Money-Saving Tips
Rome offers an astonishing amount for little money — if you know where to look:
- Domenica al Museo: On the first Sunday of the month, state museums are free: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Galleria Borghese, Baths of Caracalla, and more. Be there early!
- Churches instead of museums: Rome's 900+ churches are almost all free. Caravaggio in San Luigi dei Francesi, Michelangelo's Moses in San Pietro in Vincoli, Bernini's sculptures in Santa Maria della Vittoria — all for free.
- Nasoni: Rome's 2,500+ drinking fountains (nasoni — big noses) provide fresh spring water from ancient aqueducts. Bring a bottle and refill. Free and better than bottled water.
- Drink al banco: Espresso at the counter costs 1.00–1.50€. At a table (al tavolo) in a tourist café, the same espresso can cost 5€. Romans stand at the counter — do the same.
- Roma Pass: 48h (32€) or 72h (52€): Free entry to 1–2 museums, discounted entries thereafter, free use of public transport. Worth it for intensive sightseeing.
- Pizza al taglio: Roman slice pizza, paid by weight, is the best street food in the city. Queue at Bonci (Prati) or Roscioli (Centro) for 3–5€ per slice — better than many restaurants.
- Aperitivo: Many bars offer a buffet with the drink (7–12€) during aperitivo (from 6 pm). In Monti, San Lorenzo, and Trastevere, you get half a dinner for the price of a drink.
- Free viewpoints: Pincio Terrace, Gianicolo Hill, Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci), Capitoline Hill — the best panoramas of Rome cost nothing.
