There is a lot involved when planning a family trip to Rome. It’s a once in a lifetime experience for many people, but the cost could stop plans before they even start. What many don’t realize is that Rome doesn’t have to be super expensive. Check out these money saving tips and learn how to save money in Rome.
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you purchase from the links at no additional cost to you.
THE BEST WAY TO SAVE MONEY IN ROME
There are several ways to save money in Rome. Choosing the right areas to eat and stay, taking advantage of the many free things to do, exploring the city by foot, and visiting at the right time are some of best ways to save money when you visit Rome. Just because Rome is a fascinating city to visit doesn’t mean that it has to be an expensive city to visit, in fact, if you plan ahead you’ll find that it’s cheaper than you’d expect.
DON’T VISIT RESTAURANTS NEAR TOURIST AREAS
When visiting Rome, you’ll have a seemingly endless supply of fantastic food to choose from. After all it’s likely one of the best reasons to visit the Eternal City. I believe the saying is true that there is no such thing as bad pizza. That being the case, when in Rome, why settle for decent when you can have some of the best pizza and pasta in the world?
The beauty is that there are so many quality places that you’ll never be able to work your way through that “best of” list that you so carefully researched prior to your trip. However, there are certain areas that you want to avoid.
That list includes “anywhere close to a high tourist area”. Those places often look very attractive. They are in great locations that attract high numbers of customers.
That large crowd isn’t always due to quality or great reputation. It’s likely because of convenience. And those establishments know that, so the quality isn’t always there. And the prices are going to be higher.
You don’t have to go far off the beaten path to save a few euros. Just go a few blocks or even around the corner in some instances. It’s here that you’ll find the best places to eat in Rome, Italy on a budget.
Try places that are down side streets off of the main street for great quality at lower prices. This is a great way to save money in Rome. Many people will be surprised to know that prices in Rome for food and wine isn’t that expensive in Rome. You can easily find a plate of pasta for 7 euros and wine for 2 euro!
ENJOY THE FREE THINGS TO DO IN ROME
For a city that has plenty of world class sites, a lot of them are not as expensive as you would expect. Many of them are actually free.
You can effortlessly fill your itinerary with free activities while in Rome and not spend a dime if you don’t want. You’ll probably find that just walking around this venerable city is a treat in and of itself.
While you’re walking around, you can enjoy a few of these very well known and free sites:
Pantheon – In most cities this would be the premier attraction and the reason to visit. But Rome isn’t most cities. This magnificent structure is amazing because of its architecture as well as the fact that it’s so well preserved.
Spanish Steps – While you can no longer sit on some of the most famous steps in the world, you can still enjoy them. And they’re still a great spot for photos. Also, the piazza where the steps are located is an amazing location by itself.
Trevi Fountain – Probably the most famous of all of the great fountains in Rome. This massive fountain is a remarkable work of art. It’s worth visiting in the day and then during the night. It’s same location but two different experiences
Piazza Navona – A wonderful space dotted with fountains and an absolutely picturesque masterpiece.
St. Peter’s Basilica – An unbelievable place that you have to see to believe. The home of priceless works of art and the largest basilica in the world. It sits in the heart of Vatican City.
FIRST SUNDAYS ARE FREE FOR SOME MONUMENTS AND SITES
Colosseum/Forum/Palantine Hill, Galleria Borghese, Castel Sant’Angelo
The fees to enter these sites are not excessive so you can even include them in your itinerary on days that you have to pay. If you’re traveling with your family, kids under 18 often get in free no matter the day.
It’s good to check with the site ahead of time online. In some cases the free entry still requires a minimal reservation fee, which is usually something like 2 euro, but it’s still a bargain. Outside of the free first Sunday, there are often other discounts available so check the websites to get the details.
STAY IN PRATI
Prati is an excellent neighborhood for the budget minded traveler. It offers some of the best places to stay in Rome on a budget. Its location is perfect in that depending on where you stay in the neighborhood, you could easily walk to the historic center where the majority of the sites and shopping is located.
Prati admittedly isn’t in the center of all of the action but it’s close enough. And since it’s not in the center of everything the price for accommodations is much lower, saving you a bundle of euros. There is also an excellent selection of apartments to rent in Prati.
Even if you’re not close enough where you feel comfortable walking, you can easily take a short bus ride across the Tiber River to get to the historic center. Rome doesn’t have an extensive metro system, but the system it does have goes through Prati.
There are two metro stops in the neighborhood so you can either use the bus or the metro to get where you need to go. The metro also connects easily with Termini station which you can use to get to and from the airport or to other points across Italy (like Naples!).
While you’ll likely spend the majority of your time in the historic center, just across the border from Prati is Vatican City so you won’t have to go far to make a stop that will be on your itinerary. Since you’ll be a bit away from the touristy areas, the selection for restaurants and markets will be a bit more cost effective, so you’ll save there as well. Prati is where to stay in Rome on a budget.
Rome is a city that is full of great places to stay for solo travelers and families as well. It just takes a bit of checking around and you can find something that will fit your budget.
WALKING IS THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND ROME
You definitely don’t need to frequent taxis when in Rome. Often when you need to go somewhere that’s a bit too far to walk the bus will do. There are only three metro lines in Rome so you’ll won’t likely be using the metro much. But you will be walking. Actually you’ll want to walk in Rome and it would be a shame to be underground while traveling across this magnificent city.
One of the greatest pleasures of Rome is walking around the city, happening upon its side streets and piazzas. No matter where you are, you’re going to find something that catches your attention and fascinates you. Walking is definitely the best way to see Rome. And of course walking is the cheapest way to see Rome!
VISITING ROME IN JUNE OR SEPTEMBER IS BEST
Rome is an excellent place for families to visit and there are many things that can help make a trip enjoyable for kids. Yet, for families, school schedules can wreck havoc on vacation plans. There’s precious little time to squeeze in a vacation and nearly impossible at times to avoid the busy times which are more expensive at the more popular tourist destinations.
Visiting Rome in June is a good way to save some money. You save on the flight, which is usually the most expensive cost for a trip, especially for families. You also will save on accommodations. The kids are out of school and the prices haven’t quite escalated to the peak marks that you’ll see later in the summer.
If you don’t have to worry about school schedules, visiting in September would be another option. The prices are better and the weather has cooled off from its highs in July and August. Also the summer rush is over so it’s the best time to visit Rome to avoid crowds.
BRING YOUR REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES
There really is no reason to pay for water when you’re Rome. There are over 2,500 nasonis or little water fountains sprinkled throughout the city, so bring your reusable water bottles and fill up!
These fountains provide free, clean, cold drinking water for the city. It seems like a small thing but its enormously helpful especially in the warm summer months. The majority of your time in Rome will likely be outdoors so you’ll need lots of water for you and your family to stay hydrated. Not having to pay for that water is a nice way to save some money and a nice way to experience the city.
VISITING ROME ON A BUDGET
Seeing Rome on a budget isn’t an impossible task. For what you get to see and experience, it’s well worth the effort. And the best part is that even on a budget, the experience will be unforgettable. Now that you know how to visit Rome on a budget, let’s start planning! See you in Rome!