Best Free Things to Do in Rome
Be neighborly: Take a stroll in the neighborhoods near your hotel. Or check out the old Testaccio district. This ‘hood dates back to antiquity and is becoming a popular bar hop spot for a young crowd while many restaurants feature delicious Roman era cooking. Trestevere is also a unique place to walk, as most of the narrow alleyways lead back to the Piazza Santa Maria, one of the city’s oldest places of worship.
Pantheon: One of the most iconic structures in Rome. The Pantheon was renovated by Hadrian in 120AD which is one of the reasons why it is so well preserved. It is open from Monday – Saturday 8:30 am – 7:30 pm and Sunday from 9 – 6.
Vatican: The most highly regarded place in the Catholic faith. Skip the costly entrance fees and go for free the last Sunday of each month. You can also see the excavation sites beneath the structure for free too.
Trevi Fountain: Sure it’s just a fountain. But ancient legend boasts that by throwing a coin into the Baroque fountain, you’re guaranteed to return to the Eternal City. Jeez, it’s that easy?
Bocca della Verita: In similar fashion to the Trevi Fountain, this olden sewer grate has a myth of its own. If you place your hand inside, it will be bitten off if the grate deems you a liar. Beware!
Appia Antica: This ancient road that led away from Rome is closed to all vehicles on Sunday allowing for a peaceful journey. There are also free tours from 10 – 3 by signing up at the Parco Dell’Appie Park office.
Spanish Steps: The steps with a view. After climbing to the top, the city sprawls out before you. Plus, they’ve just been renovated in 1996, so they are safer than ever.
Piazza Navona: This marketplace is one of the liveliest places in Rome. You can just explore or eat a good meal relatively cheap here.
Here are a few budget hotels to make your stay a fun yet affordable one.
Photos via Rolf Süssbrich and Diliff
On-the-go Packing Tips
If you’re always traveling for business or even picking up at a moment’s notice for pleasure, here are some great tips to pack when you’re on the fly.
Universal Adapter: Have a universal adapter charged and at the ready always.
Airport Advantage: Know everything there is to know about your home airport. You might be surprised at the hidden gems you find. For example, a check out desk that is not jam packed just because it’s down an additional flight stairs. Say hello to people you see there often too. You never know when you might need a buddy to eek you by in a rush.
Toiletries: These are also a hassle to pack and something always manages to get missed every time. Go to the $1 section of your local grocer and pick up enough mini bottles to makeup 3 – 5 little kits that you can easily store in large freezer ziplocks until they are needed.
File: Make a file on your phone or laptop that has the details (account number, phone number, etc.) of every single service you’re hitting along the way including hotel, car rental, and airline.
Cash: In a world of credit cards, cash is a rarity. However, when traveling it is smart to just keep a couple of bucks handy for tips (remember buddies are good!) or a last minute quickie meal.
Clothes: Pack lightly. Be efficient. Bring one pair of work shoes and one pair of casual in neutral colors so they go with everything. One pair of jeans with a variety of tops also works for casual events and one suit with a variety of ties works for business meetings.
Photo via babygear.net