20 Free Things to Do in Rome

Rome is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, and we knew spending five days in Rome was not going to be inexpensive.  However, we were pleasantly surprised at how many of the attractions in Rome were free.  Additionally, although some attractions had admission fees for adults, most attractions were free in Rome for kids.  Here are our favorite 20 free things to do in Rome:

Free Things in Rome – Pantheon Neighborhood 

 

#1:  Pantheon With Kids

The Pantheon was originally completed in 27 B.C. as a Roman temple dedicated to all (pan) of the gods (theos).  It is now over 2000 years old and the most complete ancient Roman building still standing.  The Pantheon’s dome is 142 feet high and wide and was the world’s largest dome until the Renaissance.  It remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.  The concrete walls supporting the dome are a staggering 20 feet thick.  Although it is considered the eighth wonder of the ancient world, there is no admission fee to enter.

The Pantheon was converted to a Catholic basilica in the seventh century, and its preservation is likely a result of this conversion.  Because the method used to build the dome was not recorded, Brunelleschi and Michelangelo studied the support structure for the Pantheon’s dome, which includes pillars inside the walls, before building the Duomo in Florence and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, respectively.

When we arrived at the Piazza della Rotonda in front of the Pantheon, we spent several minutes standing behind the Fontana del Pantheon, the fountain at the center of the Piazza featuring a 40 foot Egyptian obelisk constructed from a single slab of granite by Ramses II more than 3,000 years ago.  Unlike the other obelisks scattered around Rome, this one featured a cross at the top.  Moving that obelisk from Egypt to Rome was clearly no simple task.  The Pantheon’s entrance consists of eight columns that are each 40 feet high and also constructed from a single piece of granite.

There was a short line for security, but it moved very quickly.  We visited on a particularly hot day, but the Pantheon was nice and cool inside.  A beam of light shone through the oculus and illuminated the interior, which we explored in detail.  We learned that 80% of the floor tiles are original and are purposely slanted to let rainwater out through the small holes.  We also found Raphael’s tomb below the Altar of Our Lady of the Rock.

• Pantheon Facts for Kids:  The oculus at the top of the dome is 30 feet in diameter and is the Pantheon’s only light source.
• Time Spent Visiting the Pantheon With Kids:  On our first visit, we spent about 35 minutes in the Piazza della Rotonda and inside the Pantheon.  We walked through the Piazza della Rotonda several times later in our trip but only visited the Pantheon’s interior once.

 

#2:  Santa Maria sopra Minerva Basilica With Kids

The Santa Maria sopra Minerva Basilica is Rome’s only remaining Gothic church.  It is located in the Piazza della Minerva, which is adjacent to the Pantheon.  The ceiling of the Gothic interior was painted a brilliant blue in the 19th century and provided an unexpected contrast to all the other Gothic churches we’ve visited in Western Europe.  Michelangelo’s Christ Bearing the Cross statue and the tomb of Saint Catherine of Seina, my patron saint, are located in the Basilica’s interior.

Piazza della Minerva, which is a small square right outside the Basilica, features the Elephant and Obelisk.  The obelisk was brought to Rome by Diocletian for the Temple of Isis in the 3rd or 4th century.  It is Rome’s smallest obelisk, standing at a height of only about 5.5 meters.  The base was designed by  Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century.

• Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva Basilica Facts for Kids:  The Basilica was built on the former site of a temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess, Isis, which was mistakenly attributed to the Greco-Roman goddess, Minerva.
• Time Spent Visiting Church of Santa Maria sopra and Minerva Piazza della Minerva:  About 20-30 minutes

 

#3:  Church of Sant’Ignazio With Kids

The Church of Sant’Ignazio is a Catholic church constructed in a classic Baroque style.  The most memorable feature of the Church of Sant’Ignazio was the false dome roof.  Plans for this church, which was completed in the 17th century, included a domed roof, but there were not enough funds to support the construction of a dome.  So, Jesuit artist Andrea Pozzo was hired to paint the roof to make it appear to be a dome.  The optical illusion is quite realistic.

• Church of Sant’Ignazio Facts for Kids:  The original dome painting was destroyed in 1871 and was replaced with the current replica.
• Time Spent Visiting the Church of Sant’Ignazio With Kids:  About 20 minutes

 

#4:  Trevi Fountain With Kids

The Trevi Fountain is a mammoth Baroque fountain that features statues designed by Nicola Salvi.   The fountain, which was constructed between 1732 and 1762 is 85 feet long and 65 feet high and is one of the world’s largest fountains.  Its construction celebrated the reopening of ancient aqueducts.  Trevi Fountain means “three street fountain” because of the three roads that converge at the Fountain.

Our Airbnb was located only a short walk from the Trevi Fountain, and we were able to pass by many times during our five days in Rome.  We were always amazed at the sheer number of people all trying to capture the perfect shot of the Fountain.  We could tell we were getting close by the dull roar of the crowd and water streaming from the 24 spouts.

The enormous fountain features 24 spouts, and the sound of the water cannot be mistaken.  While there is no fee to view the Trevi Fountain, romantic visitors love to throw coins over their shoulder into this fountain, hoping the gesture will secure a return trip to Rome.  Coins valuing approximately €3,500 are collected daily from the Fountain and donated to local Catholic charity, Caritas Rome.  The current Mayor of Rome recently withdrew a proposal to redirect the money collected from the Trevi Fountain for the city’s infrastructure.

• Trevi Fountain Facts for Kids:  The central statue of the Trevi Fountain is Oceanus, who is commonly misidentified as Neptune.
• Time Spent Visiting the Trevi Fountain With Kids:  We passed by the Trevi Fountain at least a half-dozen times while in Rome.  The first time, we spent about 10 minutes in the crowds.  The other times, we generally stopped only for a moment or two.

 

#5:  Spanish Steps With Kids

The Spanish Steps are a wide, curving, Baroque staircase, consisting of 138 steps in three tiers, that lead from the Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church.  These stairs were built between 1723 and 1725.  Another obelisk is framed between two Baroque church towers.

At the bottom of the Stairs is the Sinking Boat Fountain, which is an aqueduct-powered fountain that was designed by either Gian Lorenzo Bernini or his father, Peitro, in 16th century.  The fountain is powered by the Acqua Vergine aqueduct, and doesn’t shoot up into the air because the water pressure is low here.

We passed by the Spanish Steps several times during our time in Rome.  The amazing panoramic view from the top includes the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica and is brilliant at sunset.  It is also a particularly lively place at night, even in the rain.

For tourists looking for designer boutiques, the area surrounding Piazza di Spagna provides prime shopping opportunities.

• Spanish Steps Facts for Kids:  English Poet John Keats lived and died in the house to the right of the Steps.  His home is now the Keats–Shelley Memorial House museum.
• Time Spent Visiting the Spanish Steps With Kids:  Our visits to the Spanish Steps varied from a few minutes to an hour.

 

#6:  Piazza Navona With Kids

Piazza Navona has served as a center of Roman life since the ancient times.  Piazza Navona was the location of Circus Agonalis, a sports venue built by Emperor Domitian that could hold 30,000 spectators about 2,000 years ago.  Circus Agonalis opened about the same time as the Colosseum when Rome was at its peak.  No trace of the stadium structure still exists, but the oblong shape of the square is the footprint of the arena’s competition space.

Piazza Navona features three Baroque fountains.  Fountains depicting a Moor wrestling a dolphin and Neptune slaying an octopus are located at either end of the Piazza.  In the center is Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Four Rivers Fountain, which features an Egyptian-style obelisk that was actually made in Rome.  The four statues that make up this 17th century fountain represent the four quarters of the world.

Outdoor cafes line the Piazza, and we enjoyed lunch across from the Four Rivers Fountain and then made sure to pick up some gelato before continuing on our way.

• Piazza Navona Facts for Kids:  Piazza Navona is featured in Angels & Demons, Catch-22, Coins in the Fountain and National Lampoon’s European Vacation. 
• Time Spent Visiting the Piazza Navona With Kids:  About 90 minutes, including lunch.

 

Free Things To Do in Vatican City

 

#7:  Saint Peter’s Basilica With Kids

St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church and the site of St. Peter’s tomb, is free to enter.  While most visitors arrive from the secret Sistine Chapel entrance, it is also possible to enter directly from St. Peter’s Square.  However, the security line is often lengthy.  Construction of St. Peter’s Basilica took about 120 years, 20 popes and 10 architects to complete and then it took another 200 years before the decoration of the interior was finished.

We were overwhelmed by the immense size of St. Peter’s Basilica.  Michelangelo’s sculpture, Pieta, which is displayed at St. Peter’s, is a representation of Mary holding Jesus’ body that shows his skills as a master sculptor.  It is unbelievable to me that Michelangelo completed Pieta, his first major commission, at the young age of 24.  Michelangelo is not only considered one of the world’s best sculptors and painters 500 years after his death, but he also designed St. Peter’s dome, which rises 448 feet (longer than the length of a football field).  Michelangelo was named lead architect in 1546 and studied the domes of the Pantheon and Florence‘s Duomo before designing his plans.  The Basilica’s main altar is made of a marble slab and surrounded by Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s impressive seven-story bronze canopy and is located below the dome.

See my full review of St. Peter’s Basilica.

• St. Peter’s Basilica Facts for Kids:  In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine built the original church on the site where St. Peter was martyred, but by the 16th century, the Old St. Peter’s church was falling apart.  Construction of St. Peter’s Basilica took about 120 years, 20 popes and 10 architects to complete and then it took another 200 years before the interior decorating was finished.
• Time Spent Visiting the St. Peter’s Basilica With Kids:  45-60 minutes (not including security lines)

 

#8:  St. Peter’s Square With Kids

St. Peter’s Square is one of the world’s most famous squares.  It was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and includes 284 Doric columns, each 56 feet tall and topped with sculptures of 140 saints.  The square is an elliptical shape to symbolize the arms of the Church welcoming all people.  In the center stands an Egyptian obelisk, which is over 4,000 years old and 90 feet tall.  Emperor Caligula brought the Vatican Obelisk to Rome in the first century.  It is made of granite and weighs about 300 tons and is unusual in that it does not have any hieroglyphs.

See my full review of St. Peter’s Square.

• St. Peter’s Basilica Facts for Kids:  The Vatican Obelisk is the only Roman obelisk that has not toppled since ancient times.  It was placed in its current site in 1586.  Bernini added the Chigi arms on the top and made it the centerpiece of the Square.
• Time Spent Visiting the St. Peter’s Square With Kids:  30-45 Minutes.

 

Free Activities in Rome – Colosseum Neighborhood

 

#9:  Colosseum With Kids

While there is an admission fee for adults to go inside the Colosseum, there are many amazing free viewpoints to see its famous exterior, and there is no admission charge for kids under 18.  I was in awe the moment I emerged from the Colosseo metro stop.  Visitors can walk around the periphery of the Colosseum and count the 80 arches without paying a dime.

Find out more about Colosseum tickets.

• Colosseum Facts for Kids:  The Colosseum was constructed in eight years and had capacity for 50,000 spectators.
• Time Spent Visiting the Colosseum With Kids:  Our visit lasted about 2-2.5 hours, including our guided tour.

 

#10:  Roman Forum With Kids

Our visit to the Roman Forum let us step back in time and get a glimpse of the cultural, governmental and spiritual center of ancient Rome.  Although there is an admission charge for adults to enter the Roman Forum grounds, this ticket is a combination ticket with the Colosseum, and children under 18 are free.  Additionally, the views from the periphery are comparable to those within.  On our last day, we walked around the Roman Forum and took this picture without entering the grounds.

Even from the ruins, we could see how detailed these ancient structures really were.  Our visit to this area provided an amazing hands-on history lesson, and we recommend a stop at the Roman Forum for any family visiting Rome.

Check out my full review of the Roman Forum.

• Roman Forum for Kids:  Arch of Titus, which dates back over 2,000 years and provided inspiration for the much larger Arch de Triomphe.
• Time Spent Visiting the Roman Forum With Kids:  About 45 minutes inside the Forum, and we walked around the periphery on our last day in Rome.

 

#11:  Palatine Hill With Kids

The Palace of Domitian dominates Palatine Hill (which is also the origin of the word “palace”).  There is a fee for adults to enter the grounds of Palatine Hill (combined with the Roman Forum and Colosseum entrance), but children under 18 are free.  It is also possible to view the Palatine Hill ruins by walking around the periphery of Palatine Hill and not entering the grounds themselves.  While we were able to tour the grounds, we came back to the area on the last day and followed the periphery for a different point of view.

The Palatine Hill buildings are largely in ruins and not as exciting as the Palace of Versailles or Doge’s Palace, both of which we had visited earlier in our trip.  But this area is where Romulus and many other wealthy Romans chose to build their estates due to the proximity to the Roman Forum.

Check out my full review of Palatine Hill.

• Palatine Hill Facts for Kids:  Palatine Hill is the center of the Seven Hills of Rome and sits about 130 feet above the Forum.
• Time Spent Visiting the Palatine Hill With Kids:  About 45 minutes.

 

#13:  Arch of Titus With Kids

The Arch of Titus, which was constructed about 82 AD, appears to be largely intact over 2035 years later; however, parts have been reconstructed.  For example, the fluted columns are original, but smooth portions are reconstructions.  The 50 foot Arch was originally much more colorful, but the colored marble was unfortunately scavenged over the years.

• Arch of Titus Facts for Kids:   The Arch of Titus was the inspiration for the much larger Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
• Time Spent Visiting the Arch of Titus With Kids:  Just a few minutes.

 

#14:  Arch of Constantine With Kids

The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch located between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill that was completed in 315 to commemorate Constantine I’s victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312.  The Arch consists of a large central arch and two smaller arches on each side.

• Arch of Constantine Facts for Kids:   The Arch of Constantine is Rome’s tallest triumphal arch.
• Time Spent Visiting the Arch of Constantine With Kids:  Just a few minutes.

 

#15:  Victor Emmanuel II Monument With Kids

The Victor Emmanuel II Monument is dedicated to Italy’s first king, Victor Emmanuel II.  This mammoth, white marble structure is 200 feet high and 500 feet wide, and dwarfs the Trevi Fountain.  The monument is a neoclassical interpretation of the Roman Forum that was constructed between 1895 and 1911. At the center is a 43 foot high statue of the King on his horse.  The monument has received criticism for being too ostentatious and pompous, but even for tourists who think it is over the top, the panoramic view it offers is pretty amazing.

• Victor Emmanuel Monument Facts for Kids:  The Monument holds the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a casualty of World War II.  The tomb is located under the statue of the goddess, Roma.
• Time Spent Visiting the Victor Emmanuel Monument With Kids:  We stopped twice, with each visit lasting only a few minutes.

 

#16:  Mouth of Truth With Kids (“Bocca Della Verita”)

The Mouth of Truth is a large marble mask that has hung in the Atrium of Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin since 1632.  According to its legend, the mask is the ultimate lie detector.  The mask has a small mouth opening that is supposed to bite the hand of anyone who is not truthful.  Tourists line up to get their turn sticking their hands into the mouth.  Luckily, tourists are a truthful lot, and we didn’t witness any hand injuries during our half hour wait for our turn.

• Mouth of Truth Facts:  The Mouth of Truth received world-wide attention after it was featured in Audrey Hepburn’s 1953 Roman Holiday.
• Time Spent at the Mouth of Truth:  We waited for about 30 minutes for our 30 seconds with the mask.

 

Things to Do in Rome for Free – Via Veneto Neighborhood

 

#17:  Villa Borghese Gardens With Kids

The Villa Borghese Gardens are Rome’s “Central Park” designed in the English landscape style.  We picked up sandwiches for a picnic lunch at Borghese Gardens on our last afternoon in Rome.  It was a bit of a hike to reach the Gardens from our Airbnb near the Barberini Metro.  We entered through the old Roman wall at the Via Veneto entrance but later saw that there was a second entrance at the top of the Spanish Steps that may have been more convenient.

It was the end of our second week of travel, and we thought a bit of relaxation in a park was exactly what we needed.  We were relieved to find park benches in the shade lined up along one of the roads that ran through the Gardens.  We sat down and were thoroughly entertained by all the visitors who rented bikes, multi-rider pedaled rickshaws single or motorized scooters to explore the Gardens. After we had our fill of lunch and people watching, the kids stretched their legs running around in circles for a bit before we headed out.

• Borghese Gardens Facts for Kids:  Villa Borghese Gardens were commissioned in 1605 by Cardinal Scipione Borghese on the site of a former vineyard.  Borghese was the nephew of Pope Paul V and wanted to create the largest gardens since Roman antiquity.
• Time Spent Visiting the Borghese Gardens With Kids:  About 1.5-2 hours.

 

Free Things to See in Rome – Generally

 

#18:  Obelisks in Rome

The fact that Rome has more obelisks than any other city in the world was not something I expected.  Obelisks were popular among the Roman Emperors because Egyptians treated their rulers as divine.  There are eight ancient Egyptian obelisks and five ancient Roman obelisks, and we saw most of them.  Romans constructed enormous ships in order to transport the obelisks from Alexandria in Egypt across the Mediterranean Sea to Rome.

 

• Roman Obelisks for Kids:  Most ancient Egyptian obelisks have hieroglyphs while the Roman obelisks do not.
• Time Spent Visiting the Roman Obelisks With Kids:  A few minutes at each one.

 

#19:  Drinking Fountains in Rome 

There are over 2,500 free, public drinking fountains available all around Rome.  The water is very safe to drink and ice cold, which we really appreciated during the hot July days of our visit.  The pipe system used to transport the water from the mountains above Rome to the fountains are the original aqueducts constructed centuries ago.  We carried our own water bottles to refill throughout the day and also used the water in the fountains to cool off on particularly hot days.

• Roman Water Fountain Facts for Kids:  The letters SQPR, which commonly appear on water fountains and in stone and marble throughout the city stand for “Senatus Populus Que Romanus” which roughly represents the ancient Roman government.
• Time Spent Visiting the Roman Water Fountains With Kids:  We visited public water fountains many times each day and rarely had to wait for more than 1-2 minutes for our turn.

 

#20:  Metro With Kids (free for kids under 10)

Kids under 10 ride the Metro in Rome for free when traveling with an adult.  This made Metro rides extremely affordable for our family.  Although we found Rome very walkable, the Metro was convenient when we needed to travel farther distances quickly.

Rome Metro Facts for Kids:  Rome Metro’s driverless Line C is currently under construction to connect the city’s eastern quadrant with its northwest quadrant, and the construction zone was particularly noticeable near the Colosseum.

• Time Spent Riding the Rome Metro:  During our five days in Rome, we took six rides on the Metro.  Each ride was approximately 10-15 minutes.

 

Free Things for Kids to Do in Rome

We were surprised that there were so many free things to do in Rome.  Planning a family trip to Italy, be sure to check out our other blog posts about Florence, San Gimignano and Venice and our listing of all destinations in Italy.