Rome on a Budget: The Ultimate 5-Day Adventure

Live the dolce vita on a dime in Rome.

21 June 2023

A trip to Rome, Italy on a limited budget can still be a wonderful experience. There are many low-cost hotels and hostels to choose from, as well as several affordable dining options. Visitors can still see iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and Vatican City by taking advantage of free or discounted admission days.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Rome in a Day

  • Start at the Colosseum, marvel at ancient history
  • Visit the Roman Forum, see where Julius Caesar was assassinated
  • See the Piazza Venezia, where Mussolini once delivered speeches
  • Visit the Pantheon, a beautiful temple with an impressive dome
  • Get lost in the cobblestone streets of Trastevere, enjoy authentic Italian cuisine
  • Hotel recommendation: Hotel Acropoli. Clean, comfortable and affordable, with a great location near the Colosseum.
Day 2

Art and Architecture

  • Visit the Vatican Museums for a glimpse at amazing artwork
  • Stand in awe at the Sistine Chapel, jaw-dropping painted ceiling
  • See the St. Peter's Basilica, a masterpiece of architecture
  • Explore the Castel Sant'Angelo, a fortress with stunning views of Rome
  • Eat at Pizzeria La Montecarlo, great pizza and service
Day 3

Rome's Historic Squares

  • Visit the Piazza del Popolo, where public executions used to take place
  • See the Piazza Navona, a stunning square with a beautiful fountain
  • Gaze at the Trevi Fountain, toss a coin and make a wish
  • Eat at Hostaria Romana, great wine and pasta
  • Wandering around the Campo de' Fiori Market, purchase local goods
Day 4

Roads Less Traveled

  • Visit the Baths of Caracalla, an ancient bathing fixture
  • See the Basilica di San Clemente, a church with underground tunnels
  • Explore the Villa Doria Pamphili, a quiet and picturesque park
  • Eat at Marmi, great pizza, cute atmosphere
  • Walk through the Porta Portese Market, vintage treasures
Day 5

Rome at Night

  • Witness the Piazza del Popolo lit up, enjoy the nightclubs
  • See the Colosseum at night, eerie and fascinating
  • Visit the Trevi Fountain, stunning illuminated at night
  • Eat at Osteria dei Pontefici, delicious food, outdoor seating
  • Have gelato at Giolitti, world-famous gelateria
  • Overall, Rome is a city rich in history, religion, culture and food. Make sure to take the time to enjoy the city, eat great food, and take a lot of pictures!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Rome by plane is to fly into Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO), which is the main airport in Rome. Many major airlines such as Alitalia, Delta, and United offer direct flights to FCO from various cities around the world.

Car

Driving to Rome is possible, but it can be quite challenging as the traffic in the city can be hectic. If you do plan to drive, the Rome-Fiumicino Motorway offers a direct route from the airport to the city center.

Train

Traveling to Rome by train is an excellent option, with Roma Termini being the central railway station. You can take a high-speed train such as the Eurostar from cities like Milan or Naples.

Boat

Though Rome is not directly accessible by boat, you can take a cruise to the nearby port of Civitavecchia, which is around an hour's drive from Rome. From there, you can take a train or a bus to the city center.

Bus

Taking a bus is a cheaper alternative to travel to Rome. You can take a coach service such as FlixBus from various cities throughout Europe, with the bus stop located at Tiburtina Station in Rome.

Destination

Rome

Ah, Rome. The land of pizza, pasta, and gladiators (well, not anymore). Get ready for some history, culture, and oh-so-delicious food.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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