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IS ROME EXPENSIVE

Is Rome worth it? How to Visit on a Budget

Big 7 Travel Team

7 months ago

Rome Budget Guide: What to Expect and How to Save Money

Italy’s capital city is a hub of culture, fashion, architecture and art, and features numerous historical sites like the world-famous Colosseum and Pantheon. Despite its international reputation and appeal, Rome has certain areas that are cheap and budget-friendly. If you know where to look, you can cheaply and comfortably explore this ancient city on a strict budget.

A Breakdown of Average Travel Costs in Rome

How Much Do Things Cost in Rome

Category	Cost Range
Dining Out	€15-€25 on average
Public Transport	Metro/Subway: €1.50 Trams: €1.50 Bus: €1.50
Coffee	€1-€1.50
Alcohol	Beer: €4-€6 Wine: €3-€4
Accommodation	Mid-Range: €40-€100 p/n Upscale/Luxury: €300-€800 p/n
Attractions	Colosseum: Adult- €16, Child- €6 Trevi Fountain: Free entry Pantheon: €5 St Peter’s Basilica: Free entry

Where to Stay in Rome on a Budget

Rome has many budget and affordable hotel options like Suite Dreams Hotel and Hotel Elide, but like most cities, you’ll also find expensive options like Anantara Palazzo and the St Regis Hotel. Here’s our rundown on which type of hotel will give you the best deals and enable you to save the most money. There’s certainly a knack for finding cheap budget hotels, especially in the popular areas of Rome, but we’re here to make it easy for you. The cheapest types of hotels in Rome include:

Budget Hotels: Budget hotels are a specific type of hotel that caters to people on smaller budgets, and you can find many dotted around the city. Sometimes budget hotels will have the word ‘budget’ in their name which makes them easier to find, but generally, any hotel with a price-per-night of €100 or below is considered budget. Budget hotels may compromise on price, but certainly don’t compromise on quality, as they feature the same modern and high-quality amenities as most other hotels, just without luxury amenities like pools or spas. Try Hotel Elide or Flower Garden Hotel Rome for some cheap hotel options.
Boutique Hotels: Boutique hotels tend to be cheaper than regular hotels due to their smaller capacity and more personal/intimate services. However, you can find expensive boutique hotels too– it all depends on where you look. Boutique hotels tend to also have quirky or unique decor. Some boutique hotel options in Rome include the Liberty Boutique Hotel, Roman Holidays Boutique Hotel and The Boutique Hotel.
Airport Hotels: Airport Hotels tend to be favoured by long-haul travellers or people who want to stay close to the airport to avoid traffic. Airport hotels sometimes include free breakfast and free parking, making them a lot more cost-effective. For some cheap options, try the Best Western Hotel and E H Rome Hotel.

The Best Options for Finding Affordable Accommodation in Rome

There are certain areas and suburbs of Rome that may offer cheaper accommodation or rent prices if you intend to relocate to Rome. These areas include:

Monti: A very trendy neighbourhood close to the Colosseum, Monti is popular with students, first-time tourists and anyone looking to have fun without spending a fortune.
Trastevere: Another classic and bohemian-style neighbourhood that attracts tourists and locals alike with its cheap prices, vibrant nightlife and numerous trattorias and bars.

What to Expect from Staying in Rome and How to Book a Cheap Room

Most hotels in Rome are modern, high-quality and comfortable, regardless of the price– compromising on price doesn’t mean compromising on quality, comfort or convenience. You can find more affordable accommodation across the city. If you’re unsure of where to look or what to look out for when booking your hotel, we’re here to help. Here are our tips and tricks on how to always have the best stay possible wherever you go.

Book in advance: Booking in advance is one of the best ways to ensure your hotel stays cheap. The closer it gets to your travel dates, the more likely that hotel prices will increase. Remaining organised and up to date with any deals or offers can help you avoid hotels selling out or increasing their rates. With Rome being a popular tourist city, it’s usually busy all year round, so booking in advance is a great way to ensure you bag the hotel of your dreams for when you need it.
Stay updated with deals or offers: Some hotels can offer membership schemes or discounts or email newsletters that update you on any new offers or deals released by the hotel. Also, you can sign up to Enjoy Travel’s newsletter for regularly updated information, advice and deals.
Stick to quieter times of the year: Usually, Rome is busy all year round, but can see larger tourist crowds when the weather heats up, which is usually from May to August. Because of this, try to avoid travelling during these times of the year. If you want to experience Rome in the summer heat, your best bet is to book your hotel at least six months in advance.

How to Get Around Rome Easily and Cheaply

Rome has many public transport options, from trams and buses to underground metros and taxi cabs. Rome is also a very walkable city, and many tourists and locals may choose to get around on foot or by bicycle, given the compact nature of the inner city areas. If you do plan to get around the city via public transport, here are the best modes of transport and how to get around cheaply in Rome:

Stick to car-free zones: Some of Rome’s best attractions are very close together and can be easily accessed by members of the public.
Rome’s surrounding seven hills: are great to walk up and discover more about, and you can hike or take a walking tour up each one, giving you aerial views of the city below.
Make use of trams and metro: Rome’s public transport is very cheap and convenient, especially if you want to access the surrounding areas of the city.
If you want to explore the city for free: walk as much as possible. Give yourself a personal tour of the city and visit its main attractions in your own time.

There is so much more to see in Italy than in Rome, so if you want to explore more of Italy’s cities and sights, why not consider hiring a car? Popular places to hire a car in Rome include Fiumicino Airport and Ciampino Airport, as well as downtown.

How to Eat Well in Rome Without Spending a Fortune

Stick to street food: Rome offers high-quality street food and takeaway options. If you’re craving pizza, pasta or Italian cuisine, you’re certainly in the right place. Rome’s street food can work out cheaper than restaurant meals and is a great way to try numerous dishes or cuisines without having to venture too far.
Opt for cheaper neighbourhoods or suburbs: We’ve mentioned some cheap areas in Rome, and these areas also feature numerous restaurants that may offer cheaper eats than areas in downtown Rome. You don’t have to just rely on pizza and pasta to keep the costs low– you can eat a varied meal for a cheap price in numerous areas of Rome.
Cook for yourself: If you are staying in a holiday rental apartment, you’ll most likely cook for yourself. Shopping at Rome’s markets or supermarkets can help you find low-cost and fresh produce, which can work out cheaper than dining out at restaurants each day.

Our Top Picks for Free and Cheap Activities in Rome

Let’s take a look at what you can do in Rome on a budget:

Colosseum: A must-see historical site, entry to the Colosseum costs around €6 for children, and around €15-€16 for adults. If you book your tickets online, you may also find cheaper prices.
Trevi Fountain: This is free to access, and is another must-see sight. It’s easily recognisable with the sculptures that line it, and it’s easily accessible.
Vatican City: Visit the world’s smallest country for free, and marvel at the craftsmanship and stunning architecture. To access the Sistine Chapel or the museums, you will need to pay a small fee.

The Best Places to Find Live Music, Shows and Events in Rome

Parco della Musica: This multi-purpose events venue in Rome hosts numerous shows, events and live performances from local and international acts and artists.
Stadio Olimpico: The best place to see sporting events in the city, with a capacity of more than 70,000 spectators. This venue has also hosted the Olympics and UEFA Euros 2020, among other notable sporting events.