15 free things to do in Rome that are worth your while!

This attraction is a true hidden gem, offering an experience that's as small as it is special! Nestled in the Church of Santa Maria del Priorato, the Aventine Keyhole might be tiny, but its view is anything but ordinary. When you peer through this famous keyhole on Aventine Hill, you'll catch a rare glimpse of the Vatican's dome framed perfectly. Just enter the church, find the green door, and enjoy this unique, no-cost view of one of Rome's most charming secrets. Whether the keyhole was intentionally positioned or not remains a mystery, but its charm is undeniable!

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the many places in Rome that is equally important to the religious and cultural history of the world. Forming an integral part of the Roman skyline, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest churches in the world. You can gain entry at St. Peter’s Basilica for free. If you get to the place early, you will be able to squeeze in a lot of sightseeing in the area in a short span of time.

A large chunk of Rome’s greenery resides in the Villa Borghese Gardens. Situated a stone throw’s distance from Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese Gardens is free to visit all around the year. You can explore the 80-hectare area of the garden that was planned and developed in the early 17th century and then redesigned in 1903.

Via Appia Antica or the Old Roman Appian Way bears witness to a lot of Roman history. It was an important road used to transport troops to the southern part of the country. A part of this road is now included in nature and archaeological park. On Sundays, the road is closed for traffic, and this is the perfect time to take a walk on Via Appia Antica and let yourself become one with the history.

Trevi Fountain is a Rome essential, given its prime position in the city and its sheer grandeur. After prolonged restoration and refurbishment, the fountain is even more impressive than it was before. The fountain has stood in Rome since 19 BCE. If you are in Rome, you will be able to spend some time around this spectacular landmark for free.

The Roman Baroque style of architecture finds some of its best specimens in Rome. With its asymmetrical butterfly-like design, the Spanish Steps are another important free attraction in the Eternal City. The 138 steps that form this famous attraction are a great place to soak in the Roman vibe. The Spanish Steps are also quite close to a number of other Roman landmarks.

Founded in the final quarter of the 16th century, Accademia Di San Luca is now known as the Accademia Nazionale di San Luca. The academy statute stated that each academician will donate one piece of work to the galley, which is still held in high regard. If you visit Accademia Di San Luca, you will witness some of the famous works by Raffaello, Canova, Van Dyk to name a few.

Trastevere derives its name from the river Tevere. The neighborhood once used to be the haunt for the working class populace. Currently, it is one of the best places to find the authentic Roman soul, one that does not come with a steep price tag. You may sit around in the piazza or just explore the eateries in the area as the sun sets on the city.

If you want to experience Rome like a local, you should definitely head to the Jewish Ghetto of the city. This part of the city was home to the oldest Jewish community in Europe. You can roam the streets of the neighborhood and absorb centuries of history. You should also head to the museums and temples in the area to get a better outlook of Jewish life in Rome.

Piazza Navone is one of the largest and most elaborate piazza squares in Rome. The square houses three attractive fountain systems as well. In the background, you will be able to see the Church of Sant'Agnese, which gives Piazza Navone the visual grandeur. A number of musicians and artists ply their trade in Piazza Navone and that should make for an entertaining experience for you.

Another prominent piazza in Rome, Campo de Fiori was once a field of flowers. The piazza was paved in the mid-15th century. Currently, the piazza is one of the most flourishing parts of the city, given its popularity among businesses. As you spend your time in the area, you will be able to appreciate structures like Palazzo Orsini that lie in the vicinity.

The seven hills of Rome are well known. The Gianicolo Hill, however, doesn’t make the cut and is called the eighth hill of Rome. It is the second highest peak in Rome and as such offers a sweeping view of the city ahead. Gianicolo Hill also has the unofficial accreditation of Rome’s lover’s lane, as you are likely to find out during your walk.

Santa Maria del Popolo was erected on a site that was thought to be haunted by the ghost of Roman Emperor Nero. The interiors of the basilica are a departure from the contemporary structures. The ceilings are unremarkable while the walls are elaborately decorated. There are quite a few important works of art by Caravaggio in the basilica.

Stadio dei Marmi is an open-air sports stadium that was built during the regime of Benito Mussolini. The fascist ideals of the time are leveraged in its faux Greco-Roman statues. The 59 statues represent various sports. A closer inspection of the statues will reveal the attention that was paid to ensure that the figures have features to the liking of the regime.

By order, many of the museums in Rome allow free entry on the first Sunday of every month. You can take advantage of this day to visit some of the most influential cultural institutions in Rome including the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Although the crowd will be more than usual, setting out early should do the trick.