Seven Things I Loved About Rome
Add these budget-friendly activities to your Rome list!
Beautiful Rome: there is so much to do and see here. You could spend a lifetime (and a fortune) exploring this ancient city, but thankfully some of the best things in Rome are budget-friendly or even free! I’m sharing seven of my most favorite things to do and see in Rome; it just so happens they’re also all budget travel activities.
Walking
As is often the case, my most favorite (and free) activity in Rome was to wander aimlessly. I maintain that walking is the best way to see a city, especially one so beautiful and pedestrian-friendly as Roma.
Walking in Rome is like walking nowhere else. Could it be because of the sheer magic of the fact that you’re walking in the place where roads were invented? Could it be the glowing golden light that bounces off the ancient terra cotta colored buildings at every turn? Could it be the musical sound of boisterous Italian conversation that fills the air? Could it be the fact that anywhere you wander in Rome you’re certain to be near good food? It’s all of these things and more; that’s why I insist you leave time in your trip to wander aimlessly.
Aperitivo Hour
That magical Italian hour before dinner, aperitivo hour, was a glowing favorite among me and my travel companions in Rome. There are spritzes! There are complimentary snacks! There is laughter and conversation! What’s not to love?
Beyond these obvious perks to aperitivio hour, there is also a sense of community surrounding this practice. When a certain time of day starts to approach, you’ll notice sidewalk tables fill up and spritzes flowing profusely. People gather after work; people gather with friends; people gather with family; travelers like us catch the spirit and gather too. Aperitivo hour is delicious, sure, and the snacks are free— amazing! But beyond that it’s a beautiful practice that brings people together and draws a line between the day and dinnertime. In a city as busy and tourist-filled as Rome, it’s a special feeling to participate in an age-old tradition like this one.
Trastevere
The storied neighborhood of Trastevere was one of my favorite parts of Rome. Located across the river from the busy Centro Storico, Trastevere was historically a working-class neighborhood. Picture winding streets, old homes, trailing vines, laundry waving in the breeze, locals chatting at cafes, cats everywhere…
Trastevere is super photogenic; so, if you’re a shutterbug like me, take your camera and go crazy. It’s quiet during the day which makes this neighborhood a nice respite from the hubbub. If hubbub is more your thing, explore Trastevere at night. The famously delicious restaurants and bars spill out onto the cobblestones, tables taking over the streets, and they’re all packed full of people deep in animated conversations. In fact, the whole neighborhood feels like one big sidewalk cafe at night. Any time of day, the shops are worthwhile here too; if you’re into thrifting or perusing bookshops, Trastevere is the place for you too.
Testaccio Market
Markets are always a budget traveler’s delight: they’re the perfect place to eat, window shop, rub elbows with locals, and maybe buy a meaningful souvenir or two. I perused a couple of markets while in Rome, and Testaccio was my favorite.
Located in the neighborhood of the same name, Testaccio, this market is also situated quietly away from the Centro Storico. Think more apartments and local Romans running errands and less Trevi fountain and Colosseum crowds. These off-the-beaten path markets often have better prices and more authentic wares. They’re slanted towards locals and not so much towards tourists. My point is Mercato Testaccio has many beautiful food stalls, restaurants, and artisans. There’s even a natural wine stall and a tiny thrift shop booth.
My pro tip? Go here to eat lunch, and while you’re here buy some groceries to make later for dinner. Go hungry. And eat!
Roman Ruins
It would stand to reason that in Rome, one would see lots of ancient Roman ruins. Nevertheless, the ruins surprised me at every turn. The sheer volume and spontaneity of the Roman ruins sprinkled throughout the city delighted me.
Leaving a bakery one morning, I turned a corner and *BAM* a small park filled with Roman ruins. The sidewalk taking me to my next destination went right through the remnants of ancient buildings. Of course the informational signs distracted me, but they begged to be read. After that, I became increasingly aware of the preserved ruins standing out amid daily life in this eternal city. Stopping to admire Roman ruins is the equivalent of stopping to smell the roses in Roma.
Monti
Another neighborhood in Rome that won my heart is Monti. A long evening spent shopping and meandering and having a spritz in a piazza here was one of my favorite evenings in Rome. A very artistic neighborhood, Monti houses artists in their studios, tiny boutique shops selling handmade goods, excellent restaurants and bars, and a lively crowd with a youthful attitude.
Located near the Colosseum (which means the iconic structure constantly peeks out at you between buildings), Monti was once ancient Rome’s ghetto. It’s now a very hip neighborhood with an interesting mix of traditional trattorias and hopping nightlife. Go shopping here, have a spritz in Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a cozy trattoria, and above all else soak up the marvel that is the mix of locals and travelers melding together into one happy crowd in this village-like neighborhood in the heart of Rome.
Vintage Shops
Though they’re sprinkled throughout the city— and they are all brimming with stylish finds— my favorite vintage shops were in Monti. Trastevere is a close second with some very hip thrift shops, but I found better prices in Monti.
You’re in Roma! I’m sure you’ve noticed by now all the people are stylish. These thrift shops boast those stylish people’s cast offs, and they are gems. Whether you’re looking to buy a leather jacket, designer shoes, a colorful scarf, or some cool t-shirts, you can find it in Roman vintage shops. Look for something that reminds you of Rome, something that oozes the essence of the city, and you’ve found your perfect souvenir. When you wear it back home, you’ll remember Roma every time.
In addition to the clothes being really cool, the thrift shops are packed with locals, and I found it so fun to pretend like I was one of them just out looking for a vintage dress.
I hope these seven things I loved about Rome inspire your next trip. The Eternal City is beautiful and filled with budget-friendly things to love. Let me know yours below!
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