HOW TO VISIT Rome ON A BUDGET
Rome is a stunning city that can be explored over a lifetime. There are many sights to see in Rome: the Colosseum and Vatican, Borghese Gardens (the Forum), the Borghese Garden, the Pantheon and the Forum, and the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. It is impossible to see a city that has existed for thousands of years in one trip. Rome is chaotic and vibrant, which I love to learn more about.
While Rome is a beautiful city, many tourists have trouble affording to visit the city. It’s not difficult to save money in Rome, but it is possible! Matt Kepnes, a master budget traveller, shares his top tips for visiting Rome without breaking the bank.
Rome on a Budget
You can make this expensive city affordable by finding ways to save money. In no time, you’ll be able to visit historic sites and eat endless pasta. These are high-impact ways you can save money on your Rome trip:
Standing at the Bar – Sitting at an Outside Table
Although not all cafes in Rome have this policy, many do. You can save some euros by ordering your morning coffee while you wait at the bar. Sitting outside is nice, but you may have to pay more. Sip your coffee standing at the counter, just like a Roman would. Watching the baristas make espresso shots while Roman men look cool and sip a small cup of coffee is pure theatre.
All That You Can Mangiare
The aperitivo trend has been gaining popularity in Rome over the past decade. It’s like an Italian version of happy hour. At participating bars, patrons purchase a glass or a cocktail at 7 p.m., which opens the doors to an Italian-themed room with huge cheese wheels, large amounts of salami bowl full of olives, and baskets of fresh bread. Some places even serve pasta. This is a great way for semi-cheap food.
Drinking from the Fountains
Rome’s reputation for having clean drinking water has been around for a few millennia. The 21st century continues this tradition. The Romans built aqueducts to bring water from nearby mountains into the city. They are still in use today. Water fountains are available all around town. Bing carries a Lifestraw reusable water bottle and fills it up whenever you see one. It will save you money, and it will help you to reduce the use of plastic bottles.
Stay In A Hostel
Many affordable hostels are spread throughout the city if you are looking for a place to stay in Rome. These hostels can be found in a variety of trendy neighbourhoods. Cheap dorms are available for as little as 10 euros per night. There is a great social scene and knowledgeable staff who can help you with all your budget-friendly activities in Rome. The Yellow and The Beehive are my favourite places in the city. Both are central and have a great social environment.
Here are some more ideas: Here’s a list of Rome’s best hostels. This will help you find a place that suits your budget and other requirements.
Couchsurf
Although the golden age of Couchsurfing may be gone, the company is still active in Rome. This is a great way to find a place to stay or to meet locals. Even if the website isn’t used for accommodation, you can still browse their app for hangouts and meetups. This is a great way to meet locals and travellers like you.
Make Your Food
It’s not ideal to make your food in Rome, one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. This will save you money if you have a strict budget. Most hostels offer shared kitchens, and most Airbnbs also have functional kitchens. Italy’s grocery prices are quite affordable compared to other parts of Western Europe. You can also save money by making your lunches or dinners.