Rome is one of the most stunning and iconic cities in the world. Its rich blend of Roman and Greek influence has preserved ancient structures which serve as tourist attractions for avid historians all over the world.
One of the best things about Rome is you can explore the city for free or for a very reasonable price. It is possible to explore the city on a limited student budget.
Planning Ahead
It’s always a good investment in time to do a few checks before your visit. Travel Advice specific to your country of choice is available on the gov.uk website where you can sign up for free alerts too, meaning, should anything change or any incidents occur, you’ll be alerted. This provides lots of key information on health, safety, local laws and other advice.
It’s also worth checking local information for specific cities, such as Rome. An obvious favourite to see, the Colosseum, among many others, are currently under construction and preservation works for the Catholic Jubilee.
If travelling to Rome and surrounding areas before this Jubilee, please bear in mind that construction work is ongoing and may affect your experience of certain monuments and classic Italian views. For example, Trevi Fountain is currently undergoing an intensive restoration process and is therefore hard to access and photograph.
Travel Insurance
When travelling in groups of one person or more, it is a good idea to purchase duo or group travel insurance. That way, if a medical emergency occurs, at least one of you can stay with the injured person to ensure they are safe, can recover and have company.
If there are specific excursions or activities you’re planning to do (whether that’s running, cycling, hiring a car etc), ensure it is covered in your policy.
As with any other busy city, pickpocketing is common, so keep your valuables safe and secure when you’re visiting busy tourist spots and make sure valuable items and gadgets are covered by your travel insurance.
Sightseeing on the Cheap
The Roma Pass
The best way to visit Rome as a student on a budget is to purchase the Roma Pass, which will provide an exclusive discount on entry prices. The pass can bundle a few monuments and landmarks into one fixed price.
These passes remain valid for 72 hours from its first use. Meaning, if you are only traveling to Rome for a short amount of time, this is the ideal way to save those precious euros.
Your best bet is to purchase this pass online and in advance of your trip. This will ensure you get it for the best price and are not falling victim to untrustworthy street sellers.
Colosseum
Located in the very centre of Rome, this amphitheatre is the most popular tourist attraction in Rome, with over seven million visitors per year. Interwoven with 156 statues of gods, heroes and demigods decorating the span of its second and third tiers.
To access the Colosseum, individual tickets and tickets for groups of up to 8 people can be purchased and cost between €18 and €24, with extra deals available for groups of 9 and above.
Spanish Steps
When exploring this free attraction, I was lucky enough to witness a couple having their wedding pictures taken, with the view from the steps in the background. This monument is considered the widest and longest outdoor staircase in Europe and represents the close relationship between the Sacred and the Eternal city.
Trevi Fountain
Free to visit and situated in the Trevi district of Rome, this eighteenth century monument is a late Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in the city. It boasts a large and theatrical display with intricate details including three statutes surrounding the fountain: Oceanus, Abundance and Salubrity. Not to mention those Greek-influenced Corinthian pillars expressing those Ancient Roman vibes.
For those of you looking for a hidden gem, it is possible to explore Rome’s backrooms. You can purchase a pass to visit the underground of Trevi Fountain which consists of water channels and ancient wall structures. Very large fines are issued to anybody who attempts to enter or swim in the Trevi Fountain, so make sure to take care and be sensible when interacting with this space.
Pantheon
This former Roman temple is the perfect blend of historic and photogenic. Make sure you include this on your travel itinerary when exploring Rome’s history. Suitable for a rainy day, whilst visiting the Pantheon, with tickets from €0 – €5, you can nosy up at the 25-foot dome and admire the floor mosaic without breaking the bank.
Vatican City and Museums
There is no better feeling than coincidentally ticking off another country from your bucket list. Vatican City’s beauty is genuinely overwhelming. With prices ranging from €8 – €25 with ‘skip the line’ additions optional to your ticket purchases, you can explore the world-renowned Sistine Chapel, St Stephen’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, Vatican Gardens and St Peter’s Square. Not to mention, it is the smallest country in the world!
These landmarks have rich religious and spiritual histories. Remember to recognise and respect this throughout the duration of your trip.
Have a Plan
If you’re travelling with friends, whether you’re planning to all visit the same spots together or meet up during the day, it’s a good idea to arrange meeting spots just in case you get separated or lose contact.
Sharing your location, having a group chat and knowing the details of your accommodation and specific details such as room numbers written down, and not just in your phone, is a good way to stay extra safe.
Take printouts of your travel insurance, travel documents and accommodation information too.
Now, you are all set for a wonderful trip to Italy. Enjoy!
By Georgia Pearson, a Student Brand Ambassador for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.