Explore Rome on a Budget in 2024: Insider Tips and Detailed Planning

Shruti Lal
Sep 14, 2024
12 min read

Updated: Feb 13

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When I planned my solo trip to Paris, Barcelona and Rome (a more than 5000-year-old city), I dove into countless blogs and YouTube videos. Most offered general tips on where to stay, what to eat, and where to go, but they often lacked the nitty-gritty details. So, I’ve crafted this guide for fellow travelers who, like me, want to explore Rome (and other cities) on a budget, capture photos with their phone, and get every detail they need for planning. I spent five days each in Paris, Rome, and Barcelona during July-August 2024. Here’s what I learned about visiting Rome affordably and efficiently.

Credit Card Tips

I used the Visa Sapphire card for my trip, which offered 70,000 bonus points if I spent $4,000 in 3 months. With a $95 annual fee, it includes a $50 hotel credit and other perks. Booking through Chase Travel earned me 5X points, compared to 2X on other websites. Points can also be transferred to airlines for potentially better flight options. You should check the current offer or find similar offers.

What to Wear

Visiting Rome during the peak of summer, when temperatures soared between 90-105°F with high humidity (70-90%), required careful wardrobe planning. I found light, breathable clothing like sleeveless cotton blouses, pants, and capris to be essential. I structured my day around the weather, starting early around 7 am and returning to my hotel by 2 pm, then heading out again in the cooler evening hours from 6 pm to 11 pm.

Essentials for Staying Comfortable:

Hat or Cap: A must for protection from the intense sun.
Sunscreen: I used Scoop Girl Oil to keep my skin protected from the harsh UV rays.
Hydration: Staying hydrated was key, and I made sure to drink 3-4 liters of water daily. I carried a hydro flask to keep my water cool throughout the day.
Comfortable Footwear: I can’t stress enough the importance of good shoes, especially when walking over 15,000 steps daily and navigating staircases. My favorites were the Hoka Gaviota 5 and Hoka Gymnastics Shoes Hiking, paired with Super Feet Green insoles for extra support.

Flight: Paris (CDG) to Rome (FCO)

I booked my flights two months in advance. Air France offered economy class tickets from San Francisco to Paris for around $800 and premium economy for $1,500 in July. I opted for premium economy for more comfort on the 10-hour flight to Paris. After spending five days in Paris, I flew from Paris to Rome on Air France for about $200 in economy. You can also book your travel via Expedia or WayAway.

Travel Tip:

European flights often have a check-in baggage limit of 15 kg (as opposed to 23 kg for transatlantic flights). You may need to shift items to avoid extra baggage fees (€15 per additional kg). I recommend carrying a light backpack or a foldable backpack to adjust for any last-minute needs.

Airport to Hotel

Upon arriving at Rome’s FCO airport, I opted for a train to the bus terminal (€15 for a 30-minute ride), followed by a bus ride (20 minutes) that conveniently stopped right outside my hotel. Taxis were available but came with a steep price of €100. It's important to note that there isn’t a flat rate for taxis in Rome. You can buy the train tickets near the train station entrance. Follow the signs to the train station at the airport terminal.

Hotel Stay

I stayed at the Best Western Hotel Piccadilly, a cozy, clean, and basic hotel without extra amenities like a pool or courtyard. However, it had a fridge stocked with water, beer, soda, chips, cookies, a coffee machine, and a locker. Daily room cleaning kept the space tidy, and it was pleasantly quiet. I paid around $600 for 5 nights, plus $26 in city taxes. The hotel offered an excellent continental breakfast at €8, which started at 7 am, perfect for early risers like me. You can also book your hotel via Expedia or WayAway.

Rome Metro System

Rome’s metro system can be overwhelming, but I found the 5-day multi-entry pass (€25) incredibly useful. It worked for both buses and trains, making it my go-to for transportation. But the ticket at any metro station. Despite the extensive metro system, I preferred taking buses, as they were air-conditioned (although not very effective in the summer heat). Keep in mind that Rome's metro trains don’t have AC, and you'll need to do quite a bit of walking between terminals.

Where to Stay in Rome

I recommend staying in the San Giovanni area, which is close to many attractions. Booking your hotel and flights through a travel credit card site is a great way to maximize your points. When choosing a hotel, focus on ratings, proximity to the metro, and amenities like air conditioning. I found that taking the bus right outside my hotel to most attractions was much more convenient than walking several blocks to the metro.

Plan your Activities:

I recommend making plans for each day. I have provided the itinerary I made. You can take this itinerary as a starting point and make yours. Use the following websites to book tours and buy tickets to the museums, monuments, parks, etc.

WeGoTrip (Link)
Tiqets (Link)

Day 1:

Pantheon

After landing around 12:30 pm, I started exploring around 4 pm. I bought a time-stamped online ticket (€17 Viator) for Pantheon at 2 pm. However, I reached there at 4 pm and they still let me in. Online tickets on the official website of most attractions were sold out. It was very crowded. Plan 1-2 hours for this area and bring a good selfie stick, like the Bluehorn with 360° rotation.

Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola

I was passing through this church and just casually walked to and in complete awe to see the mind-blowing interiors of this church. Surprisingly, this church is not very well advertised. Don't miss the breathtaking wall and roof art of this church.

Fontana di Trevi

I had dinner at a restaurant directly opposite the Pantheon. The location couldn’t have been more perfect for dining with such a historic view, though I found the food to be just okay.

After dinner, I headed to the iconic Fontana di Trevi. As stunning as it looks in photos, seeing this masterpiece in person was on a whole different level. The intricate details and grandeur of the fountain come alive in a way that pictures just can't capture. Although it was crowded, standing in front of the fountain and taking in its beauty was an unforgettable experience. Despite the crowd, I decided to sit by the fountain for about an hour, just admiring the architectural details and the sheer beauty of this Roman masterpiece. Later, I returned at night, when the fountain was lit up—and it was absolutely worth it. The glow of the lights and the calmer atmosphere after dark made it a far more peaceful and magical experience.

The area is lively, with numerous souvenir shops and street vendors selling all kinds of trinkets. If you’re in the mood for a bite, there are several restaurants nearby where you can enjoy a meal, followed by a must-have gelato for dessert.

Day 2:

I bought tickets for the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum from Tiqets for €54 (the official price is €25 which was sold out). You have to get the tickets from their office located at the Touristation Office - 16 Piazza d'Aracoeli, 00186, Rome. The time stamped on your ticket is for this office not for the attraction site.

Monument Vittorio Emanuele II

After obtaining my ticket, I walked to this beautiful monument located on Capitoline Hill opposite Piazza Venezia. Monument Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of unified Italy, is one of Rome's most prominent landmarks. Take the grand staircase leading to the monument also offering a breathtaking view of Rome.

Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum

Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum are two of the most iconic historical sites in Rome, steeped in ancient history. Visiting both provides a glimpse into the heart of the Roman Empire, its political life, and its origins. Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and is considered the birthplace of the city. Both sites are must-see destinations for history buffs and anyone interested in ancient civilizations. They offer an immersive experience that brings Rome's rich history to life. Walking through the ruins of Palatine Hill, you can imagine the grandeur of the imperial residences, while the Roman Forum allows you to stand where Julius Caesar once spoke and envision the thriving metropolis that was ancient Rome. Also look for the Arch of Titus which is located at the eastern end of the Roman Forum, close to the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill.

Most companies sell tickets together for the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum, making it easy to explore all three iconic sites in one visit. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain is uneven, and bring water, especially during the summer months, as shade can be limited.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum is a powerful symbol of both the glory and brutality of the Roman Empire. While it stands as an architectural masterpiece, it also reminds us of the violent spectacles that entertained thousands. The lives lost in the arena, whether gladiators, animals, or criminals, cast a shadow over its grand history. Today, the Colosseum is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the seven wonders of the model world. For a complete experience buy the tickets to the arena as well and expect scorching heat and crowd.

Ludus Magnus and Arch of Constantine

The Ludus Magnus, a training school for gladiators, is just a short walk from the Colosseum. It is visible from the street, but much of the site is below street level, and access to the ruins is limited. Arch of Constantine is located between the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

Walking along Via dei Fori Imperiali which ends in Piazza Venezia is a rare opportunity to take in 2,000 years of history within a single mile.

The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano is one of the most significant churches in Rome and holds a unique place in the history of Christianity. Unfortunately, it was closed to the public at the time.

Day 3:

Piazza di Spagna (Spanish steps)

A monumental stairway of 135 steps to the Church of Trinità dei Monti. It was a is a lively place to sit, relax, and enjoy the view. The square is surrounded by high-end boutiques and luxury stores, particularly along Via Condotti, one of Rome’s most fashionable shopping streets. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or a coffee while taking in the view.

Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo is one of Rome's grandest and most historically significant squares surrounded by a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a lively area to explore.

Villa Borghese garden

Close to Piazza del Popolo is Villa Borghese Gardens which offers panoramic views of Rome, including the Vatican and the Roman Forum. It’s a popular spot for leisurely walks and stunning sunset views.

Via del corso (hopping street)

Via del Corso is one of Rome's most famous shopping streets and a vibrant thoroughfare that captures the essence of the city’s lively urban life. Stretching from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venezia, Via del Corso is a central artery that connects several key landmarks and offers a diverse range of experiences.

Day 4:

The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani) are a vast complex of museums and galleries that house an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts amassed by the Roman Catholic Church over centuries. The collection spans from ancient Roman artifacts to Renaissance masterpieces. Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina) is one of the most iconic and revered sites within the Vatican Museums, renowned for its stunning frescoes and its role in papal ceremonies. The ceiling, painted by Michelangelo is one of the most celebrated masterpieces of Renaissance art. It includes famous scenes such as The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment. Photography is not allowed, and visitors are expected to dress modestly. Everyone needs to cover their shoulder and knees, so carry a shawl or long scarf with you. Buy a time-stamped entry ticket for the museum and be there 15 min ahead of time.

Saint Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s square

Saint Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) is one of the most iconic and significant religious structures in the world. Located in Vatican City, it is a centerpiece of Christianity and an architectural marvel. The inside is breathtaking. The dome is one of the largest in the world and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Rome.

Day 5:

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most famous and beautiful squares, renowned for its Baroque architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and stunning fountains. It is surrounded by charming cafes, restaurants, and gelaterias where you can sit and enjoy the lively atmosphere. The square is often filled with street artists, including painters, musicians, and performers, adding to its vibrant and artistic vibe. It is within walking distance from the Pantheon. Go there during the evening for a romantic and lively atmosphere.

Campo dei Fiori

One of the most famous features of Campo de' Fiori is its daily market, which operates every morning except Sundays. You can find everything from colorful fruits and vegetables to homemade pasta, olive oil, and truffle products. It’s also a perfect spot to buy fresh flowers.

Largo di Torre Argentina

Largo di Torre Argentina is a fascinating archaeological site in the heart of Rome where Julius Caesar was assassinated. Located in a bustling square, this site offers a lot of shops and cafes. One of the most charming aspects of Largo di Torre Argentina today is its cat sanctuary, where dozens of stray cats live among the ruins.

Other places to consider:

Jewish quarter, Portico of Octavia, and the archaeological site of the Theatre of Marcellus, Ponte Fabricio, Circus Maximus, Baths of Caracalla, Pyramid of Caiuscus, and Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere.

Additional Tips

eSim: I used Maya Mobile’s (https://maya.net/) 10 GB data plan for Europe. Activate your eSim upon arrival and use WhatsApp or FaceTime on Wi-Fi for international calls. 10 GB was enough for Google Maps and basic browsing for 2 weeks.
Weather: Pack light, breathable clothing. Carry a water bottle and stay hydrated.
Luggage: European flights have a 15 kg baggage limit; weigh your luggage beforehand. Use a luggage scale such as the Etekcity Luggage Scale with a hook. Consider buying a front-facing backup to travel for carrying valuables.
Pickpockets: Unfortunately, Rome is also very famous for pickpocketers. Be cautious in crowded areas. Take minimal cash (not more than €100) and distribute it in different pockets so that if you do get pickpocketed you won’t lose all the money. Carry only one credit card. Secure your money and card in a FlipBelt kind of waist belt. Hold your backpack in front. Secure the backpack with a lock. Keep other valuables (cash, passport, laptop, etc) secure in your locked suitcase and leave them in the hotel room. Secure phone with CACOE Phone Lanyard.
Electronic Accessories:

o MEE audio Connect Air in-Flight Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter Adapter: Use this adaptor in flights to use your own noise-canceling headphones. Just insert it in the jack of the airplane and connect it to your headphones via Bluetooth.

o Noise Cancelling headphones: My favorite is Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds. I can easily connect this to the MEE audio adaptor via Bluetooth during my 10+ hour flight.

o Apple AirTag: I would recommend leaving one air tag in your suitcase, in case, the airline loses your luggage you can track where your suitcase is and leave one air tag in your backpack hidden in some pocket and if possible, in your wallet as well. You can track it via Find My Phone.

o Multiplug adaptor: Remember to carry a Conair Universal Travel Adapter with USB to use a hair dryer, hair straightener, etc. It is also needed to charge your phone, iPad, and headphones.

o Portable Charger: You will need to carry a portable charger such as a T-CORE Power Bank if you are staying outside for longer hours.

Beauty Accessories: Pack a travel-size hair straightening brush such as Drybar The Brush Crush Heated Straightening Brush and heat protection spray such as CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection.
iCloud: Please remember your username/password for your iCloud account in case your iPhone is stolen then you can quickly log in and erase the data. Also, memorize your immediate relative/emergency contact phone number.
Photocopies: Keep photocopies of important documents (driver's license, passport, flight and hotel details, etc) in your suitcase.
Cards: Write down the hotel name and address on a card and give it to the taxi driver. It is very difficult to speak different languages correctly. Google Translator is helpful for navigating language barriers.

P.S. All products featured in this post are items I have personally bought and used, so you can be sure my opinions are based on my own experience. I only recommend products I genuinely find valuable and beneficial.