A trip to Rome doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor; with a bit of planning, you can effectively manage your expenses and relish the beauty of the city.
I spent four incredible days in Rome at the beginning of May. As this was my first visit to Italy, I was eager to indulge in as much pasta, wine, and gelato as possible, alongside some cultural experiences. My pre-trip aspirations were mainly centered around dining experiences rather than extensive sightseeing, and by managing my flight and accommodation costs in advance, I was able to allocate a comfortable budget for all the delightful aspects of my trip.
Pre-trip Spending
Total: €211
Flights: €78 return from Dublin to Rome Ciampino with Ryanair.
Accommodation: €266.49 via Airbnb, split between my boyfriend and me at €133 each. We conveniently chose to stay in Pigneto, which is slightly away from the city center (20 minutes by train). Here, accommodation costs are more affordable, and the area boasts charming bars for a local-style aperitivo.
On the Ground
Friday
Total: €75
10pm: Upon our arrival in Rome at 9:30pm, our Airbnb host kindly arranged an Uber to collect us from the airport for a flat rate of €45. While it could have been more economical to take the bus that night, I preferred the convenience of the Uber.
Midnight: After checking in and settling our city tourist tax of €16 for our four-night stay, we ventured out for dinner. Although it was late, Pigneto surprised us with an astonishing variety of late-night dining options. We ultimately decided on Necci dal 1941, a well-loved neighborhood spot, where we enjoyed a fried artichoke starter (€9) alongside a bottle of pinot nero (€28). I opted for gnocchi as my main dish (€12) and concluded with a cheesecake (€8) and negroni (€6) for dessert.
Saturday
Total: €54.70
9am: Breakfast at home was complimentary, courtesy of our host, who stocked the fridge with bread and eggs before our arrival. Also provided was a moka pot and a great selection of coffee, making our first meal of the day completely free!
10am: Post-breakfast, we strolled to Mercato Testaccio for a snack. The 45-minute walk allowed us to soak in the city ambiance. At the market, we shared supplì (stuffed rice croquettes) from a stand named Food Box and another fried artichoke flower, collectively costing around €6.
Midday: Next, we enjoyed a caffè (espresso) at Pasticceria Linari. Many Italian cafes, known locally as bars, offer high-quality beverages without unnecessary frills. We ordered our coffees (€1.20) while standing at the bar, which is the cheaper option compared to outdoor seating.
Sunday
Total: €83.50 + tour (€57) = €140.50
10am: After another free breakfast, we met friends to explore the bustling Spanish Steps and the breathtaking Trevi Fountain. To satisfy my caffeine cravings, we visited Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè, reputed for serving the city’s finest coffee. My espresso was divine (€1), but I’d argue that you can hardly find bad coffee in Rome.
Midday: Unfortunately, I forgot to pack comfortable shoes, leading to painful blisters after walking on cobbled streets in boots. Thus, I had to purchase blister plasters at a pharmacy for €8. If there’s one lesson from this diary, it’s to ensure you’re wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Monday
Total: €48.95 + tour (€56.70) = €105.65
8am: I awoke craving a cornetto (Italian pastry filled with cream or chocolate), which I grabbed at a cafe in Circo Massimo train station. This flaky delight and a coffee cost €3.20.
11am: We participated in a guided tour of the Vatican Museums. Although the flow felt rushed, the volume of visitors makes lingering nearly impossible. The three-hour tour cost us €56.70, covering the museums, St Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Square.
Final Thoughts
Overall spend: €383.55 + flights (€78) + accommodation (€133) = €594.55
In summary, you can certainly undertake a trip more economically by opting for self-guided tours. Rome also serves as a fantastic walking city if you bring the right footwear, allowing you to minimize transport costs while exploring a host of attractions.
