7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Rome

Day 1: Explore Rome

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Visit Colosseum

Start your day early at the iconic Colosseum, marvel at the ancient architecture, and learn about the history of this grand amphitheater.
€12, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Roman Forum

Walk through the ruins of the Roman Forum, imagining the bustling ancient city life that once thrived in this archaeological site.
€16, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Trattoria

Enjoy a traditional Roman meal at a local trattoria, savoring dishes like cacio e pepe or carbonara without breaking the bank.
€15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Pantheon

Admire the magnificent Pantheon, a well-preserved ancient Roman temple with a remarkable dome and impressive architecture.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Toss a Coin at Trevi Fountain

Make a wish by tossing a coin into the stunning Trevi Fountain, a must-visit site in Rome believed to bring luck and ensure your return to the city.
€0.50 (coin), 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Campo de' Fiori

Indulge in a budget-friendly dinner at Campo de' Fiori, a lively square with various food stalls and restaurants offering delicious Italian cuisine.
€20, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Explore Vatican City

Vatican City

9:00AM

Visit St. Peter's Basilica

Begin your day by exploring the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world, and marvel at its impressive artworks and architecture.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch near Vatican City

Grab a quick and affordable lunch at a local eatery near Vatican City, enjoying some authentic Italian flavors before continuing your exploration.
€10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Vatican Museums

Discover the extensive art collections within the Vatican Museums, including the renowned Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo's masterpiece ceiling.
€17, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at St. Peter's Square

Take a leisurely stroll in St. Peter's Square, soak in the atmosphere, and admire the stunning architecture surrounding this famous plaza.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner in Trastevere

Head to the charming neighborhood of Trastevere for dinner, known for its cozy trattorias and authentic Roman cuisine at affordable prices.
€25, 2 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Pompeii

Pompeii, Italy

8:00AM

Explore Pompeii Ruins

Embark on a journey to the ancient city of Pompeii, where you can wander through the well-preserved ruins and glimpse into the daily life of the Romans before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
€15 (entrance fee), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Pompeii

Enjoy a simple yet delicious lunch at a local eatery in Pompeii, taking a break from exploring the archaeological site.
€12, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Villa of the Mysteries

Discover the well-preserved Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii, known for its stunning frescoes depicting mysterious rituals and scenes from ancient Roman life.
€10, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Rome

Take a leisurely journey back to Rome, reflecting on the historical marvels you witnessed in Pompeii and preparing for your next adventure.
€20 (train ticket), 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Piazza Navona

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Piazza Navona, a vibrant square in Rome surrounded by charming cafes and restaurants, perfect for a relaxing evening meal.
€30, 2 hours
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Day 4: Day Trip to Florence

Florence, Italy

7:00AM

Travel to Florence

Catch an early morning train from Rome to Florence, a city known for its Renaissance art and architecture, promising a day filled with cultural discoveries.
€40 (round trip train ticket), 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Florence Cathedral

Start your Florence exploration at the iconic Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, with its impressive dome and beautiful facade.
€18, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Savor a variety of affordable Italian dishes at Mercato Centrale, a bustling food market offering fresh and delicious options for lunch.
€15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Uffizi Gallery

Immerse yourself in art at the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by renowned artists such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
€12, 2 hours

6:00PM

Stroll Across Ponte Vecchio

Take a leisurely walk across the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, Florence's famous bridge lined with charming shops selling jewelry, art, and souvenirs.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Return to Rome

Catch the evening train back to Rome, reminiscing about the art and beauty you experienced in Florence during the day.
€40 (round trip train ticket), 2 hours
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Day 5: Final Day in Rome

Rome, Italy

9:00AM

Visit Vatican Museums

Explore the Vatican Museums in the morning, taking your time to admire the vast art collections and marvel at the intricate details of the Sistine Chapel.
€17, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Roman Pizzeria

Indulge in a classic Roman pizza for lunch at a local pizzeria, enjoying the delicious flavors of Italy in a budget-friendly setting.
€10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Castel Sant'Angelo

Visit the historic Castel Sant'Angelo, a fortress with panoramic views of Rome, offering a glimpse into the city's military past and architectural beauty.
€10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Wander through Trastevere

Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets of Trastevere, soaking in the charming atmosphere of this vibrant neighborhood known for its narrow alleys and colorful buildings.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Testaccio Market

Experience the local food scene at Testaccio Market, where you can sample a variety of street foods and traditional Roman dishes at affordable prices.
€20, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Relaxation Day in Rome

Rome, Italy

10:00AM

Villa Borghese Gardens

Spend a relaxing morning at Villa Borghese Gardens, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Rome, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic amidst nature.
€3 (optional bike rental), 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic at Pincio Terrace

Enjoy a picnic lunch at Pincio Terrace, overlooking the stunning views of Piazza del Popolo and the rooftops of Rome, providing a serene setting for a meal.
€10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Capitoline Hill

Visit Capitoline Hill, one of the Seven Hills of Rome, offering historical sites, museums, and a picturesque square designed by Michelangelo.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Gelato at Giolitti

Indulge in a sweet treat at Giolitti, a historic gelateria in Rome known for its delicious gelato flavors, a perfect way to cool off in the afternoon.
€3, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Shopping at Via del Corso

Take a leisurely stroll down Via del Corso, a bustling shopping street in Rome lined with a mix of high-end boutiques, souvenir shops, and trendy stores.
Variable, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Jewish Ghetto

End your day with a dinner in the charming Jewish Ghetto, known for its traditional Roman-Jewish cuisine and cozy trattorias offering affordable dining options.
€25, 2 hours
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Day 7: Departure Day

Rome, Italy

9:00AM

Breakfast at Panella

Start your departure day with a delicious breakfast at Panella, a historic bakery in Rome known for its freshly baked pastries and coffee.
€5, 1 hour

10:30AM

Last-minute Shopping at Campo de' Fiori

Pick up some last-minute souvenirs and gifts at Campo de' Fiori market, where you can find a variety of local products and trinkets to remember your time in Rome.
Variable, 1 hour

12:00PM

Explore Roman Ghetto

Take a walk through the historic Roman Ghetto, known for its rich Jewish heritage, charming streets, and traditional restaurants serving authentic Roman cuisine.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Da Enzo

Enjoy a farewell lunch at Da Enzo, a cozy trattoria in the Roman Ghetto, serving up delicious Roman dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
€20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Final Gelato at Fatamorgana

Treat yourself to a final gelato at Fatamorgana, a popular gelateria in Rome known for its creative and artisanal flavors, ending your trip on a sweet note.
€4, 30 minutes
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