Budget Rome: what tourists can save on and how to see the city cheaply

How to visit Rome on a budget: ways to save euros while traveling

One of the most popular and desirable travel destinations is Rome. Tourists visit Italy all year round, so it's not cheap. Still, there are some tricks that can help you save money and visit Rome on a budget - from secret ways to beat the queues at the Vatican to cheap accommodation in the center of the Eternal City.

Tickets at a great price to Rome

There are direct flights from the UK to Rome, for example, operated by Ryanair and Easyjet. You can save a lot of money if you buy your tickets in advance. To find the most favorable options, we recommend using the following comparison services:

• Momomdo;
• Kayak;
• Skyscanner and others.

The vast majority of flights from the UK arrive at Fiumicino or Ciampino airports, so it's worth planning your route to your destination. Ryanair operates flights from Manchester and Stansted, and Easyjet from Bristol, Luton, etc.

The Ciampino airport is not very conveniently located compared to Leonardo da Vinci, but this justifies more favorable airfares, although the bus service is not as developed.

The cheapest way to visit Roman attractions

If you are planning to see as many interesting and outstanding sights as possible, it is worth purchasing a Roma Pass. This special ticket, valid for 48 or 72 hours (32 and 52 euros, respectively), allows you to use public transportation in Rome for free and also provides the following benefits:

• discounts for exhibitions and special events;
• free access to P.Stop toilets;
• queue-free passes (especially the Colosseum);
• a special system for booking entrances to museums or archaeological sites.

To maximize your savings, you should include the attractions with the most expensive entrance fees in your Roma Pass. For example, a ticket to the Borghese Gallery costs 20 euros, to the Forum - 12 euros, and a bus pass will cost 18 euros for three days.

There is also a more expensive option - the Omnia Vatican & Rome card for 113 euros. However, it allows you to visit the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel, unlike the Roma Pass, and is valid for 72 hours.

Bypass the queue to Vatican or the Colosseum

This is easy to do if you book your tickets online in advance. It's worth noting that there is a minimal fee (about 1-2 euros), but it's better to pay a little extra and save a few hours of waiting in line. Especially if the weather conditions are not good at all.

The Colosseum

The former gladiatorial arena, which is more than 2000 years old, attracts countless tourists to Rome. Of course, this creates long lines at the entrance. To get around them, buy a ticket online for an additional 2 euros. It also provides free entry to the atmospheric ruins of buildings dating back to Julius Caesar and the Roman Forum.

Vatican

The line to the Sistine Chapel can last three hours or more. By paying 21 euros instead of 18 at the entrance, this not entirely pleasant process can be legally avoided. We also recommend paying attention to the dress code. Entrance to Vatican museums is prohibited in shorts and with bare shoulders.

Another way to save time is to use Google's handy Popular Times feature, which allows you to track the approximate number of people at a particular attraction, thus understanding how long you'll have to stand in line and what time it's best to visit the planned attraction.

The most popular free locations to visit in Rome

The Italian capital offers not only expensive museums. There are a large number of absolutely free locations with no less interesting history, where you won't spend a single euro or pound.

1. Trevi Fountain. It is an extremely beautiful decorative structure, against the background of which we recommend taking a few photos. Don't forget to take a coin with you to throw it into the water and come back here at least once more!
2. Spanish staircase. A romantic architectural monument located in the historic center. In good weather, you can enjoy reading a book on the stairs or just sit and think about how beautiful the world is!
3. Caravaggio's paintings hidden in various churches. In particular, the masterpieces of the Renaissance artist are preserved in the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo or the Church of St. Louis the French. Of course, the largest collection of paintings is located in the Borghese Gallery, which costs 20 euros to enter.
4. The Pantheon. The famous building is worth seeing. After contemplation, you can stroll to Piazza Nova and, if you wish, taste the famous Italian ice cream while enjoying it near the fountains.
5. Walking through the ancient Roman streets. The small size of the city makes it ideal for wandering around in search of real historical or cultural gems. Quartiere Coppedè, Trastevere Alley, Villa Borghese... Have a picnic in a beautiful park or enjoy a cool dip by the many fountains.
6. Torre Argentina cat reserve. A large number of cats roam the ruins of ancient buildings. However, the animals are well fed and well cared for, as they are taken care of by volunteers. Admission is free, but you can donate any comfortable amount if you wish.
7. An audience with the Pope. Every Wednesday the head of the Catholic Wednesday arrives in Rome. The audience begins in St. Peter's Square at 10:30. You can book free tickets on Tuesday on the official website.
8. Concerts and open-air movies. Throughout the summer and September, Estate Romana hosts a variety of events, most of which are free of charge. These can be dances, concerts, theater performances, and much more.
9. The keyhole of the Knights of Malta in Piazza Cavalieri di Malta. Climbing the Aventine's Hill, you can see the dome of St. Peter's Cathedral. Of course, you will have to stand in line, because many people want to know what is hidden behind the mysterious keyhole.
10. Vatican City. Entrance to the city is free, as well as to St. Peter's Basilica. Even if religion is not your thing, it will be fascinating to walk around this unique city full of mysteries, extraordinary architecture, and works of art.

There are almost a thousand religious buildings in Rome, and some churches are truly unique and unsurpassed. In addition, you can find free walking tours of the streets of the Italian city on the Internet - day or evening. The main thing is to book a place in advance to enjoy the history from experienced and professional guides.

Food for the price of a drink

"Aperitivo" usually lasts from 18:00 to 21:00 and depends on the establishment. Many bars in Rome offer drinks accompanied by a free variety of snacks or even a full buffet with pizza, meat, cheeses, olives, sometimes even homemade pasta. Yes, drinks are more expensive (about 10 euros), but by paying this amount, you can enjoy unlimited aperitifs. It is much cheaper than paying for a full dinner.

The most popular establishments offering Aperitivo are the following:

• Momart Café, located near Piazza Bologna;
• Rec23 (Piazza dell'Emporio)
• Freni e Frizione (Trustavere).

Some bars offer visitors to return an unlimited number of times.

Foodies can also save money in Rome

It's impossible to imagine Rome without delicious food, Italian ice cream, and soft drinks. Unfortunately, catering establishments are quite expensive, especially when it comes to the most popular locations among tourists. However, there is always a way out. True gourmets can save a considerable amount of money if they have a picnic in a picturesque park or even in their hotel room.

Rome has an exceptional number of open-air markets where you can buy local products, such as cheese, salami or other sausages, olives, wine, fragrant bread, fruit and much more. Be sure to visit Testaccio and Trionfale near the Vatican, which are some of the best and largest markets in the capital.

Free water in budget Rome

Неочевидний, але дуже ефективний спосіб зекономити під час піших прогулянок — наявність багаторазової пляшки. По всьому місту розташовані фонтанчики з питною водою ("nasoni"). Щоб швидко знайти найближчий, скористайтеся додатком Rome Water Finder.

На жаль, в закладах громадського харчування не часто виносять безплатну воду. Як правило, офіціанти пропонують мінеральну (газовану чи негазовану), за яку потрібно буде сплатити.

Drink coffee standing up

You can save about four euros if you don't sit at a table when ordering an espresso. It's better to drink aromatic Roman coffee at the bar. This way, a hot drink will cost about three times less. For example, an espresso costs €1.5 at the bar, and you will pay €4-5 at a table. The difference in price is most noticeable in the center or near the most prominent attractions.

Public transportation without limits for 7 euros per day

At subway stations, tobacco shops, and newsstands, you can purchase a travel card by choosing the most convenient option for you.

1. The Atac subway and bus network offers single rides for €1.5, regardless of the duration of the trip. The ticket is valid for 100 minutes from the moment it is stamped.
2. If you need to use public transportation more times, you should buy a 24-hour pass for €7, which is valid on all Rome buses and the subway. There are also tickets available for two or three days (€12.5 and €18, respectively).
3. For those who plan to spend a week-long vacation in Rome, there are 7-day travel cards. The cost of such a ticket is 24 euros, and it will pay off if you make at least 16 trips.

If you have already purchased a Roma Pass, you won't need a travel card in this case, as all public transportation is free.

For convenience, we recommend installing the free ProBus Rome app, available for Android and iPhone. It helps you plan routes, track buses and their departure times, and find the nearest bus stops.

Expensive museums in Rome are free - but on certain days

Until recently, any state museum could be visited free of charge on the first Sunday of every month. However, this promotion has now been replaced by specific days throughout the year for a particular institution. On the website of each museum, you can find detailed information about free admission. Unfortunately, this opportunity to save money is in great demand, especially when it comes to the most popular locations.

For example, the following museums offer free admission on the following days:

• May 9 and June 5 - Colosseum;
• the second Wednesday of the month and some Sundays - the Borghese Gallery, which contains unsurpassed works by Raphael, Caravaggio and other artists;
• last Sunday of every month - Vatican museums, including the Sistine Chapel.

If you don't want to fight for free admission, try visiting less popular attractions. This can be the National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo, which will be especially interesting for fans of Dan Brown's work. The writer talks about this place in his famous novel Angels and Demons. We also recommend a walk near the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla.

Forget about taxis from the airport if budget travel is your goal

Planes from the UK most often arrive at Leonardo da Vinci or Ciampino airports. A taxi from these locations to the city center will cost between 30 and 50 euros, so public transportation is a good alternative for transfer.

1. By bus. Buses run regularly from the airports to Termini Station. A one-way ticket costs €5.8, a return ticket costs €9.
2. By train. There is a direct express train from Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Departures are every 15 minutes and the ticket costs 14 euros. The price of a train from Ciampino is only €1.5, and the journey takes 15 minutes. However, first you need to take a bus to the railway station of the same name.

To avoid being left without a seat, it is best to book your trip in advance.

Budget Rome: accommodation

Usually, when traveling, the lion's share of expenses is spent on renting an apartment. The main tip for saving money is to book in advance. To find accommodation, we recommend using Airbnb, Booking.com, TravelRepublic, or other services. These are the best ways to consider and compare options and find the most favorable one, paying special attention to a good location.

Among the relatively budget hotels located in the city center are the following:

• The Classic Roman GuestHouse Collection is located very close to the Spanish Steps and the famous Trevi Fountain;
• Hotel Azzura - offers beautifully furnished air-conditioned rooms with breakfast included in the price.

Consider not only hotels but also hostels. You can rent a decent and tidy room for around £25-30. If you're traveling in a group, the best way to save money is to rent an apartment or large room using a trusted website like Airbnb.

Take care of your health in advance

The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) and EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) are must-haves that allow you to receive free treatment on a par with local residents. The policies cover the costs or allow you to pay for medical care in public hospitals at the price set for Italian citizens.

Protect your airline ticket and hotel

Some companies offer great deals on package deals. For example, you can get significant discounts if you pay for your accommodation and plane ticket on the same website. It is common practice that if you make one transaction when booking several items, you can get ATOL for free - financial and legal protection that allows you to protect yourself in case of failure to provide services or, for example, bankruptcy of the company.

You should also make sure you have travel insurance. This policy, which can be purchased quite cheaply, will help you receive compensation in the event of unforeseen circumstances - illness, injury, etc.

Payment in pounds or euros?

Always choose the local currency, as this will save on conversion costs. In addition, the exchange rates at local ATMs or shops are often not favorable for customers.

Most debit cards have a 3% fee that is added to the exchange. To avoid overpaying, we recommend ordering a special payment instrument for such trips. You can choose both credit and debit cards. The most common options include the following:

• debit card from Chase Bank - a virtual payment instrument with cashback and no fees for spending abroad;
• Barclaycard Rewards credit card - provides cashback of 0.25% for spending around the world, if you pay off the accrued interest on time every month, you can avoid a fee (25.9% per annum).

The main thing is to apply in advance, because depending on the bank, you will have to wait from one to three weeks.

Control roaming

British mobile phone companies have been banned from charging customers extra if they use the Internet or telecommunications in the European Union. However, some firms, such as Vodafone, are imposing restrictions on new users who sign a contract after 2021. Thus, they charge from 2 to 3 pounds per day of roaming. While Virgin Media O2 does not introduce an additional fee for this service.

In any case, if available, it is better to use free Wi-Fi and monitor mobile traffic.