Rome on the Cheap: Useful Budget Tips You Need To Know
We visited Rome in January for Alec’s birthday, and as we were saving for our Australia trip at the time we were most definitely on a budget! You might be wondering why we chose Rome, as it is not known as a budget destination (far from it) but we couldn’t refuse the £30 WizzAir return flights. With flights that cheap, we figured we could find ways to experience the magic of Rome without breaking the bank. So read on for our tried and tested tips for saving money in the ancient city, that actually predates Italy itself!
When To Visit
Since the pandemic, when travelling to various destinations we have found that there isn’t a ‘low’ or ‘quieter’ season as much as there used to be. This was particularly apparent in Rome, where we repeatedly said “Wow, I wonder how packed this is in the summer!” From what we’ve seen and read online we recommend visiting in the Spring or Autumn months rather than high summer for lower accommodation/flight prices (and to be able to still enjoy the warmer weather – we visited in January and it was beautiful but cold). However, don’t expect it to be crowd free by any means!
Where To Stay on a Budget
Finding budget friendly accommodation in Rome can feel like a real puzzle! As we dove into our planning, we spent hours scrolling through Booking.com, Hostelworld, and Airbnb, trying to find the best deals. Trust us, Eve was having some serious flashbacks to her 2018 solo hostel experience in Rome – think no lockers, no hot water, and just an overall dodgy vibe! But don’t worry; there are plenty of really great budget options out there, which we’ve included for you!
After some digging, we discovered these three areas just outside the city centre that are perfect for budget travellers. Not only do they offer super value, but they also give you a taste of local life, so you can enjoy Rome whilst still staying under budget!
Termini
We ended up booking and staying slightly outside the main city centre in the Termini station area. This area can have a ‘not so good’ reputation. However, we encountered no issues and enjoyed being so well connected with the station close by. There’s also an amazing food court called Mercato Centrale within the station, that we popped into more than we’d like to admit on the way home from busy days of exploring. Termini is around 20-40 minutes walk to the main central attractions. We stayed at Biancaluna Guesthouse and have nothing but good things to say. The owner was generous and helpful, and the location was perfect for us.
Trastevere
Located on the west side of the Tiber River, Trastevere is an excellent budget option to stay in Rome. It is well known for its bohemian charm and is made up of twisting alleys, local markets, artisan boutiques and cafes. It is just over the river from the major attractions in Rome, with it taking around 25 minutes to walk from Trastevere to the Pantheon.
Prati
Not far from the Vatican City, the Prati district is another that is just slightly outside the main area of the city. It is a residential neighbourhood, which offers a more tranquil pace to the central tourist areas and many quaint cafes and restaurants. You are perfectly placed here to explore the Vatican museums and St Peter’s Basilica. Similar to the Trastevere and Termini areas, it only takes around 25-30 minutes to reach the iconic attractions.
Our Tips
Getting Around
Rome is a very walkable city, with most of the main historical attractions in close proximity to each other. There are no metro stops in the old city centre, but many around the outskirts and towards the newer areas of the city. We found the metro very easy to use, and can easily purchase tickets from the machines in any of the metro stations. We recommend downloading the free Citymapper app to check journey times and stations. There is also an abundance of Lime electric scooters along the streets which can be a handy option for short distances (although watch out for the bumps of Rome’s many cobblestone streets!)
Water Fountains
The water aqueduct system, created by the ancient Romans over 2000 years ago, still supplies the city today. You can safely drink water from the fountains in the streets, as well as in houses, hotels and restaurants. There are thousands of water fountains dotted around the streets of Rome, perfect for regularly refilling your water bottle and saving both money and single use plastic!
Keeping Coffee Costs Low
When buying coffee at cafes in Rome, make sure to opt for a standing option. Cafes here offer standing areas, which are usually along the coffee bar. Otherwise, they will whack on a hefty price tag to use the seated areas, sometimes adding an extra 50% of the bill on! Always check the menu, there is one column for “banco” and one for “tavolo.” “Banco” is the price if you stand at the bar; “tavolo” is if you’re sitting.
First Sunday of the Month
If you manage to plan your trip so you visit on the first Sunday of the month, many of Rome’s museums and attractions offer free entry to the public! When we were there, we were able to visit Castel Sant’Angelo free of charge and saved €17 each! Make sure you arrive early and are prepared for a bit of a queue, for whichever monuments you choose to go to.
Some of the most iconic monuments that are free on the first Sunday of the month are:
- Colosseum
- Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- The Borghese Gallery
- National Rome Museum
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Pantheon
- Vittoriano
Roma Pass
The Roma Pass is a great tourist card for exploring Rome. Available in two options, a 48-hour and a 72-hour, the pass provides free entry to a select number of museums and archaeological sites, along with discounts for additional entries. Both versions offer unlimited access to public transportation. Key attractions included are the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Borghese Gallery. You can purchase the Roma Pass online or at various tourist information centres, and it’s a smart investment if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
Free (& Budget) Attractions
Trevi Fountain
One of the most famous Roman attractions. This spectacular fountain is tucked down cobblestone alleys and is so striking in person! The fountain dates back to the construction of the Aqua Virgo Aqueduct which provided water to the ancient Roman baths and the fountains of central Rome. The Trevi fountain was built at the junction of three roads. These three streets (tre vie) give the fountain its name, the Three Street Fountain. If you can, try to visit very early morning (as the sun comes up) to be able to enjoy this area with fewer crowds and manage to take some pictures without a sea of the tops of tourists’ heads.
Spanish Steps
Featured in many blockbuster movies (including Roman Holiday and Talented Mr Ripley), the Spanish Steps climb a slope of 135 steps from Piazza di Spagna to Piazza Trinità dei Mont. The pretty water fountain at the bottom of the steps, Fontana della Barcaccia (which translates to the ‘fountain of the ugly boat’) was commissioned by Pope Urban III. As of August 2019, you are no longer allowed to sit on the Spanish Steps. This policy was put in place as an effort to ensure decorum and security in Rome’s downtown and can now result in a €400 fine. Again, if you can, get there as early as possible to enjoy this monument with as few people as possible.
Villa Borghese
One of the largest public parks in Rome, covering over 80 hectares, Villa Borghese is a wonderful way to enjoy a morning or afternoon and the gardens are completely free to explore. Located very close to the top of the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese is the perfect follow on from exploring this area. Make sure to visit the Temple of Aesculapius and then Terrazza del Pincio for beautiful views over the square.
Pantheon
Nestled in the heart of the Old Town, the Pantheon is a best preserved ancient Roman monument dating back to 118-125 BC. Filled with many remarkable artworks and sculptures, and tombs of notable figures including artist Raphael, all under the magnificent dome of this breathtaking building. While there’s now a modest entrance fee of €5 (used to be free), it’s a small price to pay to explore its captivating history.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
The Basilica of Saint Mary Major, or church of Santa Maria Maggiore, is one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome and continues to be an active place of worship. It has an incredibly impressive interior and is a worthwhile visit. Located further east towards the Termini station, this basilica should absolutely be factored into your itinerary.
Saint Ignatius Church
Want to see a stunning painted ceiling without paying for the Vatican Museums? Well, Saint Ignatius Church is your answer! Not too far from the Pantheon, it is definitely worth popping into this church if you’re in the area, and be amazed by the intricate artistry inside! This church was originally a chapel for the Roman college and is still an active place of worship with regular religious services and ceremonies today.
Mouth of Truth
The Mouth of Truth is an ancient Roman marble mask, which stands against the left wall of the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church. According to folklore, liars who placed their hand inside the mask would have it bitten off. This intriguing myth made the sculpture a popular “lie detector” among medieval Romans, especially for testing the honesty of those suspected of adultery or perjury. Be prepared for a lengthy queue, as tourists often flock to this iconic landmark for a photo opportunity with their hand in the mask’s mouth.
Janiculum Hill
Overlooking the trendy Trastevere area of Rome, Janiculum Hill is the perfect sunrise or sunset spot. It was wonderful to sit here and watch the sky go from blue to pink to red whilst looking over the stunning Rome skyline. We recommend heading down into Trastevere after to have a look around the graffitied streets and maybe enjoy a spritz or two…
St Peter’s Basilica
St Peter’s Basilica is located in the Vatican City (new country: check). You can enter the Vatican for free just by walking down the Via Della Conciliazione, however, access to the Vatican Museums & the Sistine Chapel requires a ticket. This is not the case for St Peter’s Basilica though, which is completely free for anyone to enter. This grand Basilica was built over the tomb of St. Peter and is one of the holiest Catholic shrines in the world. To this day, it is where the pope presides over religious rituals and celebrations. The Basilica is open every day of the week from 7am to 7pm, with the exception of Wednesdays due to it being used for a papal audience.
Cheap Eats (& Drinks!)
Trapizzino
We would go back to Italy purely for these (and they are now also in New York!). Trapizzino’s pizza pockets (which are known as Trapizzini) are an absolute delight. Each of the five stores that they have scattered over the capital, offers a selection of five classic flavours: Chicken Cacciatore Style, Meatballs in Sauce, Aubergine Parmigiana, Double Burrata Stracciatella with Cantabrian Anchovies and Ox Tongue in Green Sauce. In addition to these classics, they always have three rotating specials to try. They are priced at €5 per pocket which makes them a fantastic cheap lunch option.
Bar allo Statuto
The owner of our accommodation told us about this bar when we checked in and we were so glad he did! Not only do they have a pizza menu (delicious by the way) where prices range from €7-€13, but they also offer spritzes at just €4. This is the cheapest price we found for spritzes in Rome and went back a few times. Every single time we found the bar busy and with a buzzy atmosphere. Highly recommend it for a budget evening out!
Alice Pizza
Alice Pizza is a pizza chain in Rome which offers pizza slices by weight at a very reasonable price. There are a lot of pizza by the slice places in Rome and Alice Pizza was the one we came across which was the least expensive and very tasty! They have six restaurants within the central tourist areas of Rome and a few more dotted further out.
Regoli Pasticceria
Located on the same street as Bar allo Statuto, Regoli Pasticceria has been operating since 1916 and is famous for its maritozzo. A maritozzo is a classic sweet bun traditionally packed full of whipped cream and is a local favourite. Make sure to order it alongside a cappuccino for breakfast (in Italy they do not drink a cappuccino after 11am!). The price for the coffee and pastry will only set you back around €4!
Supplì Roma
Supplì, Rome’s ultimate fried food, is not to be confused with the Sicilian Arancini. Excellent as an appetiser and or simply on their own, supplì seems to be almost exclusively appreciated within the city of Rome. There are many restaurants with rows of supplì flavours in their windows. Supplì Roma, located close to the Trastevere area of the city, has been serving these fantastic treats since 1979. They offer incredible quality street food for very reasonable prices!
Gelateria Fassi
It is not a complete trip to Rome without gelato! Gelateria Fassi has been making its delicious ice creams since 1880. They are a family run business and have a very community-like feel inside. The gelato is really affordable here (three scoop cones for only €3.50!) and is served with a huge dollop of whipped cream on top (because why not right?) When you arrive first tell the gentleman at the till your order size and then take the receipt to the ice cream counter to pick your flavours. We recommend you try the riso (rice) flavour!
Pastificio Guerra
For some of the yummiest pasta in Rome, at some of the best prices, Pastifico Guerra is just a stone’s throw from the Spanish Steps. Their pasta menu changes regularly, however the €5 price tag does not! Not the best kept secret, there are often queues here on opening, but it is 100% worth the wait for this genuine Roman pasta.
Final Thoughts
Travelling in Rome on a budget is not only possible, but it can still involve some amazingly memorable experiences. From savouring scrumptious street food to exploring iconic sights without the hefty price tag, the city offers so much to see and do for budget travellers. By taking advantage of free attractions and opting for local dining, you can fully immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Eternal City without breaking the bank. We hope our tips inspire you to explore this historic city. If you have any budget travel tips or experiences in Rome, we’d love to hear them – share in the comments below and happy travels!
