Rome for Free

So you've got one day left to kill in Rome and have completely maxed out your credit cards and blown your savings. You can either sit in your hostel room sulking or take advantage of the many things Rome offers da gratis.

1. A stroll up to the Colle Oppio Park provides fine views of the Colosseum and contains ruins from the Domus Aurea.

2. The Colosseum, the granddaddy of Roman sights: Walking around and peering in are free, and also enough to get a sense of its grandeur. Admire the nearby Arch of Constantine.

3. The Roman Forum displays 2000-year-old ruins, as well as the Mamertine Prison where the apostles Peter and Paul were imprisoned. Notice the nearby Arch of Settimio.

4. Witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II. Inside, visit the Museum of the Italian Renaissance, housing Italian historical art dating from renaissance times through WWI.

5. Gawk at Michelangelo's Capitoline Piazza and steps. Enjoy the piazza's copy of the bronze statue, Marcus Aurelius on Horseback. View the Roman Forum from the terrace.

6. Finally, on the last Sunday of each month, the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel are free. Visit other Roman churches for mosaics, sculptures, paintings, and relics.