Best things to do in Rome | The deepest secrets of the eternal city

10 Best things to do in Rome | Without spending a single euro

Check out the best things to do in Rome for free here!

The following described attractions have been recommended by tourist experts.

With this guide, you’ll visit Rome as a true local!

You’ll discover monuments, gardens, and places of interest that classic guide books never mention!

You can use this article if you have already seen famous attractions such as the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, or Piazza Navona. You can also consult it if you want to discover hidden places.

10 best things to do in Rome for free

If you’ve already seen classic Roman sights, such as the Roman Forum (Italian Fori Imperiali), Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, then you’re ready to follow this guided tour of Rome’s free gems!

Visiting the lesser-known corners of European capitals is an unmissable opportunity to make your vacation or business trip special.

1. Reach the Orange Garden

Whether you’re vacationing in Rome with your partner or friends, visiting the Orange Garden is a must-do experience.

This enchanting garden on the Aventine Hill – just minutes from the Circo Massimo metro station (line B or B1) is a lovely place from which you can enjoy a unique view of the city of Rome.

Address: Piazza Pietro D’Illiria, 00153 Rome, Italy.

2. View a postcard from the keyhole

Continuing up the Palatine Hill, you’ll find the Knights of Malta complex building, in which there is the famous Keyhole.

A lock from which you can see the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in a magnificent green setting.

You can recognize the place by the small line of people waiting their turn to look inside the hole!

Address: Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, 4, 00153 Rome, Italy.

3. Take a rest at Circus Maximus

In the valley between the Aventine and Palatine hills, you’ll find the Circus Maximus, an ancient chariot racing stadium. It was the first and largest stadium of Rome and its empire.

It was used as a meeting place for sports and shows. Today it hosts concerts and various events.

If there are no events, you can enjoy the circus lawn to relax in a picturesque place.

Address: Via del Circo Massimo, 00186 Rome, Italy.

4. Marvel Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Monti District

Not far from the Aventine, you’ll find Monti, one of Rome’s most popular and beautiful areas.

Here there are beautiful narrow streets, typical bars, and delicious trattorias.

There is also a little-known treasure: Michelangelo’s beautiful sculpture of Moses.

The statue is in the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli, located in the square of the same name.

Address: Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, 4/a, 00184 Rome, Italy.

5. Visit the Garden of Palazzo Barberini

Although there is an entrance fee to Palazzo Barberini, you can visit its beautiful garden for free.

Many call it the Secret Garden because of its labyrinthine and orderly structure.

Few people know that it can be visited and that it is located just a few meters from the Barberini metro station.

Address: Via Delle Quattro Fontane, 13, 00184 Rome, Italy.

6. Climb the Pincian Hill

A few meters from the subway station Flaminio, there is the Pincian Hill, one of the most beautiful natural terraces in the center of Rome.

You can reach the Pincio via the steps of Piazza del Popolo (be careful not to fall, it is a very slippery staircase!).

Keep your camera warm because you’ll be able to take great photos here!

Address: Viale Gabriele D’Annunzio, 00187 Rome, Italy.

7. Get lost in Villa Borghese

Rome is a city rich in parks, villas, and green areas, Villa Borghese is certainly the most famous.

Its architecture is composite: Italian and English gardens, small lakes, small houses, statues of famous poets, and a large museum (Galleria Borghese).

Here you can rent bicycles, scooters, rickshaws, or take a ride with a typical little train.

8. Watch a movie at Casa del Cinema

Inside Villa Borghese, there’s Casa del Cinema (Italian for House of Movies), a modern building where historical and modern films are shown for free.

If you are in the area, check the calendar of events on the official website to find the show that suits you best!

The entrance is always free!

Address: Largo Marcello Mastroianni, 1, 00197 Rome, Italy.

9. Discover Coppedè

Are you familiar with the rococo style? Do you like fantasy movies? Then you can’t miss the Coppedè neighborhood, located between Via Nomentana and Via Salaria (not far from Policlinico metro station).

This elegant complex of buildings consists of 17 small villas and 26 palaces designed in the early twentieth century by architect Gino Coppedè.

Do not miss: the Fountain of Frogs, Piazza Mincio, and the Palazzina del Ragno.

Address: Piazza Mincio, 00198 Rome, Italy.

10. Watch the sunset at the Parco degli Acquedotti

If you’ve had enough crowded places like the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City, you can take the metro to a magical place.

You can reach Parco Degli Acquedotti by getting off at Subaugusta Station (metro line A).

Here you will admire the ancient aqueducts (still in operation) and the ancient Via Latina.

We suggest you reach this park in the evening hours, at sunset, to admire one of the most romantic natural spectacles of the city!

Address: Via Lemonia, 221, 00174 Rome, Italy.

Did we intrigue you? Then follow all our tips to enjoy your day in Rome to the fullest!