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Rome's Ultimate Free Walking Tours

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Ancient Rome's Ultimate Night Walk

Piazza del Popolo and Historical Sights Walking Tour in Rome

Rome's Ultimate Bike Tour

Ultimate Underground Tour in Rome

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ROME'S ULTIMATE FREE WALKING TOURS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Rome Free Walking Tour

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Rome Free Walking Tour - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

Rome Free Walking Tour

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Rome Free Walking Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

ROME FREE WALKING TOUR

Walking tours & excursions in rome, daily walking tours.

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Private Tours

Featured tours.

• Info Up to 8 people
• User All ages
• Hour Glass 3 hours

Pasta and Tiramisù Experience with a Roman Chef

Come with us to discover the flavors and aromas of traditional Italian cuisine. We will welcome you in a typical kitchen of a private Roman apartment, in the center of Rome, where you will enjoy cooking with a Roman chef.

• POPULAR TOUR
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Daily Free Walking Tours of Rome

Our free daily tours depart in the morning and afternoon, giving you two opportunities to see all the major highlights of the incredible city of Rome, like the Spanish Steps, Colosseum, and more.

• Info Up to 13 people

Ancient Rome & Colosseum Gladiators Group Tours

Our small-group tour of Ancient Rome with arena access lets you enjoy the wonders of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum, with a rare glimpse at life in Ancient Rome.

Best of Rome Tour - Private Tours for Groups

This private Rome tour takes you to see all the highlights of the Eternal City and is great for school groups. See Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza Navona, and more.

WHY OUR FREE WALKING TOURS IN ROME ARE THE BEST IN THE CITY

• Great introduction to Rome
• Two different daily free tours
• Expert licensed tour guides
• Fully authorized local guides
• Friendly free tours for everyone
• Free walking tours in two languages

READ SOME OF OUR FANTASTIC REVIEWS ON TRIPADVISOR ★★★★★

We did the afternoon free walking tour (English group). The tour guide was very good, starting at Spanish steps, continuing to Trevi Fountain, then to Venezia square and through the Roman Forum to finally reach the Colosseum. The tour lasted 2h and it was a pleasure to hear some interesting stories that we could not read in our guide books. We were with our 9 years old child and the tour was not exhausting.

The free walking tour is a great way to be introduced to the city. The guide, Laura, was very kind, open and she knows a lot. She could tell funny details that you couldn't read in any guide book, and she was great at interacting with all the people in the group. I highly recommend to go on a tour with her.

We took the morning tour with Alessandra and cannot praise her enough. A very professional, friendly and informative guide, who clearly loves the city she lives in. She offered the right amount of information to keep us engaged through to the end of the tour, despite the rain. Good coverage of the main sights. Highly recommended.

We did both the morning and afternoon tours. Would highly recommend both. Our tour guides Fabio and Sylvia were brilliant. Fabio has photos to accompany his information. The information was brilliant! I would do these at the start of your trip to understand the city more!

People really love our tours

Read some of the fantastic reviews travelers are leaving on  TripAdvisor  for our Rome Free Walking Tours.

We have  over 2,000 very positive TripAdvisor reviews . So many travelers cannot be wrong!

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Free Walking Tours in Rome

With local guides.

Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City, a place that needs no introduction.

There are 5 types of free tours in Rome, Italy, one of ancient Rome, another of Rome's centre, the Vatican museums, and St. Peter's Basilica, one that covers the Trastevere neighborhood, as well as free food tours.

We let you know about your options, provide schedules, and explain what you will see on each tour.

We are a group of local walking tour guides who lead daily walking tours throughout Rome.

We have also written several self-guided walks as well as audio tours of the city.

And, in the video below, Matteo from Rome Free Tours, one of our local guides, takes you on a virtual walk of Piazza Navona.

OVERVIEW AND SCHEDULE

Searching Availability...

You can also book private tours for your group to customize the time and what you'd like to see in Rome! Highly rated What About Tours offers custom private tours.

• 2 pax - 50€ per person
• 3-5 pax - 40€ per person
• 6-10 pax - 35€ per person
• 11-20 pax - 30€ per person
• Children 0-14 years old are free of charge

More Tour Options?  More tours are available in the individual tour sections below.

• Ancient Rome
• Rome City Centre
• Rome Food Tours
• Night + Ghost Tours

This model of free tours is that they are technically free to take and there is no obligation to pay anything at the end.

However, they are popularly understood as pay-what-you-like tours. How much you pay is dependent on you.

You can pay what you think your walk was worth or what you could afford at the tour’s end. 

According to online reviews, most participants contribute between €10 to €20 per adult to the tour guide when they feel the tour was good.

Just about all of the companies have local guides who grew up in Rome or nearby.

We also offer tours throughout Italy including:

ANCIENT ROME FREE WALKING TOURS

These free walking tours cover notable historic sites which, in some cases, date back more than two millennia. 

If you’re interested in learning why Rome is called the Eternal City, these tours will give you plenty of information about how this city became home to one of the most remarkable empires in the history of the world. 

Learn about the emperors who ruled over the Roman Empire and the gladiators who entertained the masses.

Here are a few of the ancient sites you can expect to see on these tours:

• Roman Forum
• Palatine Hill
• Capitoline Hill
• Circus Maximus

You will also see not-so-ancient sights such as Piazza Venezia and the Campidoglio.

This walk is an abridged version of our Ancient Rome audio tour. Listen to a sample of the tour.

There is no schedule (take our tours anytime you wish). We also have an audio tour of Central Rome.

• Purchase this audio tour from our Booking Page  (scroll down to Rome).
• You’ll receive a confirmation email with a .pdf, Google Map link, and audio tour.
• Enjoy the tour(s).

For more information, check out our self-guided tour of the Roman Fori .

The free tours will not include admission to any of the attractions listed above and cover them from viewing platforms. 

You can purchase tickets for them either before or after your free tour.

However, the free tours cover areas not usually covered on the paid tours, including the Imperial Roman fora.

The paid tours, on the other hand, all include tickets to the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill.

Reservations are required for all tours.

New Rome Free Tour

Discover the history of the Roman Republic and Imperial Rome on this 2-hour free walking tour of the most ancient locations in the city.

This company has an overall rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, and reviewers suggest that they provide tips to help you get inside popular landmarks quickly, efficiently, and affordably. 

Their team is filled with local guides from Rome, who really know the hidden gems.

You can take this pay-what-you-wish tour every day at 11 am, and they also offer a tour of the city centre at 17:00 (5 pm) on the same day!

Meeting point: Foro Traiano (Trajan's Column) View the calendar above . Reservations are required .

Paid Ancient Rome Tours

If you’re looking for a tour that offers small group sizes, there are several paid tours you can take that you might want to consider.

In contrast to the free tours, all of these tours include admission to the Colosseum, the Forum, and Palatine Hill. 

Ticket prices range from €20-€80 and last for 2-4 hours on average.

Check this list of paid ancient Rome tours to find an outing that fits your itinerary.

FREE CENTRAL ROME TOURS

These free walking tours focus on the centre of Rome, such as the baroque squares and fountains and Renaissance architecture, rather than ancient Rome.

While some of the sites you’ll see are very old, this type of tour is about both helping first-time visitors become more familiar with the city and covering some of the history of Rome.

Join licensed Rome tour guide, Sara from Rome Tour Guide on a walk on and around the Spanish Steps.

If you’re looking for an introductory tour that provides a look at a wide variety of attractions and historical landmarks, central Rome tours are an excellent option.

Here are a few of the sites you can expect to see on these outings:

• Piazza Navona
• Bernini's 'Fountain of the Four Rivers
• The Pantheon
• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish Steps
• Venice Square
• Campo de' Fiori

A few tours even cover Villa Borghese from the outside.

Discover what you can see with our self-guided tour of Central Rome .

To learn more about these locations and get help finding your way around the Eternal City, consider one of the free walking tours listed below.

This company offers a free guided tour of the city centre which covers some of the most notable or historic architecture and the artwork you’ll find throughout Rome.

Their local guides will also point out some hidden gems and share anecdotes.

With an overall rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars , this is one of the best-reviewed tour services in the entire city, and reviewers indicate that they also provide tips on the best places to eat!

Their 2-hour city centre tour is available daily at 17:00 (5 pm), which means you can enjoy both this outing and their Ancient Rome tour on the same day!

They also offer a Rome at Dusk Tour that has a similar route as the previously mentioned tour but starts at 20:30 (8:30 pm).

Reservations are required.   View the calendar above .

GPS-Led Audio Tour

Before we list the live guide tours, if you are looking to explore on your own in this age of social distancing, then we recommend taking a look at the following resource.

We offer a GPS-led audio tour of Rome’s City Centre researched, written, and recorded by one of our very own tour guides. 

Our tour begins at the Spanish Steps and visits some of Rome’s top sights, including most of the locations listed above in the intro.

Here's a sample.

There is no schedule (take our tours anytime you wish). We also have an audio tour of the Roman Forum.

• Purchase this audio tour from our Booking Page  (scroll down to Rome) ($2.99/download).

TRASTEVERE + THE OLD JEWISH GHETTO

Discover a side of Rome that you might not otherwise visit on a tour of neighbourhoods you usually won’t visit on other tours.

Trastevere is the area across the River Tiber.

In addition to visiting this location, you’ll also make a stop on Tiberine Island to see the area once known as the Old Jewish Ghetto.

You can expect to visit the following locations while taking one of these free walking tours:

• Vicolo dell’Atleta
• Isola Tiberina
• Portico d’Ottavia
• Jewish Ghetto

If you want to learn more and see these neighbourhoods for yourself, consider taking one of the tours listed below.

We also have our self-guided walk of the Old Jewish Ghetto .

New Rome Free Tours

We offer a food tour of Trastevere on both Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 am. 

The tour includes several different food tastings! Taste one of the best pizzas in town, and savour the greatest salumi and porchetta and cheeses like Pecorino Romano.

While you walk from one food stop to another, you will be shown the best highlights of this unique area of Rome.

Paid Tours of Trastevere & Jewish Ghetto

There are a variety of paid services that cover the Trastevere and Jewish neighbourhoods. 

Whether you want to learn more about the area on foot, by bike, or by segway, there are several different tours to choose from.

In addition to these options, there are also some food tours in each location you might want to consider.

Ticket prices tend to range from €60-€100 or more, and many of these tours are also limited to smaller groups or are entirely private, allowing you to decide who joins you on the outing.

Check this list of paid Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto tours to learn more and find a service that fits your itinerary.

Rick Steves’ Audio Tours

If you want to discover these neighbourhoods at your own pace, Rick Steves offers two audio tours, one of Trastevere and one of the Old Jewish Ghetto. 

You can use your smartphone to either download the Rick Steves app and listen to the audio tour with their service or you can download the audio file and listen to it that way.

There is also a map you can download with each tour which will help you to find your way around the city.

• Trastevere Walk
• Jewish Ghetto Walk

FREE VATICAN TOURS

Although the Vatican Museums do require a ticket for admission, there are some audio tours you can use for free after entering the building.

There is also at least one audio tour that covers St. Peter’s Basilica as well (which is free to enter).

• Castel Sant'Angelo
• Ponte Sant'Angelo
• St. Peter's Basilica
• St. Peter's Square
• Via della Conciliazione
• Vatican Museums
• Passetto di Borgo

We do not offer our own free walking tours anywhere in Vatican City, but there are usually a few options to choose from here .

There are also several audio tours to choose from.

Paid Vatican Tours

There are several paid tours for visitors who are looking for a guided tour or a different kind of experience at the Vatican. 

Some of these outings offer reserved entrance, others cover both the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, and there are even early morning priority access tours you may want to consider.

Ticket prices range from €20 - €60 on average.

Some tours are either private or limited in size, so if you want to be part of a small tour group, these tours may be right for you.

Look at this list of paid Vatican tours to find the right service for your needs.

If you’re planning to visit either the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, or St. Peter’s Basilica, this company offers an audio tour of each location which is available either to download or via their app.

In addition to Rick’s audio tours, some maps will help you find all the best pieces of art and historical sites within each building.

• Vatican Museums Tour
• Sistine Chapel Tour
• St. Peter’s Basilica Tour

FREE ROME FOOD TOURS

Currently, there is only one company offering free food tours in Rome, and they focus on three neighbourhoods in the city: the Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere, and Monti.

Each of these outings includes at least 3-4 stops at great restaurants and food shops where you’ll find some of the best dishes in the city.

The foods you will try on these tours vary quite a bit depending on which neighbourhood they cover, but most outings will cover some of the following options:

• Parmigiano Reggiano

Although you don’t have to pay for the tour, you will have to pay for any food you might purchase along the way, and you should expect to spend around €10-€15 on average.

The nice thing is that even if you tip them another €10-€15 for the tour, you’ll still spend significantly less on this than you typically would on a paid Rome food tour.

In addition to their free walking tours, this company also provides 2-hour pay-what-you-wish food tours which allow you to pick and choose the dishes you will try.

Their Trastevere food tour is offered on both Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 am. 

You can also take their Old Jewish Ghetto food tour on both Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 am.

Alternatively, you may also want to consider their Monti food tour on Mondays through Thursdays + Saturdays at 16:00 (4 pm). It also sometimes runs on Mondays at 11:00 am.

Paid Rome Food Tours

If you’re looking for a different kind of food tour or one that covers another area of the city, there are several paid options to choose from.

While some outings cover specific types of dishes such as street food, others provide a look at the best places to grab a bite in the city centre, Testaccio, and many other locations in Rome.

Ticket prices range from €40-€100 and some services offer small or private tour groups so that you’ll get the full attention of your guide.

Take a look at this list of paid Rome food tours to find one you like.

If you’re looking for another option, consider our self-guided Rome food tour .

ROME NIGHT AND GHOST TOURS

Rome is wonderful at all hours but Rome at dusk and by night is magical.

There are a few free night tours available most evenings as well as several ticketed tours, including tours of the Colosseum and the Vatican .

When daylight starts to fade, our passionate guides will show you the most authentic heart of Rome when it starts to emerge: the crowds thin, the locals come out and the monuments seem to exhale as they see off the last visitors and dress up in nighttime lighting.

This night tour runs daily at 20:30 (8:30 pm).

Ghost and Mystery Tours

There are usually a couple of pay-what-you-wish ghost or mystery/dark Rome tours available multiple times a week, if not daily.

We offer a daily ghost tour on weekdays @ 21:00 (9 pm). You can book this tour here .

Click here for even more options .

FREE TOURS WITH TOURIST PASSES

A tourist pass (or city pass) bundles together several tours and attractions into one discounted ticket or gives you discounted entry.

If you are considering purchasing a tourist pass, keep in mind that some might come with free walking tours already included.

Read our post on these passes .

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Rome Free Walking Tour

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Rome Free Walking Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Rome Free Walking Tour

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ROME FREE WALKING TOUR - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Welcome to Rome's Ultimate Free Walking Tour

Tour runs twice daily at 11am and 4pm.

Rome's Ultimate Free Tour brings the city's history to life like never before.

The free tour aims to show you a rich core of Roman history, an introduction to Christianity and its origins in Rome, as well as the usual funny stories, places to eat, sites to visit, and some essential nightlife recommendations.

The tour lasts around 2.5-3 hours and covers around 3km, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Personal experience

Unlike many others, we limit the size of our groups to 15 maximum. This creates a more personal experience where people can ask questions and seek the information that they find relevant.

Rome's Ultimate free tour is lead by passionate guides with backgrounds ranging from classical history to architecture and beyond. We aim to give you a unique, in-depth look at the Eternal city.

Unmatched Quality

Our concept aims to give the highest quality exploration of Roman past and present, with no fee, and allow people to tip the guide to the value of their experience at the end of the walk.

Reservations are strongly recommended. Please book only if you plan to attend! To book the free tour simply click here . No reservation fee, no paper print outs. Bring some comfy shoes and water, and you’re all set!

Porta del Popolo

Our meeting point. The north gate of Rome, in the Aurelian walls of the city.

Piazza del Popolo

The People's Square. One of the largest and most spectacular piazzas in Rome.

Mausoleum of Augustus

The tomb of the first ever Roman Emperor.

The ancient temple to all the Roman gods and the best preserved Roman monument in the world.

Piazza Navona

One of the most idyllic piazzas in Rome including Bernini's 'Fountain of the Four Rivers'.

Ponte Sant’Angelo

The most beautiful bridge in Rome featuring Bernini's famed 'Angels'.

Castel Sant’Angelo

The military stronghold of the Vatican with a history spanning millennia.

Intro to the Vatican

The tour aims to give context and form to the Vatican and its contents and finishes with a stunning view close to St. Peter's square.

Book your spot

Mon - Sun 10:00 - 20:00

+39 064 544 7204

+39 328 765 3883 (Emergencies only )

[email protected]

Via dei Serpenti 89, Rome, 00184

How to find us

Our guide will meet you at the PORTA DEL POPOLO, the gate with 3 arches. He will be standing under the statue, on the left-hand-side of the central arch if you are facing it from the Flaminio Metro A Station.

What they say about us

Other tours

For all of you who want to experience the hidden countryside in the middle of the Eternal city!

Take an evening stroll with us and get a taste of the city where classicism blends with baroque!

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

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The Best Walking Tours in Rome

Rome is a city with layers. Literally. Stretching back thousands of years, the ancient Italian capital has been built and rebuilt, sieged and sacked, and rebuilt some more. Its history is linked to countless world-changing events over the past 2,500 years, intricately connecting it to the entirety of Western civilization. (They don’t call it the Eternal City for nothing.)

Wandering through Rome, everywhere you go as there’s some ancient column or area that was built around historic ruins.

But most of these ruins don’t have signs. There’s no story.

If you want to peel back the layers of Rome, taking a walking tour is a must. It will give you the context and story of what you’re seeing so you can better understand how the city grew, came to be, and its culture. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or culture junkie, Rome boasts countless walking tours to help you peek beneath the layers and see beyond the cacophonous and overtouristed exterior.

To help you deepen your experience and learn about Rome’s history and culture, here’s my list of what I think are the best walking tours:

Best Overall Tour

Take Walks is my favorite walking tour company in the city. They offer over two dozen excellent and insightful tours and provide insider access to many of the best sights. For example, Take Walks is the only company that allows you to accompany the key master of the Vatican Museums . They also have an exclusive Colosseum tour with VIP access to the arena floor.

Best Free Tour

New Europe offers three free tours that cover all the basics in Rome, introducing you to the city’s highlights, including the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and more. With tours covering ancient Rome, the city center, and Rome at night, you can easily get the lay of the land on a budget with New Europe. Just remember to tip your guide!

  While the two tours above are my top favorites, there are still a bunch of other great companies to consider when you visit Rome. Here are some more of my favorite walking tour companies in Rome:  

1. Devour Tours

Devour is my favorite food tour company in the city. They currently have five different food tours around the city, including a guided tour through the atmospheric food market in Testaccio , where Roman cuisine was born, as well as a food and wine tour through the narrow, cobbled, trattoria-flanked streets of Trastevere. Both these tours will leave you really full. I was so stuffed at the end.

They also offer an in-depth three-hour pasta-making class with a local chef if you want to hone your culinary skills.

Tours from 65 EUR.

2. City Wonders

If you have a proclivity for the morbid and the mysterious, this is the company for you. They run chilling 3.5-hour tour around Romes crypts and catacombs . On the tour, you’ll visit the eerie Capuchin Crypt where the bones of over 4,000 monks rest, and explore the Basilica San Martino ai Monti. You’ll also get to visit Rome’s famous catacombs, where early Christians practiced their faith in secret some 2,000 years ago. The tour includes skip-the-line access so you never have to wait, as well as a coach to take you from site to site.

Tours from 59 EUR.

3. Elizabeth Lev

This American-born guide and published art historian has been a Rome resident for 20 years. She hosts in-depth theme-based walking tours ( I love traveling with a theme ). So, if you’ve ever daydreamed of having an actual art historian accompany you to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, give Elizabeth a call. Love Baroque sculptor Bernini? Go down a 17th-century rabbit hole with her. Want to fully indulge yourself in the intriguing history of Christian Rome? Elizabeth will take you there. No matter what your interests, Elizabeth can design a tour to suit your thematic needs.

Inquire via the website for tour pricing.

4. Fat Tire Tours

This is the best bike tour in the city. Fat Tire Tours offers a three-hour bike tour of the city center, covering all the highlights, from the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain to the Circus Maximus and the Jewish Ghetto. The tours are perfect for the busy budget traveler who wants to cram in a lot of activity in a short time — without skipping out on the details in the process. And, while these tours pack a lot in, they run at a leisurely pace so you won’t feel rushed (or exhausted) as you explore.

Tours from 39 EUR.

5. Stefano Rome Tours

Founded by tour guide Stefano Costantini, this company offers private tours in and around Rome. While they say that Rome wasn’t built in a day, Stefano can help you see it in a day. In fact, the most popular tour is Rome in a Day, though there are also special tours like Rome by Night, Christian Rome, or Angels and Demons (which focuses on the filming locations of Dan Brown’s Angels & Demons ).

Stefano also offers day trips to the countryside surrounding Rome, such as to the medieval hill town of Calcata, 40 miles to the north. This bewitching village is inhabited by artists and hippies and is famed for its…curious Christian relic (featured in the excellent travel book An Irreverent Curiosity ).

Tours from 370 EUR.

6. The Roman Guy

The Roman Guy isn’t just one guy anymore, but whoever your tour guide is, you’ll walk away feeling like you know Rome much better. A large number of quality tours are on offer, including all the standard hits like the Vatican, the Colosseum, the catacombs at night, Rome in a Day, and various skip-the-line options. There is also a cocktail bar–themed tour on which you can get acquainted with the city’s burgeoning booze scene, hitting some major sites while weaving from one bar to the next.

Tours from 27 EUR.

Regardless of your budget or interests, connecting with a local guide to show you around is a great way to learn about a city. Rome is a big city, making walking tours one of the best ways to explore it. Whether you’re a first-time visitor on a budget or a veteran traveler looking to deepen your knowledge with an in-depth experience, walking tours in Rome won’t disappoint. And, while Take Walks is my favorite company, you can’t go wrong with any tours on this list!

Book Your Trip to Rome: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Need a Guide? Rome has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks . They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions.

Want More Information on Rome? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Rome for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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ROME FREE WALKING TOUR: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Best things to do and see in Rome

A free walking tour is one of the best ways to visit Rome , the historical city rich with culture and unmatchable in its beauty. Some people may feel like they are in one of the largest outdoor museums in the world because of its multitude of churches, squares, monuments, and amazing fountains along with its Mediterranean cuisine that embodies the local flavors. Getting to know this city with the help of a local guide will aid you in discovering all those mandatory stops to visit and some of the lesser-known gems this amazing city has to offer. 

Visiting a city of this magnitude is a real challenge, and is why we recommend different routes that offer alternatives and less crowded routes to get the most out of your guided visit to popular destinations like; The Coliseum, Saint Peter’s Basilica, The Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, The Vatican Museum, or Navona Square. There are guided visits in Rome which focus on the Sistine Chapel, Castel Sant’Angelo, the stairway to the Spanish Square, the Villa Borghese, the Trastevere, the People’s Square, (Piazza del Pópolo) and even the interesting street culture at the Campo de' Fiori Square. You can read more about best things to do and see in Rome.

If you would like more information about what it’s like to do a free tour in Rome in the morning, afternoon, or evening , you can read up on the opinons of other walkers who have already done a guided tour with GuruWalk. Often times, those who have done one end up coming back to the page to find another free guided tour we offer, especially when they want to learn more about other beautiful Italian cities like Genoa, Venice, Milan or Palermo. 

Free walking tour near Rome

Others cities to visit after rome, find other guruwalks in rome, where are you traveling to.

Rome's Ultimate Free Walking Tours

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Ancient Rome's Ultimate Night Walk

Piazza del Popolo and Historical Sights Walking Tour in Rome

Rome's Ultimate Bike Tour

Ultimate Underground Tour in Rome

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

ROME'S ULTIMATE FREE WALKING TOURS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Free Walking Tour of Rome

• 9.30 / 10 1,701 reviews | 11,374 travellers The visit was interesting and the girl who acted as our guide was good and very knowledgeable 10 Antonella

Do you find yourself in the Eternal City ? Then be sure to join this f ree walking tour of Rome , and discover the Italian capital's passionate history.

What Will We See?

• Piazza di Spagna
• Trevi Fountain
• Agrippa's Pantheon
• Piazza Navona

The above is simply a taste of what we can expect to see on this walking tour of Rome.

Description

At the scheduled time, we'll meet in the centre of Rome, at Piazza di Spagna . Here, we'll learn about the history of this ancient place, a location known all around the world, and has been featured in many AAA movies. Actors such as Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck performed scenes here for the movie, Roman Holiday .

Our free walking tour of Rome will then continue at some of the most renowned artistic spots. Undoubtedly, Rome is the capital city of the Baroque and its accompanying art forms. We'll discover the most typical characteristic of this style of art alongside the world-famous Trevi Fountain , the masterful work by sculptor Nicola Salvi. Be sure to throw a coin into the fountain . Remember, throw with your right hand, over your left shoulder! The money collected from the fountain is used to help out the poor around Rome. The fountain's fame was thoroughly cemented after featuring in the Fellini film ' La Dolce Vita ', in which Anita Ekberg takes a dip in its waters.

On this guided tour of the Italian capital, we'll also have ample time to admire the façade and exterior of one of the city's most impressive monuments from the era of Imperial Rome: Agrippa's Pantheon .

After checking out some of the most amazing attractions in Rome's historic centre, we'll bring this tour to an end at the Piazza Navona . Do you know which rivers the fountains in this square represent? True or False, were mock naval battles celebrated here during the era of Imperial Rome? All of these interesting facts will be revealed at the end of the tour.

Additional Information

• Groups of more than 6 people are not allowed on this free tour of Rome. If you're a larger group, please reserve our  private tour  instead.
• Children must be accompanied by a parent.
• Schools and groups of students are not permitted on this free tour.

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

English–speaking guide

Headphones for participants over 10 years old

Not included

When to book.

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Rome Bites Tours Show more

Corporate name: Filippo Calabria

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Piazza di Spagna, on the corner of Via di San Sebastianello

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How to Plan an Unforgettable Trip to Rome, According to Local Experts

Whether your tastes swing towards art and architecture, high-end shopping and dining, or browsing markets and munching on street food, it’s an exciting time to visit Rome.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Best things to do, best shopping, best nightlife, best restaurants, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

For me, the Eternal City is eternally fabulous. No matter how crowded it gets, how dysfunctional its current government is, or how many bad pizzas there are in ratio to good ones, Rome remains. It’s persisted and resisted for more than 2,775 years, and even at this ripe old age, Rome is still evolving. 

It’s an exciting time to visit Rome, and even for people who live there, the flurry of post-pandemic activity in the travel sector has been dizzying. “Archaeological sites that have been fenced-off for years are now accessible to visitors, there’s a host of innovative new tour options, and I can barely keep up with the number of absolutely stunning luxury hotels that have opened ,” says Travel + Leisure contributor and Rome resident Laura Itzkowitz, who also writes about Rome in her newsletter, The New Roman Times . “It’s a delight to see so much investment in the city and so many new ways to experience it.” 

No matter how you decide to see the city or whether your tastes swing towards art and architecture, high-end shopping and dining, or browsing markets and munching on street food, Rome gives you options. We asked Itzkowitz and some other Rome travel experts to weigh in on their favorite places and experiences to recommend in eternal Rome.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Swoon over the cityscape. Few things are as romantic as Rome at night from a vantage point like the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola or the Capitoline Hill.
• See marble turn to flesh. At the Galleria Borghese, Bernini’s lifelike sculptures are a gazillion times more impressive than what you remember from art history class. 
• Do the Full Monty of Italian dining. Bring your appetite and go big, with antipasto, pasta, main course, and dessert at a homey trat like Da Enzo da 29.  
• Get up early. At least once during your stay, request an early wake-up call to discover a deserted city. ArcheoRoma can lead the way. 
• Shop at a market. If you don’t buy produce, trinkets, or street food at a real Roman market like Testaccio or Campo de’ Fiore, have you been to Rome? 

Courtesy of Bettoja Hotels

Palazzo Vilòn

If there’s one thing our experts agree on, it’s that Palazzo Vilòn luxury apartment is the most sumptuous new address in Rome. Nicole Bono, luxury travel and events planner with Bono Events International says, “When they open the doors for you, your jaw will drop.” Gary Portuesi, a T+L Top Travel Advisor with Authentic Explorations , says that at Vilòn, “you get to live like a Roman aristocrat in an intimate palazzo in the best neighborhood.”

Singer Palace

“I'm in love with the Singer Palace these days,” says Bono of this 19th-century beauty in the former Singer sewing machine headquarters. “It's family-owned, and that is felt with every single detail in this property. You're truly cuddled from the moment you walk in the door till your last Spritz before you leave.”

Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel

T+L readers’ favorite hotel in Rome is also a hit with Portuesi, who raves about its “with its unique and secluded Mediterranean tiered secret garden walking distance from the Spanish Steps, Fontana di Trevi and Piazza del Popolo.” The hotel’s Stravinskij Bar remains one of Rome’s most elegant locales for a cocktail.  

Hotel Mediterraneo

Every time I exit Termini Station, I sigh with comfort at the sight of this trusty four-star in a fascist-era Art Deco building. Stepping through the doors feels like stepping back in time, in a good way, with old-school service, a delightful lobby bar, and humongous suites, some with skyline views of Rome.

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Basilica di San Clemente

For a real sense of how Rome’s history is layered like a lasagna, head to this church near the Colosseum — or rather, underneath it. An atmospheric archaeological area beneath the not-too-shabby 12th-century church holds an even earlier Christian church, which lies on top of a pagan altar and an ancient Roman apartment building.  

ArcheoRunning

If you’re a runner, join archaeologist, guide, and running enthusiast Isabella Calidonna on an early morning jogging tour through Rome's truly magical empty streets. (Trust me, it’s okay if you run slowly.) If you’re not a runner, don’t sweat it — she’ll be happy to do the same informative tour at a walking pace. 

Via del Governo Vecchio

Spend a late afternoon vintage shopping on my favorite street in Rome , then stick around for an aperitivo, followed by pizza and gelato. If that trifecta of Roman drinking and eating isn’t enough, this splendid street near Piazza Navona has a buzzy but manageable bar-hopping scene. 

Largo Argentina

Want to stand at the very site (or very near it, anyway) where Julius Caesar lost his life? Long visible only from street level and best known as a cat sanctuary among picturesque ruins, the archaeological area at Largo Argentina site is now open to the public, thanks to funding from Bulgari . The Curia of Pompeo, where Caesar got shivved, stands near the ruins of four ancient temples.

Galleria Borghese

Reserve your tickets in advance and prepare to be overwhelmed by the beauty here, both of the ornate salons of this noble palace turned art museum, and the amazing works inside, including Bernini’s spellbinding "Rape of Proserpine" and several Caravaggio paintings.

Testaccio Market

This sprawling covered market in the working-class Testaccio neighborhood offers an authentic slice of Roman daily life. Even if you’re not shopping for clothing, produce or fresh fish, stop for some of Rome’s best street food, especially a suppli at Food Box or a drippy panino at Modri e Vai. 

Itzkowitz is a fan of this artisan jeweler in Monti and even had owner Antonio design a pair of custom earrings for her wedding. If you don’t have time for a made-to-order bauble, the shop has many original designs, many of which feature colorful gemstones.

Essenzialmente Laura

For a real only-in-Rome gift or souvenir, Portuesi refers friends and clients to the perfumery of Laura Bosetti Tonatto, who’s made custom scents for celebrities, royals, and aristocrats, including Queen Elizabeth II. “You can create your own perfect perfume or find the scent you love,” he says. 

La Bottega del Marmoraro

It’s hard to imagine a store like this anywhere else — a tiny workshop on pretty Via Margutta where stone carver Sandro Fiorentino tinks away at marble plaques by hand. “I love to bring out-of-town visitors here,” says Itzkowitz. “Prices start at around 15 euros, which means you can find an affordable, handmade souvenir.”

Courtesy of Hassler Hotel

Fontana dell'Acqua Paola

Some of the best things in Rome are free, including the views from this monumental fountain high on the Janiculum hill. It’s one of T+L’s top underrated things to do in Rome . Fans of the Oscar-winning film “Rome, the Great Beauty” will recognize this majestic spot.

This classy bar offers great cocktails and light bites with a sublime view. “A table there in the stunning Piazza di Pietra,” says Bono, “with the incredible Roman columns all lit up is truly magical, and it feels like it's just there for you."

Hassler Hotel 7th Floor Terrace

The recipe for an unforgettable Roman evening: Start with panoramic city views from atop the Spanish Steps, stir in a specialty cocktail, garnish with some elevated aperitivo fare, and drink it all in at one of our favorite family-run hotels in Italy and one of the absolute best in Rome.

Da Enzo da 29

Despite its near-legendary status and the long lines for a table (Enzo doesn’t take reservations), Itzkowitz says a meal here is “worth the wait and lives up to the hype — every time.” She’s a fan of the handmade tonarelli cacio e pepe but says that the food here is consistently good across the menu. 

Trattoria Da Cesare Al Pellegrino

This new-in-2023 sister property of a neighborhood favorite in residential Monteverde brings hearty, traditional Roman pasta and meat dishes to the centro storico. “Run, don't walk,” says Bono, “because this city location is super charming, and tourists haven't found it yet.”

Pro Loco Pinciano

Portuesi says you’ll feel like a local at this super-casual pizza and pasta joint just outside the city walls, where the emphasis is on ingredients and wines sourced from the surrounding region on Lazio. Charcuterie platters are delicious and abundant here. 

L'Antica Pesa

Regularly named one of the best restaurants in Rome, this Trastevere culinary landmark is, per Portuesi, “a standard and consistent classic” and worth crossing the river for. Head here for a special dinner or when you’re ready to go big (before going home, maybe?) and order an appetizer, pasta (primo), meat, and dessert for the full Italian dining experience.

You’ve heard all the warnings about visiting in high summer, but if that’s the only time you have to visit, Itzkowitz says to do as the Romans do: rest in your cool hotel room in the afternoon and venture out again in the early evening. Bono agrees that summer can be...sticky but adds, “Those summer sunsets on a rooftop with an Aperol spritz certainly make for that 'Dolce Vita moment' we all crave.”

Portuesi recommends November, as it’s still relatively warm and the crowds have thinned out; January, when sale season starts; or April and October. “Tourists might still be there, but the colors of spring and autumn are amazing, and temperatures are on the warm side.” I love visiting in January or February when the crowds are much more manageable, and if you’re lucky, you can catch some lovely, crisp, sunny days.

Most visitors fly into Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino Airport (FCO). From there, you can take a 30-minute non-stop train to Termini, the central station, and take a taxi, Metro, bus, or tram to your accommodation. A cab from FCO to anywhere inside the Aurelian Walls costs 50 euros. Ride-sharing services other than Uber Black are not available in Rome. 

Rome’s historic center is primarily flat and highly walkable. Many visitors take the Metro to reach the Vatican Museums, then walk back into the city from there (or take a cab from St. Peter’s Square). 

Buses and Metro, both run by ATAC , are also reliable ways to get around, though depending on the distance, walking may be faster. Note that taxis in Rome cannot be hailed on the street. Instead, they wait at taxi stands or ranks generally located near tourist areas. 

I strongly recommend against renting a car in Rome, as traffic and parking are a mess and the centro is a maze of one-way streets, many of which are pedestrian-only. If you pick up a car in Rome for a more extended tour in Italy, make sure you have your route mapped out in advance — and nerves of steel. 

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

ROME FREE WALKING TOUR - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go