free walking tours in rome italy

Best things to do and see in Rome

A free walking tour is one of the best ways to visit Rome , the historical city rich with culture and unmatchable in its beauty. Some people may feel like they are in one of the largest outdoor museums in the world because of its multitude of churches, squares, monuments, and amazing fountains along with its Mediterranean cuisine that embodies the local flavors. Getting to know this city with the help of a local guide will aid you in discovering all those mandatory stops to visit and some of the lesser-known gems this amazing city has to offer. 

Visiting a city of this magnitude is a real challenge, and is why we recommend different routes that offer alternatives and less crowded routes to get the most out of your guided visit to popular destinations like; The Coliseum, Saint Peter’s Basilica, The Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, The Vatican Museum, or Navona Square. There are guided visits in Rome which focus on the Sistine Chapel, Castel Sant’Angelo, the stairway to the Spanish Square, the Villa Borghese, the Trastevere, the People’s Square, (Piazza del Pópolo) and even the interesting street culture at the Campo de' Fiori Square. You can read more about best things to do and see in Rome.

If you would like more information about what it’s like to do a free tour in Rome in the morning, afternoon, or evening , you can read up on the opinons of other walkers who have already done a guided tour with GuruWalk. Often times, those who have done one end up coming back to the page to find another free guided tour we offer, especially when they want to learn more about other beautiful Italian cities like Genoa, Venice, Milan or Palermo. 

Free walking tour near Rome

Others cities to visit after rome, find other guruwalks in rome, where are you traveling to.

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Free tours in Rome

• Tours in Rome

Free Tours in Rome: Touch the Ancient and Timeless Beauty

Rome (Italy) is one of the greatest cities in the world. Its history goes back thousands of years. The city amazes with its monumental architecture, fabulous squares, colorful markets, and streets full of interesting people – splendor is just around every corner. If you want to see all the highlights, you might want to book one of the free walking tours in Rome.

Unveil Ancient Wonders: Free Tours of Rome's Historic Sites

Let's find out the most popular attractions you can visit as part of the Rome free walking tour.

The Colosseum is a symbol worth seeing if you booked a free walking tour of Rome. The Colosseum is officially recognized as one of the world's seven wonders. This is the largest Roman monument among those who have survived. Emperor Vespasian built it and opened it under his son Tito. For a long time, it served as a place of battles, bloody spectacles, litigation, and theatrical performances. You can see it in our Rome free tour and get unforgettable memories.

Imperial Forums (Fori Imperiali)

This attraction is located next to the Colosseum. Taking a walk through the forums as part of a walking tour of Rome gives you an idea of what life was like in ancient times. The media were located in the city's main squares, with public buildings and a market. They were built in different years over a century and a half, from 46 BC. Before 113 AD, and have retained their greatness to this day. In addition to the Imperial Forum, you can visit Caesar's Forum and Trajan's markets and forum during the Rome free tour.

Piazza Venezia and Vittoriano Monument 

Piazza Venezia is perhaps the most critical crossroads in Rome. It is easily reached during your Rome walking tour on the road from the Colosseum via Fori Imperiali. Here is the Vittoriano Monument: a majestic memorial dedicated to King Vittorio Emmanuele II, the first king of Italy.

Practical Information: Tour Schedules, Meeting Points, and Booking Details

So you have chosen one of our walking tours in Rome. But what to do next? You should know that our tours last from 1:30 to 2 hours. And the meeting point with the guide is different for each excursion. That is why you should find out all the details in advance and calculate the time you will spend on the Ancient Rome tour. It is also worth noting that our free sightseeing tours are conducted in English.

Book Your Free Tour in Rome Today!

The sights of Rome are shrouded in an aura of mystery. The history of the capital of Italy is almost 2800 years old and contains many events, names, and cultural masterpieces. You will need one of our free walking tours in Rome to see everything. By ordering a tour, you get the following:

- a fascinating history of the ancient buildings of Rome

- a lot of positive emotions and unforgettable impressions.

- the opportunity to see all the places at a leisurely rhythm of Rome free walking tour.

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Welcome to the first and oldest FREE WALKING TOUR in Rome and Italy

Walking tours & activities in, private, group and free tours in the eternal city, more than 10 tours daily, showing you the eternal city   enjoy authentic local experiences .

Since 2009 NEW ROME FREE TOUR , with over 10 tours (free, private and customized tours in english and other languages) offered daily, the oldest and the most reviewed free tour of the Eternal City and in Italy, with the best local freelance and licensed tour guides, who passionately share the city’s history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style.

WALKING TOURS IN ROME

Ancient Rome Free Guided Tour Daily in the morning

Visit with a licensed and professional guide, the archeological areas of the Roman and Imperial Fora, the Colosseum and more, on a 2-hour tour.

Sunset City Centre Free Guided Tour Daily in the afternoon

Explore the Fountains and Squares of Rome as Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Navona square, idden jems and more, on a 2-hour tour.

Recorrido gratuito en Espanol Diariamente por la tarde

Exploring Vatican City Free Guided Tour Daily

On our Vatican City Free Tour, you’ll discover the secrets hidden in St. Peter’s Square, Castel Sant’Angelo and the Vatican area

Free Food Tours Daily

Street Food Free Tours and Cooking Classes in the Eternal City From the first and original free tour, the most affordable food tours in Rome.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Small Group Tours

Be astounded as you discover the masterpieces and secrets that for millennia have been secured within the fortified walls of Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel.

Skip-the-Line Colosseum Small Group Tour & Entry to Roman Forum More

Travel back to the days of the Roman Empire on a 2-hour. Hear stories of the gladiator fights and Roman emperors.

Vintage car & Vespa Experience with Photoshooting

Scoot around Rome in style with your choice of our iconic Fiat 500s or Skip the crowds and embrace the Roman spirit on our classic Vespa scooter tour.

PRIVATE, SCHOOL GROUP AND EDUCATIONAL TOURS

Colosseum Underground

The Colosseum will have no more secrets for you after this tour that includes all the levels from the dungeons to the top.

Colosseum and Rome Underground

Visit the Colosseum and the underground Rome 20 meters below the modern City. This is one of the most spectacular tour.

Private Vatican Tour

Visit wings and collections where usually groups never go. Explore, in a private tour, the Museums, Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s.

Secret Rome

Closed doors are opened, locked gates are magically unlocked. With our guides discover the secret beauty of Rome.

Discover Trastevere’s Gourmet Secrets – Exclusive Food Tour

This carefully curated tour promises an indulgent journey where every stop is a masterpiece crafted by skilled Italian chefs.

Squares of Rome Small Group Tour With Street Food, Tiramisù and Gelato

Explore the Baroque squares and fountains of Rome on a 2-hour walking tour, with the best pizza, gelato and tiramisu in town.

Monti Street Food & Ancient Rome Small Group Guided Tour

Join a guided 2-hour walking and eating tour in the historical neighborhood renowned for its local scene and travel back to the days of the Roman Empire.

School Groups and Educational Tours

We do not claim to be the market leader specialising in School and Educational Tours. We are the market leader. We also have the most experienced team.

TICKETS & ACTIVITIES

Discover the many faces of rome with a passionate local guide.

If it’s romantic fountains, wide piazzas, shopping, culture and culinary masterpieces you’re after, Rome is the place for you.

You’ll be a Roman in no time no matter which of our tours you choose. Step back in time as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators. Our guides will bring Ancient Rome’s past to life for you as they share stories and interpretations of this fascinating city. Discover Rome with a “local” you’ll wander along the city’s endlessly charming streets and a wealth of landmarks that have stood for more than a thousand years. Whether it’s history, food or art that draws you to Rome, when you take part to one of our day tours, you can be sure that you will experience the absolute best that the city has to offer.

Best of all, you can discover Rome the way you want to, when you explore it with us. We have two daily free tours and  a choice of customized and  private tours to choose from so that you can ensure your Roman experience will be exactly what you dreamed it would be.

Our guides love their job! They will share their passion and enthusiasm with you! and will help you as well  to orientate yourself   when you want to discover more  of the Eternal city.

A must-do when in Rome

Excellent tours

• Destinations

Free walking tours in Rome

Timetable: 10:00

A splendid city with its millennia of history, palpable in its winding streets, majestic monuments, and awe-inspiring architecture.

Southern and exuberant. A stroll through its warm and vibrant atmosphere immerses us in the exclusive spirit that gave birth to our civilization.

Countless unique monuments declared World Heritage sites and an abundance of historical wonders await exploration. The emotions evoked by visiting landmarks such as the Colosseum, Campo dei Fiori, the Basilicas, the Vatican and its museums, the Spanish Steps, or Castel Sant'Angelo are beyond description, making them essential stops for any visitor.

Discover Rome with the free Rome tour

In Rome, you can explore the city economically and authentically through free tours. These tours will take you to the main points of interest such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. The tours typically last about two hours, and it's suggested to leave a tip at the end.

Key Points of Interest in Rome Rome

The Eternal City, boasts a multitude of iconic places you shouldn't miss during your visit. Here are the key points of interest to include in your itinerary:

The Colosseum and the Roman Forum

Impressive and steeped in history, the Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome. This ancient amphitheater will transport you to the past and allow you to imagine the gladiator battles that once took place there. Near the Colosseum is the Roman Forum, which was the heart of ancient Rome and houses ruins of temples, arches, and basilicas.

The Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona

The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world and a must-visit site in Rome. Tossing a coin into the fountain ensures your return to the city. Piazza Navona, on the other hand, is an oval-shaped square with beautiful fountains and sculptures, surrounded by cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the Roman atmosphere.

St. Peter's Basilica

Located in the heart of the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica is one of the world's largest and most famous churches. With its majestic architecture and splendid interior, it is a place of great religious significance and a stunning architectural landmark.

The Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere

Exploring Rome's Jewish Ghetto will take you to a special corner of the city, where you can learn about the history of the Jewish community and visit the Synagogue of Rome. Trastevere, on the other hand, will captivate you with its cobblestone streets, charming squares, and bohemian atmosphere, perfect for experiencing authentic Roman life.

Thematic Tours of Imperial Rome and City Viewpoints

If you are interested in delving into the glorious past of Imperial Rome, thematic tours will lead you to discover the remnants of that fascinating period. You can visit the Palatine Hill, the heart of ancient Rome, and learn about the history of Emperor Augustus at the Ara Pacis. Additionally, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city from various viewpoints, such as the famous Monte Mario viewpoint or the Aventine.

Recommendations and Tips

The Importance of Tipping at the End of the Tour

At the conclusion of the tour, it's important to consider the significance of leaving a tip for the guide if you've been satisfied with the experience. Tips are a fundamental part of the local guides' livelihood, as they dedicate their time and knowledge to show you the best of the city at no cost. If the guide has done a good job and you've enjoyed the tour, show your appreciation by leaving a tip commensurate with your satisfaction.

What to Bring and How to Prepare for the Tour

Before joining a free tour in Rome, it's important to take some precautions and prepare adequately for the tour. Make sure to wear comfortable and suitable walking shoes, as the tours often involve long walks through the city. Additionally, consider bringing a water bottle and sunscreen, especially if you're visiting Rome during the summer months.

We also recommend carrying a map or using a map application on your phone to help you better navigate during the tour. A small umbrella may also be handy in case of sudden rain.

Behavior Rules During the Tour

During a free tour in Rome, it's important to follow certain behavior rules to fully enjoy the experience and respect both fellow participants and the places visited. Maintain an appropriate volume of voice to avoid interfering with the guide's explanations and respect their leadership throughout the tour.

Furthermore, avoid touching any historical objects or structures unless otherwise indicated. Preserving cultural heritage and adhering to conservation rules is important.

Finally, remember to be punctual and arrive at the meeting point a few minutes before the designated time. This will facilitate the tour's starting process and allow you to enjoy the experience without any hitches.

ARE YOU GOING TO VISIT A CITY NEAR Rome?

Join us on the free walking tours of the city - Rome

Discover Rome on our free walking tours provided by our passionate and knowledgeable guides.

Wide range of tours offered every day , with FreeTourRome!

Explore the beautiful and historic city of Rome with our expert and passionate tour guides. Our free walking tour is the perfect way to discover the best of Rome, from ancient ruins to vibrant piazzas.

You will be led through the winding streets and hidden gems of the city, learning about the rich history and culture of Rome along the way. Our knowledgeable guides are dedicated to providing an unforgettable experience, and will be happy to answer all your questions you have about Rome's past and present.

Join us for an experience that you'll never forget and make sure to bring your cameras and a smile. Book now and discover the Eternal City like never before!

This tour includes: The Trevi fountain - Temple of Hadrian - Amazing paintings in the Sant'Ignazio church - Inside the oldest temple of Rome "the Pantheon" - The biggest square in Rome "Piazza Navona" - and much more...

Discover with peace of mind - Book today and enjoy the flexibility to cancel or modify your plans for FREE.

**The colored ''book now'' buttons explained:

Green = Tour is Available  /  Orange = Only few places Available  /  Red = Tour Not Available  /  Purple = Discounted price

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Free tour Rome, Pic of the day

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Welcome to Rome's Ultimate Free Walking Tour

Tour runs twice daily at 11am and 4pm.

Rome's Ultimate Free Tour brings the city's history to life like never before.

The free tour aims to show you a rich core of Roman history, an introduction to Christianity and its origins in Rome, as well as the usual funny stories, places to eat, sites to visit, and some essential nightlife recommendations.

The tour lasts around 2.5-3 hours and covers around 3km, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Personal experience

Unlike many others, we limit the size of our groups to 15 maximum. This creates a more personal experience where people can ask questions and seek the information that they find relevant.

Rome's Ultimate free tour is lead by passionate guides with backgrounds ranging from classical history to architecture and beyond. We aim to give you a unique, in-depth look at the Eternal city.

Unmatched Quality

Our concept aims to give the highest quality exploration of Roman past and present, with no fee, and allow people to tip the guide to the value of their experience at the end of the walk.

Reservations are strongly recommended. Please book only if you plan to attend! To book the free tour simply click here . No reservation fee, no paper print outs. Bring some comfy shoes and water, and you’re all set!

Porta del Popolo

Our meeting point. The north gate of Rome, in the Aurelian walls of the city.

Piazza del Popolo

The People's Square. One of the largest and most spectacular piazzas in Rome.

Mausoleum of Augustus

The tomb of the first ever Roman Emperor.

The ancient temple to all the Roman gods and the best preserved Roman monument in the world.

Piazza Navona

One of the most idyllic piazzas in Rome including Bernini's 'Fountain of the Four Rivers'.

Ponte Sant’Angelo

The most beautiful bridge in Rome featuring Bernini's famed 'Angels'.

Castel Sant’Angelo

The military stronghold of the Vatican with a history spanning millennia.

Intro to the Vatican

The tour aims to give context and form to the Vatican and its contents and finishes with a stunning view close to St. Peter's square.

Book your spot

Mon - Sun 10:00 - 20:00

+39 064 544 7204

+39 328 765 3883 (Emergencies only )

[email protected]

Via dei Serpenti 89, Rome, 00184

How to find us

Our guide will meet you at the PORTA DEL POPOLO, the gate with 3 arches. He will be standing under the statue, on the left-hand-side of the central arch if you are facing it from the Flaminio Metro A Station.

What they say about us

Other tours

For all of you who want to experience the hidden countryside in the middle of the Eternal city!

Take an evening stroll with us and get a taste of the city where classicism blends with baroque!

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Free Walking Tour of Rome

• 9.30 / 10 1,686 reviews | 11,102 travellers Orrimo tour is an excellent guide. Anna proved to be very competent. We toured a lot among the main monuments/squares of the center and it has spaces far and wide with descriptions and anecdotes. Compliments!!! 10 Andrea

Do you find yourself in the Eternal City ? Then be sure to join this f ree walking tour of Rome , and discover the Italian capital's passionate history.

What Will We See?

• Piazza di Spagna
• Trevi Fountain
• Agrippa's Pantheon
• Piazza Navona

The above is simply a taste of what we can expect to see on this walking tour of Rome.

Description

At the scheduled time, we'll meet in the centre of Rome, at Piazza di Spagna . Here, we'll learn about the history of this ancient place, a location known all around the world, and has been featured in many AAA movies. Actors such as Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck performed scenes here for the movie, Roman Holiday .

Our free walking tour of Rome will then continue at some of the most renowned artistic spots. Undoubtedly, Rome is the capital city of the Baroque and its accompanying art forms. We'll discover the most typical characteristic of this style of art alongside the world-famous Trevi Fountain , the masterful work by sculptor Nicola Salvi. Be sure to throw a coin into the fountain . Remember, throw with your right hand, over your left shoulder! The money collected from the fountain is used to help out the poor around Rome. The fountain's fame was thoroughly cemented after featuring in the Fellini film ' La Dolce Vita ', in which Anita Ekberg takes a dip in its waters.

On this guided tour of the Italian capital, we'll also have ample time to admire the façade and exterior of one of the city's most impressive monuments from the era of Imperial Rome: Agrippa's Pantheon .

After checking out some of the most amazing attractions in Rome's historic centre, we'll bring this tour to an end at the Piazza Navona . Do you know which rivers the fountains in this square represent? True or False, were mock naval battles celebrated here during the era of Imperial Rome? All of these interesting facts will be revealed at the end of the tour.

Additional Information

• Groups of more than 6 people are not allowed on this free tour of Rome. If you're a larger group, please reserve our  private tour  instead.
• Children must be accompanied by a parent.
• Schools and groups of students are not permitted on this free tour.

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

English–speaking guide

Headphones for participants over 10 years old

Not included

When to book.

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Rome Bites Tours Show more

Corporate name: Filippo Calabria

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Piazza di Spagna, on the corner of Via di San Sebastianello

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Free Walking Tour Rome

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Ancient Rome & Colosseum Gladiators Group Tours

Small groups every day - SKIP THE LINE!

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 3 hours
• User Ages: All ages
• Info Group size: Up to 13 people
• Checkmark What to bring: Please be aware that to enter the Colosseum it is necessary to pass a metal detector security check. No visitor can avoid these checks. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Tour of Ancient Rome

In three hours you will discover everything about ancient Rome accompanied by a licensed tour guide who will thrill you with stories about gladiator fights, their personal stories within Roman society.

Walk to the breathtaking Palatine Hill to discover its beauty and the history of Roman nobility and their stunning houses. The Roman Forum lets you understand about Ancient Roman traditions, habits, and laws.

You will be amazed by the ruins that withstood the test of time and their everlasting beauty. Feel free to ask your guide about any curiosities. This group reaches a maximum of 24 people so you get to enjoy great company while discovering Ancient Rome.

Major highlights

• Gladiator’s Gate
• Colosseum Arena
• Palatine Hill
• Roman Forum

Please note:

• Not wheelchair accessible, near public transportation, normal-sized backpacks are permitted as huge backpacks will not be admitted. Small-group tour will average 16 people (with a maximum of 25 people).

Please be aware that to enter the Colosseum it is necessary to pass a metal detector security check; Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. If you arrive late you might lose the entrance at the Colosseum or a part of the tour.

A current valid passport or ID document is required on the day of the tour for the entrance at the Colosseum.

The order of the visits might change due to the availability of tickets. It is possible that you will visit first the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill and the Colosseum. The arena floor might be closed in case of extreme weather.

Your itinerary will consist of visiting the Colosseum (entrance from the arena), Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum.

Related Tours

• POPULAR TOUR
• User All ages
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Daily Free Walking Tours of Rome

Our free daily tours depart in the morning and afternoon, giving you two opportunities to see all the major highlights of the incredible city of Rome, like the Spanish Steps, Colosseum, and more.

• Info Up to 10 people
• Hour Glass 3 hours

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Group Tour

Visit the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums with one of our passionate, knowledgeable guides. Enjoy this must-do tour in Rome with skip-the-line access.

Rome Free Walking Tour

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Rome Free Walking Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Discover this ancient city with the best local guides

Tours in Rome are offered by our partners, New Rome Free Tour.

All roads lead to Rome they say, so a visit to the Eternal City is almost inevitable and certainly won’t disappoint! Also known as Caput Mundi, or the “Capital of the World”, this ancient city has millennia of history on display at every corner, so bring your walking shoes and lend your ears to a local guide to discover Rome for yourself.

Whether it’s history, culture, cuisine, fashion or simply a taste of the Dolce Vita that draws you to Rome, the tours offered by our partner, New Rome Free Tour, have all bases covered.

Immerse yourself in the world of gladiators, emperors, senators and slaves on the Ancient Rome tour , as you witness marvels of civilisation such as the Colosseum, the Forum and Palatine Hill. Explore Baroque squares and fountains, Renaissance wonders and the magnificent Spanish Steps on the City Centre Tour , or opt to do your exploring in the evening with the Dusk Tour, a special opportunity to experience the Eternal City by night. And of course, don’t forget to throw your coin into the Trevi Fountain and make a wish to return to Rome!

Discover the top sites in Rome with these tours offered by our partners, New Rome Free Tour. While you may not see the famous SANDEMANs red umbrellas (look instead for the New Rome Free Tour signs), we only work with partners we know, trust, and who have been vetted by us to ensure they meet the same standards you are used to enjoying in SANDEMANs’ own cities. We are proud to partner with New Rome Free Tour and are sure you’ll love their tours as much as we do!

What is the SANDEMANs Partner Network?

Tours in Rome are offered by a partner, not SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

We only work with partners we know, trust, and who have been vetted by us to ensure they meet the same standards you are used to enjoying in SANDEMANs’ own cities.

We are proud to partner with New Rome Free Tour and are sure you’ll love their tours as much as we do.

Book a tour with one of our partners

• SANDEMANs only works with partners that meet the same quality standards as we do
• Tours are chosen by our specialists from an array of offers based on their quality and value
• We connect the best local guides with travelers from all around the world

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Home » Free Itineraries » Free Walking Tour of Trastevere Rome

Free Walking Tour of Trastevere Rome

• Duration: 3 hours
• Tickets: not needed
• Accessibility: Partially Accessible to people on wheelchairs
• Kid-friendly: Yes
• Best time to visit: Winter: 10.30 pm – 4.00 pm / Summer: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm

Itinerary Highlights

1 piazza trilussa in trastevere.

– Statue of the Roman Poet; – Carlo Fontana’s Fountain;

2 PIAZZA SANTA MARIA IN TRASTEVERE

– Santa Maria in Trastevere Church; – Fountain of Santa Maria in Trastevere;

3 VIA DELLA LUNGARETTA

4 vicolo dell’atleta, 5 church of santa cecilia.

– Stefano Moderno’s sculpture of St. Cecilia;

6 TIBERINA ISLAND

7 the great synagogue of rome, 8 teatro di marcello, do you like this itinerary.

Discover the neighbourhood of Trastevere in Rome by following a free walking tour designed by official, local tour guides! Enjoy a pleasant stroll through the picturesque, cobblestone alleys of one of the most charming areas in Rome at a leisurely pace. Discover masterpieces of art, fountains, squares, churches and spots where locals usually go.

1. PIAZZA TRILUSSA

This free walking tour to discover the district of Trastevere in Rome starts in Piazza Trilussa . The square is named after the great Roman poet Carlo Alberto Salustri, better known with the nickname “Trilussa”, born in Rome in 1871 and died in 1950. On the left side of the square there’s a small garden with a commemorative monument, a marble statue of the poet reciting a poem.

“IN THE SHADE While reading the usual newspaper, snuggling in the shade of a haystack I see a hog, and I say: – hello, pig! – I see a donkey and I say: – hello, jackass! –

Maybe these animals won’t understand me, but at least I feel satisfied for being able to say how things are for real without the fear of landing in jail.”

With the fountain in front of you take the street on your left called Vicolo del Moro. At the end of the street, turn right and stop at the stunning “Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere”.

2. ST. MARY IN TRASTEVERE

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere overlooks the homonymous square, the beating heart of this neighbourhood in Rome. Dating back to 337, this is the oldest Basilica in Rome . Beside the facade stands a lovely Romanic bell tower from the 12th century. The interior of the apse is decorated with a mosaic dating back to 1143. Inside, the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere features impressive mosaics by Pietro Cavallini.

In the middle of the square rises a beautiful fountain , work of Donato Bramante, Bernini and Carlo Fontana which has always been regarded as quite interesting due to its mysterious origins. Indeed, according to tradition, this is the oldest fountain in Rome dating back to the 8th century, but the exact date of its construction is still unknown. According to legend, on the night of the birth of Christ a fountain of oil miraculously appeared from the ground right on the spot where today stands the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, hence it was given the name of “Santa Maria in Fontibus”.

At sunset the Fountain of Santa Maria in Trastevere is particularly lovely.

Sit down and rest for a while on the steps as locals do. Listen to the sound of the bells ringing as the bars in the square fill up for aperitif hour.

Leave the square and the Church behind, and walk ahead down Via della Lungaretta.

3. VIA DELLA LUNGARETTA

Dive into the night life of the Eternal City! Via della Lungaretta in Trastevere will set your senses alive with its cafes, restaurants, gelato shops, cocktail bars, which all stay open until late in the evening!

Cross the big avenue called “Viale Trastevere” and continue along Via della Lungaretta until you find on your right a little street known as “Vicolo della Luce”. Walking down this cobblestone, picturesque alley you will encounter another street “Via dei Genovesi”.

At your right stands a big brown building that houses a famous chef school! Keep walking for about 5 minutes until you cross “Vicolo dell’Atleta”. You will find it on your right.

4. VICOLO DELL’ATLETA

This narrow street is named after a famous statue depicting an Athlete, found in this exact spot by chance in the 19th century. Today the statue is housed inside the Vatican Museums .

At the end of the street, on the right side stands a building, which according to several sources could have been one of the oldest Synagogues in Rome. The site is no longer used for ritual functions, and houses today several apartments and a fine restaurant.

At the end of the street, turn left and then take the first street on your right called “via Santa Cecilia”.

5. CHURCH OF SANTA CECILIA IN TRASTEVERE

The Church of St. Cecilia in Trastevere dates back to the 5th century and is especially interesting for its history which links the church to the martyr’s life. According to tradition, the church rises on the remains of Cecilia’s house.

Legend seems to have roots in history though. Indeed digging activities under the church have brought to light a group of ancient buildings and houses dating back to the Roman times when St. Cecilia lived.

Enter the church and don’t miss the sculpture located in front of the altar by Stefano Maderno, depicting St. Cecilia in the same position she was found in her tomb. Looking at the statue up-close and personal you will see that the position of the fingers of the right hand symbolize the Holy Trinity.

Exit the Church, take via Santa Cecilia once again! Walk toward the river and reach the Tiberina Island.

6. TIBERINA ISLAND

Two bridges join the Isola Tiberina or Tiberina Island to the mainland: the Cestio bridge (46 b.C.) and Ponte Fabricius, also known as Quattro Capi, because of the four headed statue at the bridge entrance on the side of the Jewish Ghetto built in 62 B.C.

At Springtime and Summertime, you may see locals sunbathing here in the afternoon, while in the evening and the little square close to the river bank is usually crowded by people heading to restaurants and cocktail bars. The Church of Saint Bartholomew stands on the ruins of the ancient Temple of Aesculapius, the Greek god of medicine, once a pilgrimage site for the diseased.

7. THE ROMAN JEWISH GHETTO & THE GREAT SYNAGOGUE OF ROME

Cross the small bridge and reach the Jewish Ghetto of Rome. Across the river you can clearly spot among the trees the beautiful facade of the Great Synagogue of Rome .

Inaugurated in 1904, today the Synagogue is home to the Jewish Museum in Rome, which houses an impressive collection of artwork and documents, all evidence of the historic importance of the Jewish community in the city of Rome, as well as the fascinating history of Roman Judaism.

Taken all together, the surrounding streets form what was known as the historical “ghetto” – which was established in the middle of the 1500’s until the 19th century – the area where all Roman Jews were forced to live.

We strongly suggest you to taste some of the Roman Jewish snacks at the patisserie shop in front of the school on via del Portico d’Ottavia. Don’t miss lip-liking hot biscotti and chocolate-ricotta tart.

Behind the area, in via del Portico d’Ottavia , rises the homonymous porticus dedicated to Emperor Augustus’s sister, Octavia, in I century a.D.

8. TEATRO DI MARCELLO

Inaugurated by Augustus around the 17 b.C., Marecellus Theatre – also known as Teatro di Marcello – was dedicated to the memory of his nephew. The original building reached 33 meters in height and could accommodate up to 15,000 spectators. Teatro Marcello was one of the biggest theatres in ancient Rome. Later in years, the building was used as a quarry to extract precious materials, folling the same destiny of other monuments in Rome.

Before leaving the site, look at the remains of the Temple of Apollo Sosiano. There are three beautiful columns standing. Other remains of this ancient temple can be admired today at the Centrale Montemartini Museum.

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The Best Walking Tours in Rome

Rome is a city with layers. Literally. Stretching back thousands of years, the ancient Italian capital has been built and rebuilt, sieged and sacked, and rebuilt some more. Its history is linked to countless world-changing events over the past 2,500 years, intricately connecting it to the entirety of Western civilization. (They don’t call it the Eternal City for nothing.)

Wandering through Rome, everywhere you go as there’s some ancient column or area that was built around historic ruins.

But most of these ruins don’t have signs. There’s no story.

If you want to peel back the layers of Rome, taking a walking tour is a must. It will give you the context and story of what you’re seeing so you can better understand how the city grew, came to be, and its culture. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or culture junkie, Rome boasts countless walking tours to help you peek beneath the layers and see beyond the cacophonous and overtouristed exterior.

To help you deepen your experience and learn about Rome’s history and culture, here’s my list of what I think are the best walking tours:

Best Overall Tour

Take Walks is my favorite walking tour company in the city. They offer over two dozen excellent and insightful tours and provide insider access to many of the best sights. For example, Take Walks is the only company that allows you to accompany the key master of the Vatican Museums . They also have an exclusive Colosseum tour with VIP access to the arena floor.

Best Free Tour

New Europe offers three free tours that cover all the basics in Rome, introducing you to the city’s highlights, including the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and more. With tours covering ancient Rome, the city center, and Rome at night, you can easily get the lay of the land on a budget with New Europe. Just remember to tip your guide!

  While the two tours above are my top favorites, there are still a bunch of other great companies to consider when you visit Rome. Here are some more of my favorite walking tour companies in Rome:  

1. Devour Tours

Devour is my favorite food tour company in the city. They currently have five different food tours around the city, including a guided tour through the atmospheric food market in Testaccio , where Roman cuisine was born, as well as a food and wine tour through the narrow, cobbled, trattoria-flanked streets of Trastevere. Both these tours will leave you really full. I was so stuffed at the end.

They also offer an in-depth three-hour pasta-making class with a local chef if you want to hone your culinary skills.

Tours from 65 EUR.

2. City Wonders

If you have a proclivity for the morbid and the mysterious, this is the company for you. They run chilling 3.5-hour tour around Romes crypts and catacombs . On the tour, you’ll visit the eerie Capuchin Crypt where the bones of over 4,000 monks rest, and explore the Basilica San Martino ai Monti. You’ll also get to visit Rome’s famous catacombs, where early Christians practiced their faith in secret some 2,000 years ago. The tour includes skip-the-line access so you never have to wait, as well as a coach to take you from site to site.

Tours from 59 EUR.

3. Elizabeth Lev

This American-born guide and published art historian has been a Rome resident for 20 years. She hosts in-depth theme-based walking tours ( I love traveling with a theme ). So, if you’ve ever daydreamed of having an actual art historian accompany you to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, give Elizabeth a call. Love Baroque sculptor Bernini? Go down a 17th-century rabbit hole with her. Want to fully indulge yourself in the intriguing history of Christian Rome? Elizabeth will take you there. No matter what your interests, Elizabeth can design a tour to suit your thematic needs.

Inquire via the website for tour pricing.

4. Fat Tire Tours

This is the best bike tour in the city. Fat Tire Tours offers a three-hour bike tour of the city center, covering all the highlights, from the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain to the Circus Maximus and the Jewish Ghetto. The tours are perfect for the busy budget traveler who wants to cram in a lot of activity in a short time — without skipping out on the details in the process. And, while these tours pack a lot in, they run at a leisurely pace so you won’t feel rushed (or exhausted) as you explore.

Tours from 39 EUR.

5. Stefano Rome Tours

Founded by tour guide Stefano Costantini, this company offers private tours in and around Rome. While they say that Rome wasn’t built in a day, Stefano can help you see it in a day. In fact, the most popular tour is Rome in a Day, though there are also special tours like Rome by Night, Christian Rome, or Angels and Demons (which focuses on the filming locations of Dan Brown’s Angels & Demons ).

Stefano also offers day trips to the countryside surrounding Rome, such as to the medieval hill town of Calcata, 40 miles to the north. This bewitching village is inhabited by artists and hippies and is famed for its…curious Christian relic (featured in the excellent travel book An Irreverent Curiosity ).

Tours from 370 EUR.

6. The Roman Guy

The Roman Guy isn’t just one guy anymore, but whoever your tour guide is, you’ll walk away feeling like you know Rome much better. A large number of quality tours are on offer, including all the standard hits like the Vatican, the Colosseum, the catacombs at night, Rome in a Day, and various skip-the-line options. There is also a cocktail bar–themed tour on which you can get acquainted with the city’s burgeoning booze scene, hitting some major sites while weaving from one bar to the next.

Tours from 27 EUR.

Regardless of your budget or interests, connecting with a local guide to show you around is a great way to learn about a city. Rome is a big city, making walking tours one of the best ways to explore it. Whether you’re a first-time visitor on a budget or a veteran traveler looking to deepen your knowledge with an in-depth experience, walking tours in Rome won’t disappoint. And, while Take Walks is my favorite company, you can’t go wrong with any tours on this list!

Book Your Trip to Rome: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Need a Guide? Rome has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks . They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions.

Want More Information on Rome? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Rome for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Self-Guided Rome Walking Tours

In this post, we provide you with free, self-guided central Rome walking tours with a printable sightseeing map as well as an audio tour option for smartphones.

You can use these to discover the city at your own pace (or) as a preview for what you will see on a live-guided tour.

Check out our free walking tours of Rome .

We have 4 other self-guided tours that we hope you will consider.

• Vatican City + St. Peter's Basilica
• Jewish Ghetto

SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF ROME'S CENTRE

This self-guided tour will lead you through some of Rome’s main attractions, from the Spanish Steps through Trevi Fountain to Campo de’ Fiori.

All in all, there are lots of sights along the way covering more than two thousand years of history.

Here are a few of the sites you can expect to see on this tour:

• Piazza Navona
• The Pantheon
• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish Steps
• Venice Square
• Campo de’ Fiori

We also have our own audio tour where you can find a more in-depth GPS-led audio tour version. Here's a sample.

Purchase an audio tour here

There are also daily guided free tours both day and night that really operate on the pay-what-you-like model. 

Tours listed below are run through us. More guided tours are available here .

Searching Availability...

This 15-stop, self-guided tour will lead you through some of Rome’s main attractions, from the Spanish Steps through Trevi Fountain to Campo de’ Fiori, with lots of sights along the way covering more than two thousand years of history.

It’s best to set aside 2-3 hours for walking this route.

You’ll be seeing plenty of both tourists and Romans as you walk, and both groups make good people-watching, not to mention plenty of chances for photos, coffee, gelato, and historical color.

Click on the map to enlarge or download it to a smartphone.

If you haven’t done much walking in the older parts of Rome yet, the ancient layout of these streets can be confusing.

Streets are winding, pedestrians and cars often share space, and you’ll regularly find your way into piazzas, the large open squares Rome is organized around.

You can get this tour with directions in 3 ways:

• Download this tour to the Google Maps App ( link ).
• Download a PDF version .
• Purchase an Audio Tour

We will be orienting you relative to buildings and with the help of street names, which you’ll see on signs up above eye level.

As far as timing, this tour can be enjoyed any time the sun is up, and some of the piazzas are lively even after dark.

Crowds can be a limiting factor throughout this walk; if you want to start things off on a quiet note, the Spanish Steps, one of our first stops, tend to be at their quietest early in the morning, briefly during lunch, and around sunset.

The tour begins at the Spagna metro station.

As you emerge from the western side of the building, you can look to your right and get a full view of the Villa Medici, not far down the street.

1. VILLA MEDICI

The Villa Medici, along with the Villa Borghese (which houses the Galleria Borghese) beyond it, stands on the site of the Gardens of Lucullus, created more than two thousand years ago, back when Romans saw gardening as a strange new hobby imported from Persia.

But the house you see today is built in 1576 after the land had been a quiet vineyard for centuries.

Villa Medici Rear

Houses like the Villa Medici were designed with ancient styles in mind, and inside, they often displayed the ancient relics found in the earth dug up to lay foundations.

The Medicis and Borgheses were some of Italy’s most powerful families during the Renaissance and beyond.

The Medici clan included bankers, nobility, and popes. But they’re remembered mostly for their support for the arts and sciences.

The Villa Medici offers guided tours daily, lasting about 90 minutes and available in different languages at different times.

It’s open every day but Monday and standard admission is 12 Euros.

Villa Borghese is home to the third-largest public park in Rome; admission is free and it’s accessible from dawn to dusk daily.

There are several things to see and do here in the park.

Most notably, it’s home to the Galleria Borghese , where you can see plenty of art and artifacts from both the Classical and Renaissance eras, plus several other museums and galleries.

The Villa Giulia contains a museum to the Etruscans, a rival culture of the early Romans.

In addition to the museums, there’s a zoo and a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theater on the grounds.

2. SPANISH STEPS

For many foreigners, the Spanish Steps are visual shorthand for Rome; they’re used in lots of movies and TV shows, starting with Roman Holiday back in 1953.

This was a natural hillside as recently as 1723. Before the steps were built, this was the slope of the Pincio Hill, one of many hills around Rome.

The 138 steps were built in the 18th century and got their name due to the adjacent Spanish Embassy.

Unfortunately as of 2019, you can no longer sit on the Spanish Steps. Violaters can receive a fine as high as €400.

Eating on the steps is also banned.

At the bottom of the steps sits the Piazza di Spagna and the Fontana della Barcaccia , which means “Fountain of the Long Boat.”

The legend goes that the design of the fountain comes from a boat washed into this piazza by a flood of the Tiber River.

This is the first of many fountains that we’ll see, and it’s designed by Pietro Bernini in the 17 th century, before the steps.

Pietro Bernini is the father of famous architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, whose work we’ll also see plenty of.

When you get to the bottom, look up the stairs for a view of that French church at the top, called Trinita dei Monti.

If you look to the right side of the steps from the bottom, you’ll see a peach-colored building, the Keats-Shelley Museum. English poet John Keats arrived to live here in 1820.

If a café stop is in order before you go any further, the Antico Caffe Greco near the bottom of the stairs was one of his hangouts.

When you’re done here, walk away from the steps and past the fountain. Turn left and you’ll see the piazza narrowing toward a freestanding column, the Column of the Immaculate Conception.

3. COLUMN OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION AND PIAZZA MIGNANELLI

The Column of the Immaculate Conception is the centerpiece of the small Piazza Mignanelli that opens from the corner of the Piazza di Spagna.

The statue on top of the column is a bronze Virgin Mary. Mary, the mother of Jesus, occupies a central place in Catholic belief.

And this statue of her was built in 1857 to commemorate the Pope’s recent declaration of the Doctrine of the Immaculate Conception: the idea that Mary, uniquely among human beings, was born without original sin.

Original sin is visible in the monument in the form of the snake Mary is stepping on.

Below her are the authors of the four Biblical gospels, and still further down are four prophets said to have foretold her birth, with reliefs depicting four phases of her story below them.

Depending on when you’re here, there’s a small chance you’ll see a wreath of flowers on the statue.

December 8th is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception; each year on that day, the Pope visits this spot along with the head of the fire department, which originally erected the column, and they leave the wreath behind.

The building beyond the column is the Palazzo di Propaganda Fide – the Palace of the Propagation of the Faith.

This is a Vatican property – you can tell from the yellow flag on the front – and for a long time, it was the home of a church division responsible for missionary work and evangelism.

4. AQUEDUCT RUINS

Looking down at this spot, you can see something that an ancient Roman would have had to look up at.

The aqueducts – imperial Rome’s famous system for bringing clean water into the city – relied on gravity to work.

So, water was sometimes flowing over the heads of the people who were going to consume it, with roads passing under the arches you can see the top of from here.

Being by a river, Rome has flooded many times through the millennia, piling sediment each time, hiding but also preserving the ancient city.

The fence here limits the view, but above the arch, you can maybe see an inscription with the word “Germanicus” just readable at the near end.

This is one of the names of the emperor Claudius, who the inscription credits with rebuilding this stretch of the Aqua Virgo, the system of aqueducts built to bring water to the newly urbanizing Campus Martius after it was incorporated into the city.

To achieve this, Roman engineers had to build a system of gentle slopes across long distances of irregular terrain, including crossing rivers, bringing convenience, comfort, and health within reach of Rome’s residents.

This knowledge was lost with the fall of Rome; with the Renaissance, writings about the aqueducts were rediscovered.

Across Via del Nazareno from these ruins is a tiny door, used to enter the rebuilt Acqua Vergine, the Renaissance replacement for the ancient system.

And in a moment, you’ll see another piece of that system: a fountain meant to put this reborn marvel of engineering on display.

5. TREVI FOUNTAIN

There’s likely to be a crowd around when you reach the Trevi Fountain, and even in the absence of people, the water can make it a loud spot. Find a view of the fountain from the front.

The main statue in the fountain depicts the god Oceanus. Below him, you can see his retinue of tritons, men mixed with fish.

The one on the right is blowing a shell to announce their arrival. And the wild creature each of them is struggling with is called a hippocampus, a horse mixed with a fish.

In this case, they also have wings. Greco-Roman mythology tells that horses were the creation of the god of the ocean.

The fountain is the end of the Acqua Vergine aqueduct, the recreation of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct. And the design of the fountain tells that story.

Above the statues, on either side, you can see reliefs – the one on the left is a man with a scroll, showing plans for the aqueducts, and on the right, a woman points out a flow of freshwater to a group of men.

She’s the Virgo, the young woman, in Aqua Virgo – the legend is that when Roman surveyors looked for a source of water, a young woman led them to a spring, and the resulting aqueduct was named for her.

The statue on the left of Oceanus represents Abundance – she has a cornucopia full of fruit, and on the ground beside her is an urn spilling water.

On the right is Health, who’s holding a bowl with a snake drinking from it – snakes were ancient symbols of medicine.

Overall, the story is of the power of Rome to tame the forces of nature and bring them to the benefit of the city’s people.

As you see it, the fountain dates from 1762, and it started as a showpiece for the Renaissance project of rebuilding the aqueducts.

But it was such a massive endeavor that it took more than a century, plus many financiers and designers, to make it happen.

And it takes steady renovations to keep it looking sharp – as of the latest one in 2015, the fountain is lit at night.

Like the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain owes some of its fame to a film – in this case, La Dolce Vita by Federico Fellini (see the video above).

If you’ve seen the movie, you won’t be surprised to hear that dancing in the fountain, or entering it in any way, is illegal.

And as for drinking: yes, these fountains were once the source for public drinking water, but for your own sake, wait for one of Rome’s other great works of water infrastructure, the nasoni – little drinking fountains located all over town.

Trevi Fountain is home to lots and lots of coins - visitors observe a tradition of throwing change into the fountain, hoping for good luck and the promise of a return to Rome.

Usually, coins are thrown backward over your shoulder, so make sure the coast is clear before you participate in this tradition, and watch out for other coin-tossers nearby.

And the money, totaling more than three thousand Euros per day, goes to Caritas Roma, a Catholic charity supporting the poor and homeless.

6. GALLERIA ALBERTO SORDI

All that’s columned is not ancient, as evidenced by this shopping mall, opened in 1922 and built in a style of Art Nouveau that borrows from multiple phases of Rome’s historic architecture.

That design continues into the inside, where you can find a stained glass ceiling above stores selling plenty of Rome’s signature high-end fashion.

It’s an easy place to step inside if you need to cool off or to use the restrooms. 

You can also find several places serving the classic cappuccino and cornetto - Italian croissants, which locals eat in the morning, and tourists are allowed any time of day.

The mall got its current name in 2003 after the death of Alberto Sordi, a classic actor of Italian comedy films.

When you’re ready to move on, go back outside the way you came in and cross the street toward the Marcus Aurelius Column.

7. MARCUS AURELIUS COLUMN

The Marcus Aurelius column is much thicker than many similar monuments you’ll see around the city.

That’s because it’s hollow, with a spiral stairway inside that once allowed a climb to the top.

The spiral is also on the outside – you can see an unbelievably detailed relief up and down the length of the column. It shows battles led by Marcus Aurelius against the barbarians.

“Barbarian” is a broad term today, and it was broad for the Romans, too. These particular wars were against Germanic and Persian groups.

But the collective term “barbarian” could apply to almost any culture, and the word comes from “barbar,” meaning “blah blah” – so “barbarian” just meant “people who talk languages that don’t make sense.”

And the sculpture does not spare the details of the barbarian experience – towns are burning, women and children are running, and surviving soldiers are bent and horrified at the power of the empire.

The column was probably finished after Marcus Aurelius’ death, and at that time, it would have been the least of his honors in this area – near here stood the Temple of Marcus Aurelius.

After their deaths, most Roman emperors were declared gods and worshipped.

Nothing remains of that temple now, but temples to other Roman emperors do still remain.

Like all the ancient structures in the area, this column has been affected by floods and rising sediment, so several meters of it are below ground.

The statue on top is not Marcus Aurelius, but the Christian St. Paul, added when this monument received its own Renaissance restoration.

8. PALAZZO MONTECITORIO AND OBELISK OF MONTECITORIO

This obelisk is genuinely Egyptian, made in the 6 th century BC and brought here five centuries later.

Earlier we mentioned that obelisks represented the divinity of Egyptian pharaohs.

The head of the Egyptian gods was Ra, the god of the sun, and this obelisk was used in Rome as part of an enormous sundial.

Like the others, it fell, was buried, and then was rediscovered, and like the others, it doesn’t stand at its original location

Today, there’s a meridian on the ground, pointing toward the piazza’s largest building, to nod at its former use.

The building that meridian points toward is the Palazzo Montecitorio. This palace is the home of the Chamber of Deputies, one of Italy’s two houses of Parliament.

Rome has been Italy’s capital since 1870, shortly after the Italian unification, when the many small, conflicting states in the region, separate since the fall of the Roman Empire, first joined into a single country.

The building itself, at least the part you can see, is much older – it’s another Renaissance creation.

And it’s originally the work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a Baroque architect, and sculptor we’ve mentioned, who also had a hand in the Trevi Fountain.

I also mentioned his father, who was another sculptor and who saw talent in Gian Lorenzo from a young age, giving him the benefit of early study and a long, prolific career.

Bernini’s sculptures are around the world, and his architecture is all over Rome.

He’s responsible for parts of St. Peter’s Basilica, the piazza outside of it, and a fountain in the Piazza Navona, which we’ll see soon, just to name a few.

This building shows the style he cultivated and which many others imitated, but if you got past the front door, everything you’d see is 20 th -century Art Nouveau.

Apart from the façade, the building was completely remade to suit the needs of parliament.

9. PANTHEON

The name “Pantheon” is Greek, not Latin, meaning “for all the gods.”

The source of the name is uncertain – most temples were dedicated just to one god, not all of them together.

And there’s no record of how it was used in the 2 nd century AD when it was finished under Emperor Hadrian.

And Hadrian was rebuilding an earlier temple, and the inscription above the entrance still dates from that nearly 2,000-year-old version.

You can still read the name of Agrippa, who ordered the original temple built.

You can also tell its age because it sits below the level of most of the ground around it, whereas originally it was elevated.

There are a couple of reasons why it’s lasted so long.

First, in the 7 th century, when many ancient buildings were being abandoned or destroyed, the Pantheon became a Christian church, dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs; for a while it even had bell towers on the outside.

Even then, its refitting as a church meant the removal and destruction of many objects its new users considered unholy.

The other factor in its preservation is that the structure itself is built to last.

The dome on top is made of concrete, with thicker layers of heavier materials near the bottom, then gradually thinner and lighter going up.

It’s still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.

You can’t see it from outside, but at the very top of the dome is an opening, called the oculus or the eye.

Besides lightening the weight of the structure, it also means that from inside, you can see the sky and whatever the sky is doing.

Around noon, a dramatic beam of light becomes the centerpiece, assuming the sky is clear.

If the sky is not clear, then the weather comes in.

Standing inside during rain or snow can be magical ( video ), and also relatively peaceful since many visitors to town won’t want to make the trek to the Pantheon on foot during a storm.

If you go inside, you’ll see the altar, apses, and other markers of an active Catholic church.

Among the statues are markers of burial places, including the artist Raphael and the first two kings of unified Italy: Vittorio Emmanuele II and his son, Umberto I.

You can get lots more detail on the many features of the interior by taking a tour.

Live tours are plentiful, and just inside, you can get access to an official audio tour that’s affordable and detailed. There’s also an excellent free audio tour from Rick Steves .

If you just want to absorb the visuals, you can go in on your own. Regardless, you’re asked to keep silent while you’re inside.

It’s open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 am - 19:30 (7:30 pm), and Sunday 9:00 am - 18:00 (6 pm), and as of July 2020, it’s free to enter.

The Pantheon also hosts mass twice a week, at 17:00 (5 pm) on Saturday and 10:30 am on Sunday.

Outside the Pantheon is another obelisk, this one originally standing at a Temple of Ra in Heliopolis, Egypt, then at a temple to the Egyptian goddess Isis here in Rome, and then, finally, here in the Piazza della Rotonda.

10. CHURCH OF ST. LOUIS OF THE FRENCH

The Church of San Luigi delle Francese is dedicated to several saints, but the name refers to Louis IX, the sainted king of France.

It’s another beneficiary of the Medici family’s donations and one of many cases of European powers creating and having an honorary connection to major buildings in Rome.

Among the many separate states that used to make up present-day Italy, there were the Papal States.

These were territories ruled by the pope in a non-religious capacity, on top of his role as a religious leader across the whole Catholic world.

Rome was the center of the Papal States, and today, it still contains the church’s political territory, Vatican City.

But when the Holy See was the main power here, churches like these represented a kind of embassy from other Catholic countries.

The church you see today dates from 1589, but it’s on a site used for the same purpose for possibly centuries before.

At ground level on the left, you can see a statue of Charlemagne, King of the Franks and Holy Roman Emperor.

11. PIAZZA NAVONA

As you enter Piazza Navona, there are lots of possible first impressions, but I’ll suggest starting with the big picture.

You’ve seen piazzas in plenty of irregular shapes, but this one has the form of a long, narrow oval.

In the first century AD, this was a racecourse, part of the Stadium of Domitian, Rome’s first permanent stadium for athletic competitions.

If you go a block out of the piazza to the north – to your right – from the smaller Piazza di Tor Sanguigna, looking south, you can see some ruins of the stadium under a modern building. There is also a museum .

Besides those ruins, the oldest thing you can see is the Palazzo Pamphilj, the building on the opposite side from where you arrived on the far left.

This was the family home of 17 th -century Pope Innocent X, and most of what you see in the piazza came from him improving his stomping grounds.

His work benefitted the general public in a way since this piazza was the city’s official public market.

But on the other hand, famines in that era meant that as these buildings were under construction, there wasn’t always food in those markets. Innocent’s home is now the Brazilian Embassy.

Sant’ Agnese in Agone (center) Palazzo Pamphilj (left)

He’s also responsible for the church to the right of his home, Sant’ Agnese in Agone. The Saint Agnes in the name of the church has a legendary connection with the Stadium of Domitian.

The Stadium contained brothels, and in the early years of Christianity, when the religion was still illegal in the Roman empire.

Agnes is said to have been punished for her religion by being sent there, only to have her hair miraculously grow to cover her body when she was stripped. 

Fontana del Nettuno

The other famous feature of the Piazza Navona is its fountains.

At your right is the Fontana del Nettuno or the Fountain of Neptune, which shows the god of the ocean wrestling a sea monster, along with our old friend the hippocampus, and other water creatures.

The fountain itself is part of that 17 th -century burst of improvements, but the statues are added much later.

On your left is the Fontana del Moro or Fountain of the Moor, added at the same time, again with later statuary.

Fontana del Moro

And in the middle is the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi or the Fountain of the Four Rivers.  Here we’re in Bernini’s hands again, and we get to see him as both architect and sculptor.

The Four Rivers in the name are the four corners of the monument, each representing a river in what Romans of the 17 th century considered the four parts of the world: the Danube in Europe, the Nile in Africa, the Ganges in Asia, and the Rio de la Plata in South America.

Italian explorers were very much in demand for expeditions to the New World, even if they sailed under other flags.

The details around each statue give a hint of which is which, and you can also see the expressiveness and sense of movement that Bernini’s sculptures are famous for.

All four are in submission, more or less willingly, to the obelisk at the center, which, like others we’ve seen, has a cross on top and so symbolizes the divine authority of the Church in Rome.

If you’d like a view of Piazza Navona from on high, the Brazilian Embassy has a rooftop bar that’s open to the public, and there’s also an optional view from our next stop.

When you’re ready, we’ll leave the piazza from the southern end, by the Fontana del Moro.

Once you have all three fountains behind you, turn right and leave the piazza on the Via di Pasquino, along the edge of the Brazilian Embassy.

When you reach an intersection, look on your left for a damaged statue behind a small chained barricade.

This is Pasquino, the namesake of the street. He’s older than any building you’ve seen, dug up and put on display in the 15 th century.

He’s one of Rome’s “talking statues” – several places where it’s popular to post statements of protest, often in poetic form, and to get attention for your thoughts while remaining anonymous.

12. MUSEO DI ROMA – PALAZZO BRASCHI

The Palazzo Braschi was built as a home for the nephew of Pope Pius IX.

Along with the Piazza Navona, this was an example of popes exercising their political power to the benefit of their own family, and in this case, unlike the piazza, it was a purely private benefit.

Uses of power like this were part of what drove the wave of revolutions across Europe in the late 18 th century and onward.

And that laid the groundwork for the Italian unification, which took some material power away from the popes. But the chance to abuse power fell into other hands.

In the early 20 th century, this building was the headquarters of Benito Mussolini, the head of Italy’s fascist government.

During that time, the building had a massive image of Mussolini’s face on the side.

When that government fell after World War II, the city of Rome took over this property, and today it’s part of the Museum of Rome.

If you’re thinking about entering the museum, one of the attractions is a view over Piazza Navona from the second and third floors. You can also get a view of the piazza’s past from here.

The museum’s modest collection includes documentation of many bygone Roman scenes, including what Piazza Navona looked like before Pope Innocent, as well as what many historic sites looked like before a burst of demolitions in the early 20 th century.

If your interest in Rome is at all to do with the layers of its history and how a modern city lives alongside the relics of its own past, this museum is worth your time, and the interior of the building itself is a beautiful bonus.

Information is available in English as well as Italian. It’s open 10:00 am - 19:00 (7 pm) every day but Monday and costs 11 Euros to enter.

13. LARGO DI TORRE ARGENTINA

Innocuous as it is, this spot is one of the most read-about places in Rome, if not the most visited.

The ruins here include part of the Portico of Pompey, the place where Julius Caesar was stabbed to death in 44 BC.

Pompey, the building’s namesake, who you’ll hear more about soon, was Julius Caesar’s rival in a civil war, and after Caesar’s victory, Caesar was declared dictator.

Just a few years later, he was murdered, leading to a period of war that ended Rome’s time as a republic.

If you’re familiar with the story, you may remember that Julius Caesar was stabbed on the steps of the Senate.

At the time, the senate was temporarily meeting here, since the usual senate building was under a renovation that Caesar had ordered.

The spot was lost until 1929 when a demolition uncovered it. It also contains the remains of four temples, devoted to Roman gods that are less famous today.

But emperors and gods aside, people usually show up for the main attraction – cats!

As soon as the site was unearthed, a horde of homeless cats moved in, and today, it’s a shelter for mostly the injured and abused. Volunteers take care of feeding, healthcare, and spaying and neutering.

There’s a stairway that leads down into a gift shop and adoption area , where you can donate, meet volunteers, or hang out with the cats themselves.

14. THEATER OF POMPEY

You have to use your imagination for this part. Ancient Roman theaters were semicircular, with dozens of tiers of seats looking down toward a central half-circle stage.

An actor walking the lip of the stage could look at all the thousands of people in the theater in just a few steps.

Most theaters were temporary, but the first permanent one was the Theater of Pompey, and you’re walking the edge of its stage. That shape is the only remnant of the theater visible from here.

We mentioned Pompey at our last stop – his name was on the building where Julius Caesar was stabbed.

Pompey was a contemporary of Caesar’s, also a war hero to the Romans. After one of his victories, he announced he would build a theater for the public.

Theaters were popular but regarded as centers of vice, so permanent theater buildings were illegal within the city.

But Pompey built his in the Campus Martius, outside the city, and combined in a single facility a theater, a temple to Venus, a garden, and a sort of museum, with art representing great Roman works of the past and the many places Pompey had helped conquer for Rome.

So the place was also sort of a temple to Pompey himself. You’ll be able to see a tiny vestige from our next stop.

15. CAMPO DE’ FIORI

As you emerge into Campo de’ Fiori, look over your right shoulder at the short side of the piazza.

From the short buildings nearest to you, they get gradually taller to the left, and the walls meet at odd angles.

At one spot, you can see exposed, corroded brick – that’s a fragment of the Temple of Venus that once stood at the top of the Theater of Pompey.

The name Campo de’ Fiori is also ancient – before the theater was built, this area was a campo, meaning a field, of fiori, meaning flowers.

From there, we jump to the 16 th century, which is the era of the shrouded figure you see standing on a pedestal halfway along the piazza.

That’s Giordano Bruno, a Dominican priest who was schooled in Naples, but became a wanderer of Europe after he found out the Inquisition was investigating him.

As a student, he had read forbidden works and argued unpopular positions, and his vagabond life sent him further down that road.

He claimed that the earth revolved around the sun, that the universe was infinite and contained many little systems like ours, and that everything big and small was made of tiny, similar particles arranged in different ways, with an invisible force holding them together – which in his eyes was God.

After years on the road, he returned home, and the Inquisition imprisoned him for seven years, tried him as a heretic, and burned him at the stake where the statue stands now.

The statue dates from soon after the unification and therefore secularization of Italy, and it was arranged by a group of Roman students, who sought out the help of a few famous writers in bringing attention to the cause.

They positioned it facing toward Vatican City. The inscription in Latin reads, “To Bruno, from the era he predicted, here where the fire burned.”

It’s still a rallying point for all kinds of nonconformist groups and causes today.

The beauty of an Italian piazza is that a story like that can be commemorated in the middle and a million other things are going on all around it.

Campo de’ Fiori is an eventful marketplace with cafes, restaurants, and people-watching galore. After all this exploring, maybe it’s time for those things, in which case you have lots of choices within view.

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About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

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rome FREE WALKING TOURS

• Generation Tours

Which are the best Free walking tours in Rome, Italy?

There’s few places on the planet with such a tactile and rich sense of history and ancient significance as Rome; the many markers of the Roman Empire which still stand today are just some of the breath-taking symbols of Rome’s ancient legacy and reminders of the city’s historical importance. To really get to grips with Rome and its history, heritage, and modern cultural pulse, you simply cannot miss the opportunity to connect with a professional local city guide and taking a walking tour. As in any busy tourist city, there are a number of city tours to choose from here; but in Rome walking tours are the best option, and more specifically free walking tours, as you can roam (sorry) through the Italian capital and soak it all in without the worry of over-paying. So, which are the best free walking tours in Rome? Below, we share our top picks.

Rome Free Walking Tour for introduction, overview & essentials

Rome takes its history seriously, and as such there is strict control around tour guide licenses, so there is always a risk that tours will be interrupted by inspectors and halting tours that are run by non-licensed guides. With New Rome Free Tour that isn’t something to worry about as they are all fully licensed and compliant professional tour guides.

Despite the name, this tour isn’t so new at all, in fact they have been offering daily free city tours in Rome since 2009 and you really get a sense of pride and passion for Rome from these local guides. This tour covers all of the essential must see sights, including Spanish Square, the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, the Temple of Hadrian, the Tomb of the Kings and much more, while revealing the remarkable history and stories, from bloody Gladiator battles in the Colosseum right up to the present cultural metropolis that Rome is today.

This free tour of Rome runs every day at 9:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. and lasts approximately two hours, starting at the Spanish steps.

Other Free walking Tours in Rome

If you want to delve a little further into Rome than a thorough overview, then you might consider joining the provider Free Tour Rome to explore the Jewish district and Trastvere which takes an in depth look at the Jewish ghetto and the vastly important legacy of Jews in Rome, as well as visiting key sights like Piazza Venezia, Theatre of Marcello, and much more. The same company also offer a free Vatican tour at night, which I guess can be an interesting way to spend an evening in Rome. In both cases, you can only join with an online booking which incurs a fee of €2.50, and you only receive notification of the meeting point after booking. Why all the mystery? I’m not certain, but they have been operating for many years, are run by top-notch tour guides, and have many satisfied customers’ reviews.

You can also consider booking a private tour in Rome should you prefer a bespoke tour for you or your group. This would incur a cost but you would be able to cater the tour time, length and content to suit your specific schedule and preferences.

If you have enough time, you could even consider doing day trips or organised day tours from Rome to surrounding regions and get an even wider view of beautiful Italy. We recommend asking your Rome free tour guide about different places worth visiting on day trips from Rome, such as Tuscany or Pompeii.

Do I need to book a free tour in Rome?

As we have seen in the above example, some providers may only accept participants with advanced booking. The first free tour we recommended does not have such a requirement, however, Rome being such a high profile and busy tourist destination, booking is absolutely recommended to ensure your spot on a tour. Booking via the tour provider’s own website is usually best practise, but you can find and book top quality walking tours on Freetour.com or the Freetour app without booking fees or charges. Always be aware of any ‘no-show’ or cancellation policies that a particular free tour provider might have in place when booking online.

Some tipping tips

Free tours are a fantastic concept and the best way to see a new city on fair terms. It relies on participants valuing the city tour at the end and tipping the guide accordingly. The local city tour guides need to be top quality and they work hard to earn a good evaluation of their walking tour and good tips while bearing the risk of being ripped-off, rather than you – so do be genuine and value the tour in relation to what a paid tour equivalent would cost you, how enjoyable the experience was, if your expectations were met, and of course what your budget can afford.

So, how much should you tip free tour guides in Rome?

This will all depend on how you valued the city tour experience in Rome, the quality of the tour guide and, of course, on your budget. A good rule of thumb is to take all those factors into account and then gauge it against what the same walking tour would have cost as a conventional paid fee city tour. The cost of a general paid walking tour in Rome, depending on the type of tour, can be anywhere from €20 to €56 per person at the lower to mid-range, and as high as €85 to €110+ per person at the higher-end of the tour market. Our research with local Rome free tour guides shows the average tip is usually between €15 and €35 per person.

There you have our recommendations and advice for joining the best free walking tours in Rome. As the saying goes, “when in Rome…” so don’t forget to ask your city tour guide for local tips and things to do after your tour, they can mark everything for you on your free Rome walking tour map.

• Terms and conditions

Street Food Free Tours and Cooking Classes in the Eternal City Welcome

From the first and original free tour, the most affordable food tours in rome, the only street food free tours in rome free rome food tour.

New Rome Free Tour is proud to present the only pay-what-you-like food tours of Rome. You’ve done your research and you know that food tours cost Euros 60 and upwards. If you are looking for a food tour that leaves your stomach full but your wallet empty, then FreeRomeFoodTour may not be for you. If you are looking for a fun, filling and affordable way to take a bite of the Eternal City , come join us. We offer food tours every day of the week, but not all tours run daily. We recommend that you take a look at our full schedule to see whether or not a particular food tour listed below will be running when you are in Rome.

Like always, our FreeRomeFoodTour is free to take. We believe in allowing YOU to name-your-own-price, even free, after the tour is finished. And unlike costly food tours that decide for you what and how much you’ll be eating, we believe in giving YOU the choice to decide what to eat, how much you eat and how much you spend.

Regularly Scheduled Tours Our Tours

Jewish Ghetto Food Free Tour

A journey of discovery of the flavours and the fascination of the Jewish Getto of Rome, one of the oldest Jewish quarter in the world. 2 hours tour with tastings of the Kosher cuisine.

Monti Food Free Tour

The best way to discover the “stories” and the food of Monti, one of the trendiest  roman districts closest to Archaeological Rome  2 hour walking tour.

Trastevere Food Free Tour

The heart of the most characteristic and popular district of Rome 2 hour tour to taste the “soul” of Rome and be a 100% true Roman for a day.

Each tour stops at 3-4 scrumptious food shops that serve up incredibly delicious and inexpensive food served in portions that can be easily divided and shared or singularly devoured. Our guides make recommendations and facilitate ordering, but you have the final say. You choose your own food and pay for it directly (usually between Euro 10 -15, for each tour). In between the food stops, you’ll have time to digest your food as well as the history of the neighborhood, as told to you by our entertaining and knowledgeable local Rome licensed tour guides.

We also offer several paid cooking classes Cooking Classes

Pizza & Gelato Making Lesson

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Italy? Probably pizza, right? So when in Rome come to make pizza on our Hands-On experience!

Pasta & Gelato Making Lesson

Make Italian fresh pasta on our fun pasta and gelato making class in Rome.

Pasta, Ravioli & Tiramisu Making Lesson

Explore Italian culture through its cuisine on our amazing Pasta, Ravioli and Tiramisu class – all in one just in 2 hours!

Eat like a local and get to know more of the city

Best tour in Rome

A great way to enjoy roman food and history.

For those interested in an extensive tour covering the history of various neighborhoods, (private , customized of group tour) you may want to consider the famous New Rome Free Tour . This company currently offers the following outings: Ancient Rome Free Tour City Center Free Tour

Eat your way through delicious Roman food and Rome’s fascinating  history on our leisurely, food walking tours that will let you experience our beautiful city like a real Roman! As they say, when in Rome do as the Romans do! Our motto? Eat as the Romans do!

The 7 Best Food Tours in Rome Italy

W hen you think about the food you might eat on a visit to Italy, most people think about gelato and pizza . I wasn’t any different.

What I learned from a food tour in Rome is that Italy has so much more than just pasta, pizza, and strong espresso. There is so much history behind the food, with long-standing traditions that go back for centuries.

Food isn’t just a necessity in Italy, it’s a way of life, and feeds into the culture in such a big way.

If you’re looking to take one of the top Rome food tours , then this guide is for you. Each food tour offers something different and unique, so keep reading to find one that’s right for you.

What to Expect from Rome Food Tours

Before visiting Italy, I essentially planned a two-week trip around the country to search for the best pizza north of Rome . (I did end up finding it — in Rome — but I’m still open to another round of explorations!)

On my own sort of food tour around Italy, I decided I’d go to the experts to find out a bit more about the nation’s culinary history.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do, and gorge yourself!

You can expect food tours to take you to not only the best places to find local, freshly-made food to sample dishes and snacks, but you can also expect to be taken to some historic sites and neighborhoods.

As you walk from place to place, you will learn about Rome’s history, both food related and not, and hear from passionate local guides about the local way of life, traditions and culture.

It’s not all about delicious food – although that is the focus.

The Best Rome Food Tours

Below you will find a list of food tours in Rome and what you can expect from each.

1. Rome Street Food Tour

This Rome Street Food Tour is a great experience for first time visitors to Rome who are looking to discover the city’s culinary secrets while exploring its vibrant streets.

The tour is led by a friendly local guide, who will take you on a journey through the city’s neighborhoods, where you’ll visit traditional food markets and sample some of the best street food in Rome.

You’ll learn about the history behind each dish and the cultural influences that have shaped Roman cuisine over the years.

The tour includes stops at family-owned restaurants, bakeries, and gelaterias, where you’ll taste a variety of authentic Italian treats, such as pizza bianca, suppli, and artisanal gelato.

This engaging and delicious tour is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Rome. You can read all about our experience on the Street food and history walking tour of Rome . Of course it made the list of the best things to do with teens in Rome .

Check prices and availability for the Rome Street Food Tour here. There are plenty of food tastings, includes a beer and wine stop, and a small group experience..

2. Taste of Testaccio Food Tour

I arranged for a walking food tour in Rome’s Testaccio neighborhood . It’s not the most touristy area of Rome but, as I soon learned, there were plenty of reasons why it’s the best area for culinary freaks like myself.

The tour started in the morning so we’d first have time to explore the local farmer’s market. In the market, we met with some of the locals who’ve had stands there for years and years.

My favorite was Carmelo, the “Tomato Poet” who sells his tomatoes each for the same price—no matter the type. We sampled several different varieties just as Carmelo would offer for other visitors.

After the tour of the food market, we had the chance to try a local Roman-style breakfast pastry—the cornetto.

It’s something most of us on the tour had never heard of before. And it was amazing! There was also tiramisu in a chocolate cup. Can’t go wrong with that.

My favourite part of the walking tour was when we stopped at the gourmet foodie shop  E. Volpetti . The shop serves gourmet cheeses (over 140) and meats, but what I most enjoyed was the balsamic tasting.

I enjoyed it so much I even brought home a balsamic vinegar .

After all those treats we spent some time getting a better history of the Testaccio area of Rome.

Rather than just stuffing our faces all afternoon, we visited one of Rome’s most famous cemeteries—it’s for non-Catholics only and is where the famous poet John Keats is buried.

Our tour guide explained some of the history of the area, which inevitably included details about the neighbourhood’s football (soccer) obsession, the mafia history and any number of your typical Italian stereotypes.

After exploring the more historical sites, it was back to the food tour.

Lunch included typical Roman pasta dishes and — of course— fine wine. By this time I was more than adequately full. But when the final stop of the tour was announced—Rome’s most popular gelato cafe—my appetite grew yet again!

In the gelateria, our tour guide explained the most important tips for knowing the difference between real and fake gelato, as unfortunately some gelato stores are tourist traps:

• Pay attention to the color. Banana gelato should be off-white not yellow (you don’t eat the banana peel!)
• Pay attention to the shape. Real gelato shouldn’t have large, billowy mounds flowing out of the metal tubs. More rich and tasty gelatos while be full of less air!
• Keep an eye out for the ingredients. If you see big brown boxes behind the counter, or empty tubs, then you’re probably not eating the real thing. Italian food shops will often prominently display their ingredients so just have a quick look around before you buy!

By the end of the tour I pretty much felt like a food expert, but thankfully the good food in Rome didn’t stop there.

My guide offered up all her favorite Rome restaurants so that the rest of my stay would be as tasty as the tour!

• We recommend this Tastes & Traditions of Rome: Testaccio Food and Market Tour with Devour Tours (one of our favorite companies) It includes 8+ food tastings and a small group of maximum 12 people. We did three of their food tours in Italy and loved everyone. Including the next tour…

3. Hidden Rome Trastevere Food Tour

The Hidden Rome food tour of the Trastevere district is an evening food tour that allows you to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and indulge in its delicious cuisine.

The tour takes you through the charming streets of Trastevere, one of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods , where visitors can explore its hidden alleys and corners.

You’ll be led by a local guide who will introduce you to the area’s best food spots and traditional dishes, as well as sampling some of the freshest ingredients such as fresh mozzarella di bufala and truffle cheese.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and culture of Trastevere and Rome, making this an immersive and enriching experience.

This food tour is perfect for anyone looking to taste some of Rome’s best food in a lively and authentic setting.

• Here is Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tou r from our favored Devour Tours, this Includes 10+ food tastes and 6 drinks across 5 local eateries (enough food for a full dinner)

4. Flavors of Rome Campo Marzo Street Food Tour

This food tour allows you to explore the city’s food culture while seeing its famous landmarks.

The tour combines a walking tour of Rome back streets and hidden alleys, taking you past some of the most iconic sights to some hidden gems in the historic district.

You will make stops at local food markets and street food vendors, where you’ll taste traditional Roman dishes.

A knowledgeable guide will provide insight into the city’s rich history and architecture, as well as its culinary traditions.

This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the highlights of both worlds: delicious food and unforgettable sightseeing.

• Check prices and availability for the Flavors of Rome Food Tour here.
• You may also love this Semi-Private Food Tour of Rome Italy , which  allows you to explore Rome through its food – from pasta to gelato, this tour hits all the food highlights.

5. Vegan Food Tour Experience

If you have dietary restrictions, such as being gluten-free, vegetarian or have allergies, then the vegan food tour is for you.

This one-of-a-kind tour lets you indulge in the city’s delicious vegan Italian cuisine, taking you to some of the best vegan restaurants and food spots in Rome.

This tour offers a chance to taste traditional Italian vegan dishes made from fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

You’ll visit markets and eateries that specialize in vegan cuisine, exploring a wide range of flavors and textures.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and culture of veganism in Rome, making it an immersive and educational experience.

Check prices and availability for the Vegan Food Tour here.

6. Jewish Ghetto And Navona Food And Wine Tour

If you’re looking to sample some of the classic Italian fine wines, then this is the tour for you.

The Jewish Ghetto and Navona Food and Wine tour is a fantastic way to experience the city’s culinary delights and sample some of Italy’s finest wines.

The tour takes you through the charming streets of Rome’s historic center, where you’ll visit traditional food markets, artisanal bakeries, and famous wine bars.

Your guide will introduce you to authentic cuisine from the Jewish area, such as artichokes, as well as local wines, such as Frascati and Chianti.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and culture of Rome, making for an immersive and enriching experience.

Check prices and availability for the Jewish Ghetto and Navona Food Tour here.

7. Small-Group Walking Tour of Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori & Jewish Ghetto

Last but not least, is the small group walking tour of Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori and the Jewish Quarter. This is where you’ll taste some of Rome’s most delicious dishes.

Your expert guide will take you to traditional markets, family-owned restaurants, and popular eateries, where you’ll sample local specialties such as supplì, pizza, and gelato.

The tour also includes visits to historic landmarks and cultural sites, providing a deeper understanding of Rome’s rich history and culture.

This small group tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience, making it perfect for foodies and history buffs alike.

Check prices and availability for the Small-Group Walking Tour here.

Final Thoughts on the Best Food Tours in Rome

Taking a food tour in Rome is an excellent way to uncover the Eternal City’s culinary delights while immersing yourself in its rich history and culture.

Rome’s culinary history and traditions are some of the oldest in the world, and food tours allow visitors to access a wide range of delicious dishes, from traditional pasta dishes to artisanal gelato in one day trip.

A food tour is not only a great way to satisfy your taste buds but also a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and traditions.

Bio:  In 2009, Adam Groffman quit his job as a graphic designer in Boston and went on a 15+ month trip around the world. The life-changing journey took him to places like North Africa, the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia. Since 2011 Adam has been living in Berlin – Europe’s most hipster city. His blog, Travels of Adam , focuses on finding the coolest cultural things to do around the world.

More Italy Travel Tips

Need more inspiration for your trip to Italy? Then these other resources may be useful to you…

• ITALIAN LAKES : To help you with your trip to Italy’s largest lake, read our suggestions for  things to do in Lake Garda  and for Italy’s most famous lake, a  guide to things to do in Lake Como.
• TUSCANY:  Don’t miss these stunning  places to visit in Tuscany  and a  guide to Chianti towns  and  how to spend a day in Siena .
• VENICE:  Is it a trip to Italy without exploring these  best things to do in Venice ?
• FLORENCE:  For one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, here are  16 amazing things to do in Florence  and enjoy this  food and wine tour of Florence.
• CINQUE TERRE:  Here’s our  top things to do in Cinque Terre  including our favorite  Cinque Terre boat tour , and here’s a little insight into the personalities of the  Five Towns of Cinque Terre.
• ROME:  Here is our list of  memorable things to do in Rome , a  food walking tour in Rome,  and  what to do with kids in Rome in 72 hours , and our  guides to the Vatican , and the  Colosseum and Roman Forum and 36 Essential Things to know before Visiting Rome
• OTHER: 10 Italy Honeymoon Destinations For Unforgettable Romance and 10 reasons to visit Puglia, Southern Italy

Do you have any great food recommendations for Rome? Let us know in the comments!