50 Things to Do in Italy

Italy conjures images of ancient ruins, Renaissance art, delectable cuisine, and stunning coastlines, often associated with significant travel expenses. However, experiencing the heart and soul of this captivating country doesn’t require emptying your bank account; countless fantastic free things to do in Italy allow you to soak up its beauty, history, and culture without spending a fortune. Discovering Italy’s treasures affordably is easier than you might think, revealing that the sweet life can indeed be savored on a budget.

This guide highlights 50 specific activities and sights across Italy that you can enjoy entirely free of charge. From marveling at architectural wonders and exploring vibrant piazzas to hiking scenic trails and relaxing on beautiful beaches, you can craft an unforgettable Italian journey. Get ready to explore the best of Italy without the cost.

Admire Grand Churches and Cathedrals

St. Peter’s Basilica Entry (Vatican City): Step inside the world’s largest church to marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldacchino. While security lines can be long, entry into the Basilica itself is free (dome climb and museums cost extra).

Pantheon Visit (Rome): Enter the remarkably preserved ancient Roman temple, now a church. Gaze up at the incredible unsupported dome with its oculus open to the sky; admission is free.

Florence Cathedral Exterior: Stand in Piazza del Duomo and admire the breathtaking scale and intricate marble facade of Santa Maria del Fiore. Viewing Brunelleschi’s dome from the outside is a Florentine must-see.

Milan Cathedral Exterior: Marvel at the intricate Gothic architecture of the Duomo di Milano from the piazza. Its forest of spires and detailed facade provide stunning photo opportunities.

St. Mark’s Basilica Exterior (Venice): Admire the opulent facade of Venice’s main basilica in Piazza San Marco. The stunning mosaics and unique Italo-Byzantine architecture are impressive even from the outside (entry may have fee/pass).

Visit San Miniato al Monte (Florence): Hike up the hill for stunning city views and free entry into this beautiful Romanesque basilica. Inside, discover intricate mosaics and a serene atmosphere away from the crowds.

Explore Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (Rome): Visit one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas. Step inside to admire its stunning 5th-century mosaics and grand interior; entry is generally free.

See Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi Exterior: View the magnificent basilica complex built into the hillside in Assisi. Admiring the architecture and the spiritual significance of the site from the outside is powerful.

Gesù Nuovo Church (Naples): Marvel at the unique diamond-patterned facade and step inside to be amazed by the opulent Baroque interior. It’s a fascinating contrast and free to enter.

Visit Lesser-Known Churches: Step into countless smaller, historic churches found in every Italian town and city. Many contain hidden artistic gems and offer a peaceful respite, often with free entry.

Explore Piazzas and Fountains

Wander Piazza Navona (Rome): Stroll through this beautiful Baroque square, famous for Bernini’s Fountain of Four Rivers. Admire the sculptures and enjoy the lively atmosphere with street artists and cafes.

People Watch in St. Peter’s Square (Vatican City): Stand within Bernini’s magnificent colonnades embracing the square. Observe the crowds, admire the obelisk and fountains, and take in the grandeur of the setting.

Experience Piazza della Signoria (Florence): Soak up the atmosphere in Florence’s political heart. Admire the replica of Michelangelo’s David and the sculptures in the free open-air Loggia dei Lanzi.

See the Trevi Fountain (Rome): Visit Rome’s most famous and spectacular Baroque fountain. Tossing a coin is traditional (and costs money), but admiring the dramatic sculptures and cascading water is completely free.

Relax in Piazza del Popolo (Rome): Enjoy the vast neoclassical square featuring an Egyptian obelisk and twin churches. It’s a great starting point for exploring nearby parks or shopping streets.

Stroll Through Piazza del Campo (Siena): Experience one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares, famous for the Palio horse race. Enjoy the unique shell shape and admire the surrounding historic buildings.

Visit Piazza del Plebiscito (Naples): Wander through Naples’ grand main square, flanked by the Royal Palace and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola. Enjoy the vast open space and monumental architecture.

Browse Campo de’ Fiori Market (Rome): Experience the lively morning market atmosphere in this historic square. Browse the stalls selling flowers, produce, and local goods (looking is free!).

Piazza San Marco Stroll (Venice): Walk through Venice’s iconic main square, admiring St. Mark’s Basilica, the Campanile, and Doge’s Palace exteriors. Enjoy the atmosphere, especially early morning or late evening when less crowded.

Ancient Ruins and Historic Sites

View the Roman Forum from Capitoline Hill (Rome): Get fantastic overhead views of the ancient Roman Forum ruins for free. Walk behind the buildings on Capitoline Hill for excellent panoramic perspectives.

See the Colosseum Exterior (Rome): Admire the scale and iconic architecture of the ancient Roman amphitheater from the outside. Viewing this incredible structure is impressive without needing an entry ticket.

Walk Along the Appian Way (Rome): Stroll or bike sections of the ancient Roman road, lined with historic tombs and ruins just outside the city center. It offers a unique journey back in time.

View Greek Temples from Outside (Agrigento/Paestum): Admire the stunningly preserved ancient Greek temples in Sicily’s Valley of the Temples or at Paestum (south of Naples) from accessible viewpoints outside the main archaeological park entrances. The grandeur is visible from afar.

Explore Ostia Antica’s Free Areas: While the main archaeological park has an entry fee, explore accessible paths around the perimeter or near the entrance for glimpses of the ancient Roman port city’s ruins.

Scenic Strolls and City Walks

Wander Trastevere (Rome): Get lost in the charming cobblestone streets of this popular neighborhood across the Tiber. Discover ivy-clad buildings, artisan shops, and enjoy the lively, bohemian atmosphere.

Explore the Oltrarno District (Florence): Cross the Arno River and wander the streets known for artisan workshops. Peer into studios practicing traditional crafts like leatherwork and mosaic creation.

Walk the Cannaregio District (Venice): Explore the quieter, more residential side of Venice away from the main tourist crowds. Discover charming canals, local shops, and the historic Jewish Ghetto area.

Stroll Spaccanapoli (Naples): Follow the arrow-straight street that cuts through the heart of Naples’ historic center. Experience the intense energy, ancient churches, and vibrant street life.

Explore Cinque Terre Village Centers: While hiking between the five villages requires a paid pass, exploring the picturesque centers of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare individually is free. Soak up the colorful harbourside charm.

Walk Along the Arno River (Florence): Enjoy peaceful walks along the Lungarni, the embankments lining the river. Admire views of the bridges, including the Ponte Vecchio, reflecting in the water.

Stroll the Via dei Fori Imperiali (Rome): Walk the grand avenue running alongside the Roman Forum and Imperial Fora. Enjoy views of the ancient ruins on either side leading towards the Colosseum.

Bridges and Waterways

Cross the Ponte Vecchio (Florence): Walk across Florence’s oldest bridge, famously lined with glittering jewelry shops. Enjoy the unique atmosphere and views up and down the Arno River.

Walk the Rialto Bridge (Venice): Cross the iconic Rialto Bridge spanning the Grand Canal. Enjoy bustling views of canal traffic and browse the shops lining the structure.

View the Grand Canal (Venice): Find spots along the banks or stand on bridges like the Accademia Bridge. Watch gondolas, vaporettos, and other boats navigate Venice’s main waterway – a quintessential Venetian sight.

Walk the Lungomare Caracciolo (Naples): Stroll along Naples’ beautiful waterfront promenade. Enjoy stunning views of the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, Castel dell’Ovo, and the island of Capri.

Parks Gardens and Nature

Relax in Villa Borghese Gardens (Rome): Explore the extensive grounds of Rome’s third-largest public park. Enjoy walking paths, shaded picnic spots, a small lake, and views over Piazza del Popolo.

Stroll Parco Sempione (Milan): Walk through the large park behind Sforza Castle. Enjoy views of the Arch of Peace and relax in this central green space near Milan’s historic center.

Hike Trails in the Dolomites: Explore numerous well-marked hiking trails amidst the stunning mountain scenery of the Dolomites (Northern Italy). Many trails are freely accessible for enjoying the Alpine beauty.

Visit Giardino delle Rose (Florence): Wander through the beautiful public rose garden located just below Piazzale Michelangelo. Enjoy the flowers (in season) and fantastic city views for free.

Relax on Public Beaches: Discover free public beaches (“spiaggia libera”) along Italy’s extensive coastline. Enjoy sunbathing and swimming in regions like Puglia, Sicily, Sardinia, or Liguria.

Unique Italian Experiences

Window Shopping (Via Condotti/Via Montenapoleone): Stroll down Rome’s Via Condotti or Milan’s Via Montenapoleone. Admire the displays of high-end Italian fashion designers without spending a euro.

Browse Local Markets: Explore vibrant outdoor markets like Florence’s San Lorenzo stalls or Venice’s Rialto Market. Soak up the atmosphere, see local produce, and enjoy the lively interactions.

Rub Il Porcellino’s Snout (Florence): Find the bronze boar fountain near Mercato Nuovo. Rub its snout for good luck and drop a coin in the grate if you wish (viewing is free).

See Street Performers: Enjoy spontaneous entertainment from musicians, artists, and performers often found in major piazzas like Piazza