Roaming in Rome – a dream every person possesses. From art museums to archaeological sites, delightful desserts to cheesy portions of pasta, Rome is the ultimate dream destination of many people. Rome is viewed as one of the most beautiful places in the world. From historical buildings to the rich history of the place, Italy’s capital is as dreamy as it can get but there’s one problem – budget! For someone who doesn’t live close to Italy, a trip to Rome can get quite pricey.
Rome has too many exquisite experiences to offer and once you reach the place, you won’t want to miss out on many of the wonders. You may manage your time somehow but what about the money? If you don’t have the penny, you won’t be able to enjoy the city to its fullest. But wait! Don’t give up your hopes of visiting the city just yet.
Explore Rome On A Budget
Here are some helpful tips that will help you explore and enjoy Rome within your budget.
Pick The Right Season
No matter which place you visit, you may have noticed that prices accelerate when you are planning to visit it during peak season. Hence, even though you may have to make a little compromise, visiting Rome during the off-peak seasons will save you a great deal. The summer months can get pretty crowded in Rome so visiting the city from November to early March is recommended. However, even during these months, steer away from the Christmas season and any other Italian festival.
Stay In Hostels
Staying in hostels is a great way to save when you are traveling to any international country. They might not be the most luxurious of places and you will have to manage breakfast and dinner yourself but other than that, you will get the worth you have paid for and still be able to get a restful sleep. Moreover, when you’re in Rome, away from your home, you won’t be staying inside for a long time. You will mostly be roaming outside and hence, there is no point in spending a hefty amount by staying in luxurious hotels and resorts.
Switch To Street Food
You may indulge in delicious foods in restaurants because you’re finally in Italy and there’s no way you should miss out on authentic Italian cuisine. Visiting restaurants once in a while is okay but for other days, don’t miss out on the street food. You will be surprised and impressed by the variety of local cuisine you will get to explore when you’re out on a street food hunt. You will get to satisfy your hunger and your heart without spending many Euros when you don’t limit yourself to restaurants and expand your choices to street food.
Look For Free Attractions
The good thing about Rome is that almost every view and every building you come across feels vintage and beautiful. Don’t rush in to buy tickets and visit the places on your bucket list just yet. You might have researched well about the places you should visit but until you get recommendations from the locals, don’t finalize your list. Locals know best about their city and when you communicate with them, you will get to explore Rome even more and most of the places don’t even require tickets. They’re free. Chat up with some locals and learn more about the free attractions you can explore in Rome.
Stick To Purchasing Necessary Items
When you’re in a new city, you may want to buy things that will remind you of the city when you get back home. However, you’re in Rome to roam. You can shop for items in any other place too. If you decide to buy clothes, stick to one or two purchases. Investing in souvenirs is a good idea because they’re cheap and they also make good gifts for your close ones. However, abstain from buying items that you can easily find in your hometown too. Buy items like local snacks, books, art pieces, and the like but any unnecessary purchase should always be avoided. The most important tip is to stay away from airport stores because you will have to pay triple the price for an item that you can otherwise avail at a low price outside.
Sitting In Cafes Aren’t Free
You will be surprised to learn that your idea of sitting and chilling in a cafe while sipping the warm coffee and taking in the serene view outside won’t work in Italy because such a moment will cost you. In simple terms, when you’re in Rome, visiting a cafe or a bar implies that you will have to pay for the amount of time you spend there. You will have to pay for the service and you will have to pay for your seat. You won’t have to pay the tip but after you pay for all of these things, you might believe that paying some extra tip is better. Hence, if you plan to visit a cafe or a bar in Rome, value your time because this is when time gets more precious than ever. If you lose your time here, be ready to lose the Euros in your possession too.
Book The First Sundays Of The Month
Here’s some good news – whether you are a local or a tourist, anyone can visit archaeological sites and museums for free on the first Sunday of the month. Take advantage of this opportunity and if there are any sites on your list that are highly expensive, schedule it for these free Sundays and enjoy the sites free of cost. Now that’s a pro tip right there!
Final Thoughts
Rome is beautiful but it is also expensive. Don’t let your budget limit you from exploring the best parts of the city and getting the most out of your trip to Rome. When in Rome, roam like the Romans using the tips mentioned above and don’t just save your money, save your trip too to your diary of best memories.
