Rome, Italy can be quite expensive no matter what time of year you go. Since there are so many things to see that cost quite a bit of money, itâ??s important to save when you can. What most people donâ??t realize is that there are some free things to do in Rome. By balancing out some of these activities with more expensive ones it can make the trip more affordable.

Attractions: 

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a popular tourist attraction. Not only is it circular in appearance, but it also has large granite columns. It was built nearly two thousand years ago and holds the title of being the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. Itâ??s also considered to be one of the best preserved buildings in Rome.

Trevi Fountain

Many people who havenâ??t visited Rome before are familiar with the Trevi Fountain because it has been featured in numerous movies and magazines. It stands 86 feet tall and over 161 feet wide. It is estimated that over $4,000 in coins are thrown into the fountain each day. Millions of visitors flock to this fountain each year not only to see it, but to hopefully get a little luck when it comes to life and relationships. One legend states that if you toss a coin over your left shoulder while facing away from the fountain you will have good luck. The other legend states that if two lovers drink the water from the small fountain that is located to the left of the main structure that each person will remain faithful to the other throughout their lifetime.

Spanish Steps

This 136 step stairway was built from 1723 to 1725. It was designed by Alessandro Specchi and Francesco de Sanctis. Visitors are free to climb the steps and sit on them after a long day of walking around Rome. However, thereâ??s no eating allowed on the steps according to Roman regulations. The month of May is an especially great time to come visit the Spanish Steps as they are covered with azaleas and there is usually a flower market there as well.

St. Peterâ??s Basilica

St. Peterâ??s Basilica is one of the most historical locations in all of Rome. It was built on a historical site called the Circus of Nero. There are over 100 tombs that hold 91 deceased popes as well as a Swedish queen and holy Roman Emperor. For history buffs and those that are just curious about Romeâ??s past, this is one of the most interesting places to visit in the city.

Museums: 

On the last Sunday of every month some of the museums allow admittance free of charge including the Vatican Museums and the Capitoline Museums. The Vatican Museums make up the museums located within the Vatican City. They have large collections of art work that include both Renaissance inspired pieces and sculptures. These museums were founded by Pope Julius II in the 16^th century. One of the more visited areas are The Sistine Chapel, that had its ceiling decorated by Michelangelo, as well as the Stanze della Segnatura, that was decorated by Raphael. The Vatican Museums receive over 5 million visitors each year. The Capitoline Museums consists of the archeological and art museums in Piazza del Campidoglio. The origins of these museums can be traced back to 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV took a collection of ancient bronzes and donated them to the citizens of Rome. Today the museumsâ?? collections of work consists of jewels, medieval artworks as well as Roman statues and artifacts.

Even though Rome can be expensive you can still find some affordable, and even free activities. Thereâ??s a lot to do in Rome and you donâ??t have to spend a lot of money to be able to soak in the rich culture and learn about its deep roots in history. If you are looking for something inexpensive to do, you can always ask one of the locals what they recommend. Often times they will know of some activities around the city that donâ??t cost a lot. Tours are also an affordable way to experience Rome. We have a variety of tours available for travelers in both Rome and throughout the world.