How To Visit Rome on a Budget
Real tips from someone who’s lived in Rome since 2001.
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I came to Rome in 2001 planning to stay for only three days — and I’m still here.
One of my favourite things about living in Rome is that I get to be a “local tourist” whenever I want. And honestly? It’s true what they say: a lifetime isn’t enough to see everything the Eternal City has to offer.
The good news? Rome is an amazing destination for budget travellers. There are countless free or affordable things to do, see, eat, and explore.
If you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out more Rome posts like:
Budget Friendly Accommodation
Like most capital cities Rome offers a wide variety of places to stay.
Obviously if you want to stay in a high-end hotel in the centre you need to be prepared to pay accordingly.
Luckily the city also offers plenty of other options that are much more budget friendly.
There are loads of hostels, Bed and Breakfasts, etc... so finding a place to stay that won't break the bank is easy enough to do.
Quick tips:
✔ Look for accommodation just outside the historic centre to save money (San Giovanni, Testaccio, Trastevere, Pigneto)
✔ Hostels and B&Bs often have better rates than hotels
✔ Book early during peak seasons (April–June + Sept–Oct)
✔ Check for hotels close to metro lines A or B for easier, cheaper transport
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Getting Around For Cheap
Rome's city centre is easy to walk on foot so as long as you're physically able to do so this is the best way to get around.
Rome public transport is very affordable though. A ticket for the metro costs just €1,50 and can be used on buses and trams too. If you think you'll be using public transport a lot during the day I suggest getting the day pass for €7,00 as it gives you unlimited use of all metro, buses and trams for 24 hours. You can also use it to get to Ostia Antica (which also offers a wide variety of attractions, museums, and monuments) and Ostia Lido if you fancy taking a trip to the local beaches.
There are also bikes and scooters that you can rent but be careful driving these as Roman traffic can be dangerous at times.
Quick tips:
✔ Walk whenever possible — most major attractions are within 20–30 minutes of each other
✔ Buy a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour transport pass if you plan to move around a lot
✔ Take advantage of the €1.50 metro/bus ticket
✔ Avoid scooters unless you’re confident in heavy traffic
✔ Consider travelling early in the morning to avoid rush hour crowds
Save Money on Food
Eating out can be expensive but it doesn't have to be. Probably the most important tip I can give you regarding food is to avoid tourist menu's. The quality of the food won't be as good and you'll probably pay more for it too.
Restaurants right by the main tourist attractions will obviously cost more as you also pay for the location.
If you order a coffee in a café you'll usually pay more if you sit down to drink it. Drinking it standing at the bar will cost less.
Pizza al taglio is a great option if you want to try authentic Italian food without spending a lot of money. A lot of them also have roast chicken and roast potatoes available so these can be a great option even if you're not a big fan of pizza or can't eat it for dietary reasons.
There are lots of supermarkets and you'll pay less for bottles of drink and food there than you will in bars or cafés.
I should also mention that the many water fountains you'll find around the city all give free drinkable water so just bring a bottle and refill as you go and you can drink for free. This is particularly useful in the hot summer months.
When the weather is nice you can take advantage of the numerous parks that Rome offers and have a picnic. Some bread and some ham/cheese can make a lunch for a family/ small group of people and will only cost a few euros. Finish off with some locally grown fresh fruit or olives.
For great views of the Colosseum have your picnic at Parco del Colle Oppio, or if you prefer views over the city with the Vatican in the background, go to Pincio in Villa Borghese (located right above Piazza del Popolo). Villa Borghese is a huge park and filled with interesting things to see and do so you may want to take some time to explore it more.
You could also go to Circo Massimo and admire the ancient Baths of Caracalla as you eat. Alternatively you can take a walk along the Tevere river and find a bench on sit on.
Giardino Grande in Palazzo Venezia has free admission and is a lovely little surprise right in the centre. From outside you'd never think these beautiful gardens were inside. You'll need to buy a ticket to visit Palazzo Venezia though.
Whilst you can eat in some piazzas around the city be careful near the main monuments like the Spanish Steps. You're not allowed to have food or drink on the steps (or to sit on them anymore) and can be fined. This is because the steps are considered an historical monument and they don't want them to get damaged.
If you do want to experience a restaurant and sample some quality Italian food whilst visiting (well worth it as Italian food is so yummy), I suggest downloading the app The Fork. You can book a table in a wide variety of restaurants and take advantage of large discounts. Some offer 70% off!
Quick tips:
✔ Avoid “tourist menus” — overpriced and lower quality
✔ Stand at the bar for your coffee to pay less
✔ Choose pizza al taglio shops for cheap, authentic meals
✔ Refill your bottle at Rome’s free water fountains (Nasoni)
✔ Supermarkets (Coop, Conad, Carrefour) offer affordable snacks and drinks
✔ Picnic in parks like Villa Borghese, Circus Maximus, or Colle Oppio for cheap, scenic lunches
Places To Visit For Free
There is so much to see and do in Rome. The good news for budget travellers is that a lot of it can be visited completely free of charge.
You can just walk up to famous tourist sites like the Trevi fountain, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Navona and even Piazza San Pietro.
If you're not fussed about visiting the inside, you can see the outside of the Colosseum and walk along the side of the Roman Forum without spending a cent.
Rome is packed with churches which are all free to enter. Whilst your mind may go directly to the larger ones like San Pietro and San Giovanni (both amazing and should definitely be on your list) don't limit yourself to these more famous ones.
Even the smaller churches contain some amazing artwork. One of my personal favourites is Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli, located not far from the Colosseum. Not only is it home to the chains that had kept St. Peter bound in Jerusalem but it also houses one of the masterpieces of Renaissance art (and one of my personal favourites), Michelangelo Buonarroti's Moses. The details on this colossal statue are amazing and well worth seeing.
In Rome there are eight city-run museums with free admission for everyone: Villa di Massenzio, Museo di Scultura Antica Giovanni Barracco, Museo delle Mura, Museo Carlo Bilotti, Museo Napoleonico, Museo Pietro Canonica, Museo della Repubblica Romana e della memoria garibaldina, Museo di Casal de’ Pazzi.
Quick tips:
✔ Many iconic sites are free to admire from the outside (Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon exterior)
✔ Nearly all churches in Rome are free — don’t miss hidden gems like San Pietro in Vincoli
✔ Explore free city-run museums for unexpected treasures
✔ Visit major fountains early in the morning for crowd-free photos
✔ Wander through neighbourhoods like Trastevere, Monti, and the Jewish Ghetto for free sightseeing
Entertainment For Free
The May Day concert is one of the biggest free concerts in Rome. It usually takes place in Piazza San Giovanni but due to work on the transport system (in particular the underground) for 2024 it will take place at Circo Massimo.
During the summer months you'll be able to find numerous free events around the city and plenty of concerts.
Quick tips:
✔ Check local event calendars for free concerts, street performances, and festivals
✔ The May Day concert is huge — arrive early to get a good spot
✔ Summer brings free outdoor movie nights, music events, and cultural festivals
✔ Explore the Tiber riverbank in summer for free entertainment and pop-up markets
✔ Follow the city’s official tourism pages for updated free events
What are your favourite attractions in Rome? What sites would you most like to visit here? What's your favourite Italian food?
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