You’ve arrived – ITALY! You have a schedule packed with attractions to see and things to do. But you also hope for a little free time. “Free” as in doesn’t-cost-anything time. Is there such a thing in Italy? Happily, YES! Just step a bit out of the box, drop some expectations, and grab a little imagination. You can discover some intense and playful ways to experience the culture, legacy, and romance of Italy.
Here are some ideas.
Rome
–Just look around! Many of the must-see places in Rome are part of the city’s infrastructure. You don’t need anything special beyond sunglasses to people watch on the Spanish steps or drink from the Nasoni, Rome’s “big nose” 24/7 drinking fountains.
You can feel the might of the ancient Roman Empire as you walk along the Appian Way or delight in the romance of the 2 ½ century old Trevi Fountain. Roma gratuita is right there.
–Go to church. Rome was built on faith, and the over 900 churches in the city display the awe and praise the builders brought to their construction. Each is a museum and art gallery in its own right. And all of them – including St. Peter’s Basilica – are free to enter and savour. (The line at St. Peter’s is the security line.)
–Explore. Trastevere, Rome’s oldest neighborhood, retains its narrow, cobbled streets and medieval buildings due to its separation from the main city. Prati, near Vatican City, is a residential area, elegant, quiet, and inviting. Aventine Hill offers fabulous views of the city from beautiful gardens. You’ll never know your favorite if you don’t go find it!
Venice
–Meet some bridges. While only four bridges span the Grand Canal, the city’s over one hundred islands are connected by 400+ more. Venice can’t survive without them. Yet, with exceptions including the Rialto, the Accademia, and the Bridge of Sighs, many people walk over them without a thought. Slow down and take some time to appreciate the bridges. Feel the passage of time and water under your feet. Relish their beauty. These bridges will never forget the weight of your footprints on them.
–Dance. Make it a full moon or at least a gibbous night. Find out when high tide begins. Make your way to one of the many piazzas. Take off your shoes. As the Water begins to rise, step out into the open and dance – just as Venice has danced with the Water under the smiling Moon for centuries. You’ll probably hear music playing somewhere – just for your dance.
–Get lost. Actually, it’s pretty hard to do in this island maze. But you can turn off your Google Maps and roam down alleys and walkways, meander through ancient neighborhoods, breathe in the centuries of splendor and decay. THIS is Venice.
Naples
–Go Christmas ornament non-shopping. (OK, to make this a free activity, you have to not buy anything.) Head for Via San Gregorio Armeno, Christmas Alley. This 200 meter lane is crammed with artisan studios and presepe – crèches or nativity scenes. These aren’t just the biblical characters we might be used to. Likenesses of modern celebrities, politicians, entertainers, even imaginary characters are gathered around the manger. The highly skilled artisans can even custom make figures of your family for your nativity scene.
–Listen. The birthplace of pizza celebrates its yummy contribution to cuisine with Napoli Pizza Village, an annual festival of concerts, performances, art, and…pizza. But there is a secondary cultural contribution Naples celebrates: the city has its own genre of music – the Neapolitan Song, of which “O Sole Mio” is one of best known. All year long, free concerts are found around the city, featuring everything from opera to Eurovision winners!
Beaches
–Sun in the sand. La Pelosa in Sardinia is just one of Italy’s stunning white sand beaches welcoming turquoise waters to the shore. With 4,700 miles (7,600 km) of coastline including the mainland, Sicily, and Sardinia, there’s always a spot within a short distance. An exceptionally long strand of white sand can be found in Puglia at Punta Prosciutto.
If you are in the north, you don’t want to miss Cinque Terre anyway. Added attraction: one of its villages, Monterosso, is known for its white sand beach.
–Swim.Then there is Manarola, Cinque Terre, with no actual beach, but a rocky harbor noted for its deep water swimming. For the adventurous!
–Hike. If you prefer a rocky, hiking beach, Gargano National Park in Foggia is perfect for you. Gargano is a protected area and a UNESCO site with ancient forests and breathtaking stone formations jutting from its deep blue waters.
Note: Many Italian beaches are famous for diving. But there is always expense involved in this activity. Thus it is not included in this article.
Tuscany
–Take a bath. Rome’s public baths may be famous. But many of Tuscany’s mineral-rich hot springs offer free access!
Cascades and waterfalls dominate at Cascate del Mulino and Bagni San Filippo. San Casciano dei Bagni features ancient Roman-built stone pools. You can really feel the love of Mother Nature at one of the oldest springs, Petriolo, located along a river in a woodland.
–Just look around! We began this article encouraging you to just look around in Rome. We suggest the same for Florence, Tuscany’s capital.
Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence, built in Roman times. You’ve probably seen it on the big screen. It’s pretty amazing. And it costs nothing to meander across this monument to longevity.
The Rose Garden and Cascine Park, a forest park, are perfect for a stroll or a picnic.
Saunter along the Arno River and marvel at the buildings that literally housed the birth of the Renaissance.
–Find David. And finally, go on a David scavenger hunt. In addition to Michelangelo’s original, there are two major replicas. But…David is everywhere! Souvenir shops, restaurants, hanging off people’s backpacks, dangling from ears. Play with your friends to see who can find the most. Or who can find the worst…
While there is no charge for any of the above activities, transportation to them, amenities, food, and souvenirs will cost. Always check the websites for locations you want to visit to learn about regulations and best options for travel. Then use your imagination. Make “free things to do” part of your planning. It’s always nice to see those zeros in the expense column of your travel budget. Buon viaggio e CIAO!!