Budget Travel Guide, 7 Days in Rome
Pokomde.info – Rome, the Eternal City, is one of the most culturally and historically rich cities in the world. While it’s known for its grandeur, it doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. With careful planning, you can enjoy a full week in Rome on a budget without sacrificing the experience. Here’s how to make the most of your 7 days in Rome while keeping your expenses low.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Trastevere
Accommodation:
To stay on budget, consider booking a hostel, a budget hotel, or an Airbnb. Neighborhoods like San Giovanni, Testaccio, or Trastevere are less expensive than central Rome and still well-connected to major attractions.
Morning:
Once you arrive, head to Trastevere, one of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods. Wander through its narrow cobblestone streets and explore the beautiful squares like Piazza di Santa Maria. You can enjoy this area mostly for free, simply taking in the sights and atmosphere.
Lunch:
Stop at a local trattoria in Trastevere for a traditional Roman meal. Look for places that offer a “menu del giorno” (daily special), where you can get a filling meal (pasta or pizza, with water or wine) for around €10-€15.
Afternoon:
Spend the afternoon visiting Gianicolo Hill (free). The panoramic views from here are breathtaking, offering a unique perspective of the city without any cost.
Dinner:
Grab some street food, like supplì (fried rice balls) or a slice of pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), for a budget-friendly dinner. Both are delicious, filling, and affordable, with prices starting from €3-€5 per item.
Day 2: The Colosseum and Roman Forum
Morning:
Visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, two of Rome’s most famous ancient sites. To save money, buy a combo ticket for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (around €16). Book your ticket online to avoid long lines and time waste.
Pro Tip: If you’re an EU citizen under 25, you can get discounted tickets. The first Sunday of every month offers free admission to state museums and archaeological sites like the Colosseum.
Lunch:
Avoid tourist traps near the Colosseum. Instead, head to Monti, a trendy neighborhood nearby, where you can find affordable eateries. Look for a small local cafe offering pasta dishes for around €8-€12.
Afternoon:
Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill after lunch. Both are included in your Colosseum ticket and offer a deep dive into Roman history. You’ll get to see where emperors lived and enjoy stunning views of the city.
Dinner:
End the day in the Monti area with an affordable dinner at one of the neighborhood’s cozy osterias. Opt for traditional Roman dishes like carbonara or cacio e pepe, which you can find for about €10-€15.
Day 3: Vatican City on a Budget
Morning:
Today, visit Vatican City. Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, so take your time exploring this magnificent church. Arrive early to avoid crowds, and climb to the top of the dome (€10 on foot, €15 with elevator) for spectacular views of Rome.
Lunch:
For lunch, head to a nearby pizzeria or a small cafe outside the Vatican walls. You’ll find several inexpensive eateries that serve pizza slices or sandwiches for around €5-€10.
Afternoon:
The Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, are a must-see. The entrance fee is around €17, but if you’re visiting on the last Sunday of the month, you can get in for free. Note that it will be crowded, but worth the savings.
Dinner:
For dinner, pick up some street food like trapizzino (a pizza pocket filled with different ingredients) or visit a local trattoria in Prati, a less touristy neighborhood near Vatican City.
Day 4: Exploring Piazza Navona, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain
Morning:
Begin your day by visiting Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most famous squares. Take in the stunning fountains and architecture for free. Just a short walk away is the Pantheon, another must-see landmark that is also free to enter.
Lunch:
Head to the Campo de’ Fiori market, where you can buy fresh fruit, snacks, or inexpensive sandwiches. This is a great spot to grab a budget-friendly lunch to enjoy on the go.
Afternoon:
Visit the Trevi Fountain, one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome. Toss a coin into the fountain (legend says it ensures you’ll return to Rome). From there, walk to the Spanish Steps, where you can relax and people-watch.
Dinner:
Enjoy an affordable dinner at a nearby trattoria, where dishes like spaghetti alla carbonara or amatriciana are delicious and budget-friendly.
Day 5: Villa Borghese and Free Museums
Morning:
Spend your morning at Villa Borghese, one of Rome’s largest and most beautiful parks. Entrance to the park is free, and you can explore its gardens, fountains, and statues at no cost. If you’re willing to splurge a little, visit the Borghese Gallery (€13), where you can see works by artists like Caravaggio and Bernini.
Lunch:
Bring a packed lunch or grab an affordable snack at a local cafe in the park.
Afternoon:
Visit one of Rome’s free museums like the Museo di Roma, which often hosts free exhibitions, or MACRO, a contemporary art museum with free admission on certain days.
Dinner:
Head to San Lorenzo, a student-friendly neighborhood known for its cheap eats and lively atmosphere. You can find great local dishes at reasonable prices in this area.
Day 6: Day Trip to Ostia Antica
Morning:
Take a day trip to Ostia Antica, an ancient Roman city that’s less crowded than Pompeii and much more affordable. The entrance fee is around €12, and you can spend the whole day exploring its ruins. To get there, take a train from Piramide Station (a return trip costs about €3).
Lunch:
Pack a picnic lunch or buy inexpensive food near the site. This will save you money and allow you to enjoy your meal surrounded by ancient ruins.
Afternoon:
Continue exploring Ostia Antica or head back to Rome and relax at one of the city’s many free parks, like Villa Doria Pamphili.
Dinner:
Return to Rome for a budget dinner in Testaccio, a district known for its affordable local dining scene. Try traditional Roman street food or a sit-down meal for under €15.
Day 7: Markets, Souvenirs, and Farewell
Morning:
On your last day, visit one of Rome’s famous markets, like Porta Portese (open Sundays) or Mercato di Testaccio. These markets offer an authentic Roman shopping experience, and you can pick up affordable souvenirs, clothes, or food to take home.
Lunch:
Enjoy a final affordable meal at one of the city’s street food stalls or grab a quick pizza for under €10.
Afternoon:
Spend your last afternoon soaking in the atmosphere at a quiet spot like the Piazza del Popolo or a visit to Basilica di San Clemente (a hidden gem with a fascinating underground site for €10).
Dinner:
End your Roman adventure with a final meal at a local pizzeria or trattoria that offers fixed-price menus, ensuring a delicious and cost-effective end to your trip.
Budget Tips:
- Public Transport: Get a Roma Pass (48 or 72 hours) for unlimited travel and free entry to two museums or sites. Tickets for the metro, buses, and trams cost €1.50 each and are valid for 100 minutes.
- Free Attractions: Take advantage of Rome’s many free attractions like the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica, and city parks.
- Eating Cheap: Stick to street food, budget-friendly trattorias, and “menu del giorno” deals at lunchtime.
With careful planning, you can experience the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning beauty of Rome without going over budget. This itinerary proves that Rome can be enjoyed affordably without missing out on the city’s top attractions and authentic experiences.
Pokomde.info – Rome, the Eternal City, is one of the most culturally and historically rich cities in the world. While it’s known for its grandeur, it doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. With careful planning, you can enjoy a full week in Rome on a budget without sacrificing the experience. Here’s how…