When I was living in Rome, Italy, I would find myself struggling to find things to do every day that wouldn’t break the bank. I could truly just walk around Rome every single day and get lost in the magic of the city. If you love Rome as much as I do then you will love these 8 budget-friendly suggestions for things to do in Rome!

1. Get lost in Villa Borghese

A beautiful large park located relatively close to all of the main tourist attractions of Rome. Spend the day strolling through the park, have a picnic and drink some Aperol Spritz! Finish off with watching the sunset at Terrazza del Pincio, which overlooks Piazza del Popolo, with beautiful views over Rome. You can even see St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance.

2. Visit Castel Sant‘Angelo for FREE

That’s right! FREE. On the first Sunday of each month, the admission to the Castel Sant’Angelo is free for all visitors. Head to the top terrace for a beautiful view of Rome. The perfect budget-friendly option if you get lucky & happen to be in Rome on a Sunday. Be sure to arrive early because there is often a line up!

3. Explore Trastevere

Easily one of my favourite areas in Rome. Even though it does tend to be popular for tourists as well, it’s still well worth a visit. You will not get bored strolling the streets of Trastevere. You will find the best food (and budget friendly!) in this district – this is my humble opinion anyway. Be sure to try supplí, cacio e pepe and artichokes (Roman and Jewish style) while walking around the dreamy streets.

4. Secret View of the Roman Forum

If you don’t want to pay to go into the Forum then check out this viewpoint from a spectacular birds eye view. Hike up to The Capitol Hill which is accessible from Piazza Venezia, and then head down the ally. You will know that you’re in the right place when you’re met with breathtaking sights.

5. Pizza from Da Michele

Have you heard of the WORLDS best pizza from Naples?🍕 Well… this pizzeria is the same and serves up the same quality delicious pizza as Naples (I’ve had both!) They’re very affordable and MASSIVE, so if you’re looking to save $ then split a pizza with someone! There are 3 locations spread out across Rome.

6. Indulge in Gelato

You’re in Italy… it’s a requirement to eat ALL of the gelato. However, try to avoid the shops close to major tourist attractions. These tend to be overpriced and not as “authentic”. For reference, a good price for gelato is €2-3.

My all-time FAVOURITE gelato shop in Rome, located just down the street from where I used to live in Monti is called Gelateria dell’Angeletto. A piccolo (small) costs only €2.5 and you can choose up to 3 flavours. Typically at many other Gelateria’s you can only choose 2 flavours.

Gelato is one of the many reasons why I love Italy so much!

7. Go to a SS Lazio or Roma Game

If you’re in Rome when there is a football (soccer 😉 ) match, be sure to check one out. There are two football teams in Rome and Romans are divided when it comes to which team they support. They are very hardcore about this as well, families and friendships will be ruined if you don’t support the same team.😂 The atmosphere is crazy, tickets are cheap and so is the beer.

8. Check out Trevi Fountain… at 2am

Trevi Fountain is ALWAYS (pre-covid times anyways) packed with tourists, especially in the height of the summer. To get the beautiful fountain all to yourself, stay up late or get up early and wander over between 2-7am.

The list could truly go on & on. Rome is a city that is budget friendly if you make the effort, especially if you aren’t the type of traveller that likes to do all of the typical touristy things.