3-Day Rome Itinerary On A Budget: See More And Spend Less

Experience Rome’s beauty and history without overspending. This 3-Day Rome Itinerary on a budget covers top attractions, free museums, and wallet-friendly food stops.

Rome 3 Day Itinerary On A Budget - Villa Borghese Gardens

Who Needs A Budget Rome Itinerary?

Everyone travels with a different budget and if the choice is between budget travel and staying home, then there really is no choice. Rome can be a very expensive city, but with a few simple choices it can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.

The Focus Of This Budget Rome Itinerary

The focus of this itinerary is being the most cost effective with the limited financial resources available. Seeing the most important sites and getting an opportunity to enjoy delicious food in Rome is the goal.

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In a couple of situations, we chose not to pay for an entrance because leveraging a free tour, like from YouTube or Rick Steves, can give you a very good understanding of what you are seeing without waiting in line and paying for a tour guide. That said, if it is important to you and the budget allows, planning a tour with GetYourGuide.com would be a good place to start.

When To Travel And Where To Stay

My favorite time to travel to Rome is later January through the end of March. The crowds are minimal and you can find deals on flights and hotels. If you are limited to traveling during other times of the year, you will need to search a little harder, but there are deals to be found.

Rome 3 Day Itinerary On A Budget - Bocca della Verità

The least expensive places to stay in Rome are outside the city center, a.k.a. Centro Storico. The trade-off is that you will spend more time in cabs and on the subway, but there are definite savings available. If you are a little more adventurous, staying near Termini station is an option for low cost hotels and hostels. I wouldn’t recommend that area if you have children or if you plan to return to your hotel late in the evenings.

How Many Days In Rome Is Enough?

You can certainly get a good feeling for the city in as little as three days. This will bring you to all the major sites, see some amazing architecture and enjoy some of the best food that Rome has to offer, but on a budget.

Rome 3 Day Itinerary On A Budget - Vespa

Rome Budget Travel Planning Prior To Day-1

There will be some work you will need to do prior to arriving in Rome. Certainly all your air travel and lodging plans need to be completed, but also the reservations and tickets for meals and sites should be handled before you arrive. You might also consider downloading some apps, like: MooneyGo, ATAC, TrenItalia and even Rick Steves Audio Europe.

Here are some reservations you’ll want to make:

Buy ROMA Pass and plan to take public transportation
- Subway, trams and buses
- Review: “Getting Around Rome: Your Complete Transportation Guide”.
Make Day-1 reservations at Trattoria Pizzeria da Simonetta for lunch and your choice of restaurants listed below for dinner.
Make Day-2 reservations at Rossopomodoro for lunch and Roscioli for dinner.
Make Day-3 reservations for dinner at one of the three options listed below.

Rome 3 Day Itinerary On A Budget - Colosseum At Night

Budget Rome Itinerary Day-1

BREAKFAST: Espresso and pastry at a local coffee bar.
Walk around the outside of the Colosseum and continue to Aventine Hill
- Digest the space that is Circus Maximus
- If in season, walk up to the Rome Rose Garden
- Continue up the hill to the Orange Garden and to the Keyhole
LUNCH: Roman Pasta
- Walk downhill to the San Giovanni area for lunch and stop in Trattoria Pizzeria da Simonetta for a real Roman lunch.
Head to Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano and enjoy the Pope’s church when he is out of Vatican City.
Walk along via Merulana to Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore and see the final resting place of the late Pope Francis.
DINNER: Walk down Via Cavour and stop in whichever restaurant fits your price range.
- Options include:
Stroll on down to Piazza Venezia and then on to Piazza del Popolo.
Stop in the Santa Maria del Popolo church and see some Caravaggio paintings.
Stop by the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain because they are the most beautiful in the evening.

Rome 3 Day Itinerary On A Budget - Santa Maria Maggiore

Budget Rome Itinerary Day-2

BREAKFAST: Espresso and pastry at a local coffee bar.
Stop into the reasonably priced Pantheon (€5) for some great Italian history.
If you need some energy, coffee at nearby Tazza D’Oro is a must!
Around the corner is the Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva with some amazing sculptures you shouldn’t miss.
LUNCH: Neapolitan pizza for lunch at Rossopomodoro is delicious.
Nearby Largo di Torre Argentina can be enjoyed from the street level, which is amazing.
Head toward Piazza Navona and enjoy the three amazing statues in the piazza. For added points, find the Talking Statue that is nearby.
DINNER: Head towards Roscioli for dinner and top off the night with gelato at Fatamorgana.
Walk past Piazza Venezia and along via dei Fori Imperiali enjoying the Colosseum and Roman Forum at night.

Rome 3 Day Itinerary On A Budget - Piazza Navona

Budget Rome Itinerary Day-3

BREAKFAST: Espresso and pastry at a local coffee bar.
Get in line early at St. Peter’s Basilica and learn the history with a free audio guide you can download. Rick Steves guide is great!
Stroll along via della Conciliazione and head towards Castel Sant’Angelo. Enjoy the outside of the castle and the bridge Ponte Sant’Angelo with the Bernini statues.
LUNCH: Stop by a store for some bread, cheese, meats and water (or wine) and head to Villa Borghese Garden for a picnic and a stroll.
The park is huge and worth a few hours of walking around and taking in the tranquility.
Stroll down Via di Ripetta and check out the Tiber river and the area around the Mausoleum of Emperor Augustus.
For some more amazing artwork, there is a well-known Caravaggio triptych in the church of San Luigi dei Francesi you need to see,
DINNER: Choose another Roman pasta for dinner on nearby via del Governo Vecchio.
- Options Include:
- For Dessert: Two Sizes
Head back to your hotel with a casual stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, depending on where you are staying.

Now that you are stuffed, grab a cab and head back to the airport (or hotel) depending on your schedule. Take the time to prepare for your return trip and think about when you want to return to Rome for a more comprehensive visit. There is so much more to see, but for a limited budget you have seen a lot!