How to Experience the Eternal City Without Breaking the Bank
Think Rome has to be expensive? Think again. With a little planning, you can enjoy one of Europe’s most iconic cities on a surprisingly small budget. From free attractions to delicious affordable food, here’s how to make the most of Rome without emptying your wallet.
✈️ Find Cheap Flights
Rome is one of the easiest European cities to reach from the UK, with airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 offering regular low-cost flights. Travelling midweek and outside school holidays can often save you hundreds of pounds.
HolidayGiants Tip: Be flexible with your travel dates and departure airport to unlock the best deals. You can easily find flights on Skyscanner, Kayak etc between £20-£60 if you are flexible.
🏨 Stay Just Outside the Centre
You don’t need to stay next to the Colosseum to enjoy Rome.
Neighbourhoods like:
- Trastevere
- San Giovanni
- Testaccio
- Prati
offer fantastic accommodation at lower prices while still being well connected by public transport.
🚇 Use Public Transport
Rome’s metro, buses and trams are affordable and easy to use. Download an app called Moovit and set your location!
- Single ticket: Around €1.50
- 24-hour travel pass: Around €7
- 48-hour travel pass: Around €12.50
For many visitors, walking is the best way to explore the city while saving money.
🍝 Eat Like a Local
Avoid restaurants directly beside major tourist attractions where prices are often much higher. Also, AVOID places where pictures of the food are splattered EVERYWHERE, and they just hassle you to enter. These are very high prices and low quality food 🤔
Instead, wander a few streets away and you’ll discover authentic family-run trattorias serving incredible food at much better prices.
Budget meal ideas:
- Pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice)
- Fresh pasta
- Panini
- Supplì
- Gelato
A delicious meal can often cost less than €15.
🏛️ Enjoy Rome’s Free Attractions
Some of Rome’s best experiences won’t cost you a penny.
Visit:
- Trevi Fountain
- Spanish Steps
- Piazza Navona
- The Pantheon (check current entry rules)
- St Peter’s Basilica
- Trastevere
- Campo de’ Fiori
Simply wandering Rome’s beautiful streets is one of the highlights of any trip.
💧 Save Money on Drinks
Skip bottled water.
Rome has hundreds of historic drinking fountains known as Nasoni, providing fresh, safe drinking water free of charge.
Bring a reusable bottle and refill throughout the day.
🎟️ Book Attractions in Advance
Popular attractions such as the Colosseum and Vatican Museums often offer cheaper prices when booked online in advance.
Booking ahead also helps you avoid long queues.
☕ Have Coffee the Italian Way
Standing at the café bar is often cheaper than sitting at a table.
A traditional espresso usually costs around €1–2, making it one of the best-value coffees in Europe.
💶 Daily Budget
Backpacker:
€60–90 per day
Mid-range traveller:
€100–180 per day
Luxury traveller:
€250+ per day
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- Visit during spring or autumn for lower prices.
- Book flights several weeks in advance.
- Walk between attractions whenever possible.
- Carry a reusable water bottle.
- Eat where the locals eat.
- Compare hotel prices before booking.
- Travel with hand luggage only if flying with a low-cost airline.
Final Thoughts
Rome doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With affordable flights, reasonably priced accommodation and countless free attractions, it’s one of the best-value city breaks in Europe. Whether you’re admiring ancient ruins, enjoying authentic Italian pasta or watching the sunset over the Tiber, unforgettable memories don’t have to come with a hefty price tag 😁
