Experience Rome on a budget

Rome is a vibrant spectacle, much like a carnival. Once you’ve paid your entry fee, a world of marvels awaits, many just a heartbeat away. While some attractions come with a price, there are countless delightful experiences that won’t leave your wallet empty or your expectations unfulfilled. With some planning and a dash of creativity, exploring Rome can be surprisingly affordable, allowing you to immerse yourself in the festivities.

Discover neighborhoods that fit your budget

As with any major city, Rome offers a variety of attractions, dining, and nightlife: you can splurge on must-see experiences or manage your budget wisely. To maximize your trip, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations. If you're aiming to stay near the Trevi Fountain or Spanish Steps, expect to pay at least €200 per night for a mid-range hotel. Coffee typically costs over €3, pizza about €10, and dinner can soar to around €50 per person. However, with a few simple adjustments and a change in mindset, you’ll discover budget-friendly options that promise memorable experiences. Aim for a daily budget of €100 to €250 per person.

Research is key

Rome functions as a living museum, so it’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with it before arrival. By digging deeper into the city, you’ll uncover numerous free, lesser-known gems that rival the iconic sites. Plan walking tours to absorb everything at your leisure. The magnificent Circo Massimo is just a short stroll from the Forum, allowing you to roam its grounds like a gladiator, or visit the beautifully maintained Rose Garden nearby. For something different, venture to the Pyramid of Caius Cestius in Ostiense, where the Non-Catholic Cemetery of Rome conceals some of the city's most intriguing residents.

Planning tip: Architectural historian Agnes Crawford’s free newsletter Understanding Rome is an excellent starting point for your travel preparations. Subscribers can also enjoy her podcast on the go. Grab your notebook, and you’ll cherish the chance to navigate Rome on your own terms.

There’s no true off-season

It's no secret that Rome swells with visitors during peak season, with heavy crowds from May to September, similar to many areas in Italy. However, unlike coastal spots, Rome welcomes tourists year-round, making early spring just as enjoyable, if not more so, than the height of summer. Traveling during low or mid-seasons can lead to significant savings on flights and accommodations, sometimes even half the cost or less, depending on your booking skills. By broadening your travel schedule, you'll discover that your favorite sights, dining spots, and neighborhoods are much less crowded.

Utilize public transport and venture beyond the center

Accommodation can be one of your biggest expenses, and staying in Rome doesn’t come cheap. Fortunately, the city boasts a robust public transport network. By venturing just outside the historic center, you can find a wide array of hotels, B&Bs, and unique accommodations in vibrant neighborhoods that remain close to the action. For instance, setting up in Ostiense, San Giovanni, or Prati may place you right at the heart of the city's excitement, enhancing your overall Roman experience.

Dine at local markets

Here's a little-known secret: the food in Rome is simply outstanding. Many have relocated here after falling in love with pizza, while others have penned odes to rigatoni. Enjoying a full meal in a traditional Roman trattoria can be a hefty endeavor for both your stomach and your budget, and after a few days, it might feel like all you do is eat.

However, you don’t need to dine at a restaurant to savor exceptional local cuisine. In fact, you might be better off limiting your restaurant visits to just once or twice (to protect both your stomach and wallet). Instead, immerse yourself in local life at Mercato Testaccio, where residents shop for fresh vegetables, cured meats, and cheeses from long-established vendors. Alternatively, explore the expansive Mercato Trionfale in Prati for a taste of luxury treats like truffles that draw locals in droves.

Local tip: If you find yourself in the heart of the city, the trendy Mercato Centrale at Termini Station boasts an amazing array of affordable meals from vendors like Stefano Callegaris, whose Trapizzino is the best sandwich you'll ever taste. Don't miss the tongue filling!

Let your feet guide you

Rome is arguably the best place in the world for wandering and embracing a little (mild) disorientation, and the ideal way to experience it is by walking. While cute little car tours may provide great photo ops, they can't capture the myriad details that make Rome enchanting. You could miss the music on Ponte Sisto, the cats lounging at the Pyramid, or the stunning vista from the Giardini degli Aranci. You might even overlook the lovely rose garden overlooking the Circo Massimo, which would be a pity. Invest in a comfortable pair of shoes (and break them in first) and grab an ATAC travelcard for longer trips, but let your imagination and feet lead the way.

Water is everywhere

One of the most humane features of Rome are the nasone, the curved fountains that dot the city. These fountains provide clean, cold, fresh water sourced from Roman aqueducts, allowing you to refill your own bottle as often as you like. Not only is this water safe to drink, but it’s also the same water supplied to every home in the city. By avoiding overpriced, environmentally harmful bottled water in tourist areas, you can save more money than you might expect.

Invest in what matters

While no one is suggesting you skip the famous sights, if you choose to visit them, do it wisely. The Colosseum is worth considering a private tour to explore the newly opened underground areas, where you can gain deeper insights. The Sistine Chapel should be experienced in a bit of quiet with time to absorb its beauty, which might cost more but is undoubtedly more rewarding. And enjoying a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant is a unique experience that Rome offers splendidly. However, choose your moments carefully; you want to cherish those special experiences for their significance, not just for enduring long lines. After all, no one remembers the carnival for the queue—they remember the thrilling rides inside.

Daily Expenses in Rome

Anticipate spending approximately:

• €50 to €80 for a single bed in a shared dormitory

• €110 to €200 for a basic hotel room for two guests

• €120 to €250 for a self-catering apartment within walking distance of the historic center (including options through Airbnb)

• €1.50 for a one-way public transport ticket (with travel cards for multiple days also available)

• €1 to €2 for an espresso (if it costs more, walk 2 to 3 blocks in any direction!)

• €3 to €6 for a sandwich

• €50 to €120 for dinner for two, including multiple courses and wine

• €4 to €6 for a beer or pint at the bar

• €3 to €5 for a small cup or cone of gelato