So you splurged on your flight to Italy and your accommodations, and now you’re wondering how to enjoy the Eternal City without emptying your wallet? We’ve got you covered!

Let’s be honest: Rome can be an expensive city, especially in the touristy areas. But with some insider knowledge and smart planning, you can experience the magic of Rome without breaking the bank!

Eating a filling meal on a limited budget is very much possible. Skip sit-down restaurants and opt for , other types of street food, or go to a tavola calda (we talked about it ) instead.

These casual eateries serve pre-made hot dishes cafeteria-style—think of them as the Italian version of a deli counter or cafeteria. You’ll find oven-baked pasta, roasted meats, vegetables, and other Roman staples at a fraction of restaurant prices. Just point to what looks good, pay by weight, and enjoy authentic food without the tourist markup.

Venture beyond the city center to university neighborhoods like San Lorenzo or the streets around Piazza Bologna, where you’ll find budget-friendly restaurants and trattorias alongside pricier options. Not every spot in these areas caters to students or those on a tight budget, so do your research beforehand—check reviews and menus online to find the true local gems. The trade-off at budget spots? Staff may not speak much English, and menus tend to be limited. But if you’re willing to point, smile, and embrace a bit of adventure, you’ll eat authentic Roman food at local prices.

One of the best budget hacks is shopping at local supermarkets like Conad, Tigre, or Pam. Grab fresh bread, cheese, prosciutto, fruit, and a bottle of wine, then have a picnic in the nearest park or enjoy a simple meal at your accommodation. You’ll save money while eating the same quality ingredients that locals buy. And if you feel like sampling food prepared for office workers on the go, check for options in the fridges – you’ll find fresh sautéed greens, ready-to-eat pasta or chicken dishes, ready to be microwaved or reheated in a pan!

is Italy’s pre-dinner tradition where you buy a drink and get access to complimentary snacks or a small buffet. Apericena takes it further—the buffet is substantial enough to replace dinner entirely. While these offerings have become less common in Rome after Covid, you can still find them, even in the city center. Look for bars advertising “aperitivo” between 6-9 PM. For the price of a spritz or beer (usually €8-12), you can enjoy a light meal of bruschetta, pasta salads, pizza, cheese, and more.

Rome offers numerous and attractions year-round. In spite of appearances, even the Basilica di San Pietro is free (when you see pictures of people queueing there it’s because of security checks, nothing else). Many other beautiful churches are also free, and they host incredible art. Plus, keep an eye out for special events like Free Museum Sundays (typically the first Sunday of each month), when major sites like the Colosseum waive admission fees.

If you haven’t had any luck there, remember that buying from official sites is always cheaper than buying from famous third-party sellers like Tiqets, Headout, or Musement – only use those as a last resort!

Rome’s historic center is surprisingly compact. It may sound obvious, but walking not only saves on transportation costs but lets you stumble upon hidden piazzas, stunning fountains, and authentic shops or eateries that you’d miss from a bus or while riding a subway train.

With that in mind, researching the public transport network allows you to learn about deals or free options – for example, did you know that Trenitalia operates a city train service separate from the subway that only costs 1 EUR per ride? Or that certain buses are free to ride on during the end-of-the-year holidays?

The ones listed above are just some ideas for saving money visiting an Italian city like Rome. Other ways may be unique to your situation (e.g., are you a student? do you have a disability?): always research in advance to find out what’s best for your case!