Visiting Rome on a budget? There is no need to worry about it.
The Eternal city is a major tourist destination: millions of people come to this ancient City every year, ticking out one item more from their bucket list. The Italian Capital City surely doesn’t need introductions, as its millenary history and monuments are known all over the world for their extraordinary dazzling beauty. This may be the reason why it is thought to be a tourist trap too, where visiting its impressive landmarks turns to be an expensive experience.
Incredibly, this is absolutely false. Although the majority of the museums have entrance fees and Colosseum or Vatican tours are definitely worthy, surprisingly Rome is provided with completely free or affordable highlights to discover as well. Some of them are already in everyone’s must see attractions’ list, such as Trevi Fountain or Spanish Steps. Others are instead lesser – known gems worth to see, such as the Appian Way.
Check out our top things to do when visiting Rome on a budget.
Pantheon
Maybe one of the most requested sites in Rome, Pantheon entrance doesn’t cost a euro.
This is a former pagan Roman Temple dedicated to all divinities present, past and future: its name comes from the Greek language, from which it took the meaning and the form. Built during the reign of Augustus as Emperor, in recent centuries it has been turned into a Catholic Church. Among the ancient temples, this is certainly one of the best preserved. It is still possible to admire its huge granite columns in the front façade and its massive dome with a hole in the middle, from which an evocative beam of lights enlightens the interiors.
Remarkable people of Italian history are buried in the Pantheon, such as the painter Raphael and several kings of Italy.
Baroque sites: Navona Square, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
Rome city center is stuffed with monuments to explore. Despite being handy and very common in Rome Tours, the highlights of Baroque architecture are also absolutely lovely.
Navona Square, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps are easily accessible and they are among the must see sites that cost nothing. An insider’s tip: Rome is a big city, but you can reach its top sites with a relaxing walk. You will be surprised by the amount of affordable landmarks you will find along the way!
Borghese Gardens
Rome’s vibrant soul, sometimes chaotic, sometimes just typical may be too much, so why don’t you have a peaceful stroll in the biggest park of the City?
Borghese Gardens are the central green area of Rome. They are free access and very close to any means of transport and other highlights.
You can just have fun renting a bike to get fast to the most remote spots of the park or spend your time admiring the stunning panoramas from Pincio Terrace, especially the breathtaking view of the Spanish Steps from above or St. Peter’s Dome.
Whatever you choose to do there, it can be a nice break between a tour and the other.
Regina Viarum: The Appian Way
Romans gained great knowledge in architecture and some of their masterpieces are still standing: the Appian Way is one of those. It was built to connect the Capital with the most remote point of the South East of Italy: the town of Brindisi in the Puglia region. Due to its strategic importance and its earliest construction, it got the nickname of Regina Viarum, that in Latin means the queen of long roads. Today, this is one of backpackers favourite attractions without a big price tag.
You can either visit it at your own pace or book a tour to the Catacombs nearby to explore underground Rome.
Churches
Undoubtedly, Rome’s strong connection with religion has turned its holy places into houses of treasures to discover. In the past, Popes were used to adorn their Churches with the help of the most renowned artists. Just think about the stunning St. Louis of French, where some of the best paintings by Caravaggio are preserved, or San Clemente Basilica, where you can admire beautiful golden mosaics and underground levels, or the most iconic Church in the world: St. Peter’s. We could go on naming them for hours. Churches are located at almost every corner in Rome and the entrance is free.
Where can I eat in Rome on a budget?
Want to eat typical roman food without spending too much? Do what locals do. Roman inhabitants love hanging out in Trastevere District and this area is full of restaurants and pubs where you can taste the culinary delights of roman tradition at a cheap price.
Our suggestion is to stay away from the big roads and squares, but explore the small alleys nearby: there you will find good quality food and service. Trastevere is a lively neighbourhood especially at night: you can enjoy this area even more if visiting it after dinner.
