The entire city of Rome is like an open-air museum with historic buildings, sites, squares, everywhere the frugal traveler looks. There are some sights that are well worth the admission, such as the Sistine Chapel (in Vatican City, a walled enclave within the city of Rome), but many of the must-see sights are absolutely free.

Trevi’s Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece carved from marble. Available to all, legend has it that if visitors shoulder a coin, they are sure to return to Rome.

Basilica of Saint Peter

Touted as perhaps the largest church in Christianity, travelers can’t say they’ve seen the world’s religious sites without visiting St. Peter’s Basilica. Most of the papal ceremonies take place in San Pedro. And the frugal traveler will be pleased to know that there is no entrance fee. Highlights include the impressive dome and Michelangelo’s Pietà.

Note: St. Peter’s has a strict dress code (even shorts were not allowed when we attended), so dress modestly.

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a magnificent building complete with gigantic bronze doors, a colonnaded entrance and a massive dome. It contains the tombs of Raphael and some Italian kings. The Pantheon was built as a Roman temple and later consecrated as a Catholic church.

Admission is free.

steps in spanish

I think there is nothing more pleasant than sitting on the steps of the Plaza de España and people-watching. Years ago, I would have said eating ice cream too, but the authorities have banned that much-loved practice.

Linking two squares, Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top, the 138 steps are known as one of the longest and widest staircases in all of Europe.

Coliseum

There’s an entrance fee for the Colosseum, but a tour of the exterior of the ancient Roman amphitheater is free (plus, sharp-eyed frugal travelers can visit the interior). It’s really like a scene from gladiator movies. I could almost hear the roar of the crowd.

Rome is a city so full of history that only the free tours will take you days (don’t do as I did on the first trip and try to see Rome in one day). The historic buildings are so close together that the best way to see the city is on foot.