My Summary of Rome

Is Rome expensive? Without a doubt, it is a place where many people suffer blows to their pocketbooks, but that doesn’t mean it has to be costly. It’s absolutely possible to travel Rome on a budget as long as you follow one simple rule: come prepared! Here are the best tips for visiting Rome on the cheap.

Eat Like a King, Pay Like a Pauper

Of course when one visits Rome, one must eat every single thing, but be aware of the “pane e coberto” (bread and cover) surcharge that many restaurants in Italy tack on. Check the menus of any prospective restaurant as the cover can range from 3 to 15 euros per person.

Take advantage of lunch specials, which often feature three courses with dessert for anywhere between 12 to 15 euros. These meals are relished slowly and leave you feeling full, relaxed, and Italian!

Pizza Al Taglio courtesy of Paris by Mouth on Flickr

For dinner, it’s easy to eat from the street vendors or find a spot that serves pizza al taglio–pizza slices that you pay for by weight. Supplement this with fresh fruit eaten in a beautiful plaza and you have a very inexpensive dinner. Then again, why bother with fruit when there is wonderful gelato at every turn? The Palazzo del Freddo Giovanni Fassi is rumored to be the cheapest and best gelato in all of Rome.

Heads up: eating near the Vatican, the Colosseum, or Plaza Navonna is going to cost a lot more, so hit these spots after a meal or plan to pay dearly.

Sleep on a Cloud of Saved Dollars

Don’t do what I did: arrive unprepared and clueless. This cost me more than 100 euros in foolishness. Never again will I visit Rome without pre-booking my accommodation!

The historical center (Centro Storico) is the best place to stay when you want to walk the city center and Stella Hotel offers the cheapest hotel in downtown Rome, steps away from all the main attractions. It’s a bargain hotel, but you don’t sacrifice any quality or comfort – it’s plush, modern, and even has an airport shuttle. Seriously, it doesn’t get better than this.
See Rome Without Breaking the Bank

Rome is never-ending — accept that you can’t see all of it in one trip and focus on what you really want to get out of it. Ancient ruins? Majestic churches? Renaissance? Baroque? Knowing what is important to you before you arrive will save stress and help you make the most of every moment. If you’re coming for a wedding, or to have your own, check out this group of great wedding hotels in Rome.

Rome Skyline courtesy of Rosy ~ Flickr

The lookout Gianicolo (also called Janiculum) offers a sweeping view of Rome unlike any other. A great photo spot and urban hideout, the terrace of Gianicolo is a favorite Roman spot.

There are several companies offering free walking tours; you get loads of information and shown around for free – you can’t beat that!

On Sunday mornings, Rome holds a large open-air flea market near the Porta Portese where vendors sell everything from leather goods to toys for the kids back home. It costs nothing to walk around and see locals getting their shop on.

Sometimes, the best things in life are free.

Please note : This is part of a series for #HipmunkCityLove. Hipmunk.com is low-cost and budget travel service that I actually use myself to travel, and am thrilled to write for. I hope you find the articles as well as their services useful. Remember, you are my first priority and I only work with or support companies whose products and services I believe in. For all the nitty gritty on this check out my disclaimer.