Family-Friendly City Exploration on a Shoestring Budget in Rome, Italy

Day 1: Vatican City Wonders

Rome, Italy

9:00 AM

St. Peter's Basilica

Begin your day with a visit to the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica, marvel at Michelangelo's Pieta and climb to the dome for panoramic views of Rome.
Take a bus or walk to Vatican City.
Free entry, climb to the dome costs 8 EUR, 2-3 hours

12:00 PM

Vatican Museums

Explore the Vatican Museums, home to the Sistine Chapel and countless priceless artworks. Grab a quick and budget-friendly lunch at a nearby cafe.
Short walk from St. Peter's Basilica.
17 EUR for entry, budget 10 EUR for lunch, 2-3 hours

3:00 PM

Castel Sant'Angelo

End your day at the Castel Sant'Angelo, a former mausoleum turned fortress with stunning views of the city and the Tiber River.
Walk along the Tiber River towards Castel Sant'Angelo.
10.50 EUR, 1-2 hours
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Day 2: Historic Rome

Rome, Italy

9:00 AM

Roman Forum

Start your day exploring the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, once the center of Roman public life.
Short walk from the Colosseum.
Free entry on the first Sunday of the month, otherwise 12 EUR, 2-3 hours

12:00 PM

Colosseum

Visit the iconic Colosseum, Italy's largest amphitheater, and imagine the gladiator battles that once took place here.
Walk from the Roman Forum to the Colosseum.
12 EUR, 2-3 hours

3:00 PM

Capitoline Hill

End your day at Capitoline Hill, one of Rome's seven hills, offering panoramic views of the Roman Forum and the city skyline.
Walk from the Colosseum to Capitoline Hill.
Free entry, 1-2 hours
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Day 3: Art and Culture

Rome, Italy

9:00 AM

Galleria Borghese

Spend your morning at the Galleria Borghese, home to a stunning collection of art including works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.
Take a tram or bus to Villa Borghese.
15 EUR, 2-3 hours

12:00 PM

Piazza Navona

Explore the charming Piazza Navona, known for its Baroque architecture and the Fountain of the Four Rivers.
Walk from Galleria Borghese to Piazza Navona.
Free entry, budget 10 EUR for lunch, 1-2 hours

3:00 PM

Pantheon

Visit the ancient Roman temple-turned-church, the Pantheon, and admire its impressive dome and oculus.
Short walk from Piazza Navona.
Free entry, 1-2 hours
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Day 4: Hidden Gems

Rome, Italy

9:00 AM

Aventine Hill

Start your day at the Aventine Hill, home to the peaceful Orange Garden offering panoramic views of Rome.
Take a bus or tram to Aventine Hill.
Free entry, 1-2 hours

12:00 PM

Testaccio Market

Explore the Testaccio Market, a local favorite for fresh produce, meats, and Roman street food. Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch here.
Take public transportation to Testaccio Market.
Budget-friendly market prices, 1-2 hours

3:00 PM

Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere

End your day at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of Rome's oldest churches with beautiful mosaics.
Take a bus or tram to Trastevere.
Free entry, 1-2 hours
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Day 5: Relaxation Day

Rome, Italy

9:00 AM

Villa Doria Pamphili

Spend the day relaxing at Villa Doria Pamphili, Rome's largest public park, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
Take public transportation to the park.
Free entry, 2-3 hours

12:00 PM

Picnic in the Park

Enjoy a budget-friendly picnic in the park with local snacks and treats bought from a nearby market.
Buy picnic supplies from a local market.
Budget-friendly, 1-2 hours

3:00 PM

Gianicolo Hill

End your day at Gianicolo Hill, known for its panoramic views of Rome and the traditional cannon firing at noon.
Walk from Villa Doria Pamphili to Gianicolo Hill.
Free entry, 1-2 hours
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Day 6: Culinary Delights

Rome, Italy

9:00 AM

Campo de' Fiori Market

Start your day at Campo de' Fiori Market, a bustling market with fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies. Pick up some snacks for the day.
Take public transportation to Campo de' Fiori.
Market prices, 1-2 hours

12:00 PM

Pizza Making Class

Take a budget-friendly pizza making class to learn the art of authentic Italian pizza-making. Enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch.
Walk or take public transportation to the cooking class.
25-30 EUR per person, 2-3 hours

3:00 PM

Trevi Fountain

End your day at the iconic Trevi Fountain, toss a coin and make a wish for your return to Rome.
Walk from the cooking class to the Trevi Fountain.
Free entry, 1-2 hours
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Day 7: Farewell Rome

Rome, Italy

9:00 AM

Villa Borghese Gardens

Spend your morning exploring the beautiful Villa Borghese Gardens, rent a rowboat on the lake, or visit the Borghese Gallery.
Take public transportation to Villa Borghese.
Free entry, 15 EUR for Borghese Gallery, 2-3 hours

12:00 PM

Trastevere Exploration

Walk through the charming streets of Trastevere, soak in the local atmosphere, and have a budget-friendly lunch at a trattoria.
Walk from Villa Borghese to Trastevere.
Budget-friendly, 1-2 hours

3:00 PM

Farewell Gelato

End your trip with a scoop of delicious gelato from one of Rome's famous gelaterias.
Walk to a nearby gelateria.
3-5 EUR, 1 hour
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