Our Newsletter

Discover the Best Free Places to Study and Work Remotely in Rome

Posted on January 8th, 2023

by Adriana ruiz



📅 Last Updated: October 2026


⏱️ Read Time: 7 Min


📍 Verified Digital Nomad & Expat Guide

Finding a reliable, inspiring, and completely free spot to study or work remotely in Rome can be a challenge. Whether you need a quiet desk with fast Wi-Fi, a bustling cultural center, or a stunning museum courtyard to spark your creativity, the Eternal City offers fantastic low-cost and free public spaces.

Here are our top updated picks for digital nomads, remote workers, and students in Rome:

1. Cinema Troisi (Trastevere)

Cinema Troisi is one of the most vibrant cultural hubs in Rome. Beyond its state-of-the-art cinema hall, foyer bar, and outdoor terrace, it boasts a famous 24/7, 365-day-a-year study room—the first of its kind in Italy. Equipped with ultra-fast Wi-Fi and power outlets, it offers a dedicated, quiet environment for deep work.

  • Cost: Free access (Wi-Fi included).
  • Tips: Because of its popularity, seats fill up fast! Aim to arrive either before 9:00 AM or after 7:00 PM to guarantee a desk. If the main study room is full, you can work from the foyer café or terrace, though these areas tend to be livelier and noisier.

2. Palazzo Braschi Study Room (Piazza Navona / Centro Storico)

Located on the ground floor of the Museum of Rome at Palazzo Braschi, this quiet, fully accessible study room offers an extraordinary atmosphere right in the historic center.

  • Opening Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed Mondays).
  • Capacity & Access: Accommodates around 16 workstations on a first-come, first-served basis (no prior reservation required).
  • Bonus: Scholars and researchers can also request access to consult the museum’s extensive archival and bibliographic collection in the documentation center.

3. Library of the Chamber of Commerce of Rome (Via de’ Burrò)

Nestled inside the historic institutional headquarters at Via de’ Burrò 147 (near the Pantheon), the Library of the Chamber of Commerce of Rome provides a deeply renovated, modern, and highly professional space for studying and research.

  • Opening Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
  • Features: Free high-speed Wi-Fi, access to specialized economics and business archives, and plenty of quiet seating for personal study.
  • Contact: 06.5208-2330 / 2560 | [email protected]

4. Palazzo Merulana (Esquilino)

Located between Santa Maria Maggiore and San Giovanni in Laterano, Palazzo Merulana is a beautifully restored 1920s building turned contemporary art space. Its ground-floor hall, café, and bookstore area are open to the public without needing a museum entry ticket.

  • Atmosphere: Relaxed, artistic, and spacious with reliable Wi-Fi and comfortable seating.
  • Best For: Casual remote work, reading, and informal virtual meetings over a coffee.

💡 Planning to Convert Your Italian Student Permit?

Transitioning from a student permit to self-employment (lavoro autonomo) or a work permit in Italy involves specific forms (Form Z/Z2 vs VA/V2), Prefettura clearances, and strict deadlines. Check out our detailed guide on navigating the process step-by-step.

👉 Read the Full Conversion Guide

5. Palazzo delle Esposizioni (Via Nazionale)

Situated on Via Nazionale, Palazzo delle Esposizioni is a major cultural center offering a serene setting for students and remote professionals.

  • Features: Open access to its specialized art library, study tables, and a stylish ground-floor café/bistro.
  • Why We Love It: High ceilings, quiet ambiance, and central location make it a great mid-day productivity pitstop.

6. Biblioteca Europea di Roma (Flaminio / Parioli)

Part of Rome’s official Biblioteche di Roma network, the Biblioteca Europea di Roma is a modern facility tailored specifically for study and research.

  • Amenities: Large dedicated reading rooms, extensive digital and physical collections (in multiple European languages), printing and scanning services, and an on-site café.
  • Access: Free entry; registering for a standard BiblioCard grants full access to digital databases and book loans.

7. MAXXI Museum Courtyard & Public Spaces (Flaminio)

Designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the MAXXI Museum (National Museum of 21st Century Arts) offers an inspiring, contemporary backdrop.

  • Features: Free Wi-Fi, spacious outdoor benches, indoor public lobbies, and an on-site café.
  • Best For: Creative brainstorming, light laptop work, and taking invigorating breaks through cutting-edge art exhibitions.

Tips for Working Remotely in Rome Public Spaces

  • Power Outlets: Bring a fully charged laptop and a portable power bank. While places like Cinema Troisi and libraries have abundant plugs, museum lobbies may have limited outlets.
  • Italian Quiet Hours: Many public libraries close on Sundays or have shorter hours on Saturday afternoons—always double-check schedules before setting out.
  • Café Etiquette: If you use a café space (like the ones at MAXXI or Palazzo Merulana) for working, ordering a coffee or snack every couple of hours is customary and appreciated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can non-EU citizens legally live and work remotely in Italy?

Yes! Italy officially launched its Digital Nomad Visa, allowing highly skilled non-EU remote workers and freelancers to legally reside in Italy while working for clients or companies outside the country.

Do I need to pay to use Wi-Fi in public study spaces in Rome?

In almost all public libraries, municipal spaces, and spots like Cinema Troisi, Wi-Fi is 100% free. Some spaces may ask you to complete a quick SMS or email registration to connect to the network.

Is it easy to find laptop charging outlets in public places in Rome?

Dedicated study rooms (such as Cinema Troisi and the Chamber of Commerce Library) have plenty of power sockets at every desk. However, outdoor terraces and museum lobbies have fewer outlets, so bringing a portable power bank is always recommended.

Can I make Zoom or video calls from these locations?

For calls, it is best to use outdoor cafe terraces or public lobbies (such as the outdoor courtyards at MAXXI or Palazzo Merulana). Video calls are strictly prohibited inside quiet study rooms and library reading halls.

WANT TO LIVE AND WORK REMOTELY IN ITALY LEGALLY?

Moving to Rome as a remote worker or freelancer is easier than ever with Italy’s new visa options. Navigating Italian immigration bureaucracy, tax requirements, and application procedures can be complex—but you don’t have to do it alone. Our team at Expat Living in Rome provides full legal and practical guidance through our specialized Digital Nomad Visa Service to help you secure your residency smoothly.

🚀 Apply for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa with Expert Support →


Leave a Comment:


Contact info

Roma Italy