Save Money when Visiting Rome

Rome is one of the most fascinating tourist destinations you could ever hope to explore. But if you are trying to save cash, how should you best go about exploring its treasures? Here are some tips for saving money and enjoying a budget trip while roaming in Rome.

Stay Outside the City

One of the simplest things to do is stay outside of the city when you visit Rome, and you can then just travel in to the centre by train. As soon as you arrive, arrange a transfer from Fiumicino airport to your accommodation, and you may find it a lot cheaper to stay outside the city and travel the short distance in each day. Places you could choose from include Frascati and Ostia, but there are many others.

Travel at the Right Time of Year

Summer is a great time to be in the Italian capital, but it does have a few disadvantages. Not only can it get very hot, it can also be crowded with tourists and things can be more expensive. Instead, why not go in spring? This is a lovely time to be in Rome and you may find more bargains on everything from accommodation to eating out.

Alternatively, see it in a very different light by visiting in winter, which is the cheapest time of all. You can arrange a transfer from Fiumicino airport to the city at any time of the year, so have a think about when the best time for you could be if you want to save some money.

Eat a Big Lunch

The food here is incredibly tempting, and you're going to want to eat out a lot during your holiday. But if you want to cut down on your expenses, why not go for a big lunch instead of dinner? Lunchtime deals tend to be much better, and the food is just as good; then you can enjoy a smaller snack in the evening.

While on the topic of saving on food, it is a very good idea to carry your own water bottle with you during the summer, because it can get very hot and you don't want to spend all your money on staying hydrated. Just fill up your bottle from the public fountains and save yourself some cash.

Rent a Self-Catered Apartment

Rather than staying in a hotel, you may want to stay in a self-catered apartment instead. You can easily arrange a transfer from Fiumicino airport right to your apartment, and once there you can shop for your own food for meals. You can enjoy shopping for delicious local ingredients at any of the traditional markets for an authentic Italian experience.

See Less, See More

The temptation can be to try to see everything. With world-famous attractions like the Colosseum, the Pantheon and St Peter's Basilica seemingly around every corner, there is desperation not to miss out on anything. However, to save money, choose just a few major attractions and spend your time looking around them properly. You'll save money on entry fees, and you'll enjoy your time exploring more.

Enjoy the Eternal City for Less

This is a truly beautiful city, and whether you just go for a weekend, a week or longer, you will have an amazing time. Start planning your holiday and get your essentials paid up – your flight and transfer from Fiumicino airport - then use the tips above to save some money during your stay.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re travelling from Fiumicino airport, Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.