Top 10 Things to Do in Rome for Free

September 7, 2016

Off the shoulder floral ruffle dress

When I decided to fly into Rome for the 3rd time, I knew there’d be much to see. After all, this incredibly historic city has so much to offer and it had been years since my last visit. I went ahead and packed some summery pieces including this floral ruffle dress which has stretch, is under $20 and doesn’t wrinkle – a perfect item to throw into the suitcase! If you’re headed to Rome on a time constraint and a budget, here are 10 great things you can do for free.

Off the shoulder floral ruffle dressOff the shoulder floral ruffle dressOff the shoulder floral ruffle dressOff the shoulder ruffle dress Off the shoulder dressOff the shoulder floral ruffle dressOff the shoulder ruffle floral dress

Trevi Fountain is one of my all time favourites to visit when I’m in Rome. It might be attributed to the fact that it’s the first architectural sculpture I visited on my first trip to Rome about 7 or 8 years ago. Its beauty is truly striking. It gets crowded throughout the day, but if you move up towards the fountain, there are usually people that come and go frequently, don’t be shy and go straight to the front, grab a seat and admire the beautiful structure that was built where one of the longest aqueducts in Rome end. Legends has it that if you turn your back to the fountain and toss a coin from your right hand over the left shoulder, you’ll ensure your return to this beautifully historic city one day. For as grand as this fountain is, it’s incredibly clean. I mean, who doesn’t want to return? I’d come back for the gelato, pasta and pizza alone! The Trevi Fountain is currently undergoing repairs and is commissioned by Fendi, which explains why they were able to hold their latest runway show right over it! By the way, to the naked eye, you really can’t tell restoration is really needed.

Spanish Steps are located in the centre of the luxury goods district, but also surrounded by tons of great restaurants, shops and pretty alleys that are worth spending hours roaming through. When I first visited, this place was hustling and bustling with locals and travellers. People would sit on the steps and hang out and chat all evening. There would be a musician playing music. It’s just a great spot to kill time and people watch. There is as beautiful park if you walk up the steps and continue along the path. Grab a gelato, or a boxed tiramisu from Pompi and sit along the steps to admire the area.

Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II (also known as Altars della Patria) is just up the hill from the Colosseum on the way to Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. This was our path of choice. The monument was designed by many established sculptors from all over the country. If you go up the stairs and enter, you can climb to the top and get a great panoramic view of Rome. This is also the spot where these pictures are taken. You’ll see the Colosseum and the buildings surrounding the city.

Santa Maria Maggiore is located near the Rome Termini central station. Ranked as one of the top 5 basilicas in Rome and the largest in the city, this should be a must-see spot on your list of places to visit during your visit. Some people have described it as being just as beautiful as the basilica at the Vatican, only less busy, which in itself is quite rare in Rome, don’t you think?

San Pietro in Vincoli is “best known for being the home of Michelangelo’s statue of poses, part of the tomb of Pope Julius II” The basilica closes midday and re-opens, so check the website for hours. Basilica Papale San Paolo Fuori le Mura is a quieter basilica that isn’t quite in the city centre. It’s still a very pretty structure, but you get to appreciate it in silence, which is kind of rare in Rome.

Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri  is just outside of Republica Theatre Opera metro station. Once known to be the official state church, this basilica is definitely worth seeing.

Piazza del Campidoglio is one of the prettiest public squares designed by Michelangelo and located on the Capitol Hill in Rome. Walking around this area, you’ll find the beautiful buildings. It’s a gorgeous, photogenic spot.

Pantheon just had to be on this list purely for the fact that it has influenced so many great architectural designs for years, and rightly so. The structure isn’t as big as the Santa Maria Maggiore, but has its own beauty and simplicity. The rotunda has influenced so many famous architects since its inauguration. Plus, Raphael’s tomb is stored within this very structure.

Piazza Navona with Fontana dei Quattro is another lovely fountain to see on your trip. This was in an old movie with Audrey Hepburn, Three Coins in the Fountain, so when you visit, remember to throw in 3 coins.

Free walking tours are available in Rome. You can check out the link here. I didn’t end up doing this, but I think it would’ve been really good to have someone provide a wealth of information at each stop.

There are so many free attractions in Rome, but these are some of my favourites. When you visit, check the hours of each on their websites, as some basilicas and spots close midday. Make sure to bring a long scarf with you, as you are expected to cover your upper legs and shoulders when entering basilicas. If you are in Rome on the first Sunday of the month, you’ll get into select museums for free. If you choose to go to really popular sites with a paid entry such as the Colosseum, the line moves pretty quickly, so don’t feel discouraged or believe all the tour guides when they say it takes 2 hours to get in (unless it really wraps around all the structure). Do you have a favourite spot in Rome? I’d love to hear. If you plan on visiting, let me know below!

You can also follow me on Bloglovin♥, find me on TwitterInstagram or Snapchat at mikialamode.

Xo,

Miki

Dress available here.

Photo credit to my one and only, Rise Again BJJ.

You Might Also Like

  • jasna September 7, 2016 at 6:07 am

    I wish I could go to Rome, it looks so beautiful and I love your dress too! 🙂

  • Vanessa September 7, 2016 at 7:51 am

    Miki, you look stunning in Rome! Rome is one of my fave cities in Europe and I really enjoyed reading your tips! Nothing better when it’s free!

    I hope your day is as beautiful as you are!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com

  • Deasy Noel September 7, 2016 at 8:27 am

    That dress is so striking, and only for $20?! Glad to hear that Rome is treating you well! I will have to bookmark this page for when I head on over there (hopefully in the near future, hehe).

    http://www.deasynoel.com

  • Luci's Morsels September 7, 2016 at 11:40 am

    Miki, you look gorgeous in all your photos! This floral dress is stunning!

    Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.

  • dora September 7, 2016 at 3:30 pm

    You look absolutely stunning in that dress! I hope I get to see Rome one day and visit all these amazing places
    Dora 🙂
    http://www.adropofindigo.com/

  • Nadiyah September 7, 2016 at 5:04 pm

    Ooo, that’s such a pretty dress. You look gorgeous.
    Visiting Rome is definitely on my list of destinations to visit.
    And get this, the first place you’ll find me is in an outdoor restaurant
    eating spaghetti and pomodoro. I can’t wait!

  • Roses September 7, 2016 at 7:02 pm

    I love the dress!

  • Kasie Chelanne September 7, 2016 at 9:46 pm

    These are all such wonderful suggestions! I’m definitely pinning this for future trips. All of the basilicas sound absolutely incredible.

  • Jenn September 8, 2016 at 3:53 am

    Your outfit is perfect for a stroll around Rome! I love the off-the-shoulder neckline and the floral pattern. I wish I can visit Rome too! Well, I must work hard to save up! 🙂

    Jenn
    The Pink Lemonade Girl
    YouTube
    Bloglovin

  • Sister Tales September 8, 2016 at 9:46 pm

    Yes, hi Miki, FREE is my middle name 😛 Loving this post! I keep a little pictured journal of all my go to places to visit and I take notes whenever I can and lets just say you filled up a page in my “Rome” section 😀
    xoxo, simona and indre

    https://www.sistertalessite.com

  • Shannon September 8, 2016 at 10:20 pm

    Great guide. Will be useful for a trip over there. Love the dress & the photos too. Stunning.

    TFM BLOG

  • Noma September 9, 2016 at 6:43 am

    That bag is divine and goes perfectly with the dress. 🙂

    XoXo Noma

  • Emily September 9, 2016 at 4:18 pm

    Your dress is so pretty! So many good things on this list. Pretty sure I could hang out all day on the Spanish Steps alone. Maybe with a good pizza. I love it when cities have free walking tours too. A great way to get some exercise and see the city! Hope you have a great weekend, and great list!

    -Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com

  • Crissy September 9, 2016 at 6:20 pm

    Miki! I love this blog post! When I get the chance to go back to Italy one day I will have to come back to this post. It seems like you’re having an amazing time on your trip! You look stylish as always and I really enjoyed reading this post!

    ~Crissy
    http://www.whimsicalfawn.com

  • Jan September 11, 2016 at 3:15 am

    Hi, I’m to be able to stumble your page. It’s a lovely site. That dress is pretty . I checked the website, and would’ve really ordered some if I still stayed in the States. They have really pretty good collection without costing an arm and a leg.

    Thanks for great tips. I’ve never been to Italy, but it’s one of the places I want to visit. And never thought about covering legs and all when going inside Basilicas. I thought, it wouldn’t be a great deal since they are visited so much with tourist.

  • Marianne Sophia September 11, 2016 at 1:09 pm

    Wow, I would love to go to Rome, it sounds beautiful! Your outfit is so pretty, I love your bag, it is such a lovely colour!

    Much love,
    Marianne x http://www.beautiful-in-essence.blogspot.com

  • Janis September 11, 2016 at 6:50 pm

    I think that is the prettiest dress you have worn yet in the blog, so very cute and sweet. Enjoy your trip Hun.

  • Matlab September 18, 2016 at 8:28 am

    tinuta ta este perfect pentru o plimbare în jurul valorii de la Roma

  • Sharon Wu September 18, 2016 at 11:41 am

    Omg! You are so pretty Miki! Love your dress. Looks like you had a blast in Rome. I haven’t been yet but hope to go soon especially now that you’ve shared a list of fun things to do for FREE there! How can I say no to free, right?! Thank you so much for sharing! Hope your weekend is going well xoxo, sharon

    http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/back-school-style-american-eagle/