A day in Rome – with lodging a few blocks from the Vatican City

All prices are based upon October mid-season, not the winter low season and not the high season of summer!

• 2 beds in a 6 person dorm at The Colors Hotel & Hostel – 54 euro = $74.52
• gorgonzola cheese, 2 types of bread, artichoke hearts and a bunch of bananas – 7.50 euro = $10.35
• Metro – from Termini to the Vatican City Area – 2 euro = $2.76
• 2 Americanos @ Piquadroemme wine bar (includes tip) - 1.40 euro = $1.93
• entrance to Sistene Chapel (both at student rate) – 16 euro = $22.08
• Medium gelato near Trevi Fountain – 2.50 euro = $3.45

(two adults) Total – 83.40 euro = $115.09

The total is for Justin and I, two grown adults.  If you are traveling alone you can cut the cost in half.

Solo Total – 41.70 euros = $57.55

Save more money on lodging in a larger dorm.  We stayed in a 6 person dorm, but it is easy to find 8-12 person dorm rooms for even cheaper nightly rates.  We chose to see the Sistene Chapel and presented student cards to save money.  In some European countries if you are less than 30 years old you may be approved for a Student ID card.  However, even if you don’t wish to pay for museums, Rome has hundreds of FREE things to see and do, including the Vatican.  Which means experiencing Rome for $50 a day is easy to do.

How to travel Rome for $25 a day?

1. Self catering – nothing beats the communal meal, prepared in hostel kitchens with other travelers you meet – split the cost of the meal.  Rome is full of delicious red wine too!  Split a few bottles with some of your new friends, and sample a variety of reds.
2. Sleeping in a multi person bunk room.  The more people in your room, the cheaper your bed will cost.  Remember, you didn’t travel to Rome to stay inside, you want to explore and see it all!  The bed is just the place to rest in between your adventure.  We even wrote an article on selecting the best hostel for you in Rome.
3. The coffee is amazing.  Look for the small independently operated cafes that are actually wine bars.  They will have the best atmosphere but watch out for the prices.
4. Don’t spend money in the expensive zones – I really wanted to eat gelato while looking at the Trevi fountain lit up at night.  But I could have found less expensive gelato in Rome.
5. Use the Metro to your advantage.  A single ride is one euro, or purchase a one day pass for 4 euros.  They are valid for a full 24 hour period.  Plan where you want to go in Rome carefully, you can enjoy the Trevi fountain in the evening, and wake up the next day and still have 16 hours remaining on your pass to get you to the Colosseum and back.  At the same time, walking can be amazing depending on the weather.
6. Depending on the season, it can be hard to find a cheap place to sleep in the heart of the city.  Don’t end up having to sleep on the outskirts of Rome.  Pay for your bed in the morning, not only do you guarantee that you will have a place to sleep, but you also have a place to leave your backpack while you explore the city.

It’s amazing to know that Rome can be experienced with very little money.  Super cheap if you dare!

Tags | budget travel, Italy, money