2. Negotiate prices with stores and vendors to save money.
Rome, Italy can be expensive but if you need to give your pocketbook a vacation while you are on vacation here are plenty of things to do that won’t cost you a thing.
Fountains are everywhere in Italy. Two of the best are in Rome, the Fontana di Quattro Fiumi in Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain.
According to legend, with your back to the Trevi fountain toss 3 coins over your shoulder into the water. You will be 1) assured of returning to Rome, 2) fall in love with an Italian sweetheart, and 3) marry your sweetheart.
#2. The Borghese Gardens and the Via Veneto.
Wander up the Via Veneto to the Borghese Gardens. The Via Veneto is home to cafés, bars, stores and one really nice book store. At the top of the Via Veneto you can see a section of the old walls that surrounded Rome. On the other side of the wall are the Borghese Gardens, a large public park with its own fountains and statues.
The gardens were built by the architect Flaminio Ponzio for the Villa Borghese Pinciana.
The Piazze are considered the centers of life in Italy. The Piazza Navona is my favorite. You can sit in the Piazza and enjoy the fountain (Fontana di Quattro Fiumi) and the architecture of the surrounding buildings.
Here is a best of Rome walking tour. You will see video footage of the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain.
Built between AD 118-125 the The Pantheon is a marvel of ancient Rome.
Set into the wall of the portico of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is the “Mouth of Truth”. It is thought that the Bocca della Veritá is an ancient drain cover. It is Medieval folklore that if you stick your fingers in the mouth and tell a lie, the Bocca della Veritá will bite your fingers off.
Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn in the movie “Roman Holiday” made “The Mouth of Truth” even more famous. In a scene in the movie, Gregory Peck put his hand in the mouth and pretended to have his hand cut off.
In fact, “Roman Holiday” features many of the top tourist spots in Rome.
The churches in Rome are spectacular and many of them are free. Just as important, in the summer they are cool. San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter’s in Chains) is home to Michelangelo’s statue of Moses. Remember, most churches do not allow shorts or bare shoulders, so cover up.
The Spanish Steps are a good place to sit and take a breather from a day of touring. You can sit on the steps, but you cannot eat on the steps.
Campo de’ Fiori is a large, open air market is a hub of activity. Flowers, fruits, vegetables, cheese, are all sold here. Strike up a conversation with the vendors, ask them where they are from and where their produce was grown. If you are lucky they will give you a free taste.
Wander up the Via dei Fori Imperiali and see Trajan’s Market (Mercati di Traiano), the Colosseum (Colosseo), Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino), Roman Forum (Foro Romano) and the Palatine Hills (Palatino). This is the heart of what is left of ancient Rome. The Roman Forum and Arch of Constantine are free.
Stores are everywhere and they range from the cheap to the absurdly expensive, but window shopping won’t cost you a thing.
After saving all this money treat yourself to a Gelato, in the flavor of your choice, and sit and look around you. Think what it would have been like to live in Rome 2,000 years ago, consider all that has happened in that span of time and then think of how many things are still the same. You may come away with a new appreciation of your place in the world.
Eyewitness has a Top 10 Guide for larger cities that is chock full of information. The Eyewitness Guide Top 10 Rome, Italy captures the essence and spirit of this great city in a small pocket size guide. The Eyewitness Guide to Rome includes usable maps on the inside cover. This small guide will fit in the back pocket of your jeans.
Enjoy your stay in Rome. When you return from Italy, add to our discussion of best free things to do in Rome in the comments below.
When in Rome, do not forget the Pope! This amazing figure is historically unique, holding a 2000-year linage to the Apostles as the spiritual head of millions globally. His influence supercedes that of the majority of heads of states.
Each Wednesday, the Pope holds a public audience at the Vatican which is only limited by the space of the meeting hall (admission is free). Whether you are Catholic or not, this special opportunity should not be missed when in Rome. I’ll always remember the special chance of listening to Pope John-Paul II while he was still alive.
And next door there is the Vatican museum. Christianity has inspired the greatest art of all ages, and in this one area is found an unprecedented collection.
The post is very nice & interesting these ten free things you tell us about are very interesting & I want to do it when I go Italy.
Best 10 Free Things to Do in Rome, Italy - Video & Photos Included. Top Points of Interest.