People often imagine Rome as a city of big tickets and even bigger bills. And sure — you can spend a fortune here if you want to.
But the truth is, Rome gives away some of its best experiences for free, or close to it.
Here are ten unforgettable places where the Eternal City shows her best side — all for under €10.
1. The Pantheon for €5 (or Free at Mass)
The Pantheon It’s the best-preserved ancient building in the city, still standing nearly 2,000 years after it was built. Walk through its bronze doors, and you’ll find yourself under that massive dome — with the oculus at the top casting a beam of natural light across the marble floor.
There’s now a €5 entry fee for most visitors, but it’s worth every cent. Locals and under-18s go in free, and here’s a secret: you can still enter for nothing if you attend Mass on Saturdays or Sundays.
2. Trevi Fountain – Toss a Coin, Spend Nothing
Everyone knows the Trevi Fountain. The Baroque masterpiece has been drawing crowds for centuries, and in 2025, it’s still free to visit.
Here’s what’s new: during the day (9:00 AM to 9:00 PM), the city now limits access. About 400 people are allowed at a time, so you’ll probably wait in a short line. But come early in the morning or late at night, and the barriers are gone — leaving you with the sound of rushing water and the fountain practically to yourself.
And a warning: don’t sit on the edge, don’t dip your feet, and definitely don’t even think about climbing in. The fines are no joke, starting at €250 and going up to €500. Respect the rules, and you’ll have one of the most memorable moments of your trip.
3. St. Peter’s Basilica
You don’t need a ticket to step into St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s one of the most awe-inspiring churches on Earth, filled with treasures like Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s soaring bronze canopy.
Entry is free, but if you want to climb the dome for sweeping views over Rome, it’s €8 — still well under budget.
Go early in the morning (8–9 AM) to skip the worst of the lines, and remember the dress code: shoulders and knees covered, no hats inside. Security is tight, but worth the wait. The feeling when you walk in for the first time is something you won’t forget.
4. Piazza Navona
Built on the footprint of an ancient Roman stadium, Piazza Navona is now one of the liveliest squares in the city. Three fountains, cafés spilling onto the cobblestones, street artists sketching portraits — it’s the kind of place you can linger for hours without spending a cent.
The star here is Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, with its dramatic sculptures representing the great rivers of the world. But the real joy is just being there, soaking it all in. Day or night, it’s always alive.
5. The Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps aren’t just a staircase. They’re a meeting place, a photo stop, and one of the best free viewpoints in Rome. Climb all 135 steps and you’ll be rewarded with views of the city, especially at sunset when the rooftops glow golden.
New rules mean you can’t sit on the steps anymore — but you can still walk up and enjoy the views. Early morning or evening is best, when the crowds thin out and the light softens.
6. Villa Borghese Gardens
When the heat and chaos of the city get too much, escape to the Villa Borghese Gardens. This massive park in the heart of Rome is free to enter and feels like a breath of fresh air. Wander under shady trees, rent a bike, or find the little lake with its postcard-perfect Temple of Asclepius.
The Terrazza del Pincio, at the edge of the gardens, gives you one of the best views in Rome — especially at sunset, when the city glows.
The park is open every day from dawn to dusk, and it’s especially beautiful in spring and autumn when the colors are at their best.
7. Campo de’ Fiori Market Rome
By day, Campo de’ Fiori is one of Rome’s most famous markets. Stalls overflow with fresh fruit, flowers, pasta, and souvenirs. By night, the square fills with bars and locals heading out for a drink.
It’s free to wander, and if you want to shop, bargaining is sometimes possible. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth the stroll just to feel the atmosphere.
8. Gianicolo Hill – The Best View in Rome
Rome has seven hills, but Gianicolo (or Janiculum) is often called the “eighth.” It’s where you go for a view that takes in the entire city. From the top, domes and rooftops stretch to the horizon.
There’s also a quirky tradition: every day at noon, soldiers fire a cannon. The boom echoes across the city, a ritual that dates back to the 19th century when it was used to keep all the church bells in sync.
Go at sunset for the most unforgettable panorama — and it won’t cost you a thing.
9. Rome Churches with Free Entry
One of Rome’s greatest secrets? The churches. Most are free to enter, and many contain masterpieces you’d pay to see in a museum.
Just steps from Piazza Navona, San Luigi dei Francesi holds three Caravaggio paintings that will stop you in your tracks. Around the corner, Sant’Agostino has another. Santa Maria del Popolo? More Caravaggios.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the city’s four Papal Basilicas, is also free, with dazzling mosaics inside.
The only cost is a respectful dress code: cover your shoulders and knees.
10. Free Museums in Rome and Special Days
Rome isn’t short on museums, and while many charge entry, there are more free ones than you’d expect. The Barracco Museum (ancient sculptures), the Museum of the Walls, the Napoleonic Museum — all are free year-round.
And here’s the insider trick: on the first Sunday of every month, many state-run museums and archaeological sites open their doors for free. That includes the Capitoline Museums, which usually cost €15, and other major collections.
Crowds can be intense, so go early. Even better, head for the smaller museums — they’re quieter but just as rewarding.
Rome doesn’t have to drain your wallet. In fact, the Eternal City is one of the richest places in the world for free and low-cost experiences.
