Rome on a Budget: Travel Smart, See More

We expected Rome to drain our wallets.

It didn’t—at least not once we figured out where to spend and where to skip. Here’s how we explored the city, ate well, and saw the big sights without constantly checking our bank balance.

You don’t have to go inside the Colosseum — walking around it and seeing it from every angle is an amazing experience too

Our Rome on a budget guide you'll find out:

• The best time of the year to visit Rome on a budget
• How to find affordable accommodation in Rome
• Free/cheap things to see and do in Rome
• How to eat well while spending less

Best time of the year to visit Rome on a budget

• Cheapest periods: January–February, the whole November, and early December (outside festive season)
• Good value with pleasant weather: March–April and October–November
• Avoid if looking for bargains: June–July, especially around major holidays
• Find cheap hotels/apartments: August

Low season in Rome is mainly during winter, but some dates can still be surprisingly busy and prices may increase. If you’re visiting on a budget, it’s worth avoiding these periods:

• The first week of January – The Christmas holiday season continues until January 6 (Befana), and winter sales also start in early January, making the city busier than usual.
• February and March weekends – Check the dates of events like the Rome Marathon and Six Nations Rugby, as these can bring extra visitors even during low season.
• October - the prices are at the highest as this is a high season in Rome
• November 1 – All Saints’ Day is a public holiday and can make the city busier, especially when it creates a long weekend.
• December 8 – The Immaculate Conception holiday can create a busy long weekend, especially when it falls close to other holidays.

Where to stay in Rome on a budget

You don't have to spend a fortune to stay somewhere special in Rome. Especially if you are travelling off the season.

You can find hotels and apartment half-price in November and December (until Christmas) and then again in January and February. The prices slightly drops also in August, but that Rome is deserted from locals in that month, because summer holidays.

We will list here great Rome hotels and apartments we stayed in so far. Whether you're looking for a five-star hotel, a room in a villa or comfortable room in a boutique B&B, there's a place on our list to suit everyone. Here are our favourite affordable hotels in Rome.

Rome budget tours - currently on sale

Free and low-cost sightseeing in Rome

Rome is free open-air museum and you don't have to go inside any sight to see a lot. It's packed with incredible sights that won't cost you anything.

You can marvel at famous spots like the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps without spending a dime, and the same goes for the stunning Baroque artwork decorating public spaces like Piazza Navona.

Want to see some of Italy's finest art, sculpture, and ancient ruins? Just step into any of Rome's churches - they're all free! While everyone knows St Peter's Basilica, don't overlook smaller gems like San Pietro in Vincoli, home to Michelangelo's Moses. The Basilica of San Clemente is another must-see - for just €10, you can explore its fascinating underground levels, featuring medieval frescoes and ancient Roman living spaces, including a mysterious pagan temple.

For the best value, especially if you're planning to see multiple sites and use public transport, grab a Roma Pass. The 72-hour version (€52) includes free entry to your first two attractions (including popular spots like the Colosseum, Galleria Borghese, and Capitoline Museums), discounts on other sites, unlimited public transport, and some nice perks like skip-the-line access at the Colosseum and free P.Stop bathroom access. Just remember - while the pass gives you great deals, you'll still need to book your attraction visits online in advance.

Things to do on a budget in Rome that we love:

1. Take a plesant stroll around the city and see some of the amazing sights including the Piazza Navona, the Piazza di Spagna and the Colosseum. Whilst you will be charged for entry into the Colosseum, even seeing it from the outside is impressive – it’s worth a trip at night when it is lit up.
   
   
2. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. Entry to this church is free. Don’t miss the ‘Pietà,’ one of Michelangelo’s most famous statues. You can also climb to the Dome, but your'll need to pay 10 Euros (not recommended for claustrophobic and those with heart problems).
   
   
3.  Visit Il Vittoriano, the large monument not far from the Colosseum. Take a first flight of stairs and you'll get to the terrace from where you can capture amazing photos of the area.
   
   
4. Take a trip to some of the parks and gardens of Rome including the Parco Gianicolo (where you’ll be treated to a fantastic view of the city) and the gardens at Villa Borghese. You'll escape crowds here and enjoy the nature. You can also rent a bike.
   
   
5. The Pantheon, a remarkable Roman temple-turned-church, is one of the city's crown jewels. Its incredible dome, built in 125 AD using only concrete and no metal support, is an engineering marvel you have to see to believe. While it's no longer free (as of July 2023), tickets are quite reasonable at €5 for adults and €3 for young adults (18-25). Plus, you can still visit for free on the first Sunday of each month.
   
   
6. Treat yourself to gelato for just a couple of euros. This is one of our favourite thing to do in Rome.
   
   
7. Want a more guided (but still worthwhile) food experience? Here’s how to choose the perfect Rome food tour without overspending.
   
   

Eating on a budget in Rome

Worried about expensive dining in Rome? Save money by choosing casual eateries over sit-down restaurants.

The city's streets are packed with food spots offering mouthwatering fresh-made treats. You'll discover pizza al taglio (pizza cut into squares or rectangles), tasty sandwiches (like focaccia stuffed with prosciutto or mortadella), supplì, arancini, various Italian pastries (plain or filled with custard, chocolate or pistachio cream), traditional cannoli (Sicilian pastry), and smooth gelato... We have a couple of dining places we love in Rome!

Check out Pinsa Mpo, a cosy spot in Via dei Gracchi (just minutes from the Vatican Museums) serving excellent pinsa (Rome's signature oval pizza) for dine-in or takeout.

Staying at an apartment? Visit local grocery stores to cook simple pasta dishes using quality ingredients. The city's open markets offer amazing selections of fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, fresh pasta, and breads...

Not in a cooking mood? These markets also sell prepared dishes like parmigiana di melanzane or porchetta (herb-stuffed roasted pork).

Another option: create a quick meal with fresh bread, some pecorino cheese, prosciutto slices, and fruit.

We recommend Trionfale market (perfect if you're in the Prati area) - it's got everything needed for a delicious meal.

Most Italian supermarkets include prepared food sections where you can find budget-friendly lunch or dinner options.

Smart ways to get around Rome

Rome's compact historic center is best discovered on foot, with treasures waiting around every corner.

For tired travelers, public transport is cost-effective: €1.50 buys 100 minutes of bus travel plus one metro journey. Multi-day passes are available (€7 daily, €18 for three days, €24 weekly), purchasable at metro stations, convenience stores, or newsstands. The Tap & Go system lets you use contactless payments on public transport at the same rates (€1.50 per tap, capped at €7 for multiple rides within 24 hours).

Avoid the pricey Rome taxis - opt for public transport to/from the airport, or use ride-sharing services like Uber.

Skip the tourist buses, including hop-on hop-off services - they're expensive, often inconvenient, and their audio guides are mediocre.

For those undeterred by traffic and hills, e-bikes and e-scooters from Lime, Dott, and Helbiz offer another option. Expect €1 unlock fees plus about 25 cents per minute.

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