Free Walking Tour of Rome
Explore Rome on a 2-Hour Self-Guided Walking Tour – Crafted by an International Student Living in the Eternal City.
As an introverted, self-proclaimed grandma, the city centre of Rome can sometimes feel a little bit crowded. It’s hard to imagine yourself as the main character in a movie, quietly strolling through the streets, when you're simultaneously being drowned by hordes of tourists. If you want to experience the beauty of Rome while still enjoying moments of peace and quiet, I have the perfect solution for you! Walking is one of my favourite free things to do in Rome, and during my first year as an international student, I crafted the perfect 2-hour tour. This self-guided route will lead you through stunning monuments and hidden gems, and—spoiler alert—it has a spectacular view of the city!
My specially crafted tour of Rome starts at Flaminio metro station. I'm planning to write a guide to public transport in Rome soon, and future me will drop a link somewhere. Until then, you'll have to find your way to Flaminio metro station on your own, but trust me—you can do it! From the exit of the station, cross the square and walk through the Porta del Popolo, also known as Porta Flaminia. Porta del Popolo is a city gate in the Aurelian Walls of Rome, marking the boundary between Piazza del Popolo and Piazzale Flaminio.
Once you walk through the gate, you'll enter one of my favourite places in Rome, Piazza del Popolo. I can’t quite explain why it's one of my favourites—maybe it’s the music that’s often playing, the many benches perfect for reading, or just the magical atmosphere. Walking through this square feels like stepping back in time, and I hope you feel enchanted as well. This stunning piazza has a rich history, dating back to ancient times, and has long served as a vital meeting point for locals and travellers alike.
The name "Piazza del Popolo" translates to "People's Square," and it truly embodies the spirit of the city. The square features a striking obelisk at its centre, known as the Flaminio Obelisk, which dates back to ancient Egypt and was brought to Rome by Emperor Augustus in 10 BC. Surrounding the piazza, you’ll find impressive architecture, such as the Twin Churches (Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli), which create a harmonious balance on either side.
In ancient times, Piazza del Popolo was the starting point for triumphant parades and processions. To me, it seems only fitting that our fun begins here. Not that I am trying to compare my tour to a triumphant parade.
Next, we’ll continue along our promised peaceful path, turning right at the end of the square. We’ll follow Via Ferdinando di Savoia until we reach the river and the Ponte Regina Margherita. There’s no need to cross the bridge, as we’ll be walking alongside the Tiber River instead. This river, Rome’s third longest, has played a crucial role in the city’s history, serving as a vital waterway since ancient times. For the next twenty-five minutes, you can stroll along the river, encountering beautiful monuments like Castel Sant'Angelo along the way.
Once you reach the Ponte Principe Amedeo Savoia Aosta (I’m almost out of breath just trying to pronounce it), it’s time to cross the Tiber. This part of the journey is my favourite, but be aware that it involves some climbing, so don’t forget to mentally prepare yourself. The payoff is definitely worth it!
After crossing the bridge, follow Via del Gianicolo uphill until you reach the stairs on your left. Take the stairs leading to Salita di S.Onofrio, a steep and narrow alleyway that ascends the hill. It’s one of my favourite charming alleyways in Rome! At the top, continue straight ahead until you’re ready to enjoy the payoff at Terrazza Panoramica Passeggiata del Gianicolo.
At the Terrazza Panoramica, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of the city, with plenty of benches where you can sit, read, or simply relax. There’s also a small café where you can purchase drinks and snacks. While the famous viewpoint on Janiculum is only five minutes away, I personally prefer this spot. It feels less touristy and more serene, offering an even—dare I say—better view of the city. I often complete this tour in the morning, but the nighttime view is equally magical.
Our next stop is the Janiculum viewpoint, where you’ll get another breathtaking view of Rome and its iconic monuments. Every day at noon, a cannon fires from Janiculum Hill, a tradition dating back to the 19th century that was originally used to signal the time. The ceremony continues to be a popular attraction, drawing both locals and tourists to witness the loud boom echoing across the city.
Once you’ve finished soaking in the beautiful scenery, it’s time to descend some stairs. On the left side of the viewpoint, you’ll find stairs leading down, and our tour will continue from there. This path runs parallel to the Botanical Gardens of Sapienza and leads us to our next destination. While you can reach this spot by taking the main road, following this forest pathway adds an extra dimension to our journey. Known as Viale del Parco di Villa Corsini, this path offers stunning scenery where you can hear the birds chirping and the city sounds fade away, making it feel almost like you’re in a real forest for a moment.
As you exit onto Via Garibaldi, you’ll discover one of my favorite hidden gems: the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, often referred to as the Fontanone. This monumental fountain, located on Janiculum Hill, was built in the early 17th century by Pope Paul V to celebrate the completion of the Acqua Paola aqueduct, which brought fresh water to the city from the River Bracca.
After taking some pretty Instagram-worthy pictures of the beautiful fountain, it’s time to descend some more stairs and take the Via di Porta S. Pancrazio. It saddens me to say that this tour is almost coming to an end, but we’re finishing with a bang!
When you turn left at the end of the street and continue straight, you’ll arrive in the charming neighbourhood of Trastevere. Just across the Tiber River from the historic center, Trastevere is known for its narrow, cobblestone streets and lively atmosphere, blending old-world charm with a modern bohemian vibe. Once a working-class area, Trastevere has evolved into a cultural and nightlife hub where many of my friends often find themselves (not me, though; I go to bed at 10 PM).
Trastevere is home to numerous restaurants and shops, including one of my favourite pizza places, which you can read about in this blog post. After exploring Trastevere, our walking tour comes to an end, but you’re welcome to continue discovering Rome on your own. If you cross the Ponte Sisto, it’s just a short walk to Piazza Navona, so if you can muster the energy, I highly recommend it!
Conclusion
As our stroll through the enchanting streets of Rome comes to an end, I hope you’ve discovered the city’s charm from a fresh perspective. This self-guided walking tour blends iconic landmarks with hidden gems, allowing you to experience both the vibrant energy and the serene beauty that Rome has to offer. Remember, the adventure doesn’t have to end here! Feel free to linger in Trastevere, savor a slice of pizza, or cross the Ponte Sisto to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Piazza Navona. Rome is a city that invites exploration, so take your time, soak in the history, and make it your own. Happy wandering!
