Rome is one of Europe's most expensive cities - but it doesn't have to destroy your budget. With some local knowledge and smart planning, you can experience the Eternal City's greatest treasures without spending a fortune. Here's how.
Completely Free Attractions
Some of Rome's best experiences cost nothing. These are world-class sights that would cost €20-30 in any other museum - completely free.
Pantheon
2,000-year-old temple with the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. An architectural miracle, free to enter.
St. Peter's Basilica
The world's largest church, filled with Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini masterpieces. Always free (dome climb €8-10 extra).
Trevi Fountain
Rome's most famous fountain. Visit at 7 AM for photos without crowds. Just bring a coin to throw!
Piazza Navona
Bernini's fountains, Baroque architecture, street artists. Rome's most beautiful square costs nothing to admire.
Trastevere Neighborhood
Wander cobblestone streets, discover hidden piazzas, watch Roman life unfold. The best free activity in Rome.
Villa Borghese Gardens
80 hectares of parkland with stunning views. Free to walk, jog, or picnic. Pincio terrace at sunset is magical.
First Sunday of the Month: FREE Museum Day
On the first Sunday of every month, state museums offer free entry. This includes some of Rome's most expensive attractions:
Warning: These days are CROWDED. Arrive before opening for shorter waits.
Eating Well for Less
Restaurant meals in Rome's tourist areas can cost €20-40 per person. But locals eat well for a fraction of that. Here's how:
Pizza al Taglio (Pizza by the Slice)
Roman pizza is sold by weight. Point at what you want, they cut it with scissors, weigh it, and charge €3-5 for a filling meal. Try Pizzarium near Vatican for gourmet slices.
Supplì & Street Food
Fried rice balls (supplì) cost €1.50-2 each. Add some fried zucchini flowers and you have a meal for under €5. Perfect for lunch on the go.
Aperitivo
Many bars offer free buffets with drink orders (€8-12) from 6-9 PM. Buy one spritz, eat enough for dinner. Salotto 42 and Freni e Frizioni are popular spots.
Stand at the Bar for Coffee
Espresso at the bar: €1-1.50. Sitting at a table: €3-5. Always stand at the counter like Romans do. It's faster, cheaper, and authentic.
Lunch at Trattorias
Many trattorias offer "menu del giorno" (daily menu) at lunch for €10-15 including primo, secondo, and water. Always cheaper than dinner.
Getting Around Cheaply
Walk Everywhere
Rome's historic center is compact. Most attractions are 15-20 min walks apart. You'll see more and spend nothing.
Day Passes
If you need transit, buy 24-hour (€7) or 72-hour (€18) passes. Covers all buses, metro, and trams. Beats single tickets (€1.50 each).
Airport Options
Skip €50 taxis. Take the Leonardo Express train (€14) or regional train (€8) to Termini. Bus to Ciampino costs €6.
Where to Stay on a Budget
Best Budget Neighborhoods
- 1Trastevere
Charming, central, lots of affordable B&Bs
- 2Testaccio
Local, great food, 15 min from center
- 3San Giovanni
Metro access, residential, affordable
- 4Pigneto
Hip, artsy, budget-friendly, good nightlife
Money-Saving Tips
- Book 2+ months ahead for best rates
- Visit in off-season (Nov-Feb, except Christmas)
- Consider apartments with kitchens
- B&Bs often include breakfast
- Hostels start at €25/night
Sample Budget Day: Under €40
Cornetto + cappuccino at a bar
Pantheon + Piazza Navona + Trevi (all free)
Pizza al taglio + supplì + water
St. Peter's Basilica (free) + Trastevere walk
Two scoops at a quality gelateria
Spritz + free buffet dinner
Pro Tips That Save Money
Free drinking water: Rome's "nasoni" (little noses) fountains provide fresh, cold drinking water everywhere. Bring a reusable bottle.
Free churches: Over 900 churches with art by Caravaggio, Bernini, Michelangelo. All free. Just dress modestly.
Skip the Colosseum queue: Book online or visit the Palatine Hill entrance - much shorter lines.
Walk one street back: Restaurants just off main piazzas are 30-50% cheaper with better food.