How to save money in Rome
Besides booking the flight and the hotel a sufficient time in advance, there are many other details that will help you to save money in Rome. The main way to save money is to try to reduce the cost of the entrance tickets.
Free entrance
The following people can have free entrance to the main museums and public monuments:
- Children under 18 and seniors over 65 years old
- People with disabilities and a helper if necessary
- Journalists
- Groups of students that have booked in advance
- Tourist guides and interpreters
- Professors and students of Architecture, Archaeology, Art History and Fine Arts
Throughout the year there are certain days in which the entrance is free for all the public, such as Christmas Day. Don't forget that on the last Sunday of each month entrance to the Vatican Museums and to the Sistine Chapel is free.
Reduced price tickets
Young people between 18 and 25 years of age and those with International Student Cards can get good discounts when buying tickets.
If you do not fall in any of the previous groups, by buying a Roma Pass you will also be able to get a discount when visiting.
Tourist cards
The Rome Pass is a tourist card that offers discounts in the main city highlights and unlimited public transportation for three days.
The Archaeology Card gives you free admission to certain attractions from Ancient Rome and to the four museums of the National Museum of Rome.
Week of Culture
During the Week of Culture in Rome (Settimana della Culture) the majority of the museums and monuments offer free entrance. The ones that are not included offer large discounts.
The Week of Culture lasts for 9 days and usually takes place between March and April. Given that it commonly coincides with Holy Week in Spain, many people end up taking advantage of this initiative.
Saving on food
Although this is not too complicated a point, it is worth remembering that food is one of the main expenses in any trip. If there is good weather, you can buy pizza by weight or order a pizza to go. The paninis are also excellent and very cheap.
Saving on transportation
Rome is a city that you can easily tour by foot and, unless you are far from the centre, we believe that is not necessary to resort to public transportation.
If you need to use public transportation, have a look at the travel cards, as buying one for several days can be very economical. Keep in mind that a three day travel card is included with the Rome Pass.
