Rome is one of the most expensive cities to live in Europe, while at the same time being knee-deep in history and fashion houses, but how about those who travel to or live in Rome that want to do things on a shoestring budget? Although Rome might be quite costly, please see out list of things you can do in Rome for free.
Visit the Vatican Museum
Rome and Catholicism live hand in hand like birds of a feather that fly together. Still today nearly 2,000 years down the line and Italy really is still deeply catholic. If you are interested in culture, history or religion, you could explore the Vatican Museum, and whilst you normally need a ticket to see it, the Vatican Museum is open for free to the public entering between 09:00 and 12:30 on every last Sunday of the month. Imagine getting to see the Sistine Chapel of Michelangelo fame for free! Don’t miss out on this great free opportunity to see the world’s history at first hand.
Chill out around the squares
Rome is very famous for its squares and the picturesque baroque fountains at Piazza Navona and Piazza della Republica, or the marble floors at Piazza della Rotuda, which is also overlooked by the Pantheon. The atmosphere in and around those three squares is always vibrant, and couple that with the fact that strolling around the squares while absorbing this majestic city is free, you simply can’t do wrong.
Eat free food at ‘aperitif’ bars
After visiting the Vatican Museum and strolling around the city’s beautiful squares, you have probably worked up quite an appetite. Eating cheaply in Rome can be quite a difficult affair and you don’t want to be trawling the city trying to find the cheapest place… it could take all day. What you could do is enjoy the aperitif culture of the city, which is an alcoholic drink just before food. If you pay just 5 Euros for an aperitif, you can also fill up a full plate of tasty snacks for free. The snacks are usually pasta, finger food and cold sandwiches, which for those on a budget is a great way to full your stomach for the minimal outlay!