Free Things to Do in Rome for High School Students on a Budget

Rome is a city made for explorers. Whether it be a park, a piazza, or a neighborhood street, there is always something new to discover. Let's take a look at the FREE places and sites to see during your time in Rome!

1. Monuments

No matter how long you plan to stay in the city, visiting the monuments is a must! Some of them have entrance fees, but the view from the outside is just as gorgeous—and free to see. Here is the list of famous sites without entrance fees: 

• Roman Forum - Just a short walk away from the Colosseum, this area was the home of ancient Rome’s government, including Julius Caesar and Cicero.
• Trevi Fountain - Rumor has it that if you throw one coin in the Trevi Fountain that you’ll return to Rome. The second coin thrown means you'll find love, and the third leads to marriage! This rumor became popular after the 1954 movie “Three Coins in the Fountain”.
• St. Peter's Basilica - Located in Vatican City, this is one of the holiest Catholic churches in the world. This year (2025) is Jubilee and the Holy Door is open for the entirety of the year, a surreal experience.
• The Spanish Steps - Located in Piazza di Spagna, this grand staircase connects to the church of Trinità dei Monti. In the area, there are luxury stores, perfect for window shopping!
• Various churches - Rome is home to over 900 unique churches. This includes small chapels and grand basilicas, most free to enter.
• Roman Ruins - Ancient columns, arches and fountains are located throughout the city. Meaning, you are often walking right through history!

And some sites with small fees:

• Pantheon (entrance fee, 5€)- This famous dome with an oculus open to the sky is another form of Roman architecture.
• The Colosseum (entrance fee, 18€)- Once home to the gladiators, this ancient amphitheater is a beautiful symbol of Roman architecture. It is also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World!
• Castel Sant'Angelo (entrance fee, 19€)- The castle was previously a papal refuge, prison, and now a museum. It is located north of Rome’s city center and has a variety of guided tours.

2. Walkable Sites

One integral part of the city is the Tiber River. The Tiber was once used by ancient Romans to ship food and building materials across Rome, but today, you can enjoy a nice passeggiata (leisurely stroll) by the water or get in some exercise along the bike path!

If you prefer more greenery, you can check out one of Rome’s many lush gardens, like the Via Doria Pamphilj or Villa Borghese. Immerse yourself in local neighborhoods like Trestevere, filled with artisans and musicians, or Monti, a beautiful neighborhood with high end vintage shopping. 

3. Markets and More

Rome is famous for its many farmers markets throughout the city. Locals often grocery shop daily for fresh produce, but these markets are open for all. Campo dei Fiori is a beautiful piazza (square) just a 10 minute walk away from the CIEE center in Rome. There, you can explore stands of fruits and veggies, handmade products, and observe the daily life of locals. The markets at Campo dei Fiori are open from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday-Saturday, making for the perfect peaceful morning.

A must visit market for thrifty shoppers is the Porta Portese flea/antique in Trastevere. Spanning about a mile with over 1,000 stalls, you will find treasures starting under 1 euro from jewelry and clothes to vintage collector items and handcrafted leather. Porta Portese is open from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm ONLY on Sundays. To avoid large crowds (and get the best prices) arrive early and with cash. This is a great place to try your hand at bargaining, as most vendors are very willing to lower their prices when you pay in cash, though many accept cards as well.

4. Free Resources

Be sure to check out Rick Steves Audio Europe available for IOS and Android devices and offers FREE audio guided walking tours of Rome and beyond! This is a great resource to get to know more about the monuments you see on a budget.

And as always, be sure to hydrate at one of the many nasoni (drinking fountains) located throughout the city, providing the freshest water 24/7. Check out the app I Nasoni di Roma to find your nearest station!

Are you interested in a high school summer abroad with CIEE? Check out our 35+ program destinations worldwide, and apply today!