The easiest time to get the most “free” out of Rome is in the middle of May during “La settimana dei beni culturali”, or annual Culture Week. This seven-day cultural extravaganza originates in the Romans’ fondness of their history and its monuments. During this week in spring, all government owned museums, churches and other buildings and monuments are open to the public free of charge.

Also, as admittance fee to the Vatican is quite hefty, please do take advantage of the last Sunday of every month. This is when the Vatican opens its doors to the public entirely for free (during limited hours). Consult the ticket office for exact hours. Moreover, do not forget to be very early for this Sunday. The queues grow tremendously due to deal-loving tourists and regular Romans who see their opportunity.

The Roman municipality operates just short of 20 museums and sights. Fortunately these museums are free of charge for any person with citizenship within the European Union.

There are ten major must-see sights that are free of charge. When visiting Rome these sights should be mandatory.

The Coliseum
One of the world’s most famous architectural marvels, the Coliseum was constructed 2000 years ago and could at its time host up to 60.000 spectators to witness the bloody gladiator games.

Forum Romanum
Many different buildings built at different times, nowadays only the ruins tell the story. The Forum Romanum was kernel of ancient Rome’s politics, economics and religion.

The Pantheon
Truly astounding building perfectly preserved from the old days. This is where public people used to be buried for eternal remembrance. Majestic building that you shouldn’t miss.

Fontana di Trevi
The beautiful fountain featured in countless movies over the decades, turning from an ancient symbol into a modern, mostly overcrowded venue.

Piazza di Campidoglio
Built by Michelangelo, said to be the most beautiful piazza in Rome, Piazza di Campidoglio invited you for a moment of amazement.

Scalinata di Spagna
The Spanish steps. A beautiful piece of history and architecture and an excellent meeting place in the middle of Rome. Take a moment to sit down on one of the steps, relax your feet and people watch for a moment.

Trastevere
Across the Tiber River you’ll find the Trastevere district. Narrow streets and cosy cafés, chic restaurants and good shopping, experience “the other centre of Rome”. Trastevere is home to some of the best restaurants in Rome but with fewer tourists. Contrary to the many tourist traps around Via del Corso, Trastevere offers you genuine Italian food.

Testaccio
This neighbourhood is gaining a lot of popularity from young people. Trendy bars and clubs keep popping up and there is a “clubby” pulse running throughout the area. This is also one of the few places where you can find good organ food (stomach etc.).

Appia Antica
This is the old road out of Rome. Along the road there are many ancient ruins and things to gaze at. Do this on a Sunday when no cars are allowed for a nice, hope fully quiet stroll.

La Bocca della Verità
This Ancient sewer gate has a legend. Place your hand in the “mouth” and according to the legend, if you’re a liar your hands will be bit off.

Other free things
Also free but perhaps a bit unexpected is learning Latin. The municipality offers free Latin lessons to tourists, presumably for the purpose of integrating tourists into the history better. Send an email to one of the local universities to learn more about this.

If you’re thirsty but don’t want to pay for overpriced tap-water, you’ll encounter the “water fountains” throughout the city. They’re called Nasone and the water originated from fresh water springs. The water is safe to drink and actually tastes quite good.

A great place to relax and perhaps have a picnic is the Borghese Gardens. It is a beautiful park close to the Zoo and also an excellent place to let your kids run about for a few moments. If you don’t have kids just lie down on the grass and relax.

The Pyramid
Like the name says, it is a pyramid. In fact it’s the only one in Rome and was constructed to be the grave of Gaius Cestius in 12 BC. The bus/tram stop is called Piramide, not very surprisingly.

Campo dei Fiori
This square features a lively market place in the mornings and a “pause” area for night clubbers in evenings, worth a visit if you’re in the neighbourhood.

Piazza Navona
In summertime this piazza functions as a scene for many performers; musicians, artists etc. Enjoying the music is indeed a nice experience. Albeit I’d advice you not to have anything in the surrounding cafés, they really tend to rip you off.

As you can see Rome does offer quite a lot of things for free. Visiting all the above mentioned sights will sure take its fair share of time so plan carefully. But I’m sure you’ll have plenty of fun and many enriching experiences while not spending a penny!