How To Save Money In Rome

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.

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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?

Eat on a budget in Roome

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!

MORE BUDGET FRIENDLY DINING TIPS

Rome is a culinary delight, and enjoying its food doesn’t have to strain your budget. Skip restaurants near popular tourist sites like the Colosseum or Vatican City, as these tend to be overpriced.

Instead, head to neighborhoods like Trastevere or Testaccio, known for authentic Roman cuisine at reasonable prices.

Embrace street food options like supplì (fried rice balls), pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), or porchetta sandwiches from local vendors for a quick and satisfying meal.

For a more immersive experience, visit local markets such as Campo de’ Fiori or Testaccio Market, where you can pick up fresh produce, cheeses, and bread for a picnic.

Many trattorias offer a “menu del giorno” (menu of the day), providing a multi-course meal at a fixed price during lunch hours. Pairing these tips with a focus on local dining habits ensures you eat well without overspending.

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:

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

Galleria Borghese in Rome is free the first Sunday of the month

Rome is a treasure trove of history, and on the first Sunday of every month, the Eternal City makes its rich cultural heritage accessible to everyone.

Many of the city’s state-run museums and archaeological sites waive admission fees, offering visitors a chance to explore without spending a euro.

Iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill—normally expensive to visit—open their gates for free, allowing travelers to enjoy ancient history.

Museums such as the Galleria Borghese and Capitoline Museums also participate, though reservations might still be required.

Take the opportunity to wander through the ruins of Ostia Antica or marvel at the frescoes in Palazzo Barberini.

This initiative not only makes Rome more affordable but also aligns with the city’s spirit of sharing its wonders with the world.

Arrive early to avoid crowds and make the most of this monthly gift from Rome’s cultural institutions.

STAY IN PRATI

Prati is where to stay in Rome on a budget

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.

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.

Prati is where to stay in Rome on a budget

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.

WALKING IS THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND ROME

Walking is the best way to get around Rome

One of the greatest joys of Rome is simply wandering its streets, stumbling upon hidden alleys, charming piazzas, and unexpected bits of history around every corner.

No matter where you are, there’s always something to catch your eye and leave you in awe. Walking isn’t just the best way to see the city—it’s also the cheapest.

The cobblestones invite you to slow down and soak in the atmosphere, making every step part of the experience.

And if your feet need a break, Rome offers plenty of budget-friendly alternatives, like its efficient public transit, to keep your adventure rolling.

USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Rome’s public transportation system offers an economical way to explore the city. The metro, buses, and trams connect major attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Piazza Venezia.

Visitors can purchase day or multi-day passes for unlimited travel, saving money compared to individual tickets.

Avoid taxis or rideshares, which can be expensive, especially during peak times. Learning basic routes and understanding schedules can help travelers navigate like a local while keeping transportation expenses low and predictable.

Piazza Venezia in Rome

VISITING ROME IN JUNE OR SEPTEMBER IS BEST

Walking the streets of Rome

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 just doable—it’s a very good idea. This city, with its ancient ruins, bustling piazzas, and unapologetic charm, gives back tenfold what you put into it. And honestly, the best moments here often come cheap: a sunset over the Tiber, the aroma of fresh espresso wafting through a cobblestone alley, or a perfect slice of pizza eaten on the steps of an old fountain. Budget or not, Rome grabs you, shakes you, and refuses to let go. So, now that you’re armed with the know-how, what’s stopping you? It’s time to start planning your trip, and get to Rome. Let the city do the rest.

Author

  • Jeremiah Pittmon

    Jeremiah Pittmon is a published travel writer and photographer from Cleveland, Ohio. Passionate about exploring the world with his family, he finds inspiration in all types of travel. Through his blog, smilesonarrival.com, and social media channels, he shares captivating experiences and valuable tips for families who love to travel.

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