How to Visit Rome on a Budget

How to do Rome on a budget

Rome is one of the most amazing cities in the world. If you love history, art and architecture (and pasta and pizza), you’ll fall in love the moment you arrive. The average total cost of a holiday to Rome is about £150 per day (that includes flights, hotels and daily expenses). However, with some of my helpful tips and tricks and hearing from people who have been there, done that and bought the t-shirt, you’ll see how to do Rome on a budget below. I’ll also have some discount vouchers for you throughout this piece so you can get an even better deal on your trip to Rome.

Visit Rome on a budget - insider tips

What better way to start than speaking to someone who’s done it?

I spoke to Scott Partington, a budget traveller, who shared his ways with us of doing Rome on a budget:

“When my partner and I went to Rome, we only had four days to enjoy it, so we had to make every day count to see everything we wanted to. We created a list of ‘must-dos’ and 'nice-to-dos' before we went. Online guides like the Roman Guy’s Best Rome tours guide give you a good idea of ticket prices and how long each attraction takes, allowing you to plan your budget and time accordingly. We booked our flights and hotel early to get the best deals and only took carry-on luggage. We ate local, delicious food rather than going for the tourist traps, walked (a lot) and used our time wisely to ensure we saw the sights we came to see"

Here’s how you can save money when visiting Rome:

Travel to Rome for less

Rome, the Eternal City, doesn't have to come with an eternal dent in your wallet. Getting from the UK to Italy's capital can be surprisingly affordable if you know how to navigate your options. Here's how to reach those ancient streets without emptying your bank account.

Flights: Your fastest route to Rome

Budget airlines have revolutionised travel between the UK and Rome, making what was once a luxury trip accessible to nearly everyone:

• Ryanair operates flights from several UK airports, including London Stansted, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Bristol, to Rome Ciampino.
• EasyJet flies from London Gatwick, Luton, and Manchester to Rome Fiumicino.
• Wizz Air offers routes from London Luton to Rome Fiumicino.
• Jet2 runs seasonal flights from various UK regional airports.

Here’s some tips for getting the best deal on your flight to Rome:

• Book 2-3 months in advance for the best balance of availability and price.
• Fly mid-week – Tuesday and Wednesday flights typically cost 30-40% less than weekend departures.
• Travel during the off-peak season (April-May or September-October) when the weather is still pleasant but prices drop significantly.
• Set price alerts on comparison sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights.
• Be flexible with airports – flights to Rome Ciampino (CIA) are often cheaper than those to Fiumicino (FCO).

Train travel: the scenic route

While not always the cheapest option, train travel can be competitively priced if booked far enough in advance:

• Take the Eurostar from London to Paris (from £39 one-way with advance booking)
• Connect to a TGV to Turin or Milan
• Complete your journey on an Italian high-speed Frecciarossa or Italo train to Rome

The entire journey takes approximately 24 hours, but can be broken into segments with overnight stays in Paris or Milan to create a multi-city adventure. Book through Rail Europe or Trainline for the best deals, with tickets available up to 4 months in advance. At the time of writing, Rail Europe has London to Rome tickets available for £140.

Coach travel: the budget champion

For the ultimate in budget travel, long-distance coaches offer unbeatable value:

• FlixBus operates routes from London Victoria to Rome Tiburtina with changes in Paris and Milan
• Prices start from as little as £60 one-way if booked well in advance
• Journey time is approximately 30-36 hours
• Coaches are equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable reclining seats

While certainly not the quickest option, overnight coach travel means you'll save on accommodation costs. Pack snacks, download some entertainment, and get a travel pillow for the best experience.

Whichever option you choose, reaching Rome on a budget is entirely possible with a bit of planning and flexibility. Your reward? More euros to spend on gelato, pasta, espresso, and unforgettable experiences in one of the world's most magnificent cities.

Best place to stay in Rome on a budget

Finding affordable accommodation in Rome doesn't mean sacrificing comfort or convenience. I’ve put together some of my top options:

Hostels: social and wallet-friendly

For solo travellers especially, Rome's hostels offer exceptional value with social atmospheres perfect for meeting fellow budget explorers. The Yellow, Generator Rome, and Alessandro Palace are all highly recommended, but book early to avoid disappointment.

Budget hotels & guesthouses

Budget hotels and guesthouses provide privacy without breaking the bank if you look beyond the city centre to well-connected neighbourhoods like San Lorenzo, Pigneto, or Testaccio. Compare prices on Booking.com and Hostelworld.com at least 2-3 months ahead, and don't forget to check Savoo for hotel discount codes before booking.

Airbnb & apartment rentals: perfect for groups

Self-catering apartments often work out cheaper per person for groups or longer stays, with the added benefit of kitchen facilities for preparing simple meals. Look for value apartments slightly outside the historic centre in areas like Monteverde or Re di Roma, and remember that first-time Airbnb users can benefit from introductory discount codes.

Save and enjoy the delights of street food

One of the joys of Rome is that some of its most delicious food comes from humble takeaway counters and street vendors – perfect for budget travellers!

Rome’s famous street food

Roman street food is legendary and affordable. Pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) is available throughout the city, with places like Pizzarium Bonci or Alice Pizza offering gourmet quality at takeaway prices. A substantial slice costs €3-5, depending on toppings.

Scott loved the pizza in Rome:

“When we were in Rome, we lived off Alice Pizza. It’s delicious, cheap, and there’s always one close by. The staff are really friendly and there’s lots of options"

Lunch Deals

Many Roman restaurants offer fixed-price lunch menus (pranzo di lavoro) that include multiple courses for €10-15, significantly less than you'd pay for the same items at dinner. Memorise the words “pranzo di lavoro". If a restaurant has these words on a board outside, you’re about to save some money and eat really delicious food!

Free water fountains (Nasoni)

One of Rome's best budget secrets is its network of drinking fountains called nasoni (big noses). These fountains provide free, clean, and cold drinking water throughout the city.

“I never go sightseeing without a refillable water bottle – it saves me at least €10 a day on bottled water, especially in summer. Most major cities like Rome have free water refill stations that provide respite to exhaustion after walking all day".

Aperitivo: evening drinks with benefits

The Italian tradition of aperitivo is like happy hour taken to the next level. Order a drink (usually €8-10) during aperitivo hours (typically 7-9 pm), and you'll get access to a buffet of free snacks ranging from simple chips and olives to substantial fare like pasta and pizza.

Must-see sights that are completely free

Rome is unusual among many major European capitals in that many of its most spectacular sights won't cost you a penny to visit. Here are just some of the free attractions in Rome:

Scott shares his guide to free attractions:

“If you love history and architecture, Rome is one of the best places in the world for a walk. We spent about three hours investigating every church we saw (there are over 900 in Rome), and each one was beautiful and free! There are also plenty of Roman ruins dotted around the city that are free to explore. We stayed right near Largo di Torre Argentina, a collection of Roman ruins including Pompey's Theatre. It’s now a cat sanctuary and free to walk around and explore."

How to save on paid attractions

Some of Rome's most impressive sights do require tickets, but there are various ways to save money on these tickets, including:

Buying tickets online and in advance

Pre-booking tickets for major attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Galleria Borghese not only saves you from queuing (which can take hours in high season) but often comes with discounts. Websites like Viator and GetYourGuide frequently offer promotional codes.

Consider the Roma Pass

The Roma Pass comes in 48-hour (€32) and 72-hour (€52) options, including free entry to the first one or two attractions (including the Colosseum), discounted entry to others, and unlimited public transport.

Free museum days

Many state museums and archaeological sites offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month. This usually means bigger crowds, but the savings can be substantial. Additionally, during special events like European Heritage Days (usually in September), many paid attractions open their doors for free.

Student and youth discounts

If you're under 25 and an EU citizen, many attractions offer substantial discounts (often 50% off). Even non-EU students can benefit from reduced rates by showing a valid student ID. So, always ask about available discounts when purchasing tickets.

Scott had this to say about the attractions in Rome:

“The Colosseum was a must-see for us, at €18 each, we included this in our budget straight away. The ticket also gives you access to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill as well. The Colosseum takes 2-3 hours, and the other sites take 1-2 hours each. For us, it was a whole day of learning about the history of Rome, and after lunch at Alice Pizza, it only cost us about €25 each."

Getting around Rome affordably

Rome's historical centre is compact enough that with good planning, you can minimise transport costs while still seeing everything on your list.

Walking

Rome is truly a walker's paradise, with stunning architecture and unexpected discoveries around every corner. Many major attractions are clustered within walkable distances – you can stroll from the Spanish Steps to the Trevi Fountain to the Pantheon in under 30 minutes. Comfortable shoes are essential, but exploring on foot not only saves money but can also lead to the most fun moments of the trip.

Public transportation (buses and metro)

When distances are too great for walking, Rome's public transport system is both efficient and economical. A single ticket (BIT) costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes, allowing one metro journey and unlimited bus transfers within that time.

The metro system is relatively simple, with just three lines, but buses cover areas where the metro doesn't reach. Download the Roma Public Transport app before you go for real-time updates and route planning.

Consider a travel pass

If you'll be using public transport frequently, a travel pass offers better value. Options include:

• 24-hour pass: €7
• 48-hour pass: €12.50
• 72-hour pass: €18
• Weekly pass (CIS): €24

A 72-hour pass could cover your busiest sightseeing days if you plan ahead.

Avoid tourist buses

While hop-on-hop-off buses offer convenience, at €30+ per day, they're not budget-friendly. Regular public buses cover similar routes for a fraction of the cost – bus routes 40 and 64 pass many major attractions, essentially providing a sightseeing tour for just €1.50.

Travel smart: extra tips for a budget trip to Rome

• Travel in the off-season: Visit between November and February for the best deals. For milder weather, fewer tourists, and 30-40% lower accommodation prices. Winter (except Christmas) offers the best deals.
• Pack light: Save £30-60 per round trip by travelling with carry-on only. Rome's mild climate and layerable clothing make this easier.
• Learn basic Italian phrases: Simple greetings and courtesies can lead to friendlier service and potentially better prices than those offered to obvious tourists.
• Avoid tourist traps: Skip restaurants with touts, multi-language menus with photos, and prime locations. Walking just 5-10 minutes from major attractions can lead to significantly better value and quality.

The cheapest time of year to visit Rome

To save even more money on your trip to Rome, visit during November, December, January and February. These are the cheapest months, with airfare being as much as 50% cheaper than in peak season. Plus, there are far fewer people, and the weather is still around 13°C.

The most expensive times of the year to go to Rome are April, May, June, September and October because of how beautiful the weather is. As a result, just like everywhere else in the world, the prices increase.

Don’t forget to check out our blog post about the best time to book a holiday to ensure you get the best deal.

Enjoy Rome on a budget - final thoughts

Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to discover more of what this incredible city offers, Rome rewards the budget-conscious traveller with unforgettable experiences that prove the best things in life aren't necessarily the most expensive.

Scott says,

“Rome is one of the best places I’ve been, and we did it on a very small budget. I think, in total, we spent about £400 on hotels, flights and while in Rome. With a bit of planning and flexibility, you’ll be able to see everything that Rome has to offer without it costing you the earth. The beauty of budget travel in Rome is that it often leads to more authentic experiences. Some of my best Roman memories came from wandering down unmarked streets, stumbling upon neighbourhood festivals, or chatting with locals in unpretentious cafés – none of which cost much, if anything at all."

Looking for a cheap holiday abroad or want to find out how to save money on a family holiday? Check out Savoo's travel section for the latest discount codes and deals on flights, accommodation, and attractions to make your Roman holiday even more affordable.