Rome is a beautiful city that’s full of incredible history and stunning architecture. It’s not known for being the cheapest city in Europe though, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit Rome on a budget. Although many of the ancient sites in Rome require a ticket to access, you can usually catch glimpses of them from various viewpoints. This means you won’t miss out entirely if you’re not able to get an entry ticket.
On top of the many budget friendly or completely free things to do in Rome, the Eternal City is also full of affordable places to eat. Some of the best food in Rome is street food, and when you’re on the go all day there’s no better option than grabbing something quick to eat. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Rome on a budget at any time of the year, without compromising on experiences.
Free things to do in Rome
Visit the piazzas in Rome
The piazzas in Rome are definitely not to be missed. If you’re planning to visit Rome on a budget, the many piazzas with their lively atmospheres and unique architecture are worth walking around – especially because they’re free!
If you’re not sure where to start, here are some must-visit piazzas in Rome. Piazza Colonna is home to the impressive Column of Marcus Aurelius, Piazza Navona is the most popular square in Rome with baroque fountains, Campo de’ Fiori is a busy marketplace during the day, Piazza del Quirinale offers amazing views of Rome from one of the seven hills, and Piazza del Popolo is known for its scenic square framed by twin churches. There are plenty of other piazzas in Rome to admire too, so do a bit of research before your trip to make sure you don’t miss out.
Trevi Fountain
Even if you’ve been to Rome in the past, you’ll most likely want to take a look at the Trevi Fountain again. This beautiful baroque fountain is a must-visit in Rome, both in the daytime and at night. As you probably already know, the Trevi Fountain gets extremely busy during the day. The city has now implemented a queueing system during peak hours to help control the crowds though.
I’d recommend visiting the Trevi Fountain very early in the morning, or later at night when there are less people around. You’ll also find a lot of nice souvenir shops in Rome in this area. Don’t forget to toss a coin in the fountain before you leave!
Admire the churches in Rome
One of the best free things to do in Rome is to admire the many churches around the city. At almost every turn you’ll either come across stunning displays of architecture or find a church tucked away between shops and restaurants. If you’re looking for hidden gems in Rome, Santa Maria Della Pace features frescoes from Raphael that are often missed. Or, for history enthusiasts, Saint Peter in Chains is home to Michelangelo’s statue of Moses, and the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major features ancient mosaics that are breathtaking to see in person.
Other notable churches in Rome worth adding to your itinerary are the Jesuit Church of Saint Ignazio, the Church of the Gesu, the Church of St. Louis the French, the Basilica di San Crisogono, Santa Maria in Cosmedin where you can find the Mouth of Truth, and St. Paul Outside the Walls.
Walk along Via Giulia
Via Giulia is one of the most picturesque streets in Rome. It was designed in the 16th century and it was once lined with Renaissance palaces and hidden courtyards. As you walk down the street, you’ll come across ivy-covered facades and walk under the Arco Farnese which is an unfinished bridge designed by Michelangelo.
You also shouldn’t miss visiting Santa Maria dell’Orazione e Morte – a church with an eerie skull-adorned crypt that’s also free to enter.
Porta Magica
There are a lot of unusual places to visit in Rome, but one that’s often overlooked due to its location is Porta Magica. This 17th century alchemical doorway is located close to Termini Station, and it’s all that remains of Villa Palombara. The inscriptions on the door are said to be a riddle about the philosopher’s stone, and it’s guarded by two creepy statues.
Porta Magica is a great place to stop if you’re visiting Rome on a budget. Visiting it also gives you the chance to explore one of Rome’s lesser known neighbourhoods at the same time.
Take in the views of the Roman Forum
Although you need a ticket to enter the Roman Forum, that doesn’t mean you can’t admire it from different viewpoints in Rome. Located behind the Capitoline Museums is Piazza del Campidoglio, which was designed by Michelangelo. From here you get an incredible panoramic view of the ancient ruins. Alternatively, the road leading towards the Colosseum, Via dei Fori Imperiali, has several fantastic vantage points that are all free to access.
Napoleonic Museum
Many people who visit Rome on a budget fail to realize that there are a lot of free museums dotted around the Italian capital. The Napoleonic Museum is a great example of this. It’s located across the river from Castel Sant’Angelo, and it houses a unique collection of artifacts and personal belongings from the Bonaparte family.
What was once a noble residence has been turned into a museum that brings the Napoleonic era to life. This hidden gem in Rome is usually missed by visitors, so it probably won’t be busy inside, even in the summer.
Ponte Sant’Angelo
Even if you don’t plan on going inside Castel Sant’Angelo, you should take the time to walk across Ponte Sant’Angelo. This iconic bridge was originally built in the 2nd century under the orders of Emperor Hadrian, and it’s lined with 10 angel statues designed by Bernini.
I would recommend visiting Ponte Sant’Angelo at sunrise when there are less people around, but golden hour is popular too due to the lighting. From the bridge you can view Castel Sant’Angelo as well as St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance without spending any money.
Colossus of Constantine
One of my favourite things to do when visiting Rome on a budget is to admire the Colossus of Constantine. While the original statue is in ruins inside the Capitoline Museums, a replica has been produced and is located in the museum’s rear courtyard. This small courtyard is completely free to enter, even if you don’t have a ticket for the museums.
The statue of Emperor Constantine once stood 12 meters high, and today visitors can get up close to the reconstructed version at no extra cost. It’s a great spot to come if you’re visiting Rome on a budget and you have some spare time on your hands.
Jewish Ghetto
The Jewish Ghetto is one of the most interesting neighbourhoods in Rome. It was established in the 16th century so there’s a lot of history to uncover here as you walk among its streets and ancient ruins. The Portico of Octavia is the main ancient site here, and beside it sits the Theatre of Marcellus which was part of the inspiration for the Colosseum.
The Jewish Ghetto is filled with historic bakeries, beautiful synagogues, and charming squares that all provide an atmosphere unlike any other in Rome.
Circus Maximus
Out of all of the ancient ruins in Rome, the Circus Maximus is one of the most well known. What was once an ancient chariot racing stadium that could hold up to 250,00 people, now lies as a grassy open space. You can still see the shape of the stadium but its construction and decorations have long since disappeared. If you’re visiting Rome on a budget, it’s not a bad idea to have a picnic here while looking up at the ruins on the Palatine Hill.
There’s also a farmers’ market near Circus Maximus, Campagna Amica Market, that’s open during the weekend which is worth walking around.
Aventine Keyhole
Tucked away on the Aventine Hill is one of Rome’s best kept secrets. The Aventine Keyhole is located on the door of the Priory of the Knights of Malta. When it’s looked through, you can see St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance which has been beautifully lined up with a garden pathway. There’s still a lot of mystery surrounding this keyhole, and no one knows if it was lined up on purpose or just an accident.
Unless you arrive early in the morning, you’ll most likely need to stand in a queue to look through the Aventine Keyhole. Once you’re done, I’d recommend walking through the Giardino degli Aranci which offers one of the best viewpoints in Rome. The Aventine Hill is a beautiful area to walk around while you visit Rome on a budget, especially if the weather is nice.
Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese
You can’t visit Rome on a budget without walking up the Spanish Steps. This is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, and at the top of the 135 steps you’ll be met with a beautiful view. If you don’t want to climb the steps, there’s now an elevator that will take you to the top. At the base of the steps lies Piazza di Spagna which always has a lively atmosphere, and sitting at the top is a Renaissance church called Trinita dei Monti as well as Villa Medici.
Once you’ve finished admiring the Spanish Steps, you can take a walk around Villa Borghese. This sprawling green park offers a nice escape from the noise of the city, and it’s free to enter. Inside the park you’ll find lakes, gardens, and plenty of spots to relax. If you’re interested in art, Galleria Borghese is also located in the park, though you’ll need to purchase a ticket to enter it.
Viewpoint of the Colosseum
Nestled on Oppian Hill is Giardinetto del Monte Oppio. This small park space offers a picture-perfect view of the Colosseum, and you can see some of the ruins of the Roman Forum in the distance too. Giardinetto del Monte Oppio will give you the chance to admire the Colosseum and take some photos of it without fighting through the crowds that gather around the base of the ancient monument. This is quickly becoming a well-known spot for photoshoots, so arrive early if you can.
Walk up the Victor Emmanuel II Monument
For some of the best panoramic views of Rome, you’ll need to walk up the Victor Emmanuel II Monument (Altare della Patria). This incredibly large monument is located in Piazza Venezia, and it’s dedicated to the first king of Italy. As you make your way up the impressive marble steps, you’ll be able to view the larger than life statues along the way.
Anyone visiting Rome on a budget should have this attraction on their list because access is free. There’s an additional terrace at the very top of the monument as well, but it requires a ticket for the elevator and it’s not cheap.
For another viewpoint in Rome, climb to the top of the Scalinata dell’Ara Coeli which is located behind the monument.
Explore the streets of Trastevere
If vibrant and historic neighbourhoods are your thing, you’ll love walking through Trastevere. This part of Rome is known for its authenticity, with its cobblestone streets and colourful buildings that are covered in ivy. You’ll find plenty of Rome’s best restaurants in Trastevere too, as well as quirky shops and cafes. There aren’t too many attractions in Trastevere to see, but it’s worth spending at least a couple of hours here, especially in the evening.
Archaeological sites near the Colosseum
The area around the Colosseum has more than enough archaeological sites to keep you entertained for a full day or more. If you’re in Rome on the first Sunday of the month, the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum are free to enter which is incredible while visiting Rome on a budget.
Both the Forum of Augustus and the Forum of Hadrian can also be admired for free. They sit on the opposite side of Via dei Fori Imperiali and the elevated viewing platforms allow you to look down at the archaeological sites without buying any entry tickets.
Just a short walk from this area is where you’ll find Largo di Torre Argentina which is where Julius Caesar was assassinated. There are many more archaeological sites near the Colosseum worth exploring too, so make sure you do some research so you can make the most of your trip to Rome on a budget.
Cheap places to eat in Rome
Pastaeat
There are some fantastic cheap places to eat in Rome – if you know where to look. Some of the best pasta we ate in Rome was at Pastaeat. This casual eatery offers a great selection of homemade pasta dishes that are all served in takeaway containers. They have all of the classics like carbonara and cacio e pepe, but their truffle carbonara is definitely one to try. The portions here are very generous for the price, so it’s a nice spot to eat while visiting Rome on a budget.
Forno da Milvio
If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat near the Colosseum, Forno da Milvio is the perfect option in the heart of the Monti neighbourhood. It serves pizza by the slice, which Rome is famous for, and they use high-quality ingredients to produce delicious affordable pizzas. There are many flavours available at Forno da Milvio, from simple margherita to seasonal varieties. You can take your pizza on the go with you or sit inside and relax for a few moments before exploring more of this area of Rome.
Al42 by Pasta Chef
One of the best pasta spots in Rome that’s both affordable and offers high-quality pasta dishes is Al42 by Pasta Chef. You’ll find this cozy eatery in Monti, not far from the Colosseum, and their portion sizes are very generous for what you pay. The menu at Al42 by Pasta Chef is centred around classic Roman dishes, with amatriciana and carbonara being two of their most popular choices.
It’s a very popular restaurant in Rome, so be prepared to wait in a queue for a seat. Or, you can always grab a takeaway, which is what we did.
Tiramisu Merisu
There are a lot of fantastic places for tiramisu in Rome. If you happen to be in the Trastevere neighbourhood, make sure you stop by Tiramisu Merisu. They offer traditional tiramisu as well as several other tasty flavours such as Nutella and pistachio. If you’re planning to visit Rome on a budget, the prices here are very reasonable for the size of the tiramisu, and with so many options you really can’t go wrong.
I Suppli dei Coronari
A popular go-to spot in Rome for suppli is I Suppli dei Coronari. This deep fried rice ball is a staple affordable street food snack in Rome, and you’ll find it available at a large majority of eateries. However, many are frozen and the quality isn’t the best. At I Suppli dei Coronari you have the option of traditional suppli as well as other variations that are all bursting with gooey perfection. And since they’re so cheap, you can sample a few flavours all at once without blowing your budget.
Pasta Imperiale
Pasta Imperiale is another budget-friendly food spot in Rome that’s located in Monti. All of the pasta dishes here are made using homemade pasta, and they have a good selection of sauces to choose from such as carbonara and cacio e pepe. The presentation here isn’t the greatest, but the flavours are amazing and definitely worth the price. They often have meal deals on as well where you get a pasta dish, tiramisu, and a drink all for a set price. Pasta Imperiale is both convenient and cheap, which is ideal if you’re on the go.
Trapizzino
Trapizzino is a trendy and popular street food eatery that’s looking to reinvent the classic pizza bianca. Their twist on this type of pizza consists of a triangular pizza dough pocket that’s stuffed with traditional Roman fillings such as eggplant parmigiana and chicken cacciatore. It doesn’t look like much, but I guarantee this will fill you up for at least a couple of hours. This wasn’t the best street food in Rome that we tried, but if you happen to walk past one of its locations then it won’t hurt to give it a try.
Il Capriccio di Carla
There are almost endless gelaterias in Rome, so finding one that’s both affordable and offers good quality gelato can be a big task. We tried a few of the most popular gelaterias in the city and were left quite underwhelmed overall.
Il Capriccio di Carla is very underrated but their homemade gelato is fantastic and they have a mixture of traditional and quirky flavours. If you’re not sure what to order, you can always ask to sample some of their flavours too.
Two Sizes
Located near Piazza Navona is Two Sizes. The only food they serve here is tiramisu – in two sizes, of course. Their traditional tiramisu is the most popular, but other flavours such as pistachio and caramel are equally worth indulging in. We went back a couple of times while we were in the area to try the different flavours and weren’t left disappointed. Two Sizes is very well known in Rome, so don’t be surprised if there’s a queue when you arrive. However, they only offer takeaway so you won’t have to wait for long.
Casa Manco
Testaccio Market is a must-visit for anyone going to Rome on a budget. This food market has quite a few nice food stalls to choose from, but if you love pizza then you can’t miss the chance to eat at Casa Manco. Their speciality is pizza by the slice, and I guarantee you won’t have come across so many flavours in one place before. The rotating menu means that something new is always coming fresh out of the oven, and you pay by weight so you have full control over how big the slices are.
Mizio’s Street Food
One of the best street food options in Rome is sandwiches. If you’re visiting Monti, or you’re looking for somewhere quick and affordable to eat near the Roman Forum or Colosseum, Mizio’s Street Food is a good option. Their freshly made sandwiches are big enough to share, and you have the option of building your own or ordering from the menu. This is still a hidden gem in Rome, even though it’s been open in Monti for quite a number of years.
Pasteria
The area surrounding Vatican City is bursting with eateries, many of which are overpriced or serve poor quality food. A short walk from St Peter’s Basilica is one pasta spot that you shouldn’t miss – Pasteria. This no-frills restaurant in Rome serves freshly made pasta with classic Roman sauces. Their menu changes regularly, and their fresh pasta is so popular with locals that it’s available to purchase per kilo to cook at home. In terms of cheap places to eat in Rome, you’d be hard pressed to find one better than Pasteria.
Pizzeria Boccaccia
When in Rome, you have to try pizza al taglio (pizza served by the slice). One of the best places to try this in the centre of Rome is at Pizzeria Boccaccia, located in Monti. It’s the perfect place to come for a quick bite to eat, and their menu offers a very big selection of flavours. I’d recommend trying one of their classic flavours if you can’t decide, because you can never go wrong with something classic!
Mr. 100 Tiramisu
The name pretty much says it all. At Mr. 100 Tiramisu you’ll be met with an enormous menu featuring no less than 100 different flavours of tiramisu. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, or you can opt for a takeaway. While their traditional tiramisu is very popular, with so many other flavours to choose from I’d highly recommend broadening your horizons and ordering one you haven’t had before. Their Ferrero Rocher tiramisu is a definite highlight.
All’Antico Vinaio
If you’re spending some time near the Pantheon, you’ll come across a lot of restaurants. But if it’s something quick and tasty that you’re after, All’Antico Vinaio can’t be beat. This sandwich shop is originally from Florence but they have a couple of locations in Rome now too. Their schiacciata sandwiches are incredible, and all of their bread is made fresh throughout the day so the texture and flavour is unmatched. Whether you order a sandwich from their board or you build your own, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the high-quality ingredients that are used here.
Where to stay in Rome on a budget
Generator Rome
Planning a trip to Rome on a budget means you’ll need to be careful with how much you spend on accommodation. Luckily, there are some great cheap places to stay in Rome that are modern and comfortable.
Generator Rome is located near Termini Station, so it’s an ideal place to base yourself from. The neighbourhood is very lively, and there are plenty of eateries, markets, and landmarks to explore here. Plus, major attractions such as the Roman Forum and Colosseum are just a short distance away.
Like all Generator Hostels, there are several room options available that range from shared dorm rooms to spacious ensuite private rooms. The twin private room is a good choice if you’re looking for privacy without overspending. It features two single beds, a modern decor, a writing desk, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. The urban vibe of the room really suits this part of the city, and our room even had a slight mountain view in the distance.
After a long day of exploring Rome, it’s always nice to have somewhere to unwind before going to sleep. Generator Rome has a comfortable lounge area, a cafe, and a bar available for guests. In the summer months their rooftop bar offers incredible city views too. All of the communal spaces are welcoming and vibrant, so whether you want to relax by yourself or meet other travellers, you have plenty of options.
Each morning Generator Rome offers a continental breakfast which is a nice way to start the day. Their pre-ordered breakfast is a tray that’s prepared for you by the staff, and it includes a hot drink, a large pastry, a piece of fruit, yogurt, and your choice of cereal. We started our days very early in the morning so having breakfast at the hostel was a good way to save time and money.
Staying at Generator Rome is a great way to save money during your trip to Rome without compromising on your room standards. We’ve stayed at a couple of Generator Hostels now and each one has been spotlessly clean and very affordable compared to other accommodation options. The next time we visit Rome on a budget, we’ll be checking in here again.
>> Check out the room options at Generator Rome now <<
Can you visit Rome on a budget?
Rome can be an expensive city to visit in Europe, but it doesn’t have to be. The majority of your budget will be spent on food and accommodation, so it’s a good idea to do some research beforehand to help you save money. Entry fees to the main attractions are quite steep, so I’d recommend choosing a few that you really want to visit and planning your budget around them. There are plenty of free things to do in Rome to fill your itinerary with, and the street food in Rome is your best option for affordable dining.
If you have any questions about visiting Rome on a budget, where to eat in Rome that’s affordable, or where to stay in Rome, please feel free to reach out via email or through the contact form on my website. You can also reach out on Instagram or TikTok where you may come across even more helpful tips to help you plan your next Roman holiday.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from the discount codes used or when a link/ad is clicked. All purchases made will come at no extra cost to you, and I only include products and services that I would personally recommend.
Pin this blog post for later!
