Villa Torlonia: ersatz architecture and Mussolini’s home in Rome
Notorious for having been Il Duce’s residence for nearly 20 years, this park is an eccentric masterpiece rarely visited by tourists.
Orientation tour: self-guided piazza walk
Self-guided tour: a gentle, rewarding walk that introduces you to Rome’s major baroque piazzas and some ancient sites. Perfect for those who have just arrived, but to be enjoyed by everyone.
The Fontana del Pantheon
The fountain in front of the Pantheon is a beautiful baroque work of art topped by an Egyptian obelisk that is more than three thousand years old.
Why you never need to buy water in Rome
Rome may not be cheap, but there’s one thing that’s always free and available throughout the city – clean, fresh spring water from the Roman aqueducts.
The optical illusion of St Peter’s Basilica from Via Niccolò Piccolomini
The further you get from the dome, the bigger it gets! This amazing view of St Peter’s is from the residential street of Via Niccolò Piccolomini.
How to skip the lines at the Pantheon
If you only see one thing during your visit to Rome, make it the Pantheon. It’s the most stunning of all Rome’s monuments. Here’s your insider info on the ticketing situation, opening hours, and lining up.
How to visit the Coppedè Quarter in Rome
How to visit Rome’s quirky Quartiere Coppedè, nestled in Rome’s leafy, upmarket Trieste-Salario district.
How to visit the mosque in Rome
As well as being the seat of Catholic heritage, Rome also boasts the largest mosque in the western world. Here’s how to visit the beautifully designed place of worship.
Rome’s other “Jewish ghetto”
Learn about the charming inner suburb of Piazza Bologna, home to a thriving Jewish community, which makes it a great alternative place to stay.
La Pietà
Michelangelo’s “Pity” can take you by surprise with the raw emotions it conveys. The grief of a mother cradling her adult son’s violently broken body is a language that outstrips its religious origins, and speaks to the viewer on a universal human level.
Off the beaten track to see the beaten track: Via Flaminia Antica
Self-guided tour: take an unusual trip through Roma Nord to see the Road that linked the ‘Caput Mundi’ to the rest of Europe.
Where can I see street art in Rome?
Where to see the best of Rome’s street art in Garbatella and Tor Marancia.
Self-guided walking tour around the ancient city
Self-guided tour: from the site of Caesar’s death to Rome’s own pyramid, taking in the original Jewish Ghetto and the most beautiful view of the most beautiful city on earth.
Where are the best views of Rome?
Rightly famed for its beautiful vistas and viewpoints, we present the best places to gaze over and photograph the roofs and domes of Rome going back two thousand years. Including some angles that nobody else would think of.
Where can I see Caravaggios for free in Rome?
Self-guided tour: how and where to see Rome’s Caravaggios in their original setting, for free.
Tours of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome
St. Peter’s Basilica is free and the lines can be extremely long. There are, however, several legitimate ways to skip the lines. We give you insider tips.
The difference between St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican
The definitions of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica can be confusing. We clear it up and show the best way to visit each.
Where can I run in Rome?
Running in Rome can be fun and exciting, with trails in its parks and ancient monuments helping you to see a different side of the city.
Rome’s “secret” train that gets you across the city in 20 minutes – for only 1 euro
There’s a regular, fast train route running across Rome that can rocket you between Rome’s major metropolitan areas at high speed and next to no cost – and almost no visitors know about it.
How to see the Pope in Rome | Updated for 2025
Il Papa is a world figurehead, whether you’re Catholic or not. We show you how you can see him speak during your visit.
