Rome is one of the most rewarding cities in the world for a budget traveller. So much of its greatness is simply out in the open, and its everyday food is both cheap and superb.
The free Rome
- The Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona are all free to visit.
- Wander Trastevere's lanes and the Jewish Ghetto in the evening — the atmosphere costs nothing.
- You can see the Colosseum and Roman Forum impressively from the outside; St Peter's Basilica is free to enter (expect a queue).
Eat cheap and well
A slice of pizza al taglio (by weight), a plate of cacio e pepe at a no-frills trattoria, and a gelato eaten on a fountain step are the budget traveller's trinity. Stand at the bar for your espresso — it is a fraction of the table price. Fill your bottle at the city's nasoni drinking fountains.
Tickets and transport
Book the Colosseum and Vatican Museums online in advance to save time and stress, and consider an early-morning slot. Rome's centre is compact and walkable; a cheap public-transport ticket covers the longer hops.
When to go
Spring and autumn are kinder on both weather and price than high summer. For the full picture, read our Rome travel guide.