Rome didn’t become the “Eternal City” by accident—it layers 2,700+ years of history into a living, breathing metropolis. From the Colosseum and Roman Forum to Bernini’s fountains and Caravaggio’s canvases, every stroll feels like a time warp. Yet Rome is also joyfully modern: espresso sipped standing at the bar, pizza al taglio on a curb, and impromptu piazza concerts.

Fun fact: those little cast-iron drinking fountains you’ll see everywhere are called “nasoni.” They pour safe, cold water 24/7, which is a huge money-saver in summer. Another: most Romans drink cappuccino only in the morning—order one after lunch if you like, but you’ll stand out (which can be part of the fun!).

Practical notes: Dress codes apply at many churches (cover shoulders and knees), pickpockets love crowded sites, and many restaurants add a modest coperto (bread/cover) instead of tipping. Public transport is straightforward, and walking is often fastest. This itinerary is tuned to a low budget—with great food, plenty of free sights, and a few targeted skip-the-line splurges where they really count.

Rome

Rome’s neighborhoods are a patchwork of vibes. The Monti district feels bohemian with vintage boutiques; Trastevere is lively by night with trattorie and cobbled lanes; Testaccio is a locals’ hub for markets and honest Roman cooking. Prati, near the Vatican, is elegant and good for value lunches and gelato.

Top sights for first-timers include the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and St. Peter’s Basilica. For something unique, bike the ancient Appian Way, gaze through the Aventine Keyhole, and chase street art around Ostiense.

Where to stay on a budget: look near Termini (fast transport), Monti (walkable to the Forum), or Trastevere (nightlife and dining). Book early—Rome’s city tax is paid on-site and varies by star category.

Stay (budget to splurge)

• Budget favorite: The Beehive — Friendly guesthouse near Termini with a communal kitchen and wallet-friendly rooms.
• Great value in Trastevere: Hotel Santa Maria — Cozy, tree-shaded courtyard and easy access to trattorie.
• Forum-adjacent: Kolbe Hotel Rome — Peaceful gardens steps from ancient ruins.
• Classic midrange: Hotel Mascagni — Solid location for metro access and museums.
• Iconic splurge: Hotel de Russie — A refined city oasis near Piazza del Popolo.

Shop around: Search Rome hotels on Hotels.com or compare apartments on VRBO.

Getting to Rome

• Flying within or to/from Europe: compare fares and routes on Omio (Flights). If you’re coming from outside Europe, also check Kiwi.com and Trip.com (Flights).
• Trains (Italy/Europe): Rome Termini and Tiburtina stations connect across Italy; browse schedules and deals on Omio (Trains) or Trip.com (Trains).
• Airport transfers: From FCO, the Leonardo Express to Termini is ~32 minutes; regional trains run to Trastevere/Tiburtina; shuttle buses to Termini are cheaper; official taxis have a fixed city-center fare.

Day 1: Arrival, Centro Storico Stroll, and First Bites

Afternoon: Arrive and settle in. Stretch your legs along Piazza Navona’s Baroque fountains, then wander to the Pantheon (step inside if timing allows; there’s a small entry fee during opening hours). Toss a coin at the Trevi Fountain and admire the late-day glow.

Evening: Budget dinner in Trastevere. Try Trapizzino for pocket-friendly stuffed pizza triangles (classic chicken cacciatora or eggplant parmigiana), or grab pizza al taglio at Alice Pizza. Sweet finish at Gelateria del Teatro—seasonal fruit flavors shine.

Drinks: Keep it low-cost: a glass of house wine (vino della casa) at a neighborhood enoteca, or a €1–2 espresso at the bar at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè.

Day 2: Ancient Rome—Colosseum, Forum, and Monti

Morning: Fuel up with maritozzi (cream-filled brioche) at Pasticceria Regoli near Termini—cheap, classic, beloved. Then join a guided deep-dive of the amphitheater and the heart of imperial Rome:

Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Guided Tour
Walk the arena of gladiators and trace the city’s rise among temples and palaces with a historian guide—skip hassles and learn the stories behind the stones.

Afternoon: Explore Monti’s lanes. Budget lunch ideas: Pasta Chef Monti (fast, fresh cacio e pepe under €10) or La Prezzemolina for excellent pizza al taglio. Pop into vintage shops and small ateliers.

Evening: Aperitivo at Ai Tre Scalini (order house vino and a shared salumi plate). Dinner on the cheap at Pizzeria alle Carrette (thin Roman-style pies) or grab suppli and fried goodies at Supplizio’s Monti offshoot if open—perfect with a street stroll to the Forums lit at night.

Day 3: The Vatican—Art, Faith, and Prati Eats

Morning: Start with a cappuccino at Sciascia Caffè 1919 in Prati, then take a skip-the-line tour to maximize your time and context:

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
See the cartographic galleries, Raphael Rooms, and Michelangelo’s ceiling, then continue into St. Peter’s—history, theology, and masterworks in one sweep.

Afternoon: Climb St. Peter’s dome for views, then wander Borgo and Prati. Budget lunch: Pizzarium Bonci near Cipro (creative toppings by weight), or Old Bridge Gelateria for a big, inexpensive cone. Window-shop along Via Cola di Rienzo.

Evening: Cross the river to Trastevere. Go ultra-local at Pizzeria Ai Marmi (no-frills, fast turnover, great prices) or Zi Umberto for Roman classics like amatriciana and saltimbocca without sticker shock. End with a riverside passeggiata.

Day 4: Hidden Rome—Appian Way, Catacombs, Ostiense Street Art

Morning: Espresso and a flaky cornetto at Bar San Calisto (cash-friendly), then head to the Appian Way (via bus 118 or bike rental near the park entrance). Walk or cycle past tombs and aqueducts; visit the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or San Callisto for early Christian history.

Afternoon: Ride to Testaccio Market for a low-cost feast: Barbara’s trapizzini, Mordi e Vai’s famous scottona panino, or fresh pasta stalls. Continue to Ostiense for bold murals under rail bridges and along Via del Porto Fluviale; pause at Pasticceria Andreotti (since 1931) for a budget pastry and caffè.

Evening: Pizza at Da Remo in Testaccio (thin, blistered crust; arrive early or expect a queue). If you’d like a quiet sunset, detour to the Aventine’s Orange Garden and peek the famous Keyhole at Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta—one of Rome’s coolest free “unique activities.”

Day 5: Art & Greenery—Borghese Gallery, Villa Borghese, Spanish Steps

Morning: Quick breakfast at Forno Campo de’ Fiori (pizza bianca with mortadella is a local favorite). Then head to a timed-entry visit—small, curated, and packed with masterpieces:

Exclusive Borghese Gallery Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne alone justifies the ticket; the guided format adds stories you’d miss on your own.

Afternoon: Picnic in Villa Borghese (supermarket olives, bread, fruit—cheap and lovely), then stroll to the Pincio Terrace for views over Piazza del Popolo. Walk the “Tridente” to the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, ducking into free churches to spot Caravaggios.

Evening: Budget dinner around Campo de’ Fiori: Roscioli Forno for pizza rossa and supplì, or a plate of carbonara at a modest trattoria on a side street. Craft beer lovers: Open Baladin pours Italian microbrews without breaking the bank; otherwise, a simple quarter-liter of house wine is a savvy move.

Day 6: Jewish Ghetto, Tiber Island, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Bite into a slice of ricotta-and-sour-cherry crostata at Pasticceria Boccione (no-frills and fabulous). See the Portico d’Ottavia and the Synagogue exterior, then cross to Tiber Island and up to Largo di Torre Argentina (newly better-viewed ruins and resident cats).

Afternoon: Last tastes: grab heartwarming supplì at I Supplì or a final trapizzino to-go. Head to your hotel to collect luggage and take the train/bus/taxi to the airport. If you want an easy final lap of the city’s highlights before leaving—and to give your feet a break—consider a budget-friendly overview ride:

Rome: Big Bus Hop-on, Hop-off Open-Top Sightseeing Tour
An efficient way to connect major sights with audio commentary; sit upstairs for photos and breeze.

Evening: Fly or train onward. For European connections, compare Omio (Flights) and Omio (Trains). For long-haul options, check Kiwi.com and Trip.com (Flights).

Smart budget tips for Rome

• Stand at the bar (al banco) for cheaper coffee; sit-down service costs more.
• Refill bottles at “nasoni” fountains; water is cold and potable.
• Plan two strategic skip-the-line splurges (e.g., Colosseum, Vatican) and keep the rest DIY with free piazzas, churches, parks, and markets.
• Transit passes can be great value if you’ll ride often; otherwise, walk—most historic sights cluster together.

Optional/alternate Viator choices you can swap in

• Colosseum, Forum & Palatine Hill Entry with Audio Guide — a budget-minded, self-paced option.

  

In six days you’ll have traced emperors and popes, tasted the city’s everyday brilliance, and found quiet corners most visitors miss. Rome rewards curiosity—and you’ve balanced the marquee sights with markets, lanes, and low-cost flavors that make the Eternal City feel like yours.