Rome is perhaps one of the most famous, and therefore most visited, cities in the world. The heart of all things art and architecture, as well as delicious food, it’s a fascinating city for any traveler.
There’s no shortage of things to do in the Eternal City, but its popularity can mean that it quickly gets expensive, especially if you’re travelling during peak season.
To visit Rome on a budget, you’ll need to do your research and be savvy with your spending – but there are many ways you can do it!
For starters, there are many historic sites you can visit for free. You can also find plenty of affordable restaurants serving the delicious Italian food you came for. Plus, you can easily walk to many of the main attractions. And, if you’re not in the mood to walk, knowing how to navigate the public transportation ticket options will get you the best prices for getting around.
Other things, like learning the best time to visit to avoid the high season and the highest prices. As well as booking tickets in advance to take advantage of discounts, or looking for special offers and passes, are all great ways to save some money and explore Rome on a budget.
The trick is knowing all the tips! In this guide, I will go over all of them so you can experience Rome in the cheapest way possible.
One of the best ways to experience any city is by walking its streets, and this is especially true to Rome.
Walking around Rome is such a pleasure, full of small alleys, beautiful architecture, tiny Italian restaurants, charming piazzas, and the best part? It’s free!
Besides, many of the main tourist attractions are just a short walk away, like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. It’s the perfect way to soak in the city’s charm.
When it comes to the best areas to walk around Rome, don’t miss neighborhoods like Trastevere, with its charming cobblestone streets, or Monti, known for its trendy boutiques and vibrant atmosphere.
Get the Right Transport Pass
Rome offers several transport passes, getting the right one can save you time and money. If you’re here for an entire week, then getting the weekly pass might be the best option.
But like I said, Rome offers a variety of transport passes, you can get 100 minutes, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, a week, etc. So it depends on where you’re planing to go, how long you’re planning to stay, and how much walking are you planning to do.
For example, the train from the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum takes 24 minutes, but you can walk it in 21 minutes. Walking is a much nicer option, but maybe in the heat of the summer months this is not a good option.
Just make sure you’re actually going to get the use out of your passes before you commit: you can always pick up a single ticket if you need it.
Plus, one of the best things about walking in Rome is the amazing things you’ll see as you go – none of which are visible from your metro carriage.
Stay in a More Budget-Friendly Neighborhood
Your choice of neighborhood is directly linked to how much money you’re likely to spend in Rome. If you want to be really central to monuments like the Spanish Steps, you’re going to pay a premium; but if you’re willing to stay a bit further out and then travel in for the day, then you’re able to make significant savings.
Areas like Trastevere are wonderful, but you definitely won’t be saving any money staying there. A great option is to stay around Prati and the Ottaviano metro stop. This area is more residential but still beautiful, and the accommodations are considerably more affordable. Most importantly, you’re still within a very short distance of many top attractions. You’ll also have access to great cafes and restaurants with better prices.
Another nice thing about staying in less central neighborhoods is that they tend to be the more local ones. So, if you’re looking for a slower-paced, authentic experience that is cheaper, but with access to the main parts of the city, then areas such as Ostiense or Testaccio may be a better choice.
Remember, it’s important that you’re comfortable in your accommodation, but you’ll only be sleeping there – hopefully the rest of the time, you’ll be out enjoying all the city has to offer.
Unless you’re planning on holing up in your hotel or want an Instagram-worthy photo from your bedroom, this is one area where you can make savings without hampering your Rome experience.
Save Money on Food
The food in Rome is renowned worldwide, with favorites such as pizza and pasta. To eat in Rome is a true experience in itself, with the ingredients zinging and popping more than anywhere else.
There are many fantastic restaurants, so you’ll definitely want to save some of your money to dine out a few times. You don’t need to go to famous, expensive spots to enjoy the best food.
Don’t eat near tourist areas
A great way to save money is to choose restaurants that are a bit further from major attractions. Places near tourist attractions tend to be considerably pricier!
Give street food a try
You’ll be surprised at how delicious and affordable it can be! If you’re unsure about whether a place is good or not, always check Google Maps for reviews to be certain.
And here is a top tip: only very touristy spots add pictures to their menus, true local joints don’t.
Book accommodation with a kitchen
To do Rome on a budget and save money on food, you can consider booking a place with a kitchen so you can cook your meals.
The good news for budget travelers is that you can find equally delicious food at local shops or markets.
Picnic in a beautiful park
If you don’t have a kitchen, you can prepare a picnic rather than a fully cooked meal. This works perfectly for breakfast and lunch, leaving you to save your Euros for a more indulgent meal out in the evening.
The best part about this is that you can enjoy your meal in one of Rome’s parks – perhaps offering better views than any restaurant.
To make this easier, ensure you pack a tote bag or rucksack, so that you can carry your delicious bread, cheese, meats and fruit easily.
Don’t spend money on water
You can wash it all down with water from the public nasone; water fountains scattered around the city that provide the same quality of water as tap water, making it perfectly safe to drink.
There’s no need to buy a water bottle, saving both your money and your carbon footprint.
Taking Advantage of Free Entry Days, Passes, and Discounts
Another tip to do Rome on a budget is to check out the designated free days in advance. Many of Rome’s top attractions are free during certain times. If you plan your visit carefully, you can experience some of the city’s most iconic sites at absolutely no cost.
On the first Sunday of the month, you won’t pay to get into the Colosseum, Roman Forum or Palatino. The Vatican Museums are also free on the last Sunday of the month, so by timing your trip accordingly, you can make some significant savings. Just be aware that these tickets (understandably) get booked up quickly, so you’ll need to make sure you get your tickets as soon as they become available online.
Always check for any special discounts or offers, as the right pass can make your trip smoother and more cost-effective. With the Roma Pass you can save time and money, which grants access to public transport and discounts at major attractions.
The 48-hour Roma Pass offers great value. If you plan on visiting the attractions included, it’s a smart choice. You can buy it online, but picking it up at a tourist office in the city is often more convenient.
Free Things to do in Rome
One thing about Rome is that it’s an ancient city, and its streets are filled with history and archaeological sites. Meaning that you don’t need to go inside all the famous attractions to get a full feel for the city’s past.
Simply walking through areas like the Roman Forum, Piazza Navona, or the Jewish Ghetto offers a deep connection to its rich heritage.
On top of that, some of the best tourist attractions in Rome are completely free! You can wander through ancient ruins, enjoy some of the best views, and admire grand piazzas and fountains—all without spending a dime.
Even if you’re travelling on a shoestring budget, there’s still plenty to do in Rome on a budget.
Here’s a list of all the free things you can enjoy in this beautiful city:
St. Peter’s Basilica
One of Rome’s most famous landmarks, home to masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pietà, his grand dome, and Bernini’s 29-meter-high baldachin. It took over 120 years to build, and while entry is free, there’s usually a line to get in. Do note however that there is an entrance fee if you want to visit the dome or the Vatican Museums.
The Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps lead up to the Trinità dei Monti church. It’s free to climb and enjoy the beautiful views from the top.
The Trevi Fountain
Another iconic spot in Rome, the Trevi Fountain is beautiful, especially at night when it’s all lit up. You can visit for free, and tossing a coin into the fountain will ensure your return to Rome.
Villa Borghese
Rome’s most famous park located in the city center, Villa Borghese, offers shaded walkways, stunning museums like the Galleria Borghese, and beautiful landscapes.
Piazza Navona
A vibrant baroque square in the city center. Here, you’ll find the beautiful Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, a stunning fountain that lights up at night. The square is always bustling with life, with artists, street performers, and plenty of activity year-round. During the holiday season, it transforms into a vibrant Christmas market.
Via Appia Antica
One of Rome’s oldest roads, lined with ancient ruins, tombs, beautiful cobbled paths, and pine trees. It’s free to walk or bike, and offers access to landmarks like the Catacombs of San Callisto and the Tomb of Cecilia Metella.
Campo de’ Fiori
One of Rome’s best-known markets, named “Field of Flowers.” By day, it’s bustling with locals buying fresh produce and flowers, in the evenings, the square becomes a lively gathering spot with many bars, cafés, and restaurants. The square is also home to a statue of Giordano Bruno and is a great spot to find unique souvenirs.
Jewish Ghetto
One of the oldest Jewish quarters in Europe, known for its charming streets filled with artisan studios, kosher bakeries, and trattorias. Memorial plaques throughout the area honor the city’s Holocaust victims.
Free Walking Tours
There are free walking tours running regularly that don’t cost anything except a small tip. It’s a wonderful way to explore Ancient Rome and the historic center. These guided tours are led by passionate local guides who narrate captivating stories and the rich history of Rome. All you have to do is type “free walking tour in Rome” into Google and select one of the many itineraries they offer.
Vatican City
You can visit the smallest country in the world for free! The funny thing is that, even though it’s its own independent state, it’s located just a few minutes away from Rome’s city centre. You have free access to St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica every day, but entry to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel requires purchasing tickets.
Explore the Eternal City
Rome is open to everyone, and can be enjoyed even on the smallest of budgets. By planning your spending ahead of time, using your finances wisely and being able to compromise on accommodation location, as well as saving eating out as a treat, you can experience this amazing destination without needing to blow your bank account.
