Harvard Student Agencies - Lets Go Budget Rome: The Student Travel Guide

Rome: the epitome of Italy, and its biggest enigma. It condenses every stereotype that plagues the country into one sprawling metropolis and then rambles on another few kilometers and centuries to reverse them all. With neighborhoods off the map and streets too small to be mapped, this is a city as expansive as it is walkable, as global as it is local. And heres the biggest paradox of all: its as young as it is old. And that doesnt mean Rome averages out to some middle-aged soccer mom.

People come to this city for many reasons: for history, for artistic enlightenment, or to eat so much pasta and pizza that they wont leave until someone rolls them out. Nowhere else in the world could you view the immaculate ceiling of the Sistine Chapel after exploring the dilapidated remains of ancient settlements, and still dance the night away once the sun has set. Rome brings every Italian experience together but remains truly unique, and you cant expect to conquer it all (Carthage tried with an entire army and failed.) Sometimes, like the speeding Vespas that only stop when you walk in front of them, Rome requires that you stand up to it. Are you ready for the challenge?

If we took a poll asking why travelers head to Rome, the food would probably rival the sights for the top response. Pizzerias, trattorias, and cafes abound here, so its no wonder theyve got low prices to bring in hordes of hungry tourists. Stick to less ostentatious restaurants rather than anyone catering to touristsif there are no locals to be found, you probably arent getting a good deal.

This affordable pizzeria serves slices straight from the oven.

This 1888 cafe has had over a century to perfect its panini and cocktails, but the prices havent grown with its popularity.

There may be no seating in this small pizzeria and deli, but the fresh pasta is sold by weight, and pizza is only 1 per etto.

If youre looking for a hefty lunch or miss eating vegetables that arent on pizza, this bright ristorante will be more than satisfying.

Stop by this affordable organic cafe for a break from the carbohydrates. Sorry, the romance-novel-cover model wont be joining you.

Given the number of tourists who flock to Rome, its no surprise the city is filled with a variety of accommodations, including many budget hostels and hotels. If you traveled to Rome on the spur of the moment, head to Termini, which is filled with hostels that almost always have cheap beds available. Booking ahead opens up your options to the entire city, but many still choose Termini as their Roman residence.

Its less rowdy than its other half, Alessandro Palace, but large common space and free weekday pizza make this a great bargain.

Air-conditioned dorms makes this a perfect summer stay.

This hostel may soon adopt its Naples sisters tradition of musical performances, so youll get a bed and live entertainment for 30.

Only women can stay at this convent, but they score free breakfast and dinner and a relaxing escape from the city center.

This affordable hostel includes a bar and five floors of dorms, so you can have a night out with your bunkmates without ever leaving the building.

Freebies

VATICAN MUSEUMS: Normally a whopping 15, this popular museum complex opens its doors for free on the last Sunday of every month.

AKAB: One of the hottest clubs in Rome charges a high cover on Friday and Saturday, but its usually free to enter on Tuesday and Thursday.

ALESANDRO PALACE: No, staying at this hostel isnt free, but you can score a free pizza dinner every night during your stay.

CHARITY CAFE JAZZ CLUB: You dont need expensive tickets to hear great musicthis club has live performances every night, and theres no cover.

If youre coming to Rome on a budget, youre in luck! Although this is the home of some of the most famous buildings and monuments in the world, many of them can be entered free of charge. Oftentimes, however, portions of the sights are free, while you pay extra to enter additional areas. Luckily, with the amount youre saving, paying a few euro here and there will seem a lot less painful.

You can view the worlds most famous church for free even outside of mass, although attending the service nets you a better seat.

Much freer than other Ancient City sights but just as impressive, this arch has some seriously intricate inscriptions.

You can tackle the entire 16km stretch of this Roman road, or pay to go inside the catacombs, ancient Romes burial grounds.

If youre sick of the gray tones of crumbling monuments, visit these gardens for a much needed touch of green.

Make sure to look up at the remarkable blue-and-gold mosaic in the apse of this church, the first in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

When people think of Rome, theyre instantly transported back to the days of Julius Caesar, chariot racing, and ancient civilizations before they were mere ruins. With recognizable monuments like the are more structuredyou wouldnt want to anger Vesuvius again, would you?

Roman days may be full of death and destruction (in the best possible way), but after dark, this city is full of life. Rome has numerous bars, enoteche, and clubs, and even roaming the piazze without a destination can lead to a thrilling night out. Testaccios is just what it sounds like: a place to get comfy with a book, a glass of wine, and your inner starving artist.