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Rome's Ultimate Free Walking Tours

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ROME'S ULTIMATE FREE WALKING TOURS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Rome Free Walking Tour

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

Rome Free Walking Tour

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

ROME FREE WALKING TOUR

Walking tours & excursions in rome, daily walking tours.

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Private Tours

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• 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 13 people
• Hour Glass 3 hours

Ancient Rome & Colosseum Gladiators Group Tours

Our small-group tour of Ancient Rome with arena access lets you enjoy the wonders of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum, with a rare glimpse at life in Ancient Rome.

Best of Rome Tour - Private Tours for Groups

This private Rome tour takes you to see all the highlights of the Eternal City and is great for school groups. See Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza Navona, and more.

WHY OUR FREE WALKING TOURS IN ROME ARE THE BEST IN THE CITY

• Great introduction to Rome
• Two different daily free tours
• Expert licensed tour guides
• Fully authorized local guides
• Friendly free tours for everyone
• Free walking tours in two languages

READ SOME OF OUR FANTASTIC REVIEWS ON TRIPADVISOR ★★★★★

We did the afternoon free walking tour (English group). The tour guide was very good, starting at Spanish steps, continuing to Trevi Fountain, then to Venezia square and through the Roman Forum to finally reach the Colosseum. The tour lasted 2h and it was a pleasure to hear some interesting stories that we could not read in our guide books. We were with our 9 years old child and the tour was not exhausting.

The free walking tour is a great way to be introduced to the city. The guide, Laura, was very kind, open and she knows a lot. She could tell funny details that you couldn't read in any guide book, and she was great at interacting with all the people in the group. I highly recommend to go on a tour with her.

We took the morning tour with Alessandra and cannot praise her enough. A very professional, friendly and informative guide, who clearly loves the city she lives in. She offered the right amount of information to keep us engaged through to the end of the tour, despite the rain. Good coverage of the main sights. Highly recommended.

We did both the morning and afternoon tours. Would highly recommend both. Our tour guides Fabio and Sylvia were brilliant. Fabio has photos to accompany his information. The information was brilliant! I would do these at the start of your trip to understand the city more!

People really love our tours

Read some of the fantastic reviews travelers are leaving on  TripAdvisor  for our Rome Free Walking Tours.

We have  over 2,000 very positive TripAdvisor reviews . So many travelers cannot be wrong!

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Free Walking Tours in Rome

With local guides.

Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City, a place that needs no introduction.

There are 5 types of free tours in Rome, Italy, one of ancient Rome, another of Rome's centre, the Vatican museums, and St. Peter's Basilica, one that covers the Trastevere neighborhood, as well as free food tours.

We let you know about your options, provide schedules, and explain what you will see on each tour.

We are a group of local walking tour guides who lead daily walking tours throughout Rome.

We have also written several self-guided walks as well as audio tours of the city.

And, in the video below, Matteo from Rome Free Tours, one of our local guides, takes you on a virtual walk of Piazza Navona.

OVERVIEW AND SCHEDULE

Searching Availability...

You can also book private tours for your group to customize the time and what you'd like to see in Rome! Highly rated What About Tours offers custom private tours.

• 2 pax - 50€ per person
• 3-5 pax - 40€ per person
• 6-10 pax - 35€ per person
• 11-20 pax - 30€ per person
• Children 0-14 years old are free of charge

More Tour Options?  More tours are available in the individual tour sections below.

• Ancient Rome
• Rome City Centre
• Rome Food Tours
• Night + Ghost Tours

This model of free tours is that they are technically free to take and there is no obligation to pay anything at the end.

However, they are popularly understood as pay-what-you-like tours. How much you pay is dependent on you.

You can pay what you think your walk was worth or what you could afford at the tour’s end. 

According to online reviews, most participants contribute between €10 to €20 per adult to the tour guide when they feel the tour was good.

Just about all of the companies have local guides who grew up in Rome or nearby.

We also offer tours throughout Italy including:

ANCIENT ROME FREE WALKING TOURS

These free walking tours cover notable historic sites which, in some cases, date back more than two millennia. 

If you’re interested in learning why Rome is called the Eternal City, these tours will give you plenty of information about how this city became home to one of the most remarkable empires in the history of the world. 

Learn about the emperors who ruled over the Roman Empire and the gladiators who entertained the masses.

Here are a few of the ancient sites you can expect to see on these tours:

• Roman Forum
• Palatine Hill
• Capitoline Hill
• Circus Maximus

You will also see not-so-ancient sights such as Piazza Venezia and the Campidoglio.

This walk is an abridged version of our Ancient Rome audio tour. Listen to a sample of the tour.

There is no schedule (take our tours anytime you wish). We also have an audio tour of Central Rome.

• Purchase this audio tour from our Booking Page  (scroll down to Rome).
• You’ll receive a confirmation email with a .pdf, Google Map link, and audio tour.
• Enjoy the tour(s).

For more information, check out our self-guided tour of the Roman Fori .

The free tours will not include admission to any of the attractions listed above and cover them from viewing platforms. 

You can purchase tickets for them either before or after your free tour.

However, the free tours cover areas not usually covered on the paid tours, including the Imperial Roman fora.

The paid tours, on the other hand, all include tickets to the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill.

Reservations are required for all tours.

New Rome Free Tour

Discover the history of the Roman Republic and Imperial Rome on this 2-hour free walking tour of the most ancient locations in the city.

This company has an overall rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, and reviewers suggest that they provide tips to help you get inside popular landmarks quickly, efficiently, and affordably. 

Their team is filled with local guides from Rome, who really know the hidden gems.

You can take this pay-what-you-wish tour every day at 11 am, and they also offer a tour of the city centre at 17:00 (5 pm) on the same day!

Meeting point: Foro Traiano (Trajan's Column) View the calendar above . Reservations are required .

Paid Ancient Rome Tours

If you’re looking for a tour that offers small group sizes, there are several paid tours you can take that you might want to consider.

In contrast to the free tours, all of these tours include admission to the Colosseum, the Forum, and Palatine Hill. 

Ticket prices range from €20-€80 and last for 2-4 hours on average.

Check this list of paid ancient Rome tours to find an outing that fits your itinerary.

FREE CENTRAL ROME TOURS

These free walking tours focus on the centre of Rome, such as the baroque squares and fountains and Renaissance architecture, rather than ancient Rome.

While some of the sites you’ll see are very old, this type of tour is about both helping first-time visitors become more familiar with the city and covering some of the history of Rome.

Join licensed Rome tour guide, Sara from Rome Tour Guide on a walk on and around the Spanish Steps.

If you’re looking for an introductory tour that provides a look at a wide variety of attractions and historical landmarks, central Rome tours are an excellent option.

Here are a few of the sites you can expect to see on these outings:

• Piazza Navona
• Bernini's 'Fountain of the Four Rivers
• The Pantheon
• Trevi Fountain
• Spanish Steps
• Venice Square
• Campo de' Fiori

A few tours even cover Villa Borghese from the outside.

Discover what you can see with our self-guided tour of Central Rome .

To learn more about these locations and get help finding your way around the Eternal City, consider one of the free walking tours listed below.

This company offers a free guided tour of the city centre which covers some of the most notable or historic architecture and the artwork you’ll find throughout Rome.

Their local guides will also point out some hidden gems and share anecdotes.

With an overall rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars , this is one of the best-reviewed tour services in the entire city, and reviewers indicate that they also provide tips on the best places to eat!

Their 2-hour city centre tour is available daily at 17:00 (5 pm), which means you can enjoy both this outing and their Ancient Rome tour on the same day!

They also offer a Rome at Dusk Tour that has a similar route as the previously mentioned tour but starts at 20:30 (8:30 pm).

Reservations are required.   View the calendar above .

GPS-Led Audio Tour

Before we list the live guide tours, if you are looking to explore on your own in this age of social distancing, then we recommend taking a look at the following resource.

We offer a GPS-led audio tour of Rome’s City Centre researched, written, and recorded by one of our very own tour guides. 

Our tour begins at the Spanish Steps and visits some of Rome’s top sights, including most of the locations listed above in the intro.

Here's a sample.

There is no schedule (take our tours anytime you wish). We also have an audio tour of the Roman Forum.

• Purchase this audio tour from our Booking Page  (scroll down to Rome) ($2.99/download).

TRASTEVERE + THE OLD JEWISH GHETTO

Discover a side of Rome that you might not otherwise visit on a tour of neighbourhoods you usually won’t visit on other tours.

Trastevere is the area across the River Tiber.

In addition to visiting this location, you’ll also make a stop on Tiberine Island to see the area once known as the Old Jewish Ghetto.

You can expect to visit the following locations while taking one of these free walking tours:

• Vicolo dell’Atleta
• Isola Tiberina
• Portico d’Ottavia
• Jewish Ghetto

If you want to learn more and see these neighbourhoods for yourself, consider taking one of the tours listed below.

We also have our self-guided walk of the Old Jewish Ghetto .

New Rome Free Tours

We offer a food tour of Trastevere on both Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 am. 

The tour includes several different food tastings! Taste one of the best pizzas in town, and savour the greatest salumi and porchetta and cheeses like Pecorino Romano.

While you walk from one food stop to another, you will be shown the best highlights of this unique area of Rome.

Paid Tours of Trastevere & Jewish Ghetto

There are a variety of paid services that cover the Trastevere and Jewish neighbourhoods. 

Whether you want to learn more about the area on foot, by bike, or by segway, there are several different tours to choose from.

In addition to these options, there are also some food tours in each location you might want to consider.

Ticket prices tend to range from €60-€100 or more, and many of these tours are also limited to smaller groups or are entirely private, allowing you to decide who joins you on the outing.

Check this list of paid Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto tours to learn more and find a service that fits your itinerary.

Rick Steves’ Audio Tours

If you want to discover these neighbourhoods at your own pace, Rick Steves offers two audio tours, one of Trastevere and one of the Old Jewish Ghetto. 

You can use your smartphone to either download the Rick Steves app and listen to the audio tour with their service or you can download the audio file and listen to it that way.

There is also a map you can download with each tour which will help you to find your way around the city.

• Trastevere Walk
• Jewish Ghetto Walk

FREE VATICAN TOURS

Although the Vatican Museums do require a ticket for admission, there are some audio tours you can use for free after entering the building.

There is also at least one audio tour that covers St. Peter’s Basilica as well (which is free to enter).

• Castel Sant'Angelo
• Ponte Sant'Angelo
• St. Peter's Basilica
• St. Peter's Square
• Via della Conciliazione
• Vatican Museums
• Passetto di Borgo

We do not offer our own free walking tours anywhere in Vatican City, but there are usually a few options to choose from here .

There are also several audio tours to choose from.

Paid Vatican Tours

There are several paid tours for visitors who are looking for a guided tour or a different kind of experience at the Vatican. 

Some of these outings offer reserved entrance, others cover both the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, and there are even early morning priority access tours you may want to consider.

Ticket prices range from €20 - €60 on average.

Some tours are either private or limited in size, so if you want to be part of a small tour group, these tours may be right for you.

Look at this list of paid Vatican tours to find the right service for your needs.

If you’re planning to visit either the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, or St. Peter’s Basilica, this company offers an audio tour of each location which is available either to download or via their app.

In addition to Rick’s audio tours, some maps will help you find all the best pieces of art and historical sites within each building.

• Vatican Museums Tour
• Sistine Chapel Tour
• St. Peter’s Basilica Tour

FREE ROME FOOD TOURS

Currently, there is only one company offering free food tours in Rome, and they focus on three neighbourhoods in the city: the Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere, and Monti.

Each of these outings includes at least 3-4 stops at great restaurants and food shops where you’ll find some of the best dishes in the city.

The foods you will try on these tours vary quite a bit depending on which neighbourhood they cover, but most outings will cover some of the following options:

• Parmigiano Reggiano

Although you don’t have to pay for the tour, you will have to pay for any food you might purchase along the way, and you should expect to spend around €10-€15 on average.

The nice thing is that even if you tip them another €10-€15 for the tour, you’ll still spend significantly less on this than you typically would on a paid Rome food tour.

In addition to their free walking tours, this company also provides 2-hour pay-what-you-wish food tours which allow you to pick and choose the dishes you will try.

Their Trastevere food tour is offered on both Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 am. 

You can also take their Old Jewish Ghetto food tour on both Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 am.

Alternatively, you may also want to consider their Monti food tour on Mondays through Thursdays + Saturdays at 16:00 (4 pm). It also sometimes runs on Mondays at 11:00 am.

Paid Rome Food Tours

If you’re looking for a different kind of food tour or one that covers another area of the city, there are several paid options to choose from.

While some outings cover specific types of dishes such as street food, others provide a look at the best places to grab a bite in the city centre, Testaccio, and many other locations in Rome.

Ticket prices range from €40-€100 and some services offer small or private tour groups so that you’ll get the full attention of your guide.

Take a look at this list of paid Rome food tours to find one you like.

If you’re looking for another option, consider our self-guided Rome food tour .

ROME NIGHT AND GHOST TOURS

Rome is wonderful at all hours but Rome at dusk and by night is magical.

There are a few free night tours available most evenings as well as several ticketed tours, including tours of the Colosseum and the Vatican .

When daylight starts to fade, our passionate guides will show you the most authentic heart of Rome when it starts to emerge: the crowds thin, the locals come out and the monuments seem to exhale as they see off the last visitors and dress up in nighttime lighting.

This night tour runs daily at 20:30 (8:30 pm).

Ghost and Mystery Tours

There are usually a couple of pay-what-you-wish ghost or mystery/dark Rome tours available multiple times a week, if not daily.

We offer a daily ghost tour on weekdays @ 21:00 (9 pm). You can book this tour here .

Click here for even more options .

FREE TOURS WITH TOURIST PASSES

A tourist pass (or city pass) bundles together several tours and attractions into one discounted ticket or gives you discounted entry.

If you are considering purchasing a tourist pass, keep in mind that some might come with free walking tours already included.

Read our post on these passes .

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Rome Free Walking Tour

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ROME FREE WALKING TOUR: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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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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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.

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.

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

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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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Rome Free Walking Tour

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

15 Best Walking Tours in Rome Unveiling the Secrets of the Eternal City

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Explore the Eternal City’s timeless treasures with the best walking tours in Rome , ensuring you don’t miss any of its delights.

We’ve selected these top picks for their exceptional experiences and expert guides, providing unique insights into the city’s history and culture. More details on each tour can be found in the text. From personalized explorations to fascinating nighttime adventures, our favorite selections ensure an unforgettable journey through Rome’s streets.

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• walking tours in Rome

1 – Guided walking tour with Trevi Fountain & Piazza Navona

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1520 reviews )

“Loved every minute of the experience! Good job guys” diana, headout

Kick off your stay in Rome with an affordable guided tour to some of the city’s top attractions as well as some locals’ secrets. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, marvel at the Parthenon’s layers of history, and snap the perfect selfie at the Spanish steps. Guided walking tours with Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona set you up for a great stay in Rome.

Summary of the tour:

• Sights: Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon
• A gelato in summer / a hot chocolate or cappuccino in winter
• Audio headsets included
• Children of all ages welcome

The guided walking tour with Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona is a crowd-pleaser that hits the top spots in Rome. This economical tour regularly earns high ratings, citing the price and simplicity of accessing tickets via the Headout app and the quality of the guide.

2 – Rome Night Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 5544 reviews )

“Was a fantastic way to see the city all lit up. I didn’t expect such a great guide who gave us so much interesting and informative history and insights.” anne, civitatis

The golden glow of lights on ancient stone morphs busy Rome into a magical realm once the sun sets. Visitando Italia has crafted an enchanting tour of Rome after sunset that mixes walking and minibus travel. Take in Rome’s unmissable landmarks paired with your guide’s commentary that enriches what you encounter, all illuminated against the night sky.

• Stops included: The Vatican, Piazza Venezia, Piazza del Campidoglio and Piazza Navona
• The tour will be in a closed-top minibus
• English–speaking guide

The beauty of the sites, the informative and affable guides and the convenience of both the minibus and the booking process earn this tour high reviews. We recommend this tour for people who want to see more of the city in a short period of time.

Read more: Unusual Rome Night Tours

3 – Foodie Walking Tour of Roman Neighborhoods

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 390 reviews )

“Learned so many interesting facts about Rome’s food and history, and loved getting to ask questions to a local (our tour guide) as we walked.” april, get your guide

Gourmetaly food tours in Rome combine an exploration of the city with an introduction to Roman versions of Italian favorites as well as gustatory surprises. You’ll hit Trastevere and other top tourist attractions in Rome , discover some if its rich backstory and happily fill your belly.

• Tour includes neighborhoods of Campo de Fiori, the Jewish Ghetto, and Trastevere
• Stops include markets, bakeries, gelaterias, and restaurants
• Foods you’ll try: fruits and vegetables, gelatos, pizza bianca, mortadella, supplì, codfish, exotic spices
• Children welcome!

With hundreds of five-star reviews, the guides are the tour’s high point followed by the food as a close second. This tour is a wonderful way to begin a vacation in Rome, as it will orient you to the city and exposed you to dishes you may want more of during your stay.

Hot tip: For the foodies, don’t miss our selection of the best food tours in Rome .

4 – Fountains and Squares Small-Group Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 330 reviews )

“Very good tour, my tour guide was an awesome bloke! He made Rome more amazing then what it already is and ended up having a beer !” jordan, get your guide

Roman Holiday Travel and Tours has put together an excursion to the city’s best-loved piazzas and fountains. You won’t be zipping around Rome on a scooter driven by Gregory Peck. However, your Roman holiday is sure to be filled with beauty and history with the help of a Fountains and Squares small-group walking tour.

There are plentiful reasons to choose this tour, from small group sizes to the selection of sites you’ll visit. The prime feature of this five-star tour are the guides. Their knowledge and enthusiasm make the tour come alive.

5 – Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 684 reviews )

“We enjoyed this tour! The food was plentiful! We especially loved the pizza, suppli, and pasta!” gillian, Viator

Rome walking food tours with secret food escort you to the city’s must-see attractions with delicious pauses for carefully-selected Roman dishes. Wander the well-trodden lanes between the Campo de’ Fiori, the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere, some of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods that also serve up the city’s most delectable foods.

• Foods you’ll try: 3 different types of homemade Pizza, Supplí, Italian cheeses, Cannoli, gelato, 2 Roman pastas, delicious secret dish, espresso or cappuccino, finest Italian wines, water and non-alcoholic options
• neighborhoods include Trastevere, Jewish ghetto, and Campo de’ Fiori

The guides for Rome walking food tours receive praises for their personality, knowledge and service. They’ve even been lauded as the best part of the trip! Other five-star-worthy points are the itinerary and the quality of the food.

Read more: Best food tours in Rome

6 – Private Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 247 reviews )

“Exciting from the beginning to the end. The guide has transmitted in an excellent and profound way at the same time, from the most hidden detail to the one that gave it all its symbolic splendor.” emilio, civitatis

Private tours in Rome may seem like a costly indulgence, but they can be surprisingly affordable. With Rome Bites Tours, even couples or groups of up to 25 people can enjoy quality service at a reasonable price. Explore baroque buildings, medieval quarters, and relics from the Roman Empire with a knowledgeable guide who enhances each stop with fascinating facts.

• Stops along the tour: Piazza di Spagna + Spanish steps, Trevi Fountain, Agrippa’s Pantheon, Piazza Navona + Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi
• Private guide and possiblility to modify the itinerary

Over 95% of the reviews for this private tour rewarded it four or five stars. Guides are passionate, well-informed and kind, and you will come away with much more information than you would if you travel to the sites without a guide.

7 – Angels and Demons Half-Day Guided Tour with Private Transport

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1064 reviews )

“This was such a fun tour! (…) Highly recommend it to anyone who is a Dan Brown fan” cindy, viator

“Angels and Demons” tours in Rome are a unique twist on a typical city walking tour. There are plenty of visits to memorable sites and facts to add depth to what you observe. What sets this City Wonders Ltd tour apart is the addition of sites made famous in Dan Brown’s book and movie. Follow a well-informed guide on a half-day tour to Roman locales featured in both fact and fiction.

• Based on Dan Brown’s novel ‘Angels and Demons’
• Stops include St Peter’s Square, Piazza Navona, and Castel Sant’Angelo
• Admission fee to Castel Sant’Angelo included
• Children welcome

The engaging guides clearly are fans of Dan Brown, and reviewers endorse them for their storytelling and charisma. We recommend reading the book or seeing the movie before embarking on the tour.

8 – Free Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 ( 1562 reviews )

“The activity was very complete, our guide explained everything with details and anecdotes. We had a very good time!” LAURA, CIVITATIS

The word “free” makes a lot of things more attractive. Add it to a walking tour of Rome led by true aficionados and you can’t go wrong. Rome Bites Tours has created a free walking tour to places no tourist wants to pass over.

Passionate guides have a staggering amount of information to share. The inclusion of headsets to make sure you don’t miss one tidbit given by your guide makes it hard to believe this is a free tour.

• Stops included: Piazza di Spagna, Trevi Fountain, Agrippa’s Pantheon, Piazza Navona.
• Headphones for participants over 10 years old.
• Children welcome but must be accompanied by a parent.

Rome Bites free walking tours consistently earn high reviews for their likable guides and ample information about the sites. We recommend taking this fact-filled tour in the cooler seasons for a more pleasant walk.

9 – Best of Rome Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 347 reviews )

“Fantastic tour, super information, great host, really friendly and knowledgeable.” simon, viator

Seize that first day in the city on a Carpe Diem Best of Rome tour. In just two hours, get a feel for Rome’s layout, its countless monuments and buzzing piazzas. This affordable tour will set you up for a stay in Rome that’s filled with everything you want to witness and more.

• Stops on this tour include: Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Trajan’s Baths and Piazza Navona.
• Time spent at each stop: 20-30 minutes.
• Children of all ages welcome!

Along with hundreds of five-star reviews, there are many reasons why this tour stands out among others. The cost, accessibility and route make it an attractive option. This is one of the only Rome tours that takes you inside the Pantheon.

10 – Private 90 Minute Kickstart Tour With a Local

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 156 reviews )

“We had a terrific time and the tour was exceptionally planned.” MARK, VIATOR

“Kickoff” tours are aptly named. Intended to introduce you to Rome on your first day, these tours are brimming with facts, tips and fun. Withlocals tours’s private reservation can be whatever you like. Customize the tour to your interests, or trust the guide to show you the best sites in town. Leave with advice to make your stay in Rome unforgettable.

• Highlights included: Campo de’Fiori market, Trastevere neighborhood, and Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
• Private Tour – only you and your local guide
• Children welcome.

This tour has earned over 90% five-star reviews. Highlights are well-read and kind guides, the customizable itinerary and the helpful orientation to the city. The price is also very reasonable for a private jaunt.

11 – Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 ( 154 reviews )

“This was a very very inspirational tour. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and was able to tell the story of the Jewish people who lived in this area.” BONNIE, GET YOUR GUIDE

While Rome is famous for relics of the Roman Empire, its Jewish Quarter, or “Jewish Ghetto,” offers a captivating alternative. With a history spanning millennia, this neighborhood boasts both ancient antiquities and rich Jewish heritage. Roman Vacations’ tours provide an in-depth exploration of the quarter, covering historic sites, cultural gems, and the tantalizing food scene.

• Explore architecture and neighborhoods from 2000 years ago.
• Includes headset and gelato or coffee
• Tours will proceed in all weather conditions

Rome Jewish Ghetto tours receive rave reviews for the knowledge and enthusiastic guides. Guides help make the tour inspirational despite the heaviness of the topic, and the gelato is a refreshing pick-me-up between sites!

12 – Domus Aurea Guided Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 369 reviews )

“Exceptional tour and our guide was amazing and really knowledgeable. Highly recommend!” dace eva, get your guide

Experience the opulence of Emperor Nero’s “Domus Aurea,” or “Golden House,” a nearly 2,000-year-old pleasure palace adorned with frescoes, baths, marble walls, and a rotating dining room. Book a guided tour through Ticketstation Srl to explore this historic site and imagine the golden and gem-encrusted decor amidst rich wildlife, trees, and vineyards, vividly depicted by your archaeologist guide.

• Explore Domus Aurea, the sumptuous home built at the behest of Roman Emperor Nero
• Learn about its colorful history with an official guide
• See intricate frescos and marble walls
• 3D viewers, which will allow you to clearly see how the Domus was in the past.

The plethora of five-star reviews tout the information given by the guides as well as their engaging personalities. The video and 3D viewing will prep you to explore the structures and ruins, and the Domus’s cool interior temperatures are a lovely perk on hot summer days!

13 – Rome by Night Private Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 168 reviews )

“We family of 4 have now been doing 4 tours in Rome. The other tours have also been good, though this was THE BEST.” jostein, viator

There are so many benefits to taking a private tour, especially if it’s affordable! Add the entrancing look that Rome takes on after sunset, and you have a winning combination. Rome by Night private walking tours by Rome Guides take you to the city’s most significant spots in the comfort of the company you choose.

• Stops on this tour include: Roman Forum, Foro di Traiano, Piazza del Campidoglio, Area Sacra di Largo Argentina, Pantheon, Piazza Navona
• Beat the crowds and discover Rome’s quiet and illuminated side

This stellar tour is led by skillful guides who engage all participants in the group, including more reluctant members. Guides happily provide advice for dining and sightseeing after the tour. We recommend this tour for people who want to escape the crowds of the daytime and summer heat.

14 – City Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 193 reviews )

“Tour guide was excellent, knew his history from ancient to modern. Perfect way to start a trip to Rome!” steven, get your guide

With Rome’s twisty streets and tourist masses, finding your way around the city can be daunting. Hiring a guide for an affordable tour can save you a lot of stress and headache. Rome city walking tours by Carpe Diem Tours offer a lot of variety. Book a morning, evening or night group tour, or opt for a private outing.

• Guided walking tour of Rome’s city center
• Learn about the history of Rome from the glory days of the Roman Empire through to today.

If you’re starting out your visit to Rome and need to get the lay of the land, this is an optimal tour for you. We praise this tour for its guides and how helpful the tour is in orienting visitors to Rome. Another plus is the affordability of the tour.

15 – Rome by Night Walking Tour – Legends & Criminal Stories

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 955 reviews )

“Excellent host and such an interesting tour!! Got to hear some interesting stories about the legends and ghosts of Rome!” ANDREA, viator

With Rome’s past spanning millennia, the city has had plenty of time to be marred by tragedy, evil and crime. On a City Wonders “Legends and Criminal Stories” walking tour, you’ll hear the darker side of some of the city’s most celebrated places. Even skeptics will be entranced by the guide’s deft storytelling and fascinating legends.

• Stops on this tour include: Campo de’ Fiori, Via Giulia, Via del governo Vecchio, Via del governo Vecchio, Piazza Farnese, Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo all illuminated at night
• Wander down winding alleyways with an expert guide and hear terrifying tales of myth and legend
• Learn of the Corte Savella Prison, where late-Renaissance noblewoman Beatrice Cenci was unfairly put to death in the 16th century

Among the many five-star reviews, our compliments go to the engaging guides as well as how they keep the material appropriate for older children.

How to book walking tours in Rome?

Whether you want to hit the major sites in Rome or you want a more off-beat outing, there are a wealth of tours to sift through. There are a hefty number of travel websites available to help you with your search.

Use our search engine to simplify your search with a curated list of some of Rome’s highest-rated walking tours.