If you’re planning a trip to Rome, you’re in for a treat. The city is full of history, culture, and delicious food. However, Rome can also be an expensive destination, so it’s important to plan your budget ahead of time. Here are 15 money-saving tips that will help you make the most of your trip to Rome without breaking the bank.
1. Use public transportation in Rome
Rome has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro. The metro in Rome is an affordable, safe, and efficient way to get around the city and see all the main sights in the Eternal City. This guide explains everything you need to know about riding public transportation in Rome:
2. Visit the free attractions in Rome
Rome has many attractions you can visit for free, including the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and all the amazing churches in the Eternal City. We’ve covered all these beautiful landmarks in the video below, check them out and put them on your Rome travel list:
3. Book your hotel in Rome near the metro station
The Rome metro works great, and it will quickly take you to the city center, so there’s no need to pay extra for accommodation near the main attractions. As long as you’re close to a metro station, you’ll easily get from your hotel to Fontana di Trevi or the Vatican Museums.
4. Explore Rome's neighborhoods
The city’s neighborhoods, such as Trastevere and Testaccio, are full of charm and character. Exploring these areas is a great way to experience the local culture and cuisine. In these areas, you’ll find the most beautiful narrow streets and hidden piazzas, but also traditional restaurants with lower prices than the city center.
5. Avoid tourist traps in Rome
Eating on a terrace in front of the Pantheon may look nice on Instagram, but it’s also more expensive. The restaurants located near the main attractions in Rome are made especially for tourists, meaning they are overpriced, and the food is not as good. Find the places where locals eat, because that’s where you’ll find authentic Roman cuisine, along with the best prices.
6. Visit the Vatican Museums for free on the last Sunday of the month.
The Vatican Museums are free to visit on the last Sunday of every month. As long as you don’t mind the long lines and enormous crowds, this is a good way to save money on your trip to Rome.
7. Enjoy Italian cuisine in Rome's markets
Rome has many food markets, such as Campo de’ Fiori and Mercato Centrale. These markets are a great place to sample local cuisine at affordable prices.
8. Check the prices when you order food in Rome
This happened to me, so I’m warning you. If the waiter recommends something at the restaurant in Rome, don’t agree without asking the price first. There’s no shame in wanting to know how much their recommendation will cost. Take it from someone who paid 20 euros for a couple of fried eggs.
9. Visit the Colosseum for free on the 1st Sunday of the month
Another attraction that usually costs money to visit is the Colosseum, and you can see it for free on the first Sunday of the month. Of course, you can expect long lines, but if you don’t mind the crowds, you can save some money.
10. Take a free walking tour of Rome's historic center
Many companies offer free walking tours of Rome’s historic center. These tours are a great way to learn about the city’s history and architecture, and they don’t have a fee. However, it is customary to tip your guide.
11. Drink water from the public fountains in Rome
In Rome, you’ll see a lot of public fountains. The water is safe to drink, and you can bring a bottle to refill on your trip. They also have these water stations where you can get both still and sparkling water for free.
12. Enjoy Rome's parks
Rome has many beautiful parks, such as Villa Borghese, Giardino degli Aranci, and the Appian Way Regional Park. These parks are a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, all for free.
By following these money-saving tips, you can enjoy all that Rome has to offer without blowing your budget. From exploring the city’s neighborhoods to sampling its cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Rome. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your budget-friendly trip to Rome today!
