Rome is one of Europe’s most visited destinations – filled with ancient history, delicious Italian food and a bustling atmosphere. However, it can also be very expensive with high hotel prices, pricey entrance fees, and restaurants targeting tourists. The good news is that you can experience Rome on a budget without missing out. Our guide allows you to discover the best affordable things to do and money saving tips, letting you explore this ancient city without breaking the bank.
Jump to:
- Accommodation Options When Visiting Rome on a Budget
- Budget Friendly Attractions in Rome
- Final Thoughts
Accommodation Options When Visiting Rome on a Budget
Accommodation is usually one of the highest expenses when visiting Rome. Even basic hotels can cost over £150 per night. If you can, avoid coming during the peak tourist season (July and August), when accommodation rates are really high and crowds are at their worst.
If you’re visiting Rome on a budget, we recommend staying further away from the city centre. That will allow you to save a lot, and thanks to Rome’s extensive public transport system, you can still reach the main sights easily.
We stayed at Fabulous Village, around 15 miles from Rome. Not only is it cheaper than a hotel, you will have an entire mobile home – giving you an outdoor space to chill, a kitchen to cook your own meals, and free access to swimming pools. It’s also located near the beach town of Ostia. We used Eurocamp to book and paid less than £50 per night. If you want to know more we have a full Eurocamp Review available.
Budget Friendly Attractions in Rome
Entry fees to some sites in Rome can be really high, and those costs can quickly add up. Luckily, there are still plenty of great sights you can visit either for free or for very good value. We listed below the best affordable attractions in Rome you shouldn’t miss.
The Colosseum
One of the wonders of the world! The Roman Colosseum was designed as the world’s largest amphitheatre, hosting public spectacles and gladiator battles. Now it’s almost 2,000 years old and wandering around feels like stepping back into life in ancient Rome.
Good news is that the entrance is very affordable, costing less than £16 per person. The ticket also covers access to the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. You will need to book for a specific 1-hour time slot in advance. You can do it online on the official Roman Colosseum Website.
The only downside is that it can get very crowded, especially with tours coming in the afternoon. You can try to visit either first thing in the morning or later in the evening (just before closing) to avoid the peak periods.
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
The Roman Forum was the beating heart of everyday life in ancient Rome. It served as the main site for public speeches, trade, triumphal processions and criminal trials. Today, you can stroll around the ruins freely and imagine the hustle and bustle of the ancient times.
Palatine Hill is only a short distance away. It used to serve as the residence of emperors, filled with palaces, temples and gardens overlooking the Forum.
It’s truly a must-see and a great option for visiting Rome on a budget. For as little as £16, you will be able to see the main 3 historical attractions in Rome.
Pantheon
This iconic temple is one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient buildings. Pantheon was initially built in the 2nd century AD and dedicated to Roman Gods but later converted into a Christian church. Inside, you will be greeted with a large circular hall crowned with an impressive dome. The floor is decorated with geometric patterns, crafted from colourful marbles.
It’s also a very budget-friendly landmark to visit with entrance costing less than £5 per person. You can pre-book online on the official Musei Italiani Website. Also, the entrance is free on the first Sunday of the month if you time your visit well.
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome and it’s completely free to visit. Visitors often take part in the tradition of throwing a coin into the fountain, which is believed to promise a return to Rome. Over £1 million is being thrown there per year! Those coins are collected weekly and donated to the Catholic charity Caritas, supporting initiatives such as food banks and welfare programs.
Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II
Ponte Vittorio Emanuele is an impressive bridge that stretches across the Tiber River and connects the historic centre of Rome with Vatican City. It’s a relatively new historic site in Rome, built in 1911. It features three grand arches and it’s decorated with marble sculptures representing the virtues of Italy’s first king. When walking across it, you will have great views of Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, officially ruled by the Pope. You can easily walk there from the centre of Rome and there are plenty of attractions you can experience for free when exploring Rome on a budget.
Walking around Saint Peter’s Square is one of them and on Sunday afternoon you can witness the papal audience. Going inside St. Peter’s Basilica for free – just bear in mind that there are tight security checks in place and the queue can be over 1 hour long.
You can also visit the impressive The Sistine Chapel which is an official residence of the Pope and it’s where you can see the famous frescoes of Michelangelo. You will need to pay entry fee of £20 per person which you can book through Musei Vaticani Official Website. However, it’s free to visit on the last Sunday of each month (unless it’s a Christian holiday).
Ostia
If you have some extra time during your break in Rome, Ostia is a great day trip. You can enjoy some time at the beach and stroll through Ostia Antica, a lesser-known archaeological site with well preserved ruins.There’s a direct train going from the centre of Rome to Ostia, making the trip very easy and affordable.
While Ostia beach isn’t the most amazing beach we’ve been to, the water is calm and clear, and there’s plenty of space to stretch out on the sand. Visiting Ostia is a great affordable way to combine visiting ancient wonders with a beach break.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide has inspired you to explore Rome on a budget. With a bit of planning, staying further away from the city and taking advantage of budget-friendly attractions, you can experience the city’s ancient history and iconic landmarks affordably. Despite its reputation as an expensive destination, Rome offers plenty of opportunities for budget-conscious travelers to immerse themselves in its timeless charm.
I completely agree that avoiding the peak tourist season is key to saving. I’ve been in the summer and the crowds were insane! A visit in spring or fall really makes a huge difference in both cost and experience.
Thank you! Absolutely, we always try to avoid peak times when travelling 🙂
Thanks for the practical tips on budget-friendly stays and attractions in Rome! I especially appreciated the suggestion to stay further out—something I hadn’t considered but makes total sense given the transport options. It’s reassuring to know that with a bit of planning, you can really experience the city without the hefty price tag.
Staying further out is definitely the best way to keep costs down, especially since the local transport network makes reaching the historic sites so straightforward. I’ve always found that the modest trade-off in commute time is well worth it, as it leaves so much more room in the budget for some truly great Italian meals.