Backpacking Rome (The Definite Budget Guide)

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Backpacking through Rome is an adventure filled with ancient ruins, mouthwatering gelato, and new friends waiting to be made. I found that a little planning (and a good sense of humor) goes a long way.

The Eternal City can feel overwhelming with its bustling piazzas and countless must-sees, but it's also one of the most rewarding places to explore solo.

One key lesson I learned: picking the right area to stay in is super important.

Rome’s neighborhoods each have a unique vibe, so choose one that's central and safe. I stayed in Termini. Even though it is not a charming district, I felt secure even at night and I could go out at night cause all the night buses stop there. 

Below, you'll find everything you need to know to navigate Rome on a backpacker’s budget. From daily costs and cheap eats to getting around town and finding free adventures, this guide has you covered. Let's dive in!

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Ostello Bello Roma Colo...9.3

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Budget & Estimated Daily Costs in Rome

Rome isn’t the cheapest city in Europe, but it doesn’t have to drain your wallet either.

As a backpacker, you can expect to spend roughly €50-€70 per day on a lean budget – that covers a hostel bed, basic meals, and local transport with mostly free activities.

 If you’re looking for a bit more comfort (say, a nice meal out or a museum entry each day), budget around €80-€90+ per day.

These estimates include accommodation, food, getting around, and a couple of attractions.

The local currency is the Euro (€). Cash is handy for small purchases like a slice of pizza or a bus ticket, while cards are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Prices in Rome can also swing with the seasons – summer high season means higher hostel rates and more crowds, whereas winter sees lower prices (and chillier weather). Overall, with smart choices and timing, you can enjoy Rome comfortably on a backpacker budget.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Rome

1. Budget Rooms Des Arts - best for Family-Friendly Hostel, Solo Traveller
2. Alessandro Palace & Bar - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
3. Hotel Papa Germano
4. Alessandro Downtown & Bar - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
5. Robin Hood Hostel

Budget Rooms Des Arts

8.9

Near Termini

"…He helped me a lot and told me a lot of information about the city. I would recommend to everybody more

from

$18.78

Alessandro Palace & Bar

8.6

Near Termini

Rooftop terrace, open-air bar, social lounge & weekly events = everything you need for a more

from

$19.18

Hotel Papa Germano

8.8

Near Termini

"…It's a full continental type which means you can get tea, coffee, water, or juice -- that's just more

Alessandro Downtown & Bar

8.4

Near Termini

The daily happy hour & cocktail deals at Alessandro are a perfect way to break the ice and more

Robin Hood Hostel

8.6

Near Termini

"A tiny hostel with only a couple of rooms located about a kilometer from the train station and a more

Typical Daily Expenses in Rome

Accommodation: If you choose shoulder season, hostel dorms cost about €23–€45/night (often with free breakfast). Private budget rooms start around €50+. Staying outside the center can cut costs – just pick a spot near public transit.

Breakfast: Often included at hostels. If not, a simple Italian breakfast of espresso + pastry at a café is ~€4.

Lunch: Pizza al taglio (by the slice) or a sandwich on the go costs €5–€8. A basic sit-down lunch (pasta or pizza - no drinks or choose only tap water) is around €12.

Dinner: Budget trattorias or pizzerias offer filling meals for €12–€20 per person (cheaper if you cook at the hostel or grab takeout pizza).

Local Transportation: A metro or bus ticket is around €1.50 (valid 100 min). A day pass is €7. You might spend €0 on transit some days if you walk between sights (many areas are very walkable).

Attractions: Many famous sights are free to see from the outside. Set aside ~€15 for any paid site or museum you visit (e.g. Colosseum entry or the Vatican Museums).

Entertainment & Extras: Gelato €2–€4, espresso €1–€1.50 at the counter bar, a beer €4–€6 (or ~€2 from a store). Little indulgences like these won’t break the bank – budget a few euros each day for fun treats.

Shoestring vs. Comfortable: A super-frugal traveler can get by on ~€40/day by staying in the cheapest dorms, cooking meals, and sticking to free attractions. A more typical backpacker budget is around €70–€80/day, which allows for a hostel bed, daily gelato, some paid attractions, and the occasional meal out.

Money Saving Tips

Stay Smart: Stay in hostels with free breakfast or kitchens (so you can cook some meals). If you don’t mind being outside the city center, you’ll find cheaper accommodation – just stay near a metro or bus stop.

Eat Like a Local: Skip the restaurants next to major attractions and seek out neighborhood pizzeria or market halls. A €4 slice of pizza al taglio or a €3 supplì (fried rice ball) from a local spot can beat a pricey tourist-trap meal any day.

Aperitivo Hour: Take advantage of Italy’s aperitivo tradition. Buy an early evening drink (around €8–€10) and enjoy the free snacks (or even buffet) that comes with it. In many bars, one aperitivo can fill you up enough to serve as dinner.

Free Water: Don’t waste money on bottled water. Rome has public drinking fountains (nasoni) all over the city. Carry a refillable bottle and refill it for free with cold, clean water – especially handy in summer.

Sightseeing Passes: If you plan to visit multiple paid sites, consider a Roma Pass (about €32 for 48 hours) which includes transport and a couple of free entries. Also note that many museums and ruins are free on the first Sunday of each month – a good opportunity if it fits your schedule.

Stand for Coffee: When you need a caffeine fix, do it the local way – drink your coffee at the bar. Standing at the counter means your espresso might cost €1 instead of €3 at a table, so you save money every time you fuel up.

Getting Around Rome on a Budget

Rome’s public transit system (buses, trams, and the metro) is budget-friendly and easy to use. A single ticket costs €1.50 (good for 100 minutes on any bus or metro), and a 24-hour unlimited pass is €7 (a week pass is €24).

Buy tickets at metro stations, newsstands, or tabacchi shops, and always validate (stamp) your ticket when you start using it to avoid fines.

The metro has three lines (A, B, C) that cover a lot of the city, and buses/trams reach everywhere else (just be patient during rush hour traffic).

The historic center is best explored on foot – and walking is free!

Many major sights are within a 20-minute stroll of each other, and wandering the streets is part of the fun. When your feet get tired or you need to travel a longer distance, hop on public transport.

At night, some bus lines run through the night, but if it’s very late and you’re unsure of the route, it can be worth splitting a taxi with fellow travelers for peace of mind.

From the airports, skip expensive taxis: from Fiumicino (FCO) take the Leonardo Express train (€14) or a shuttle bus (~€6) to Termini Station, and from Ciampino (CIA) take one of the €5 shuttle buses.

With a bit of planning, getting around Rome cheaply is totally doable – and you’ll see more of the city along the way!

Best Free & Budget-Friendly Attractions

Free Things to Do in Rome

• Famous Sights & Churches

You can see a ton without spending anything. Iconic spots like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and the exterior of the Pantheon are completely free.

Many impressive churches are free too – including St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican) and countless others around the city filled with art and history.

• Parks & Panoramas

Rome offers plenty of free green spaces and viewpoints. Relax in Villa Borghese gardens or have a picnic at Circus Maximus.

For great views, head to the Orange Garden on Aventine Hill or up Janiculum Hill (gorgeous at sunset) – none of these will cost you a cent.

Low-Cost Attractions in Rome

• Worth the Entry Fee

Some sights are worth budgeting for. The Colosseum (with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill) costs around €18 for a combo ticket, and the Vatican Museums (which includes the Sistine Chapel) about €17 – both are must-do experiences for most travelers.

Book online in advance to secure your spot and skip the ticket lines.

• Other Budget Highlights

 Explore the Catacombs on the Appian Way (~€8) for a unique underground adventure, or climb the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica (€8 on foot) for an unforgettable city view.

Art lovers shouldn’t miss Galleria Borghese (~€15, reservation required) to see masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio – a relatively affordable dose of culture.

Food and Drinks on a Budget

• Cheap Eats to Try

Some of Rome’s tastiest bites are also the cheapest. Snack on supplì (fried rice balls with cheese) for €1–€2 each, or grab pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) for €3–€5 from a local bakery.

For a sit-down meal, look for a trattoria’s lunch special (around €12 for two courses), or stick to classic pastas like cacio e pepe that are filling and affordable.

• Where the Locals Go

To eat well on the cheap, follow the Romans. Neighborhoods like Testaccio (with its famous market and traditional trattorias) or San Lorenzo (a student district) are known for delicious, budget-friendly food.

Generally, if a place is packed with locals and the menu is only in Italian, you’re likely in for a great meal at a fair price.

• Budget Nightlife & Drinks

Enjoying Rome’s nightlife doesn’t have to be expensive. Start with an aperitivo – buy a drink for €8–€10 and enjoy the free buffet of appetizers that comes with it (often enough for a light dinner).

Later, do as many young locals do: pick up a cheap beer or bottle of wine from a shop and enjoy it in a lively piazza.

If you prefer bars or clubs, head to areas like Trastevere or Testaccio where prices are a bit lower and the vibe is laid-back. (Always keep an eye on your belongings, just as you would anywhere.)

Still not sure? Pick my Favorite Hostel in Rome

#1 Top Hostel in Rome: La Controra Hostel

This is the overall best rated hostel in La Controra Hostel. The overall rating is 9.8. You cannot go wrong here.

It is your safest bet in case you are not sure which hostel to pick.

The price for a dorm at La Controra Hostel starts from $73.48.

Check out La Controra Hostel here

Experiences for Backpackers

Bike Adventures: Rent a bike (~€10/day) or join a bike tour to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. Biking the ancient Appian Way is a popular choice – you’ll pedal past ruins and enjoy a break from the city chaos.

Cooking Classes: Learn to cook Italian favorites by joining a backpacker-friendly cooking class (from ~€30). You’ll make pasta or pizza, then feast on your creation. Ask your hostel for class recommendations that won’t break the budget.

City Walks & Picnics: Many hostels offer free walking tours, which is a great way to sightsee and meet others. Or pick up some picnic supplies (fresh bread, cheese, wine) and watch the sunset with new friends at a spot like Circus Maximus or along the Tiber. The simplest nights often become the best memories.

Seasonal Events: Ask locals or hostel staff about any festivals or events happening during your visit – Rome often has free concerts, outdoor movie nights, or street fairs that can add some extra fun to your trip.

Hostel Social Life: Rome’s hostels often double as social hubs. They host events like pub crawls and karaoke that make it easy to meet people. Even if you’re not staying there, you can visit hostel bars. It’s a perfect place to swap stories and make new friends.

Additional Tips & Final Thoughts

Best Time to Visit: Aim for spring (April–May) or fall (September–October) when the weather is mild and crowds are thinner. Summer is peak tourist season (very hot and busy), while winter is off-season (colder with some rain, but cheaper and much quieter).

Booking in Advance: Reserve tickets online for major attractions (like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, or Borghese Gallery) to skip the long lines. Similarly, book your accommodation early in peak season to make sure you get a bed at your first-choice hostel.

Hidden Gemz for Rome (by Hostelgeeks)

How it works

Avoid Tourist Traps: Steer clear of restaurants right next to big landmarks – they often have inflated prices and bland food. Walk a few blocks away for better, cheaper options. And be wary of “free” roses or bracelets handed to you in tourist areas (they’re not really free). Keep your bag secure in crowded places to avoid pickpockets.

Safety First: Rome is generally safe, but stay aware. Stick to well-lit, busy areas at night (especially when alone). If you’re out late, consider taking a taxi instead of walking back by yourself. Use hostel lockers for your passport and valuables, and watch your phone and wallet on public transport. For female travelers, unwanted attention is uncommon; you might get an odd catcall – just ignore it and continue on confidently.

Cultural Respect: Learn a couple of Italian basics like “buongiorno” (hello) and “grazie” (thanks) – locals will appreciate it. Dress modestly when entering churches (cover your knees and shoulders) so you don’t get turned away. And remember, tipping isn’t a big thing here – leaving a euro or two for good service is plenty.

Take it slow, enjoy the journey, and savor every moment.

Buon viaggio!

Backpacking Rome? Here’s What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

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About the author: Anna Kiefer

My travels have taken me from the vibrant streets of Vietnam to the tranquil beauty of Spain, each destination adding a new chapter to my journey. For me, travel isn’t about counting countries or ticking off lists; it’s about the freedom it brings and the stories that unfold with each new adventure. At Hostelgeeks, my goal is to infuse our brand with this sense of freedom and discovery.

Whether it’s finding the perfect 5 Star Hostel or sharing a hidden gem in a bustling city, I’m here to ensure that our travelers get more than just a journey – they get an experience that resonates with the joy of exploration and the freedom of the open road.