free walking tours in rome italy

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.

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Free tours in Rome

• Tours in Rome

Free Tours in Rome: Touch the Ancient and Timeless Beauty

Rome (Italy) is one of the greatest cities in the world. Its history goes back thousands of years. The city amazes with its monumental architecture, fabulous squares, colorful markets, and streets full of interesting people – splendor is just around every corner. If you want to see all the highlights, you might want to book one of the free walking tours in Rome.

Unveil Ancient Wonders: Free Tours of Rome's Historic Sites

Let's find out the most popular attractions you can visit as part of the Rome free walking tour.

The Colosseum is a symbol worth seeing if you booked a free walking tour of Rome. The Colosseum is officially recognized as one of the world's seven wonders. This is the largest Roman monument among those who have survived. Emperor Vespasian built it and opened it under his son Tito. For a long time, it served as a place of battles, bloody spectacles, litigation, and theatrical performances. You can see it in our Rome free tour and get unforgettable memories.

Imperial Forums (Fori Imperiali)

This attraction is located next to the Colosseum. Taking a walk through the forums as part of a walking tour of Rome gives you an idea of what life was like in ancient times. The media were located in the city's main squares, with public buildings and a market. They were built in different years over a century and a half, from 46 BC. Before 113 AD, and have retained their greatness to this day. In addition to the Imperial Forum, you can visit Caesar's Forum and Trajan's markets and forum during the Rome free tour.

Piazza Venezia and Vittoriano Monument 

Piazza Venezia is perhaps the most critical crossroads in Rome. It is easily reached during your Rome walking tour on the road from the Colosseum via Fori Imperiali. Here is the Vittoriano Monument: a majestic memorial dedicated to King Vittorio Emmanuele II, the first king of Italy.

Practical Information: Tour Schedules, Meeting Points, and Booking Details

So you have chosen one of our walking tours in Rome. But what to do next? You should know that our tours last from 1:30 to 2 hours. And the meeting point with the guide is different for each excursion. That is why you should find out all the details in advance and calculate the time you will spend on the Ancient Rome tour. It is also worth noting that our free sightseeing tours are conducted in English.

Book Your Free Tour in Rome Today!

The sights of Rome are shrouded in an aura of mystery. The history of the capital of Italy is almost 2800 years old and contains many events, names, and cultural masterpieces. You will need one of our free walking tours in Rome to see everything. By ordering a tour, you get the following:

- a fascinating history of the ancient buildings of Rome

- a lot of positive emotions and unforgettable impressions.

- the opportunity to see all the places at a leisurely rhythm of Rome free walking tour.

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Welcome to the first and oldest FREE WALKING TOUR in Rome and Italy

Walking tours & activities in, private, group and free tours in the eternal city, more than 10 tours daily, showing you the eternal city   enjoy authentic local experiences .

Since 2009 NEW ROME FREE TOUR , with over 10 tours (free, private and customized tours in english and other languages) offered daily, the oldest and the most reviewed free tour of the Eternal City and in Italy, with the best local freelance and licensed tour guides, who passionately share the city’s history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style.

WALKING TOURS IN ROME

Ancient Rome Free Guided Tour Daily in the morning

Visit with a licensed and professional guide, the archeological areas of the Roman and Imperial Fora, the Colosseum and more, on a 2-hour tour.

Sunset City Centre Free Guided Tour Daily in the afternoon

Explore the Fountains and Squares of Rome as Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Navona square, idden jems and more, on a 2-hour tour.

Recorrido gratuito en Espanol Diariamente por la tarde

Exploring Vatican City Free Guided Tour Daily

On our Vatican City Free Tour, you’ll discover the secrets hidden in St. Peter’s Square, Castel Sant’Angelo and the Vatican area

Free Food Tours Daily

Street Food Free Tours and Cooking Classes in the Eternal City From the first and original free tour, the most affordable food tours in Rome.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Small Group Tours

Be astounded as you discover the masterpieces and secrets that for millennia have been secured within the fortified walls of Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel.

Skip-the-Line Colosseum Small Group Tour & Entry to Roman Forum More

Travel back to the days of the Roman Empire on a 2-hour. Hear stories of the gladiator fights and Roman emperors.

Vintage car & Vespa Experience with Photoshooting

Scoot around Rome in style with your choice of our iconic Fiat 500s or Skip the crowds and embrace the Roman spirit on our classic Vespa scooter tour.

PRIVATE, SCHOOL GROUP AND EDUCATIONAL TOURS

Colosseum Underground

The Colosseum will have no more secrets for you after this tour that includes all the levels from the dungeons to the top.

Colosseum and Rome Underground

Visit the Colosseum and the underground Rome 20 meters below the modern City. This is one of the most spectacular tour.

Private Vatican Tour

Visit wings and collections where usually groups never go. Explore, in a private tour, the Museums, Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s.

Secret Rome

Closed doors are opened, locked gates are magically unlocked. With our guides discover the secret beauty of Rome.

Discover Trastevere’s Gourmet Secrets – Exclusive Food Tour

This carefully curated tour promises an indulgent journey where every stop is a masterpiece crafted by skilled Italian chefs.

Squares of Rome Small Group Tour With Street Food, Tiramisù and Gelato

Explore the Baroque squares and fountains of Rome on a 2-hour walking tour, with the best pizza, gelato and tiramisu in town.

Monti Street Food & Ancient Rome Small Group Guided Tour

Join a guided 2-hour walking and eating tour in the historical neighborhood renowned for its local scene and travel back to the days of the Roman Empire.

School Groups and Educational Tours

We do not claim to be the market leader specialising in School and Educational Tours. We are the market leader. We also have the most experienced team.

TICKETS & ACTIVITIES

Discover the many faces of rome with a passionate local guide.

If it’s romantic fountains, wide piazzas, shopping, culture and culinary masterpieces you’re after, Rome is the place for you.

You’ll be a Roman in no time no matter which of our tours you choose. Step back in time as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators. Our guides will bring Ancient Rome’s past to life for you as they share stories and interpretations of this fascinating city. Discover Rome with a “local” you’ll wander along the city’s endlessly charming streets and a wealth of landmarks that have stood for more than a thousand years. Whether it’s history, food or art that draws you to Rome, when you take part to one of our day tours, you can be sure that you will experience the absolute best that the city has to offer.

Best of all, you can discover Rome the way you want to, when you explore it with us. We have two daily free tours and  a choice of customized and  private tours to choose from so that you can ensure your Roman experience will be exactly what you dreamed it would be.

Our guides love their job! They will share their passion and enthusiasm with you! and will help you as well  to orientate yourself   when you want to discover more  of the Eternal city.

A must-do when in Rome

Excellent tours

• Destinations

Free walking tours in Rome

Timetable: 10:00

A splendid city with its millennia of history, palpable in its winding streets, majestic monuments, and awe-inspiring architecture.

Southern and exuberant. A stroll through its warm and vibrant atmosphere immerses us in the exclusive spirit that gave birth to our civilization.

Countless unique monuments declared World Heritage sites and an abundance of historical wonders await exploration. The emotions evoked by visiting landmarks such as the Colosseum, Campo dei Fiori, the Basilicas, the Vatican and its museums, the Spanish Steps, or Castel Sant'Angelo are beyond description, making them essential stops for any visitor.

Discover Rome with the free Rome tour

In Rome, you can explore the city economically and authentically through free tours. These tours will take you to the main points of interest such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. The tours typically last about two hours, and it's suggested to leave a tip at the end.

Key Points of Interest in Rome Rome

The Eternal City, boasts a multitude of iconic places you shouldn't miss during your visit. Here are the key points of interest to include in your itinerary:

The Colosseum and the Roman Forum

Impressive and steeped in history, the Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome. This ancient amphitheater will transport you to the past and allow you to imagine the gladiator battles that once took place there. Near the Colosseum is the Roman Forum, which was the heart of ancient Rome and houses ruins of temples, arches, and basilicas.

The Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world and a must-visit site in Rome. Tossing a coin into the fountain ensures your return to the city. Piazza Navona, on the other hand, is an oval-shaped square with beautiful fountains and sculptures, surrounded by cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the Roman atmosphere.

St. Peter's Basilica

Located in the heart of the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica is one of the world's largest and most famous churches. With its majestic architecture and splendid interior, it is a place of great religious significance and a stunning architectural landmark.

The Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere

Exploring Rome's Jewish Ghetto will take you to a special corner of the city, where you can learn about the history of the Jewish community and visit the Synagogue of Rome. Trastevere, on the other hand, will captivate you with its cobblestone streets, charming squares, and bohemian atmosphere, perfect for experiencing authentic Roman life.

Thematic Tours of Imperial Rome and City Viewpoints

If you are interested in delving into the glorious past of Imperial Rome, thematic tours will lead you to discover the remnants of that fascinating period. You can visit the Palatine Hill, the heart of ancient Rome, and learn about the history of Emperor Augustus at the Ara Pacis. Additionally, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city from various viewpoints, such as the famous Monte Mario viewpoint or the Aventine.

Recommendations and Tips

The Importance of Tipping at the End of the Tour

At the conclusion of the tour, it's important to consider the significance of leaving a tip for the guide if you've been satisfied with the experience. Tips are a fundamental part of the local guides' livelihood, as they dedicate their time and knowledge to show you the best of the city at no cost. If the guide has done a good job and you've enjoyed the tour, show your appreciation by leaving a tip commensurate with your satisfaction.

What to Bring and How to Prepare for the Tour

Before joining a free tour in Rome, it's important to take some precautions and prepare adequately for the tour. Make sure to wear comfortable and suitable walking shoes, as the tours often involve long walks through the city. Additionally, consider bringing a water bottle and sunscreen, especially if you're visiting Rome during the summer months.

We also recommend carrying a map or using a map application on your phone to help you better navigate during the tour. A small umbrella may also be handy in case of sudden rain.

Behavior Rules During the Tour

During a free tour in Rome, it's important to follow certain behavior rules to fully enjoy the experience and respect both fellow participants and the places visited. Maintain an appropriate volume of voice to avoid interfering with the guide's explanations and respect their leadership throughout the tour.

Furthermore, avoid touching any historical objects or structures unless otherwise indicated. Preserving cultural heritage and adhering to conservation rules is important.

Finally, remember to be punctual and arrive at the meeting point a few minutes before the designated time. This will facilitate the tour's starting process and allow you to enjoy the experience without any hitches.

ARE YOU GOING TO VISIT A CITY NEAR Rome?

• POPULAR TOUR

Daily Free Walking Tours of Rome

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours
• User Ages: All ages
• Info Group size: Up to 20 people
• Checkmark What to bring: There is a moderate amount of walking involved so please wear comfortable shoes.
• Info Important to know: It is not possible to book the free walking tour for more than 4 people in the same group. For bigger groups please book the Best of Rome City Tour.

Join our daily Rome walking tour

Discover Rome with our expert tour guides, all licensed and graduated in history of art or archeology.

This is a free tour, the booking cost allows you to secure a spot and to show commitment to our tour, while also covering our online service costs.

Morning Tour

The Morning Free Walking City Tour starts in Piazza di Spagna by the Spanish Steps and ends at Castel Sant’Angelo, overlooking Saint Peter’s Square and Saint Peter’s Dome in the Vatican State.

Our expert tour guides, all licensed and graduated in history of art or archeology, will show you how the places of the Roman Empire have been transformed over the centuries into Papal properties and became symbols of the Pope’s power.

During our free morning tour, you will have the opportunity to see some of the major tourist highlights in Rome. You can admire first of all the “Barcaccia” Fountain and then other memorable sites such as the Victory Column of Marcus Aurelius, Palazzo Chigi and the Temple of Hadrian, a time temple dedicated to the deified Emperor Hadrian and where the remains of the temple have been incorporated into a late Baroque building.

Major highlights

• Spanish Square
• The column of Marcus Aurelius
• Temple of Hadrian
• Piazza Navona
• Castel Sant’Angelo with Vatican View

Afternoon City Tour

Our Afternoon Free City Tour starts in Piazza di Spagna by the Spanish Steps and ends at the Colosseum. Along the way, you will see the most beautiful monuments of ancient Rome surrounded by a modern context. Our tour guides will make you discover and follow with your eyes Rome’s transformation over the centuries.

During the afternoon free walking tour, you can admire first of all the famous and monumental Spanish Steps, one of the most fantastic masterpieces you can see in Rome.

In front of the Spanish Steps, you can see one of the marvelous fountains of the Eternal City fed by the Virgin Aqueduct. During this free tour, you will be walking through the historic city center of Rome and see the Ancient Roman Aqueduct built during the 1st Century BC and still working today, while discovering streets and squares with monuments and palaces built during different ages.

Major highlights:

• Spanish Steps
• Ancient Roman Aqueduct
• Trevi Fountain
• Roman Forum
• Imperial Forums
• Tour outside the Colosseum

Meeting point

Can’t miss it! The meeting point is just in front of the Pharmacy. Address: Piazza di Spagna, 30 To the right of the Spanish Steps. Look for the green cross of the Pharmacy. You can find your guide there!  See on Google Maps

Note: *if you need to cancel the tour or move the reservation to another date or time, please send us an e-mail to [email protected] , so we can free your spot for someone else and we can re-book for you so you don’t have to pay again.

Related Tours

• Info Up to 13 people
• User All ages
• Hour Glass 3 hours

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.

• Info Up to 10 people

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Group Tour

Visit the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums with one of our passionate, knowledgeable guides. Enjoy this must-do tour in Rome with skip-the-line access.

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Free Walking Tour of Rome

• 9.30 / 10 1,722 reviews | 11,598 travellers Sara is a very knowledgeable guide. Great tour. 10 Emanuela Alunno
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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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Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour

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Free Tour Rome, walking tour/s Rome.

Experience Rome's rich history and stunning beauty with our guided tours. Discover the Eternal City with FreeTourRome!

Make the most of your holidays in Rome.

Get a great local guide in just 3 simple steps

1. Book a Tour of your choice.

Our tours operate on a pay-as-you-like model, where guests are welcome to tip their guides based on the value of the tour to them.

In order to provide the best possible experience for our guests and support our guides, we do ask for a small booking fee to be paid in advance. This fee helps us keep our groups small and intimate, allowing for a more personalized and comfortable tour experience. It also helps us cover the costs of running our tour operator business, including office expenses, website maintenance, and other necessary overhead costs.

Despite this booking fee, we still refer to our tours as 'free walking tours' because the final amount you pay is ultimately up to you and based on your own evaluation of the tour. We believe this system is fair and transparent, allowing our guests to fully enjoy their tour without any hidden costs or obligations.

2. Explore with a Guide

On the day of your tour, your dedicated and knowledgeable guide will greet you at the pre-arranged meeting point, which will be clearly communicated immediately to you via email after you made your booking. Your guide will introduce themselves and lead you on an engaging and informative walking tour of Rome, sharing their in-depth knowledge of the city and its history. Whether you have specific questions or just want to learn more about the city's landmarks and culture, your guide will be happy to assist and provide insights.

All our Tour guides are carefully selected for their passion and expertise in Rome. They are all dedicated to providing the best possible experience for our guests and truly love what they do.

3. Tip the Tour guide.

At the end of our free tours, you have the opportunity to show your appreciation for your guide's hard work and knowledge by tipping them an amount that reflects the value of the tour to you. This pay-as-you-like model allows you to fairly compensate your guide based on your own budget and the level of service you received. We believe that this system is more transparent and fair to our guests, as it allows you to pay for the value you received rather than being locked into a set price. We are proud to offer these ethical and customer-focused free walking tours in Rome.

Conclusion:

As a company with over a decade of experience, FreetourRome is confident in our ability to provide a top-notch tour experience. Our free tour concept is a mutually beneficial arrangement that allows travellers like you to discover new destinations while also supporting our knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides.

Book your tour and join us, come see for yourself why FreetourRome has been a trusted name in the industry for over 10 years.

-- Full overview of tours offered --

City tour, Rome

Recommended by 92% of travellers

Starting times: 9:30 - 12:30 - 15:00

Inside Pantheon tour

with Gelato tasting.

Starting times: 10:00 or 10:30 - 15:00 or 17:30

More info & Book

Ghost tour Rome.

with Capuchin Crypt Ticket.

Starting time: 17:00 - 5 PM

Jewish ghetto & Trastevere tour

Recommended by 94% of travellers

Starting times: 10:30 - 15:30 - 17:30

Ostia Antica tour

Small groups.

Starting time: 08:30 AM

Colosseum, Roman forum by night

Starting time: 18:00 - 6 PM

Colosseum, Roman forum, Palatine Tour

Yes , It will be also inside the Colosseum

Starting times: different time slots

Evening tour, Rome

Including Trevi fountain

Starting times: 17:00 or 18:00

Vatican & Sistine chapel Tour

Including skip the line ticket.

Starting times: different time slots.

Vatican night tour

Including Spanish steps

Starting times: 19:15 or 20:15

Capuchin Crypt & Pantheon tour

Yes , It will be also inside the Pantheon

Starting time: 17:00 - 5PM

City & Pantheon tour

Including entry ticket Pantheon.

Starting times: 10:30 or 11:00 16:00 or 17:00

Our expert guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge of Rome with you. They'll take you on a journey through the city's most iconic sights, providing you with fascinating insights into Rome's rich history and culture. And because we know that there's so much to see and do in Rome, we'll also give you all the essential tips and tricks you need to make the most of your stay.

Please note that a small booking fee will be charged per person for our free tours, and prices are subject to change based on demand. To ensure you secure your place and get the best price, we recommend booking early as our free tours tend to sell out quickly during the high season.

Travel with confidence! Book now and enjoy the freedom to cancel or modify your plans for free with FreeTourRome.

While our tours are available on multiple platforms, we guarantee that the price listed on our website is always the lowest. So if you're looking for the best value for your money, be sure to book directly through our website. Join us for the ultimate Rome experience and book your tour with Free Tour Rome today!

Wide range of "Free tours" everyday (if you liked the tour, you just tip the guide as much as you want).

Ghost tour, Capuchin Crypt tour, Colosseum , Roman forum and Palentine hill, Vatican museums and Sistine chapel, inside Pantheon . Etc...

Tour outside of Rome; Ostia antica .

- Starting time; 9:30 - 12:30 - 15:00 - Recommended by 92% of travellers

Are you ready to discover the beauty and history of Rome on a budget? Look no further! you'll leave with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and history of Rome. This city walking tour will be provided with lots of important information about the historical and religious sites in Rome.

We know if you visit Rome it can be quite overwhelming and a hassle to find your way around, so joining one or more of our Free walking tours is a great way to discover the city. Our experienced and passionate guides will lead you on an unforgettable journey through some of the most iconic landmarks in the city. You will be amazed at what there is to discover, make your booking today and come see it for yourself.

Duration of the tour

± 1.5 - 2 hours

Accessibility

Suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Suitable for people of all age

Suitable for families with children and teenagers

This tour includes: Piazza Barberini - Trevi fountain - Pantheon - Temple of Hadrian - Sant' Ignazio church - Piazza Navona - and more...

Important! We work on a reservation-only basis to avoid groups getting too big.

Click on the button below and follow the steps to complete your booking.

Jewish ghetto - Trastevere, Rome

- Starting time; 10:30 - 15:30 - 17:30 - Recommended by 94% of travellers

This tour is one of our most popular free walking tour offered, which will bring you from the Campidoglio, Theater of Marcello and into the Jewish ghetto where you can find the biggest synagogue of Rome. From there it's only a short walk over to the famous lovely square "Campo di'Fiori" where are everyday markets going on. From there we will hop over the oldest bridge in Rome on to the Tiber Island, and up to the Trastevere district where the tour will end on the square Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere.

Walking passed all different venues you will get a professional explanation from our tour guide, you more then welcome to join and see it for yourself, make your booking today.

This tour includes: Piazza Venezia - Jewish Ghetto - Teatro di Marcello - Piazza Farnese - Campo di'Fiori - Trastevere - and more...

Colosseum and Roman forum by night

- Starting time; 18.00 - Recommended by 96% of travellers

Discover Rome's Iconic Historic Sites on Our Free Classical Tour

Looking for a unique and cultural experience in Rome? Look no further! Join our free classical tour to explore the city's most iconic and historic sites, including the Roman Forum and the Colosseum (exterior).

Start your tour at the impressive Vittorio Emanuele II Monument in Piazza di San Marco and be amazed by its grandeur.

We'll then ascend the Capitoline hill to the historic Campidoglio, a square designed by Michelangelo. Explore the Campidoglio and learn about Rome's rich history and its significant role in shaping the ancient world. Continue to the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome, where you'll encounter ancient temples like the Temple of Saturn and the Temple of Vesta. Don't miss the remarkable Arch of Constantine, a testament to the Roman Empire's military triumphs.

Conclude your tour at the renowned Colosseum, one of Rome's most famous landmarks. This ancient amphitheatre once hosted gladiator games and public events, now representing Rome's captivating history. Join us on this free classical tour and uncover the city's iconic and historic sites. Don't miss this unique opportunity to delve into Rome's history and experience its timeless beauty.

This tour includes: Piazza Venezia - Capitoline hill - Campidoglio - Trajan's forum - Forum Romanum - Colosseum (outside)- and more...

Twilight Treasures: An Evening Tour Through Rome's Rich History

- Starting time; 17:00 or 18:00 -

If the sunsets and the street lights are turned on that's when you will see Rome in a total different way. We did make a mix of our City and Classical tours, the so-called "Evening tour". Our professional and experienced tour guides work based on tips only. If you like the tour you can tip the guide afterwards appropriately.

This free tour will take about two hours of scrolling through history in one of the biggest open air museums in the world called Rome. You won't want to miss this unique opportunity to explore some of the city's most iconic and historic sites and experience the magic of Rome under the stars. This tour is available every evening all year around. Join us on our free evening tour and discover the beauty of Rome at night, make your booking today.

This tour includes: Piazza Republicca - Quirinale palace - Trevi fountain - Quattro Fontane - Church San Carlino - Piazza di Spagna - and more...

Important note!

We work on a reservation-only basis to avoid groups getting too big.

From the 1st of November till 1st of April this tour will be starting at 17:00 (5 PM)

From the 1st of April till 1st of November this tour will be starting at 18:00 (6 PM)

- Starting time; 19:15 or 20:15 -

In for a walk after dinner? Then this free tours is for you see some of the most significant places in Rome by night. Experience the magic of Rome at night on our Vatican Night Tour. These historic sites offer a unique perspective on the history of Rome and provide a beautiful backdrop for evening photos.

Starting from the Spanish steps to the Mausoleum of the Roman Emperor Augustus, the Ara Pacis an altar in Rome dating back to the year 13 BC, hop over the Angels bridge to see the Castel Sant'Angelo, is a beautiful castle that was once used as a papal fortress and offers breathtaking views of the city.

Finally, we will end our tour in the Saint Peter's square in Vatican city one of the smallest countries in the world. It is home to Saint Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, (please note: inside will NOT be included in the tour). The Vatican museum and the Sistine chapel are closed in the evening.

Join us on our Vatican Night Tour and discover the magic of Rome at night. You won't want to miss this unique opportunity to explore some of the city's most iconic and historic sites and experience the beauty of Rome under the stars and all of which are must-see attractions in Rome.

NOT Suitable for people with reduced mobility.

This tour includes: Spanish steps - Mausoleum of Augustus - Ara Pacis - Castel Sant Angelo - Saint Peters square - Vatican - and more...

From the 1st of November till 1st of April this tour will be starting at 19:15 (7:15 PM)

From the 1st of April till 1st of November this tour will be starting at 20:15 (8:15 PM)

Vatican museum and Sistine chapel tour

- Tours are available at varying times every day except on Sundays and public holidays. -

Let us give you some of the many good reasons to book a tour with us for a complete, professional experience of the Vatican. Our knowledgeable guides will take you through the Vatican museums, including the highlights , and end the tour at the Sistine Chapel. You'll have the opportunity to stay in the museums until closing time to explore further on your own.

Millions of people from all over the world visit the Vatican museums and the Sistine chapel every year. This will give waiting lines to get into the Vatican museums and they can be huge, last thing you want is wasting valuable vacation time just to see the breathtaking artwork and historical treasures at the Vatican Museums.

With our Vatican museums tour, you'll bypass the crowds with our tour guide and head straight in, saving you waiting time and energy.

± 2.5 hours

This tour includes: Vatican museum - Sistine chapel - Skip all lines - Entrance Fee - stay in till closing time - and more...

Children between 5-18 years old are for reduced price.

Children under 5 years old can join in for free

Tours are available at varying times every day except on Sundays and public holidays.

Prices are including all fees + entrance ticket, No extra or hidden cost.

Important: There is a limited availability of tickets and time slots for booking. We highly recommend securing your booking in advance to ensure your preferred date and time slot.

Inside the Colosseum Tour

- Tours are available at varying times every day except on public holidays. -

Experience the Colosseum (inside), Roman forum, and Palatine hill with our comprehensive tour. Skip the waiting lines and book with us for a seamless, professional experience. Our experienced guide will take you inside the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire, and bring the history of this 2000-year-old structure to life.

You'll also visit the Roman forum and Palatine hill, where the stones tell many stories. Don't miss out on this chance to fully immerse yourself in the rich history of ancient Rome. Don’t waste your precious holiday time in long waiting lines, book and reserve your spot on the Colosseum tour today!

This includes: Inside of the Colosseum - Roman forum - Palatine Hill - Skip waiting all lines! - Including entrance fee - Guided tour

Children between 6-18 years old are for reduced children price.

Children under 6 years old can join in for only an booking fee of € 3.00 (Just bring them along with a valid age-proof)

Ghost tour Rome

- Starting time; 17:00 - 5 PM

Embark on an intimate journey through the haunted alleys of Rome with our Ghost Tour . To preserve the eerie atmosphere, we limit group sizes to a maximum of 18 persons (or less). We delve into the chilling mysteries of the Capuchin Crypt , where bone-chilling displays await. Next, we wander past the ethereal glow of Trevi Fountain, haunted by its legends. As night falls, we uncover the ghostly whispers within the ancient walls of the Pantheon and navigate the spectral presence at Piazza Navona. Join us for an unforgettable encounter with Rome's spectral past in a small, exclusive group setting.

Reserve your spot today and prepare to be enthralled by the ghostly secrets of Rome.

± 2 - 2.5 hours

Included: All entrance and reservation fees

NOT suitable for children under 12 yrs old

This tour includes: Piazza Barberini - Capuchin Crypt - Trevi Fountain - Pantheon (not inside) - Piazza Navona - Campo de’ Fiori - Farnese Palace

Important! We work on a reservation-only basis to keep control.

Inside the Pantheon (with gelato tasting) Tour

Experience the magic of Rome with our Pantheon tour and gelato tasting adventure! Step into the timeless beauty of the Pantheon, marveling at its architectural grandeur and rich history. Our expert guides will unveil fascinating tales as you explore this ancient wonder. Then, indulge in a delightful gelato tasting, savoring authentic Italian flavors.

It's the perfect blend of culture and culinary delight, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of Rome. Skip the lines and book your spot today for a memorable journey through history and gelato!

± 60 minutes

Important dressing-rule!

Not allowed: Shorts, Short Skirts or Sleeveless shirts

This includes: Small groups only! - Pantheon (inside and outside) - Including entrance fee - Gelato tasting

From the 1st of October till 30th of April this tour will be starting at 10:00 (10 AM) and 15:00 (3 PM)

From the 1st of May till 30th of September this tour will be starting at 10:30 (10:30 AM) and 17:30 (5.30 PM)

Capuchin crypt and inside the Pantheon Tour

- Starting time: 17:00 - 5 PM -

Embark on a captivating journey through Rome's rich history with our exclusive tour of the Capuchin Crypt and inside the Pantheon. Delve into the eerie yet mesmerizing world of the Capuchin Crypt, where skeletal remains are artfully arranged, telling tales of centuries past.

Then, step into the majestic Pantheon, where ancient architecture and divine beauty converge. Expert guides illuminate the secrets behind these iconic landmarks, offering a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of Rome.

± 2.5 Hours

This includes: Small groups only! - Entry tickets to the Capuchin Museum - Pantheon (inside and outside) - Including entrance fee

Ostia Antica: A Journey Through Ancient Rome's Harbor City.

- Starting time; 08:30 - 8:30 AM

Unveiling Ostia Antica: Exploring the Secrets of Ancient Rome's Harbor City

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating story of Ostia Antica, an archaeological gem just a stone's throw away from Rome. Join us on a thrilling journey as we uncover the hidden treasures and rich history of this ancient port city.

Embark on a guided tour through Ostia Antica's well-preserved ruins, where every stone speaks volumes about the bustling life of a once-thriving commercial hub. Marvel at the intricately designed mosaics, walk along the ancient streets lined with shops and taverns, and imagine the echoes of traders haggling over goods from distant lands.

As you wander through the remnants of grandiose buildings like the amphitheater, thermal baths, and the forum, our knowledgeable guides will paint a vivid picture of daily life in this vibrant city. Learn about its significance as the gateway to Rome and its crucial role in shaping the cultural and economic landscape of the ancient world.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an archaeology buff, or simply curious about the past, our Ostia Antica tour promises an unforgettable experience filled with fascinating insights and awe-inspiring sights. Book your adventure today and embark on a journey through time unlike any other!"

± 3.5 - 4 Hours

Small group guaranteed

This includes: Train Ticket (Round trip) - Skip-the-Line Ticket to Ostia Archaeological park - Live tour guide

Please note: The tour will take place only in the morning starting at 8:30 and takes about 3.5 - 4 hours.

City tour including Pantheon inside.

Embark on a mesmerizing city tour through Rome's most enchanting treasures, where every step unveils centuries of history and culture. Begin your adventure at the majestic Piazza Venezia, a bustling square steeped in grandeur and historical significance.

Next, throw a coin into the iconic Trevi Fountain, igniting hopes for a return to the Eternal City. Feel the magic of this Baroque masterpiece before continuing your journey to the exquisite Church of San Ignazio. Admire its stunning frescoes and intricate architecture, a testament to Rome's artistic legacy.

But the journey doesn't end there. Experience the awe-inspiring Pantheon , (inside included) stepping through its ancient entrance into a world of architectural marvels and spiritual significance.

Guided by our expert storytellers, each stop on this tour promises a deeper understanding of Rome's rich heritage and cultural tapestry. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of the Eternal City's most beloved landmarks, where history comes to life at every turn.

± 90 minutes

This includes: Piazza Venezia - Trevi fountain - San Ignazio church - Pantheon (inside included!)

From the 1st of October till 30th of April this tour will be starting at 11:00 (11 AM) and 16:00 (4 PM)

From the 1st of May till 30th of September this tour will be starting at 10:30 (10:30 AM) and 17:00 (5 PM)

Reviews & TRUST

It is not us who saying this, but we asked our former customers. We received over 3800 reviews , of which 98% were either 4 or 5 stars overall.

FREE tours English

Tour gratis en Español

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Tours gratuits en Français

Passeios gratuitos em Português

Colosseum tours (inside)

Vatican museum tours

You might also be interested in, other tours offered in Italy

Useful info

Visit our blog which offers information and useful tips about Rome and the Vatican, so you can organize and plan your city trip.

Facts & Questions

For your convenience, find out the answers to the most common questions on our F&Q page without having to send us an email.

What other people say

Authentic reviews for FreeTourRome on TripAdvisor

Vatican city tips

Useful things to know

To prepare your visit to the Vatican museums, Sistine chapel and the Saint Peter's Basilica we did describe the most important things to know.

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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!

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Self-Guided Rome Walking Tours

In this post, we provide you with free, self-guided central Rome walking tours with a printable sightseeing map as well as an audio tour option for smartphones.

You can use these to discover the city at your own pace (or) as a preview for what you will see on a live-guided tour.

Check out our free walking tours of Rome .

We have 4 other self-guided tours that we hope you will consider.

• Vatican City + St. Peter's Basilica
• Jewish Ghetto

SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF ROME'S CENTRE

This self-guided tour will lead you through some of Rome’s main attractions, from the Spanish Steps through Trevi Fountain to Campo de’ Fiori.

All in all, there are lots of sights along the way covering more than two thousand years of history.

Here are a few of the sites you can expect to see on this tour:

• Piazza Navona
• The Pantheon
• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish Steps
• Venice Square
• Campo de’ Fiori

We also have our own audio tour where you can find a more in-depth GPS-led audio tour version. Here's a sample.

Purchase an audio tour here

There are also daily guided free tours both day and night that really operate on the pay-what-you-like model. 

Tours listed below are run through us. More guided tours are available here .

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This 15-stop, self-guided tour will lead you through some of Rome’s main attractions, from the Spanish Steps through Trevi Fountain to Campo de’ Fiori, with lots of sights along the way covering more than two thousand years of history.

It’s best to set aside 2-3 hours for walking this route.

You’ll be seeing plenty of both tourists and Romans as you walk, and both groups make good people-watching, not to mention plenty of chances for photos, coffee, gelato, and historical color.

Click on the map to enlarge or download it to a smartphone.

If you haven’t done much walking in the older parts of Rome yet, the ancient layout of these streets can be confusing.

Streets are winding, pedestrians and cars often share space, and you’ll regularly find your way into piazzas, the large open squares Rome is organized around.

You can get this tour with directions in 3 ways:

• Download this tour to the Google Maps App ( link ).
• Download a PDF version .
• Purchase an Audio Tour

We will be orienting you relative to buildings and with the help of street names, which you’ll see on signs up above eye level.

As far as timing, this tour can be enjoyed any time the sun is up, and some of the piazzas are lively even after dark.

Crowds can be a limiting factor throughout this walk; if you want to start things off on a quiet note, the Spanish Steps, one of our first stops, tend to be at their quietest early in the morning, briefly during lunch, and around sunset.

The tour begins at the Spagna metro station.

As you emerge from the western side of the building, you can look to your right and get a full view of the Villa Medici, not far down the street.

1. VILLA MEDICI

The Villa Medici, along with the Villa Borghese (which houses the Galleria Borghese) beyond it, stands on the site of the Gardens of Lucullus, created more than two thousand years ago, back when Romans saw gardening as a strange new hobby imported from Persia.

But the house you see today is built in 1576 after the land had been a quiet vineyard for centuries.

Villa Medici Rear

Houses like the Villa Medici were designed with ancient styles in mind, and inside, they often displayed the ancient relics found in the earth dug up to lay foundations.

The Medicis and Borgheses were some of Italy’s most powerful families during the Renaissance and beyond.

The Medici clan included bankers, nobility, and popes. But they’re remembered mostly for their support for the arts and sciences.

The Villa Medici offers guided tours daily, lasting about 90 minutes and available in different languages at different times.

It’s open every day but Monday and standard admission is 12 Euros.

Villa Borghese is home to the third-largest public park in Rome; admission is free and it’s accessible from dawn to dusk daily.

There are several things to see and do here in the park.

Most notably, it’s home to the Galleria Borghese , where you can see plenty of art and artifacts from both the Classical and Renaissance eras, plus several other museums and galleries.

The Villa Giulia contains a museum to the Etruscans, a rival culture of the early Romans.

In addition to the museums, there’s a zoo and a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theater on the grounds.

2. SPANISH STEPS

For many foreigners, the Spanish Steps are visual shorthand for Rome; they’re used in lots of movies and TV shows, starting with Roman Holiday back in 1953.

This was a natural hillside as recently as 1723. Before the steps were built, this was the slope of the Pincio Hill, one of many hills around Rome.

The 138 steps were built in the 18th century and got their name due to the adjacent Spanish Embassy.

Unfortunately as of 2019, you can no longer sit on the Spanish Steps. Violaters can receive a fine as high as €400.

Eating on the steps is also banned.

At the bottom of the steps sits the Piazza di Spagna and the Fontana della Barcaccia , which means “Fountain of the Long Boat.”

The legend goes that the design of the fountain comes from a boat washed into this piazza by a flood of the Tiber River.

This is the first of many fountains that we’ll see, and it’s designed by Pietro Bernini in the 17 th century, before the steps.

Pietro Bernini is the father of famous architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, whose work we’ll also see plenty of.

When you get to the bottom, look up the stairs for a view of that French church at the top, called Trinita dei Monti.

If you look to the right side of the steps from the bottom, you’ll see a peach-colored building, the Keats-Shelley Museum. English poet John Keats arrived to live here in 1820.

If a café stop is in order before you go any further, the Antico Caffe Greco near the bottom of the stairs was one of his hangouts.

When you’re done here, walk away from the steps and past the fountain. Turn left and you’ll see the piazza narrowing toward a freestanding column, the Column of the Immaculate Conception.

3. COLUMN OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION AND PIAZZA MIGNANELLI

The Column of the Immaculate Conception is the centerpiece of the small Piazza Mignanelli that opens from the corner of the Piazza di Spagna.

The statue on top of the column is a bronze Virgin Mary. Mary, the mother of Jesus, occupies a central place in Catholic belief.

And this statue of her was built in 1857 to commemorate the Pope’s recent declaration of the Doctrine of the Immaculate Conception: the idea that Mary, uniquely among human beings, was born without original sin.

Original sin is visible in the monument in the form of the snake Mary is stepping on.

Below her are the authors of the four Biblical gospels, and still further down are four prophets said to have foretold her birth, with reliefs depicting four phases of her story below them.

Depending on when you’re here, there’s a small chance you’ll see a wreath of flowers on the statue.

December 8th is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception; each year on that day, the Pope visits this spot along with the head of the fire department, which originally erected the column, and they leave the wreath behind.

The building beyond the column is the Palazzo di Propaganda Fide – the Palace of the Propagation of the Faith.

This is a Vatican property – you can tell from the yellow flag on the front – and for a long time, it was the home of a church division responsible for missionary work and evangelism.

4. AQUEDUCT RUINS

Looking down at this spot, you can see something that an ancient Roman would have had to look up at.

The aqueducts – imperial Rome’s famous system for bringing clean water into the city – relied on gravity to work.

So, water was sometimes flowing over the heads of the people who were going to consume it, with roads passing under the arches you can see the top of from here.

Being by a river, Rome has flooded many times through the millennia, piling sediment each time, hiding but also preserving the ancient city.

The fence here limits the view, but above the arch, you can maybe see an inscription with the word “Germanicus” just readable at the near end.

This is one of the names of the emperor Claudius, who the inscription credits with rebuilding this stretch of the Aqua Virgo, the system of aqueducts built to bring water to the newly urbanizing Campus Martius after it was incorporated into the city.

To achieve this, Roman engineers had to build a system of gentle slopes across long distances of irregular terrain, including crossing rivers, bringing convenience, comfort, and health within reach of Rome’s residents.

This knowledge was lost with the fall of Rome; with the Renaissance, writings about the aqueducts were rediscovered.

Across Via del Nazareno from these ruins is a tiny door, used to enter the rebuilt Acqua Vergine, the Renaissance replacement for the ancient system.

And in a moment, you’ll see another piece of that system: a fountain meant to put this reborn marvel of engineering on display.

5. TREVI FOUNTAIN

There’s likely to be a crowd around when you reach the Trevi Fountain, and even in the absence of people, the water can make it a loud spot. Find a view of the fountain from the front.

The main statue in the fountain depicts the god Oceanus. Below him, you can see his retinue of tritons, men mixed with fish.

The one on the right is blowing a shell to announce their arrival. And the wild creature each of them is struggling with is called a hippocampus, a horse mixed with a fish.

In this case, they also have wings. Greco-Roman mythology tells that horses were the creation of the god of the ocean.

The fountain is the end of the Acqua Vergine aqueduct, the recreation of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct. And the design of the fountain tells that story.

Above the statues, on either side, you can see reliefs – the one on the left is a man with a scroll, showing plans for the aqueducts, and on the right, a woman points out a flow of freshwater to a group of men.

She’s the Virgo, the young woman, in Aqua Virgo – the legend is that when Roman surveyors looked for a source of water, a young woman led them to a spring, and the resulting aqueduct was named for her.

The statue on the left of Oceanus represents Abundance – she has a cornucopia full of fruit, and on the ground beside her is an urn spilling water.

On the right is Health, who’s holding a bowl with a snake drinking from it – snakes were ancient symbols of medicine.

Overall, the story is of the power of Rome to tame the forces of nature and bring them to the benefit of the city’s people.

As you see it, the fountain dates from 1762, and it started as a showpiece for the Renaissance project of rebuilding the aqueducts.

But it was such a massive endeavor that it took more than a century, plus many financiers and designers, to make it happen.

And it takes steady renovations to keep it looking sharp – as of the latest one in 2015, the fountain is lit at night.

Like the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain owes some of its fame to a film – in this case, La Dolce Vita by Federico Fellini (see the video above).

If you’ve seen the movie, you won’t be surprised to hear that dancing in the fountain, or entering it in any way, is illegal.

And as for drinking: yes, these fountains were once the source for public drinking water, but for your own sake, wait for one of Rome’s other great works of water infrastructure, the nasoni – little drinking fountains located all over town.

Trevi Fountain is home to lots and lots of coins - visitors observe a tradition of throwing change into the fountain, hoping for good luck and the promise of a return to Rome.

Usually, coins are thrown backward over your shoulder, so make sure the coast is clear before you participate in this tradition, and watch out for other coin-tossers nearby.

And the money, totaling more than three thousand Euros per day, goes to Caritas Roma, a Catholic charity supporting the poor and homeless.

6. GALLERIA ALBERTO SORDI

All that’s columned is not ancient, as evidenced by this shopping mall, opened in 1922 and built in a style of Art Nouveau that borrows from multiple phases of Rome’s historic architecture.

That design continues into the inside, where you can find a stained glass ceiling above stores selling plenty of Rome’s signature high-end fashion.

It’s an easy place to step inside if you need to cool off or to use the restrooms. 

You can also find several places serving the classic cappuccino and cornetto - Italian croissants, which locals eat in the morning, and tourists are allowed any time of day.

The mall got its current name in 2003 after the death of Alberto Sordi, a classic actor of Italian comedy films.

When you’re ready to move on, go back outside the way you came in and cross the street toward the Marcus Aurelius Column.

7. MARCUS AURELIUS COLUMN

The Marcus Aurelius column is much thicker than many similar monuments you’ll see around the city.

That’s because it’s hollow, with a spiral stairway inside that once allowed a climb to the top.

The spiral is also on the outside – you can see an unbelievably detailed relief up and down the length of the column. It shows battles led by Marcus Aurelius against the barbarians.

“Barbarian” is a broad term today, and it was broad for the Romans, too. These particular wars were against Germanic and Persian groups.

But the collective term “barbarian” could apply to almost any culture, and the word comes from “barbar,” meaning “blah blah” – so “barbarian” just meant “people who talk languages that don’t make sense.”

And the sculpture does not spare the details of the barbarian experience – towns are burning, women and children are running, and surviving soldiers are bent and horrified at the power of the empire.

The column was probably finished after Marcus Aurelius’ death, and at that time, it would have been the least of his honors in this area – near here stood the Temple of Marcus Aurelius.

After their deaths, most Roman emperors were declared gods and worshipped.

Nothing remains of that temple now, but temples to other Roman emperors do still remain.

Like all the ancient structures in the area, this column has been affected by floods and rising sediment, so several meters of it are below ground.

The statue on top is not Marcus Aurelius, but the Christian St. Paul, added when this monument received its own Renaissance restoration.

8. PALAZZO MONTECITORIO AND OBELISK OF MONTECITORIO

This obelisk is genuinely Egyptian, made in the 6 th century BC and brought here five centuries later.

Earlier we mentioned that obelisks represented the divinity of Egyptian pharaohs.

The head of the Egyptian gods was Ra, the god of the sun, and this obelisk was used in Rome as part of an enormous sundial.

Like the others, it fell, was buried, and then was rediscovered, and like the others, it doesn’t stand at its original location

Today, there’s a meridian on the ground, pointing toward the piazza’s largest building, to nod at its former use.

The building that meridian points toward is the Palazzo Montecitorio. This palace is the home of the Chamber of Deputies, one of Italy’s two houses of Parliament.

Rome has been Italy’s capital since 1870, shortly after the Italian unification, when the many small, conflicting states in the region, separate since the fall of the Roman Empire, first joined into a single country.

The building itself, at least the part you can see, is much older – it’s another Renaissance creation.

And it’s originally the work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a Baroque architect, and sculptor we’ve mentioned, who also had a hand in the Trevi Fountain.

I also mentioned his father, who was another sculptor and who saw talent in Gian Lorenzo from a young age, giving him the benefit of early study and a long, prolific career.

Bernini’s sculptures are around the world, and his architecture is all over Rome.

He’s responsible for parts of St. Peter’s Basilica, the piazza outside of it, and a fountain in the Piazza Navona, which we’ll see soon, just to name a few.

This building shows the style he cultivated and which many others imitated, but if you got past the front door, everything you’d see is 20 th -century Art Nouveau.

Apart from the façade, the building was completely remade to suit the needs of parliament.

9. PANTHEON

The name “Pantheon” is Greek, not Latin, meaning “for all the gods.”

The source of the name is uncertain – most temples were dedicated just to one god, not all of them together.

And there’s no record of how it was used in the 2 nd century AD when it was finished under Emperor Hadrian.

And Hadrian was rebuilding an earlier temple, and the inscription above the entrance still dates from that nearly 2,000-year-old version.

You can still read the name of Agrippa, who ordered the original temple built.

You can also tell its age because it sits below the level of most of the ground around it, whereas originally it was elevated.

There are a couple of reasons why it’s lasted so long.

First, in the 7 th century, when many ancient buildings were being abandoned or destroyed, the Pantheon became a Christian church, dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs; for a while it even had bell towers on the outside.

Even then, its refitting as a church meant the removal and destruction of many objects its new users considered unholy.

The other factor in its preservation is that the structure itself is built to last.

The dome on top is made of concrete, with thicker layers of heavier materials near the bottom, then gradually thinner and lighter going up.

It’s still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.

You can’t see it from outside, but at the very top of the dome is an opening, called the oculus or the eye.

Besides lightening the weight of the structure, it also means that from inside, you can see the sky and whatever the sky is doing.

Around noon, a dramatic beam of light becomes the centerpiece, assuming the sky is clear.

If the sky is not clear, then the weather comes in.

Standing inside during rain or snow can be magical ( video ), and also relatively peaceful since many visitors to town won’t want to make the trek to the Pantheon on foot during a storm.

If you go inside, you’ll see the altar, apses, and other markers of an active Catholic church.

Among the statues are markers of burial places, including the artist Raphael and the first two kings of unified Italy: Vittorio Emmanuele II and his son, Umberto I.

You can get lots more detail on the many features of the interior by taking a tour.

Live tours are plentiful, and just inside, you can get access to an official audio tour that’s affordable and detailed. There’s also an excellent free audio tour from Rick Steves .

If you just want to absorb the visuals, you can go in on your own. Regardless, you’re asked to keep silent while you’re inside.

It’s open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 am - 19:30 (7:30 pm), and Sunday 9:00 am - 18:00 (6 pm).

The Pantheon also hosts mass twice a week, at 17:00 (5 pm) on Saturday and 10:30 am on Sunday.

Outside the Pantheon is another obelisk, this one originally standing at a Temple of Ra in Heliopolis, Egypt, then at a temple to the Egyptian goddess Isis here in Rome, and then, finally, here in the Piazza della Rotonda.

10. CHURCH OF ST. LOUIS OF THE FRENCH

The Church of San Luigi delle Francese is dedicated to several saints, but the name refers to Louis IX, the sainted king of France.

It’s another beneficiary of the Medici family’s donations and one of many cases of European powers creating and having an honorary connection to major buildings in Rome.

Among the many separate states that used to make up present-day Italy, there were the Papal States.

These were territories ruled by the pope in a non-religious capacity, on top of his role as a religious leader across the whole Catholic world.

Rome was the center of the Papal States, and today, it still contains the church’s political territory, Vatican City.

But when the Holy See was the main power here, churches like these represented a kind of embassy from other Catholic countries.

The church you see today dates from 1589, but it’s on a site used for the same purpose for possibly centuries before.

At ground level on the left, you can see a statue of Charlemagne, King of the Franks and Holy Roman Emperor.

11. PIAZZA NAVONA

As you enter Piazza Navona, there are lots of possible first impressions, but I’ll suggest starting with the big picture.

You’ve seen piazzas in plenty of irregular shapes, but this one has the form of a long, narrow oval.

In the first century AD, this was a racecourse, part of the Stadium of Domitian, Rome’s first permanent stadium for athletic competitions.

If you go a block out of the piazza to the north – to your right – from the smaller Piazza di Tor Sanguigna, looking south, you can see some ruins of the stadium under a modern building. There is also a museum .

Besides those ruins, the oldest thing you can see is the Palazzo Pamphilj, the building on the opposite side from where you arrived on the far left.

This was the family home of 17 th -century Pope Innocent X, and most of what you see in the piazza came from him improving his stomping grounds.

His work benefitted the general public in a way since this piazza was the city’s official public market.

But on the other hand, famines in that era meant that as these buildings were under construction, there wasn’t always food in those markets. Innocent’s home is now the Brazilian Embassy.

Sant’ Agnese in Agone (center) Palazzo Pamphilj (left)

He’s also responsible for the church to the right of his home, Sant’ Agnese in Agone. The Saint Agnes in the name of the church has a legendary connection with the Stadium of Domitian.

The Stadium contained brothels, and in the early years of Christianity, when the religion was still illegal in the Roman empire.

Agnes is said to have been punished for her religion by being sent there, only to have her hair miraculously grow to cover her body when she was stripped. 

Fontana del Nettuno

The other famous feature of the Piazza Navona is its fountains.

At your right is the Fontana del Nettuno or the Fountain of Neptune, which shows the god of the ocean wrestling a sea monster, along with our old friend the hippocampus, and other water creatures.

The fountain itself is part of that 17 th -century burst of improvements, but the statues are added much later.

On your left is the Fontana del Moro or Fountain of the Moor, added at the same time, again with later statuary.

Fontana del Moro

And in the middle is the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi or the Fountain of the Four Rivers.  Here we’re in Bernini’s hands again, and we get to see him as both architect and sculptor.

The Four Rivers in the name are the four corners of the monument, each representing a river in what Romans of the 17 th century considered the four parts of the world: the Danube in Europe, the Nile in Africa, the Ganges in Asia, and the Rio de la Plata in South America.

Italian explorers were very much in demand for expeditions to the New World, even if they sailed under other flags.

The details around each statue give a hint of which is which, and you can also see the expressiveness and sense of movement that Bernini’s sculptures are famous for.

All four are in submission, more or less willingly, to the obelisk at the center, which, like others we’ve seen, has a cross on top and so symbolizes the divine authority of the Church in Rome.

If you’d like a view of Piazza Navona from on high, the Brazilian Embassy has a rooftop bar that’s open to the public, and there’s also an optional view from our next stop.

When you’re ready, we’ll leave the piazza from the southern end, by the Fontana del Moro.

Once you have all three fountains behind you, turn right and leave the piazza on the Via di Pasquino, along the edge of the Brazilian Embassy.

When you reach an intersection, look on your left for a damaged statue behind a small chained barricade.

This is Pasquino, the namesake of the street. He’s older than any building you’ve seen, dug up and put on display in the 15 th century.

He’s one of Rome’s “talking statues” – several places where it’s popular to post statements of protest, often in poetic form, and to get attention for your thoughts while remaining anonymous.

12. MUSEO DI ROMA – PALAZZO BRASCHI

The Palazzo Braschi was built as a home for the nephew of Pope Pius IX.

Along with the Piazza Navona, this was an example of popes exercising their political power to the benefit of their own family, and in this case, unlike the piazza, it was a purely private benefit.

Uses of power like this were part of what drove the wave of revolutions across Europe in the late 18 th century and onward.

And that laid the groundwork for the Italian unification, which took some material power away from the popes. But the chance to abuse power fell into other hands.

In the early 20 th century, this building was the headquarters of Benito Mussolini, the head of Italy’s fascist government.

During that time, the building had a massive image of Mussolini’s face on the side.

When that government fell after World War II, the city of Rome took over this property, and today it’s part of the Museum of Rome.

If you’re thinking about entering the museum, one of the attractions is a view over Piazza Navona from the second and third floors. You can also get a view of the piazza’s past from here.

The museum’s modest collection includes documentation of many bygone Roman scenes, including what Piazza Navona looked like before Pope Innocent, as well as what many historic sites looked like before a burst of demolitions in the early 20 th century.

If your interest in Rome is at all to do with the layers of its history and how a modern city lives alongside the relics of its own past, this museum is worth your time, and the interior of the building itself is a beautiful bonus.

Information is available in English as well as Italian. It’s open 10:00 am - 19:00 (7 pm) every day but Monday and costs 11 Euros to enter.

13. LARGO DI TORRE ARGENTINA

Innocuous as it is, this spot is one of the most read-about places in Rome, if not the most visited.

The ruins here include part of the Portico of Pompey, the place where Julius Caesar was stabbed to death in 44 BC.

Pompey, the building’s namesake, who you’ll hear more about soon, was Julius Caesar’s rival in a civil war, and after Caesar’s victory, Caesar was declared dictator.

Just a few years later, he was murdered, leading to a period of war that ended Rome’s time as a republic.

If you’re familiar with the story, you may remember that Julius Caesar was stabbed on the steps of the Senate.

At the time, the senate was temporarily meeting here, since the usual senate building was under a renovation that Caesar had ordered.

The spot was lost until 1929 when a demolition uncovered it. It also contains the remains of four temples, devoted to Roman gods that are less famous today.

But emperors and gods aside, people usually show up for the main attraction – cats!

As soon as the site was unearthed, a horde of homeless cats moved in, and today, it’s a shelter for mostly the injured and abused. Volunteers take care of feeding, healthcare, and spaying and neutering.

There’s a stairway that leads down into a gift shop and adoption area , where you can donate, meet volunteers, or hang out with the cats themselves.

14. THEATER OF POMPEY

You have to use your imagination for this part. Ancient Roman theaters were semicircular, with dozens of tiers of seats looking down toward a central half-circle stage.

An actor walking the lip of the stage could look at all the thousands of people in the theater in just a few steps.

Most theaters were temporary, but the first permanent one was the Theater of Pompey, and you’re walking the edge of its stage. That shape is the only remnant of the theater visible from here.

We mentioned Pompey at our last stop – his name was on the building where Julius Caesar was stabbed.

Pompey was a contemporary of Caesar’s, also a war hero to the Romans. After one of his victories, he announced he would build a theater for the public.

Theaters were popular but regarded as centers of vice, so permanent theater buildings were illegal within the city.

But Pompey built his in the Campus Martius, outside the city, and combined in a single facility a theater, a temple to Venus, a garden, and a sort of museum, with art representing great Roman works of the past and the many places Pompey had helped conquer for Rome.

So the place was also sort of a temple to Pompey himself. You’ll be able to see a tiny vestige from our next stop.

15. CAMPO DE’ FIORI

As you emerge into Campo de’ Fiori, look over your right shoulder at the short side of the piazza.

From the short buildings nearest to you, they get gradually taller to the left, and the walls meet at odd angles.

At one spot, you can see exposed, corroded brick – that’s a fragment of the Temple of Venus that once stood at the top of the Theater of Pompey.

The name Campo de’ Fiori is also ancient – before the theater was built, this area was a campo, meaning a field, of fiori, meaning flowers.

From there, we jump to the 16 th century, which is the era of the shrouded figure you see standing on a pedestal halfway along the piazza.

That’s Giordano Bruno, a Dominican priest who was schooled in Naples, but became a wanderer of Europe after he found out the Inquisition was investigating him.

As a student, he had read forbidden works and argued unpopular positions, and his vagabond life sent him further down that road.

He claimed that the earth revolved around the sun, that the universe was infinite and contained many little systems like ours, and that everything big and small was made of tiny, similar particles arranged in different ways, with an invisible force holding them together – which in his eyes was God.

After years on the road, he returned home, and the Inquisition imprisoned him for seven years, tried him as a heretic, and burned him at the stake where the statue stands now.

The statue dates from soon after the unification and therefore secularization of Italy, and it was arranged by a group of Roman students, who sought out the help of a few famous writers in bringing attention to the cause.

They positioned it facing toward Vatican City. The inscription in Latin reads, “To Bruno, from the era he predicted, here where the fire burned.”

It’s still a rallying point for all kinds of nonconformist groups and causes today.

The beauty of an Italian piazza is that a story like that can be commemorated in the middle and a million other things are going on all around it.

Campo de’ Fiori is an eventful marketplace with cafes, restaurants, and people-watching galore. After all this exploring, maybe it’s time for those things, in which case you have lots of choices within view.

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Stephen Pickhardt

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Free Walking Sightseeing Tours in Rome, Italy

Guided free walking tours.

Book free guided walking tours in Rome.

Guided Sightseeing Tours

Book guided sightseeing tours and activities in Rome.

Explore Rome in Italy with one of our free walking tours . Click on a marker on the map to get started and view details about the tour. Below is an overview of the sightseeing tours. A total of 20 tours are available in Rome, Italy.

Self-guided Tour #1

• Chiesa San Tommaso Moro
• Sepolcro di Largo Talamo
• Chiesa di Santa Bibiana
• Ninfeo di Alessandro Severo
• Porta Magica
• Sant'Eusebio all'Esquilino
• Santi Vito e Modesto
• Oratorio di Santa Maria Immacolata della Concezione
• Chiesa di Sant'Alfonso dei Liguori
• Basilica di San Martino ai Monti
• Basilica di Santa Prassede
• Obelisco Esquilino
• Basilica of Saint Mary Major
• Fontana di piazza Santa Maria Maggiore
• Chiesa di Sant'Antonio Abate all'Esquilino
• Mura Serviane

Self-guided Tour #2

• Museo storico delle comunicazioni
• Museo delle Civiltà
• Marconi Obelisk
• Palazzo dei Congressi
• Museum of Roman Civilization
• Chiesa di Santa Maria in Scala Coeli
• Chiesa dei Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio
• Chiesa di San Paolo alle Tre Fontane

Self-guided Tour #3

• Basilica dei Ss. Quattro Coronati
• Basilica di Sant'Antonio da Padova all'Esquilino
• Chiesa di Sant'Anna al Laterano
• Chiesa di Santa Maria ai Monti
• Column of Phoca
• Chiesa di Santa Maria Annunziata
• Santa Maria in Portico in Campitelli
• Sant’Angelo in Pescheria
• Santa Maria della Consolazione al Foro Romano
• Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista Decollato
• Temples of the Sacred Area of S. Omobono
• The Mouth of Truth
• Cloaca Máxima
• Sant'Andrea dei Vascellari
• Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere
• San Giovanni Battista dei Genovesi
• Santi Quaranta e San Pasquale Baylon
• Chiesa di San Francesco a Ripa

Self-guided Tour #4

• Basilica of Santa Aurea
• Castello di Giulio II
• Antiquarium di Ostia Antica
• House of Cupid and Psyche
• Terme dei Sette Sapienti

Self-guided Tour #5

• San Camillo de Lellis
• San Nicola da Tolentino
• San Basilio agli Orti Sallustiani
• San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane
• Chiesa di Trinità dei Monti
• Chiesa dei Santi Giorgio e Martiri inglesi
• Chiesa di San Girolamo dei Croati
• Sacro Cuore del Suffragio
• Basilica of Saint Augustine in Campo Marzio
• Church of Saint Louis the French
• Sant’Eustachio in Campo Marzio
• Basilica di Sant'Andrea della Valle
• Gesù Nazareno all’Argentina
• Santi Biagio e Carlo ai Catinari
• San Giacomo alla Lungara
• San Giuseppe alla Lungara

Self-guided Tour #6

• Piazzale delle Corporazioni
• Terme del Foro
• Tomb of C. Cartilius Poplicola

Self-guided Tour #7

• Basilica di San Pancrazio
• Church of San Pietro in Montorio
• Real Academia de España
• Santa Maria dei Sette Dolori
• Santa Croce alla Lungara
• Santa Dorotea
• San Giovanni della Malva in Trastevere
• Sant’Egidio a Trastevere
• Sante Rufina e Seconda
• San Crisogono
• Chiesa dei Santi Maria e Gallicano
• Santi Giovanni Evangelista e Petronio dei Bolognesi
• Chiesa di San Paolo alla Regola
• Santa Maria del Pianto ai Catinari
• Chiesa di Santa Lucia in Selci

Self-guided Tour #8

• Chiesa di Santo Spirito in Sassia
• Chiesa dei Santi Michele e Magno
• Vatican Obelisk
• St. Pellegrino Gate
• Saints Martin and Sebastian of the Swiss
• Pauline Chapel
• Stanze di Raffaello
• Saint Peter's Basilica
• Vatican City
• Paul VI Audience Hall
• Saint Stephen of the Ethiopians
• St Mary's Church
• Santa Maria delle Grazie al Trionfale
• Chiesa di San Giuseppe Cottolengo
• Chiesa di Santa Maria Immacolata di Lourdes

Self-guided Tour #9

• Basilica dei Santi Bonifacio ed Alessio all’Aventino
• Chiesa di Santa Prisca
• Oratorio di Santa Silvia
• Oratorio di Sant'Andrea
• Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo
• San Tommaso in Formis all’Arco di Dolabella
• Fontana della Navicella
• Basilica Hilariana
• Domus Aurea
• Teatro Brancaccio
• Caligula's Nymphaeum (Horti Lamiani)
• Chiesa di Santa Maria Immacolata all'Esquilino
• Battistero Lateranense
• Museo storico dei granatieri di Sardegna
• Carceres del Circo Variano

Self-guided Tour #10

• Our Lady of the Rosary and Saint Peter Chanel
• Basilica di Sant' Andrea delle Fratte
• Basilica di Santa Pudenziana al Viminale
• Chiesa del Bambin Gesù a via Urbana
• Santi Sergio e Bacco in Suburra
• Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio a Fontana di Trevi
• San Marcello al Corso
• Santa Maria in Via Lata
• Chiesa del Gesù
• San Salvatore alle Coppelle
• Basilica di Sant’Apollinare alle Terme
• San Nicola dei Lorenesi
• San Lorenzo in Damaso
• San Girolamo della Carità

Self-guided Tour #11

• Chiesa di Sant'Angela Merici
• Chiesa di San Francesca Cabrini
• Casa Museo di Luigi Pirandello, archivio e biblioteca
• Casino Nobile
• Parrocchia San Giuseppe a Via Nomentana
• Quartiere Coppedè
• Chiesa di Santa Maria della Mercede e Sant’Adriano Martire
• Ipogeo di via Livenza
• Sepolcro del Giovinetto Quinto Sulpicio Massimo
• Porta Praetoriana
• Museo Storico dei Bersaglieri
• Chiesa del Sacro Cuore di Gesù
• Basilica di Santa Teresa d'Avila
• Cappella Corpus Christi della Curia generalizia dei Cappucci
• Chiesa di San Patrizio a Villa Ludovisi
• Monumento a Goethe
• Chiesa di Santa Maria Immacolata a Villa Borghese
• Villa Medici

Self-guided Tour #12

• Chiesa di Santa Maria Goretti
• Sedia del Diavolo
• Basilica di Sant'Agnese fuori le mura
• Catacombe di Sant'Agnese
• Mausoleo di Costanza
• Parco Virgiliano
• Chiesa di San Saturnino

Self-guided Tour #13

• Chiesa di Gesù Divino Lavoratore
• Teatro India
• Chiesa di Santa Maria Liberatrice
• Teatro Petrolini
• Fontana delle Anfore
• Monte Testaccio
• Protestant Cemetery
• Pyramid of Cestius
• Porta San Paolo
• Monumento equestre di Giorgio Castriota
• Basilica di San Saba
• Basilica di Santa Balbina

Self-guided Tour #14

• Tombs of Via Latina
• Sepolcro dei Corneli o Barberini
• Basilica di Santo Stefano
• Colombario Costantiniano
• Villa of Maxentius
• Basilica di San Sebastiano fuori le mura
• Catacombe di San Sebastiano
• Mausoleum of Romulus
• Rovine Chiesa di San Nicola a Capo di Bove
• Capo di Bove

Self-guided Tour #15

• Mausoleum of Helena
• Catacombe dei Santi Marcellino e Pietro
• Chiesa dei Santi Marcellino e Pietro ad Duas Lauros
• Chiesa San Giuseppe Cafasso
• Chiesa di Santa Giulia Billiart
• Acqua Marcia
• Acquedotto Felice
• Basilica di Santa Maria Ausiliatrice
• San Giovanni Battista de Rossi
• Hypogeum of via Dino Compagni
• Ipogeo di Trebio Giusto
• Chiesa del Santissimo Nome di Maria
• Sepolcro di Annia Regilla
• The Church of Domine Quo Vadis
• Sepolcro di Geta
• Chiesa di San Francesco Saverio alla Garbatella
• Teatro Palladium
• Catacombe di Commodilla
• Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls
• Abbey of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Self-guided Tour #16

• Sant’Antonio Maria Zaccaria
• Chiesa di San Callisto
• Chiesa del Sacro Cuore di Gesù a Villa Lante
• Santissima Trinità dei Pellegrini ai Catinari
• Santa Maria in Aracoeli
• Santi Bartolomeo e Alessandro a Piazza Colonna
• Chiesa di San Silvestro al Quirinale
• St. Paul's Within the Walls
• Chiesa dei Santi Gioacchino e Anna ai Monti

Self-guided Tour #17

• Basilica di San Giuseppe al Trionfale
• Chiesa di San Gioacchino in Prati
• Museo Hendrik Christian Andersen
• Basilica di Sant'Eugenio
• Casa di Goethe
• Santa Maria in Montesanto
• All Saints' Anglican Church
• Idrocronometro
• Museo Pietro Canonica
• Chiesa di San Roberto Bellarmino
• Chiesa di Santa Teresa del Bambin Gesù in Panfilo
• Catacombe di Santa Felicita
• Catacomb of Priscilla
• Villa Chigi
• Chiesa di Santa Emerenziana
• San Giuda Taddeo

Self-guided Tour #18

• Amphitheatre Castrense
• Chiesa di Santa Maria Immacolata e San Giuseppe Benedetto Labre
• Chiesa dei Santi Fabiano e Venanzio
• Parco di Villa Fiorelli
• Teatro Duse
• Colombari di via Taranto
• Chiesa dei Santi Antonio di Padova e Annibale Maria
• Chiesa di San Barnaba
• Chiesa di San Luca Evangelista
• Santa Maria Madre della Misericordia
• Chiesa del Santissimo Sacramento a Tor de' Schiavi
• Basilica Constaninana
• Chiesa di Santa Maria Addolorata
• Chiesa di Sant'Ireneo

Self-guided Tour #19

• Chiesa di San Gerardo Maiella
• Chiesa di San Felice da Cantalice

Self-guided Tour #20

• Basilica di San Lorenzo in Lucina
• Chiesa di Sant'Antonio in Campo Marzio
• Chiesa di Santa Lucia della Tinta
• San Gregorio dei Muratori
• Saint Anne of the Pontifical Grooms
• Chiesa di Santa Caterina Martire
• Chiesa di Santa Maria Mediatrice
• Chiesa di Santa Maria del Riposo
• Chiesa di Sant'Ambrogio

Why Visit Sights? Self-guided sightseeing tours are a free and safe alternative to bus tours. You can explore Rome at your own pace, any time! Do something good for your health by walking.

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.

Book here!  

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.

Book The Roman Guy here!

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.

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

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One Day in Rome – Free Self-Guided Rome Walking Tour

If you only have one day in Rome, chances are you’re overwhelmed by the incredible options of what to see and do. The good news is, with this free walking tour of Rome you’ll see the top sights, with time to stop for a delicious gelato along the way.

First up though, have you considered which Rome attractions are on your bucket list?

If they include the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain and Vatican City, you’ll see them and many more on this tour, with my recommendations for the easiest way to get around them all in a day.

So, all that’s left to do is pack your comfy walking shoes and get ready to explore the Eternal City in one magical day.

Table of Contents

Walking Map of Rome

The following Rome sightseeing map will lead you on an adventure across 1 day in Rome. It covers about 12 kilometres in total and winds through the city’s historic streets, via all those iconic attractions you don’t want to miss.

To make the most of the free Rome walking tour, it’s designed to allow enough time to properly discover each attraction but to keep moving towards the next in order to fit them in. However, if you can’t resist lingering over pizza, all you need to do is step up the pace.

How to Spend One day in Rome

Your self-guided walking tour of Rome starts and ends at Termini Train Station. It follows an exciting path to the Colosseum first and moves on to cover all the top things to see in Rome, before taking you back around to the Trevi Fountain and the station.

However, if the Vatican Museums are at the top of your must-see list, it’s best to start the day there and buy early access tickets to avoid the long queues. You can still fit other attractions in and you’ll find my recommendations for an alternative route towards the end of this article. 

=> Starting Point – Termini Train Station

Most short stopovers in Rome begin and end at Fiumicino Airport. With direct trains available from the airport to the city, I’ve chosen Termini Train Station as the easiest starting point. It’s also the main hub for trains from other destinations in Italy and Europe.

Don’t worry about dragging heavy bags around either, as you’ll find Termini luggage storage facilities to safely stash your things for the day.

Stop #1 – The Colosseum

After stretching your legs on the easy walk from the station, you’ll start the tour off with a bang at one of the top places to visit in Rome. At first sight, a visit to the Colosseum offers one of those gasp-worthy moments, right before you frantically reach for your camera.

Built in AD 80, it could host more than 60,000 people all vying for the grisly privilege of watching gladiator battles, wild animal fights and public executions.

It’s enough to simply gaze in awe at the exterior of the ancient site, however, if you want to go inside it’s best to buy entry tickets online first. Then, you’ll see evidence of the intricate underground passageways and trap doors used for the brutal shows, along with the enormity of the famous landmark.

Stop #2 – The Roman Forum

No ancient Rome tour is complete without discovering the Roman Forum, which is just a stroll from the Colosseum. Though its majestic temples and imposing buildings now lie in ruins, you can certainly see, and feel, the sheer grandeur of the Roman Empire’s political, commercial and social heart.

This was the home of the Vestal Virgins who kept the sacred fire in the Temple of Vesta alight, and the site where Julius Caesar was cremated at his namesake temple.

The Egyptian granite columns of the Temple of Saturn hide secrets of the state treasury and was repeatedly destroyed by fire across the years. It’s definitely worth it to download an audio guide to learn about the site’s incredible history, while you’re exploring.

Stop #3 – Piazza Venezia

After popping back out from an ancient history trance, your walking tour continues onto the Piazza Venezia, which is literally located in the heart of Rome. It’s a breathtaking spot, with the white marble of the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument taking centre stage.

In fact, a whole area of Rome was demolished in order to make way for the structure and it was built to commemorate the unification of Italy.

If you feel like a coffee, there are plenty of cafes to get one here, before delving into the museum at the Palazzo Venezia. A huge collection including paintings, wooden sculptures, silverware, tapestries and weaponry stretches across more than 20 rooms and a garden adorns the centre of the palace. Back outside, don’t miss out on taking a snap of Palazzo Bonaparte, the former home of Napoleon’s mother.

Stop #4 – Largo di Torre Argentina

It’s said that Julius Caesar was murdered in the ruins surrounding the Largo di Torre Argentina. Fast forward to the future and it’s long been the home of a volunteer-run cat sanctuary. This is the next stop on your tour of Rome, to see the ruins of four Republican-era temples that are thought to have been constructed between the 2nd and 4th centuries BC.

You might be wondering what all this has to do with Argentina…

Nothing, as it happens. The name is taken from Argentoratum, which was the Latin name for the city of Strasbourg, the hometown of the Papal Master of Ceremonies.

Only cats are allowed inside the complex, though rumoured plans are constantly in motion to renovate the area and open it to the public. However, you can view the ruins from surrounding walkways.

Side trip – Campo de’ Fiori

At this point in your Rome sightseeing tour, it’s time to check the time. Is it already after 1pm? If it is, skip this side trip and make your way to the Pantheon. Otherwise, get set for the delicious delights of the morning market at Campo de’ Fiori. It’s the city’s most famous market and brims with fruit and vegetable stalls, flower merchants and locally made delicacies.

The vibrant, local action takes place on the site of the ancient Theatre of Pompey and some remnants are seen throughout. However, it’s hard to notice anything but the tasty treats. Refresh with a glass of freshly-squeezed juice, pick up something to snack on and don’t miss out on trying some sun-ripened fruit.

Stop #5 – The Pantheon

All of the best walks in Rome lead to the Pantheon and it pays to prepare yourself for yet another gasp-worthy moment. The 2000-year-old temple is the best preserved of Rome’s ancient structures and features the largest unreinforced concrete dome that was ever built.

Its existence is thanks to Marcus Agrippa, the son-in-law of Emperor Augustus. Dedicated to the planetary gods, early Christian emperors stopped all pagan worship in the temple and today it continues to function as a church.

Michelangelo is said to have stated that the Pantheon was built by angles, not by men, and that’s not so hard to believe.

Stop #6 – Church of St. Louis of the French

As you continue walking through Rome, the next stop is the opulent Church of St. Louis of the French. The Roman Catholic church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, St. Louis IX and St. Denis the Areopagite and it’s still an active place of worship for Rome’s French community, as it has been since 1589.

Being Rome, the Baroque structure is built on ancient sites, namely the Baths of Nero and the Baths of Agrippa. Wander inside to see the three famous Caravaggio paintings, The Calling of Saint Matthew, the Martyrdom of Saint Matthew and Saint Matthew and the Angel, near the main altar.

Stop #7 – Piazza Navona

Among the spectacular things to see in Rome in one day, the Piazza Navona is one of the most extravagant. Three elaborate fountains take the spotlight and the one in the centre, Fontana Dei Quattro Fiumi, was designed by Bernini in 1651. Surrounding this is an ever-revolving parade of people including artists, magicians, dancers, hawkers and camera-happy tourists trying to take it all in.

Borromini, one of the most important architects of the century, designed the splendid, 17th-century Baroque Sant’Agnese in Agone Church. Speaking of architecture, simply turn around in circles here to treat your eyes to the array of Baroque palaces. The largest is Palazzo Pamphilj, which now houses the Brazilian embassy.

If you’re not running out of time, restaurants and cafes surrounding the square let you sink in for a bit and soak up the atmosphere.

Stop #8 – Vatican City

Of all the things to do in Rome , the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vatican City tops many travel bucket lists. This Roma walking tour doesn’t really allow time to immerse yourself in the Vatican Museums , so choose the alternative tour below, if that’s your main priority. It does, however, give you time to check out one of the most famous squares, and most-visited churches, in the world.

The sheer size of St. Peter’s Square is a sight to behold. With 284 columns topped by sculptures of saints, the design of the square is a symmetrical masterpiece, so move through the crowds to view it from a variety of different angles. Dominating the city’s skyline, along with the square, is one of the largest churches in the world.

The highlight of St. Peter’s Basilica is Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring dome. However, an exploration of the grandiose interior, which houses invaluable works of art, is a mind-blowing experience no matter where your eyes come to rest.

Stop #9 – Castel Sant’Angelo

Your day tour in Rome continues onto the banks of the Tiber River and Castel Sant’Angelo. Also known as Hadrian’s Tomb, this is another great spot to stop for a drink at the cafe housed on the top floor, for panoramic views of the city.

The walls of this soaring, cylindrical building also hold fascinating secrets of its history as a fortress, a prison, a hideaway, a mausoleum and place of myth and legend.

Across numerous floors, it’s now a museum with a large collection of paintings, military memorabilia and medieval weapons. The opulent interior features frescoes showcasing Alexander the Great, historic Papal rooms, prison cells and the Hall of the Urns, once used as a resting place for the remains of the imperial family.

Stop #10 – Spanish Steps

No visit to Rome is complete without a stroll up the picturesque Spanish Steps. Built in the 1720s, the famous staircase joins the Piazza di Spagna with Trinita dei Monti Church.

When you climb the 138 stairs, terraces along the way offer gorgeous views. However, it’s worth it to go all the way to the top to gaze out over the labyrinth of streets and see the butterfly-shaped stairs from a different viewpoint.

If you still have enough time on your Rome self-guided walking tour, there’s plenty to see nearby. Keats-Shelley House rests at the bottom of the steps, with a museum highlighting the English Romantic poets. Surrounding this area you’ll also find many of the world’s luxury high-fashion brands like Fendi and Valentino.

Stop #11 – Trevi Fountain

By now, chances are you’ve decided that walking around Rome is one of your favourite things to do. The last stop on this Rome, full-day tour gives you the chance to return, or so legend has it.

The beautiful Trevi Fountain is an icon of the city and tossing a coin into the water is said to ensure you’ll be back – as long as you do so facing away from the fountain, with your right hand, over your left shoulder.

The marble creation is an enchanting mix of seahorses, mermen and the god Oceanus, with cascading water that you can hear long before you see it. If you happen to arrive at the Trevi Fountain at night, lights add a stunning, dramatic element.

On the way back to the nearby Termini, stop by the Quirinal Palace, home to the residences of the president, and Palazzo dell Esposizioni to see revolving art exhibits.

Finish – Back to Termini

Time for a breather and to collect your things from the station, after visiting the top sights to see in Rome. If you’re feeling hungry or have some time to kill before your flight or train journey, you’ll find a funky food court with a great array of cuisines to keep you full and busy until it’s time to leave.

ALTERNATE ROME ITINERARY (STARTING FROM THE VATICAN)

If your priority on a Rome city tour is to explore the Vatican Museums, this alternate tour gives you time to do so, while still fitting in some of the best things to see in Rome, in one day. The key to giving yourself as much time as possible is to purchase early access tickets in advance and head to the Vatican Museums first.

Vatican Museums

With one of the world’s most astounding art collections, it’s little wonder that the Vatican Museums are a ‘must-do’ in Rome. Founded in the 16th century by Pope Julius II, it’s certainly a mighty place to explore, with about 7 kilometres of corridors and rooms to discover.

The moment everyone waits for is that first glimpse of the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s magnificent ceiling frescoes. But, it’s really just the tip of the historic iceberg here, with the Raphael Rooms, the Room of the Segnatura, Borgia Apartment and the Gallery of Maps competing with a seemingly endless array of masterpieces.

Alternate Tour from Vatican City

Following the Vatican Museums, continue exploring Rome on foot by walking to the Castel Sant’Angelo. From there, visit the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, in that order, before returning to Termini.

WHERE TO EAT IN ROME

As I’ve mentioned, places to stop for a bite to eat abound on this Rome travel itinerary. However, it pays to be wary of tourist traps, which include many restaurants immediately in the vicinity of attractions. Although sometimes it’s worth exorbitant prices and substandard food if it means settling in to take in the views.

Otherwise, you’ll find plenty of options just a street or so away from most of the top sights.

Around the Colosseum, avoid the restaurants just outside and walk to Li Rioni for some of the best pizzas in town. Centro Storico is a neighbourhood known for fantastic restaurants in the streets surrounding the Pantheon. Just a few steps from Vatican City, Borgo Pio is a relaxing neighbourhood with a range of family-run trattitoris and bars, including the highly-rated Arlu .

TIPS FOR VISITING ROME IN A DAY

So, what do you need to know for your day-long Rome getaway? As with travelling in any big city, it pays to be prepared before you launch into the adventure. Though it’s an easy city to walk around and explore, these steps help you to avoid small, or large, inconveniences, to visit Rome in one day without a hitch.

Clothing/Footwear

Deciding what to wear in Rome all comes down to the season, so make sure you check the weather forecast before flying in. Summer can be sweltering hot and winter is fairly mild, though you’ll still need a warm coat, boots and a scarf.

Speaking of which, carry a scarf or wear something to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites, including the Vatican Museums (for men and women).

To ensure you enjoy the best walking tour in Rome, comfortable shoes are a must! Though it’s a fashion capital and you might be tempted to wear those heels, cobblestones and uneven surfaces dictate flat footwear for a long day of walking.

While Rome has gorgeous weather, rain is, of course, a possibility. However, don’t worry about packing anything as you’ll find that street vendors magically appear with umbrellas at the hint of grey skies.

Along with your Rome walking tour map, make sure you travel with some cash, just in case something on the street catches your eye or you dine at a smaller venue that doesn’t accept cards. However, credit cards are accepted at nearly all major retailers and businesses.

ATMs are called Bancomat and you’ll find plenty of them near attractions on this walking tour. If you need to exchange your currency for the Euro, head to a bank or Foreign Exchange Bureaus.

When you visit Rome the biggest safety issue you’re likely to encounter is pickpocketing, otherwise, it’s a relatively safe city. Pickpockets operate around the most crowded areas, like the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia. This is very easily avoided though, by not carrying anything in your actual pockets.

Wear a cross-body bag you can keep a close eye on at all times. If you’re taking a backpack, make sure you keep it closed and pop a little lock on the zip, so you don’t have to worry about it.

Never leave belongings where you can’t see them, such as draped over the back of a restaurant chair or anywhere out of easy reach.

=> Read about the safest travel purses for Europe here.

Buy tickets in advance

To make the most of a day or 24 hours in Rome, you’ll save an incredible amount of time booking ‘skip the line’ tickets. You can buy them online and, when you see the queues to buy entry tickets at attractions, you’ll do a little happy dance that you only have to line up to get in the door.

Getting to Rome Termini station from Rome airports

The easiest way to get from Fiumicino Airport to Termini Station is via the Leonardo Express train that runs at least every half-hour from 6:38 am to 11:38 pm and takes about 30-minutes to get there. If you’re flying into Ciampino Airport, the Trenitalia Train service takes approximately 15 minutes and operates from about 5:30 am to midnight. Tickets are available at the airports and the station, however, it’s easiest to book them online before you go.

Now that you know what to do in Rome and how to get to all the top sights on foot, it’s time to get truly excited! The Eternal City is a feast for the senses that captures your heart and won’t let go. So, whatever you do, don’t forget to throw that coin into the Trevi Fountain.

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Walking Tours in Rome

Rome isn’t a big city, and walking is by far the best way to see it. Finding ancient remains nestled between shops, pieces of ancient statues decorating the sidewalk, and churches filled with mosaics and artistic masterpieces is part of the Rome experience that can only be enjoyed walking through the Eternal City.

Is Rome a Walkable City?

Rome wasn’t designed for cars, but it’s perfect for walking. From Piazza Venezia , the Colosseum , Pantheon , Spanish Steps , Trevi Fountain , Piazza Navona , Campo dè Fiori , and the Jewish Ghetto are all less than 20 minutes away on foot, meaning you can see a lot in a day at a leisurely pace.

Summer in Rome can be hot, so be careful, especially in July and August when temperatures are often around 100°F/38°C. Rome has a lot of wide streets, open squares, and archaeological parks that offer little shade during the heat of the day.

Try to start early, stay inside during the hottest part of the day, and come out again in the evening when the city is cooling down like the locals do. 

Conclusion: Rome is a walkable city if you are used to walking and avoid walking when the sun is hot.

Is it Worth Doing Guided Walking Tours in Rome?

With more than 2000 years of emperors and popes to get your head around, not to mention the artists and aristocracy who have lived in Rome, taking a guided tour can help you make sense of what you are seeing and prevent information overload.

Tour operators also have access to exciting options that are not available to the general public, like the chance to be the first to enter the Sistine Chapel in the morning or visit the Vatican Museums after hours.

But you don’t need a guide for every place. Rome is beautiful even if you don’t know the history of what you are seeing, and some places, like the catacombs and the Domus Aurea, can only be visited with their guides, so the tour is included in the ticket price.

Conclusion: Guided tours can give you exclusive access to some locations and help you to focus on the most important details at the most popular sites, but there’s also a lot you can see on your own.

How do Guided Tours Compare to Self-Guided or Free Walking Tours?

If you want to keep costs low, many places in Rome are easy to visit on your own with a guidebook. Get a map and plan a themed route, for example:

• The squares and fountains of Rome
• Bernini sculptures (minus Galleria Borghese )
• Churches with Caravaggio paintings
• Medieval mosaics
• Ancient monuments

Or create your own street food tour by picking the best places to try supplì , pizza al taglio , trappizzino , tiramisu, and gelato , passing beautiful monuments on the way.

Free walking tours are another option if you don’t want to break the bank. These kinds of tours will show you a small part of the city. They usually last a couple of hours at the beginning or end of the day and don’t include any entrance fees, and are tip-based at your discretion. 

Conclusion: If you’re on a budget, guided tours aren’t your only option. There are some excellent resources you can use to explore on your own and free tours that can offer an introduction to some of the monuments in the city center.

What Should I Look for to Find the Right Walking Tour for Me?

Do you want a group tour? A small group tour? A private tour? Consider your budget and the kind of experience you want to find the right tour .

Group Tours

While a group walking tour might cost you €50 per person, you could be with 30+ other people, with little chance of interacting with the guide, who is hooked up to a radio system. However, these tours can be great if you just want to hear a little information about a place, to know what’s important to look at and don’t feel like reading a guidebook.

Small Group Tours

Walking tours with fewer than 10 people in a group will cost more (think around €100 per person), but you can ask questions and talk to other people in the group. The guide will have some flexibility to adapt the tour to the ages and interests of the group, offering you a more personalized type of tour.

Private Tours

Private guides offer maximum flexibility and, for families traveling together, may not be the more expensive option. Some guides specialize in history, art history, or archaeology, and some offer tours for younger travelers. Private guides will arrange your tickets and transportation or start the tour at your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about meeting points.

Tips for Choosing a Walking Tour in Rome:

• Check the list of places visited carefully and whether the tour includes entrance to a site or just an external view. 
• The Colosseum , Forum , and Palatine are on a single ticket. If a tour includes the Colosseum and Forum, you won’t be able to go back in on your own to visit the Palatine without buying another ticket.
• The basic Colosseum tickets do not include entrance to the underground. If seeing that is important to you, make sure you’re booking the right tour.
• Most walking tours last about 3 hrs, and (group tours) won’t include stops. Walking is usually at a leisurely pace, but if you don’t think you’ll be able to stand for so long, consider a golf cart tour instead.

Conclusion: Take time to compare different tours and see what each one offers. Doublecheck if entrance to the sites you want to visit is included on the tour and in the price before booking.

Can You Walk Rome in a Day?

The historic center of Rome isn’t big, but there’s a lot to see. The Colosseum to the Vatican Museums would take you about an hour on foot and wouldn’t be the best use of your time. 

If you only have a day in Rome , I suggest choosing either the Colosseum or the Vatican Museums. A tour of either site will take about 3 hours. Then you can enjoy the rest of the day walking around the center where Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain are easy to walk between.

Conclusion: You can’t walk Rome in a day if you plan to visit the Vatican Museum and the Colosseum. Two days would be the minimum to do walking tours of both sites and to visit the most important monuments of the city center.

Are Night Walking Tours Worth Doing?

Rome is another kind of beautiful at night, with lights on many of the monuments, cooler temperatures, and no crowds. If you arrive in the afternoon and are ready to start exploring Rome, a night tour is a wonderful introduction to the Eternal City.

Most night tours will include the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and possibly Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s on the other side of the river. However, some focus on darker parts of Rome’s history, like stories of the Inquisition.

Conclusion: Rome is worth seeing at night, and some companies offer tours that include some of the city’s most famous monuments. This is also an easy self-guided option with GoogleMaps.

Tips for a Great Walking Tour Experience

• Don’t book a walking tour if you can’t walk at a leisurely pace for 3 hours. Think about doing a bus or golf cart tour instead.
• Wear comfortable shoes. If you’re visiting any ancient sites, it’s best to wear closed shoes.
• If your tour includes any churches, remember to respect the dress code and cover your shoulders and knees. Carry a light scarf in your bag so you’re ready any time you pass an interesting-looking church. 
• In the summer, bring sun cream, a sun hat or umbrella, and a water bottle with you. Rome has many water fountains where you can refill your bottle for free.
• Avoid outdoor tours during the middle of the day in summer. Try and book tours at the beginning or end of the day when the weather is cooler.
• In winter, bring an umbrella. Rome doesn’t have a lot of heavy rain, and tours will go ahead as long as the sites remain open.
• Book tours in advance, especially if you want hard-to-get tickets, like Galleria Borghese or the Colosseum Underground, and make sure you understand the cancellation policy. 
• Finally, always check what other travelers have said in online reviews to know what to expect before you book.

I've been a tour guide in Rome for 16 years. Here are 5 tourist attractions that are worth it and 5 you can skip.

• After 16 years of working as a tour guide in Rome , I've figured out the best attractions.
• I always recommend visiting the Park of the Aqueducts and the  Ostia Antica archeological site.
• But I think the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Mouth of Truth attractions are overcrowded. 

Rome is pretty crowded — the city welcomed a record-breaking 35 million tourists in 2023. Any gorgeous photos you see of breathtaking and empty piazzas were likely taken long before most people have woken up.

As a seasoned Roman tour guide for the past 16 years, I would never say certain attractions have no merit. But after years of interacting with travelers , I understand that people want alternatives.

Luckily, Rome has priceless art and artifacts around every corner.

Here are five popular attractions that are worth visiting, and five you might want to skip.

The Capitoline Museums offer plenty of art and archeological finds.

Located on Capitoline Hill, the Capitoline Museums offer a treasure trove of ancient Roman art and artifacts.

Despite their historical significance as some of the oldest public museums in the world , they're often overlooked by tourists.

The well-curated collections include masterpieces by renowned artists like Michelangelo and Caravaggio, ancient bronzes, and frescoes. It's a must-visit for any art enthusiast seeking a quieter, more intimate experience.

Don't miss the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano.

As one of Rome's four major basilicas, San Giovanni in Laterano (also known as the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran) boasts a stunning display of baroque architecture and intricate frescoes.

It may not be as famous as some of Rome's other churches, but its grandeur and historical importance as the oldest papal basilica in the city make it a hidden gem worth exploring.

The Park of the Aqueducts is beautiful and full of history.

Escape the crowds and stagnant air of the city center and venture into a tranquil Park of the Aqueducts (Parco degli Acquedotti).

Here, you'll see towering arches of 11 aqueducts that once carried water to the heart of ancient Rome. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll on the ancient Latin Road or a picnic away from the crowds.

The attraction also offers a unique perspective on the ingenuity of Roman engineering.

There's incredible art in the Basilica of Sant’Agostino.

Art lovers shouldn't miss the exquisite "Madonna dei Pellegrini" housed within the Cavalletti Chapel at Basilica di Sant'Agostino in Campo Marzio.

The dramatic interplay of light and shadow in Caravaggio's painting comes alive in the serene church, providing a captivating glimpse into the artist's unparalleled talent and revolutionary style.

A Roman vacation isn't complete without a trip to Ostia Antica.

Step back in time and explore the remarkably well-preserved ruins of Ostia Antica, Rome's ancient seaport.

The archaeological site offers a quieter and less time-consuming alternative to the crowds of Pompeii a little farther south. Visitors can wander through ancient streets, houses, and Roman theaters in a more peaceful setting than the Roman Forum.

Plus, you can enjoy a seafood lunch overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea after your visit .

On the other hand, the Vatican Museums are overcrowded.

Although the Vatican Museums are undeniably home to some of the world's most renowned art collections, they're almost always swarming with tourists.

The crowds and long queues can detract from your overall experience. In peak season , the Vatican easily sees 20,000 to 30,000 visitors a day.

It's virtually impossible to admire the art as you're shuttled through each gallery until everyone spills into the Sistine Chapel . Even the bathroom lines can be a 30-minute wait.

Unless you are willing to spend a lot of money on an official tour before the museums are open to the public or visit in the offseason , you should consider alternative attractions.

You can get a good view of the Colosseum without going inside.

As iconic as it may be, the Colosseum can be overwhelming, particularly during peak tourist seasons .

Its historical significance is undeniable, but exploring the ancient amphitheater can be a challenge among the swarms of visitors.

Acquiring tickets is also tricky. We often have to time our online purchases perfectly, refreshing the page in 10-minute intervals. Tickets sell out quickly and are sometimes resold by large companies.

Consider alternative viewpoints or guided tours for a more personalized experience. I also like taking in the exterior around 9 a.m. or in the evening when it lights up.

Walking the Appian Way might be a letdown.

The Appian Way is significant in Roman history as the oldest and most important road. But its appeal may be lost on the average tourist.

Nowadays, there are loads of bike and bus tours to the Catacombs along the road — making it crowded — and public transport there is difficult.

I suggest visiting the Park of the Aqueducts instead. It's an easy metro ride from Termini Station and offers a glimpse into what the Roman countryside would've been like.

Everyone wants a photo in front of the Trevi Fountain — and that's the problem.

Although undeniably one of Rome's most famous landmarks , the Trevi Fountain is often teeming with tourists jostling for the perfect selfie.

The sheer volume of visitors can detract from the fountain's beauty and significance, making it challenging to appreciate it in peace.

If you insist on throwing a coin in, go as early in the morning as possible — otherwise, it's a zoo.

I wouldn't wait in line for the Mouth of Truth.

Made famous by its appearance in classic films like "Roman Holiday," the Mouth of Truth may not live up to the hype for many visitors.

According to medieval legend, the stone mask will bite off the hand of any liar who enters its mouth, which has made it popular with tourists.

But the brief photo opportunity doesn't justify the long queues. Plus, it was probably just used as a drain cover in the Temple of Hercules.

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Best Tours in Rome for Families That Won't Disappoint! (2024)

T he Italian capital is a great city to visit with kids of all ages. Rome’s history stretches back thousands of years and the city’s ancient ruins are sure to impress the whole family. Sometimes the size and grandeur of the Eternal City can overwhelm younger kids. Luckily, many tour companies in Rome offer family-friendly tours allowing you to skip long lines, learn from enthusiastic guides, and create lasting memories. This guide includes only the best tours in Rome for families from city tours to cooking classes to full-day excursions.

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Best Rome Tours with Kids

Free walking tours in rome italy, city walking tour.

First time visiting Rome? Traveling on a budget? No problem, the  Free Walking Tours of Rom e  is the perfect tour for you and your family.

This two-hour city tour meets at the Spanish Steps in the city center twice during the peak season. They offer morning and afternoon tours.

In the morning, your English-speaking tour guide will lead a group of no more than 20 through the historic center. Along the way, they will provide a brief overview of ancient Roman history and modern daily life.

Some of the sights you will visit date back to the Roman Empire, including the Column of Marcus Aurelius, the Temple of Hadrian, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Castel Sant’Angelo with a view of St. Peter’s Basilica.

If you take the afternoon tour, expect to explore different landmarks like an ancient Roman Aqueduct, the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, the Imperial Forums, and outside the Colosseum.

Most major European cities offer free walking tours where you can tip your guides at the end of the tour. Due to their huge popularity, Rome Free Walking Tours requires a deposit of €1 to confirm your booking. We recommend a tip in cash or card once the tour is finished!

These cheap tours are a great way to see the highlights of a new city and welcome travelers of all ages.

Best Food Tours Rome

Pizza making class.

Booking a pizza-making class on a vacation to Rome is a no-brainer. This local, unique experience is something the entire family (and your taste buds) will enjoy! Rome4Kids Tours runs some of the best family tours in the city. They offer both private and group pizza-making classes in Rome for kids .

This one-hour workshop is located in a real pizzeria near Piazza Navona so it’s in a super central location. The class is held twice a day around lunch and dinner time. It is the perfect amount of time for the attention spans of young children. They will love learning new cooking skills in a fun, hands-on way. 

Drinks are included and, of course, you get to eat your creation at the end! 

Gelato Making Class

Everyone knows the best way to enjoy pizza is to follow it with a scoop or two of gelato afterward. Learn how to make authentic Italian gelato (different from ice cream!) in this highly-rated,  private gelato-making class .

Private classes allow the chef to give you special attention. Families will have ample time to ask questions about the gelato-making process. Everyone can wear fun aprons and chef hats and try a second gelato flavor in addition to the one you will make together.

Rome Culinary Food Tour

A walking tour of the city’s top culinary delights is one of the best Rome tours you can take, with or without kids. Secret Food Tours runs fantastic food tours all over the world. We highly recommend adding their top-rated Rome food tour  to your vacation.

Sample Roman pasta, authentic cannoli, lots of ham, salami, cheese, fresh pizza, gelato, and a signature secret dish. The company offers a private option which is a sensible idea when traveling with younger children. You can easily skip visiting coffee shops for espressos and wine pairings if you would prefer.

This tour lasts over three hours, which is great value! Another option is a tour with a private guide. This will allow you to travel at your own pace to make sure the whole family has a great time.

Twilight Trastevere Food Tour

Most will agree the best area for authentic Roman dishes and a true Rome experience is the neighborhood of Trastevere across the River Tiber. Check out this  perfect tour of the culinary scene in Trastevere at Twilight  if you’re traveling with older kids.

On this incredible four-hour tour, dine out on the best street food at restaurants like Da Enzo al 29 and ‘Spirito Divino . Expect to visit ancient wine cellars and listen to interesting stories about the neighborhood as you walk through it. You will learn how to spot fake gelato while gorging on the best gourmet scoops you’ve ever tasted.

It’s hands down one of the best tours in Rome for families with teenage kids , though children aged four and up are very welcome. You can choose the group tour option or enjoy a private tour to explore Trastevere your way!

Riding Tours in Rome

Bike ride at night.

Rome’s historical center is  huge . It’s full of incredible archaeological sites and iconic landmarks which would take you many days to explore on foot. Get out of the midday heat and save little legs by booking this cool  e-bike tour of Rome by night !

Over three hours, you can tick off many iconic spots on your Rome hit list as well as have a fun time with your family. Just some of the stops include Oppian Hill (one of the best views of Rome!), the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and Capitoline Hill.

Enjoy the sunset as well as the architecture of this beautiful city. This is one of the best Rome kids tours because they offer options for kids of all ages. You can request child seats, a trailer bike, or a child-sized bike so no one is left out.

Rome Golf Cart Tours

Another fun way to explore Rome on wheels is to book a golf cart tour for the whole family. Venture on a  golf cart tour along Rome’s Appian Way or explore Rome’s seven hills on a golf cart tour with Rolling Rome .

On a two-and-a-half-hour tour of the  Appia Antica  Roman road, head out of the crowded city and see important ancient sites. You will travel past the Aurelian Walls and the Baths of Caracalla followed by an underground tour of the Catacombs of Rome.

On the three-hour tour of Rome’s hills, you will visit over a dozen places including the famous Mouth of Truth from  Roman Holiday,  the Arch of Janus, and the Knights of Malta keyhole. Most of these spots are in or close to the historic center on top of famous Roman peaks like Capitoline, Aventine, and Palatine Hill.

Both of these tours of Rome are private. Not only are they two of the best kids’ tours of Rome, but they are both ideal if you’re traveling with older family members with limited mobility too. 

History Tours in Rome

Gladiator school.

Rome’s Gladiator School  is exactly as awesome as it sounds. We are sure your kids will be talking about this experience for years.

Known as  Gruppo Storico Romano  in Italian, your children can take part in a two-hour lesson where they will learn how to become gladiators. They will be just as fierce as those who fought in the Colosseum during the times of Ancient Rome.

Passionate child-friendly guides with years of experience will teach your kids about the history of gladiatorial fights. They are provided with armor and (wooden) weapons as instructors teach them the skills necessary to ‘compete’ in one of the ‘bloody’ games at the end of the session.

Free drinks, a small snack, and free entrance to the Gladiator Museum of Rome are included in this experience.

Sistine Chapel

Visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel can be a busy, overwhelming experience for adults, let alone kids! But you can’t visit Rome with kids without witnessing the beauty of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.

Make the most of your visit to the holy Vatican City by booking an early morning express tour of the Sistine Chapel  or a  Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour  with Context Travel.

Both tours offer skip-the-line tickets. The early morning express tour of the Sistine Chapel is semi-private for up to six people and lasts one hour and 45 minutes. On the Vatican tour of both the museums and the Sistine Chapel, you can book the small-group or private option which lasts around three hours.

There are two of the best tours in Rome for families visiting Vatican City. You can choose the tour that makes sense for the age and interests of your kids. We promise your family will be glad you booked ahead and aren’t stuck waiting in a huge line outside in the baking sun!

Visiting Rome without a stop at the Colosseum is like visiting Australia’s Great Barrier Reef but not snorkeling. It has to be done! Luckily, the scale and history of this Seventh Wonder of the World are sure to impress even the most unfazed kids.

If you want to take a Colosseum family tour, there are so many great ones. This express Colosseum tour for kids  is a classic. The private family tour lasts two-and-a-half hours and includes a skip-the-line ticket, games, a treasure hunt, and prizes to engage little ones. 

Booking a private, underground Colosseum tour will give you access to areas of this ancient ruin which are usually restricted to the general. Both the  underground tour of the Colosseum  and the  underground Colosseum tour with LivTours include skip-the-line tickets.

On either tour, you can visit the underground where animals were kept for gladiator fights, all levels of the structure, access to the exhibition, and further exploration at the Roman Forum.

Visiting the subterranean burial chambers of Rome’s Catacombs is a fun thing to do with children who are intrigued by spooky and macabre places. One of the best tours in Rome for families of the Catacombs is this  private Catacombs tour .

With over 2,000 years of history underneath Rome, it is a great place to learn about Roman gods, pagan temples, and Christian crypts. There are even graves of some of the first popes in the Rome Catacombs!

This tour goes the extra mile by offering luxury transfers to the city center. It lasts three hours and since it’s a private tour, you can linger at places or skip whatever you want.

Day Trips in Rome

Only two and a half hours south of Rome, Pompeii is the perfect place for a fascinating and educational day trip. However, the hassle of renting a car and driving on windy Italian roads is no one’s idea of fun!

LivTours offers a fantastic  semi-private, small-group day tour of Pompeii  or you can book a  private day tour to Pompeii and Capua with Tours of Pompeii.

Pompeii is an ancient Roman city near Naples whose residents tragically perished in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. They were preserved under the ash for over a century until excavations began and unearthed this window to the past.

LivTours works with an archaeologist in Pompeii who will show you around the site and answer any questions. Tours are limited to six people and include transfers to and from Rome in a luxury van.

Tours of Pompeii also includes transfers but has an extra stop in Capua, a city north of Naples with some fabulous ruins. This is also an opportunity to visit the second-largest Roman amphitheater after the Colosseum and all the top sites in Pompeii including the Vettii House, the Baths, the Forum, and the House of Faunus. 

Ostia Antica

Do you only have space in your itinerary for a half-day tour? Viator offers five-hour  private tours of Ostia Antica from Rome . 

This ancient Roman port town is only 17 miles away from Rome. Kids of all ages (even those in strollers!) are welcome on this tour which includes hotel pick-up, a driver, and a child-friendly guide.

Check out the ancient Roman buildings in Ostia Antica including the necropolis, dye houses, cleaners, large baths, city center, apartments, and bakery!

It’s a completely flexible tour and you could easily turn it into a full-day trip. The beach is only two miles away from Ostia Antica so it’s the perfect place to enjoy a family picnic.

Enjoy the Best Tours in Rome for Families on Your Vacation

Whether you’re looking for private tours with a dedicated, expert guide or budget-friendly tours for small groups, you won’t regret booking as many tours as possible on your family vacation. They take the pressure off you to entertain and inform so that you get to be hands-off, learn something, and enjoy a fun tour too. Happy kids plus happy parents is a win-win!

Hopefully, this list of the best tours in Rome for families has given you plenty of inspiration when planning your trip to this ancient city. 

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