Free Time Options in Rome
For when we have free time in Rome, take a look at the suggested activities below to add even more to our tour experience. Please note that these recommendations are separate from our included EF tour activities. Opening times, availability and fees for these free time activities may vary depending on the time of year and are subject to change. We will need to check listed websites for details.
MUSEUMS
§ Galleria Borghese (Piazzale del Museo Borghese 5; Metro line A to Piazzza de Spagna; Open daily
8:30 am-7:30 pm, Closed Monday)
www.galleriaborghese.it/borghese/en/edefault.htm
This hugely popular art collection hosts Bernini’s ‘Truth’ as well as works by Caravaggio, Rubens, and Titian. It also includes Raphael’s ‘Deposition’ and Jacopo Bassano’s curious version of the ‘Last Supper’ inspired by Leonardo’s world-famous original. Entrance fee applies.
§ Castel St. Angelo (Lungotevere Castello, 50; Metro line A to Lepanto; Open daily 9am-7:30 pm, Closed Monday)
www.castelsantangelo.com/index.asp
Hadrian’s imposing and well-fortified mausoleum stands on the river bank of the Tiber and is accessed by the Ponte St. Angelo decorated with Bernini’s sculpture. The mausoleum now houses a military museum and is linked by a secret passageway to St Peter’s. Entrance fee applies.
§ Keats-Shelley House (Piazza di Spagna, 26; Metro line A to Spagna; Open daily 10am-1pm & 2pm-6pm, Closed Sunday)
www.keats-shelley-house.org/en
The beautifully decorated home of John Keats, where he spent the last few months of his life, is also dedicated to his good friend Shelley. The house contains manuscripts, paintings, and memorabilia including Keats death mask. Entrance fee applies.
§ National Etruscan Museum – Museo Nazionale di Villa Giulia (Piazzale di Villa Giulia, 9; Metro line A to Flaminio; Open daily 8:30 am - 7:30 pm, Closed Monday)
www.villagiulia.beniculturali.it
This 16th century Papal Palace now guards many priceless artifacts from the Etruscans, who predated the Romans. Amongst other compelling exhibits, there are sarcophagi, terracotta vases and bronze sculpture dating from the 4th century BC. One of the most interesting displays features the bride & groom coffin excavated near Rome. Entrance fee applies.
§ National Roman Museum - Palazzo Altemps (Piazza di Sant’Apollinare, 46; Bus 30 to Zanardelli; Open daily 9am-7:45 pm)
www.archeoroma.beniculturali.it/en/museums/national-roman-museum-palazzo-altemps
Originally belonging to members of the Holy See, this historic building is now the seat of the National Roman Museum. The museum features Greek and Roman sculptures curated from the private collections of wealthy Italian families. Tickets include entry to three other historical sites. Entrance fee applies. 17 and under free.
§ Museo Barracco (Corso Vittorio Emanuele 166; Bus 46 to Corso Vittorio; Open daily 10 am–4 pm, Closed Monday, times may vary during winter)
Donated by a wealthy aristocrat to the city, this collection of sculptures is now housed in a pretty little palazzo between Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori. Inside are almost exclusively archaeological finds from the ancient world, although there is also a 12th-century religious mosaic from the first St. Peter's. The museum has some fine Egyptian, Assyrian, Greek and Etruscan works. Entrance fee applies.
§ National Roman Museum – Museo Nazionale Romano (Largo di Villa Peretti 1; Metro line A & B to Termini; Open daily 9am-7:45 pm, Closed Monday)
www.archeoroma.beniculturali.it/en
This museum is the world's single greatest collection of Ancient Roman art spread across four amazing spaces: Palazzo Altemps, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, the Baths of Diocletian, and the Aula Ottagona. You will find collections of ancient Roman statues, frescoes, mosaics, friezes and sculpture. You might not make it to all four, but any one is a visit worth making. Entrance fee applies. 17 and under free.
ONLY IN ROME
§ English Cemetery (Via Caio Cestio, 6; Metro line B to Piramide; Open daily 9-5 pm, until 1 pm Sunday)
www.cemeteryrome.it/about/about.html
A beautiful oasis of peace and calm tucked behind the marble pyramid of Caius Cestius. This sweet little Protestant cemetery features the poignant tombs of Keats and Shelley among others. Donation at your discretion.
§ Catacombs of San Callisto (Via Appia Antica 110/126; Metro line A to St. John Lateran Square then Bus 218 to Foose Ardeatine; Open daily 9am-12pm & 2pm-5pm)
The largest of Rome’s catacombs, founded in the second century AD. Many of the early popes (of whom St Callisto was one) are buried here. Entrance fee applies.
§ Crypt of the Capuchins (Via Vittorio Veneto, 27; Metro line A to Barberini; Open daily 9 am-7 pm, Closed Thursdays)
One of the more bizarre sights of Rome. Here, the bones of 4,000 friars, buried between 1500 and 1870, have been used to decorate five rooms of the chapel beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione. The final inscription reads “what you are, we once were. What we are, you will become.” Entrance fee applies.
§ Piazza Venezia (Tram line 8 to Venezia)
Apart from a great view of the Colosseum, you will also be next to the large white memorial to Victor
Emmanuel II (as well as the tomb of the unknown soldier), climb steps nearby designed by Michelangelo for views over the Forum. Finally, the brown palace that shares the square’s name is famous for the balcony on which Mussolini stood and announced to the crowds below that Italy was to enter World War II
FUN ACTIVITIES
§ Climbing Janiculum Hill (Trastevere side of the river)
Filled with monuments to Garibaldi and his brave men, the hill is no longer peppered with monasteries as it was in the middle Ages. A stroll will reveal monuments and fountains, plus panoramic views over Rome. The best vista is from Villa Lante, a Renaissance summer residence. The most serene section is the Botanical Garden, with palm trees, orchids, and plant species from all over the world.
§ Piazza del Campidoglio (close to Piazza Venezia; Tram line 8 to Venezia)
Located on top of the Capitol Hill, the square is the result of a project by Michelangelo. Access is via a majestic flight of steps. The square contains 3 main buildings, the seat of the city municipality, Palazzo dei Conservatori (on the right side of the square), and hosting the Capitoline Art Museum and Palazzo Nuovo; a museum with Hellenic and Roman masterpieces. You will also find the famous statue of She-wolf with the twins (Romulus and Remus).
FOOD TO TRY
§ Giolitti Gelateria (Metro Spagna; Open daily)
Just steps away from the Chamber of Deputies building, this well-established and much-loved ice cream parlor offers over 70 different flavor ice creams including kiwi, coconut, blueberry and tiramisu. The traditional tearoom also offers pastries and desserts. Close by you will find the Via del Corso, Rome’s principal shopping street. Opposite the Spanish Steps is Via Condotti where you can find all the most famous Italian and international designer brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Gucci, Hermes etc.
§ Pizza Bianca
This literally translates to “white pizza” but it is not a pizza. It is light, fluffy, crispy, and salty focaccia style pizza bread.
§ Fiori di zucca
Zucchini flowers, deep fried and filled with mozzarella cheese and anchovies.
§ Porchetta
A roasted pig with laurel herb, garlic and black pepper, usually from the Roman countryside.
§ Filetti di baccala
Deep fried salted cod filet, similar to the fish part in fish and chips.
SHOPPING
§ Via dei Condotti (near Piazza Spagna; Metro line A to Spagna)
Via dei Condotti is one of the best streets for window shopping in Rome. Home to designer stores such as Armani, Prada, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci. This is also the street where shops used to charge you just for walking in the door! Thankfully these days all of the shops have an 'ingresso gratuito' (free entry) sign which means you can go in and have a look around without any obligation to buy.
§ Via del Corso (Bus 81 to Corso)
Via del Corso is a busy, mostly pedestrian street that runs between Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Venezia. Popular with Romans and tourists alike this is where you will find the Ferrari store amongst many shops with a mixture of clothes, music and tourist trinkets.
§ Campo de' Fiori (central Rome, near the Pantheon; Bus 116 to Cancelleria; Open daily 9 am-1 pm, Closed Sunday)
In an incomparable setting of medieval houses, this is the liveliest fruit and vegetable market in Rome, where peddlers offer their wares as they've done for centuries.