June 23, 2017

A Backpacker’s Guide to Rome

The ultimate guide to backpacking Rome

I spent five nights in the city when backpacking Rome and even then I wasn’t able to do everything on my list. I’d recommend 3 days in Rome at the very least, but 4-7 days gives you more time to cover the majority of the city and dig a little into its Italian roots.

Rome is a big city that attracts many tourists, so it’s a little more expensive. However, you can do a lot with a €35-€60 / $40-$70 backpacker budget per day. (Note: This is assuming that you are staying in hostels, cooking some of your own groceries, use public transportation or walk, and are being frugal with your money!)

WHAT TO DO IN ROME

Rome is full of sight-seeing and iconic attractions. Even if you aimlessly explore the city you’ll find yourself running into some of Rome’s most popular attractions. Here’s a list of some of Rome’s best attractions and some things you can do when planning your visit.

Vatican City

The world center of Catholicism and also an attraction that attracts mass amounts of tourists, so expect long lines. Spend some time visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and all the museums (€16).

Vatican city has a very strict dress code. Bare shoulders, hats, and clothing above the knee are prohibited inside many sights inside of Vatican City.

You can also see the Pope!

Papal Audiences are held (almost) every Wednesday morning at 10am and Papal Audience Tickets are free. If you want good seats, get there before 8am.
The Pope appears in the window of his apartment on Sundays at 12 noon when he is in town where he gives a short speech and a blessing.

Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of the best preserved buildings in ancient Rome history to this day. It was built to honor the Pagan Gods in 126 AD.

Admission is free.

Trevi Fountain

Most likely the most famous fountain in the world. The fountain is always busy, but best time to go is in the morning when the crowds aren’t as busy as they are in the evening. If you’re really determined to get a good picture with no people in it, then I’d recommend going at sunrise!

The legend says that throwing a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand will ensure your return to Rome, the second says you’ll find a new romance, and the third ensures marriage.

Fun Fact: All coins that get thrown into the fountain gets donated to charity

Colosseum

The colosseum is one of Italy’s most famous sights and it can’t be missed. It’s the largest amphitheater in the entire Roman Empire and its a must when in Rome.

Tickets are €12, but I’d suggest to book online so you can skip the line (+€2)

The Forum and Palatine Hill

Explore the ancient ruins of Rome where the Roman Empire began. You can combine this with the Colosseum, because they’re next to one another.

Admission is €12 and includes entry to the Colosseum.

Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna

The Spanish Steps is a grand staircase in Rome with Piazza di Spagna at the bottom.

Explore Trastevere

Trastevere is a great foodie place and a great area to explore. The alleys are very picturesque and you’ll run into great bargain-shopping. Not many tourists are found here so you’ll find authentic Roman culture here.

Climb up the Gianicolo Hill at sunset for one of the best views in the city.

BEST PARTY HOSTELS IN ROME

Alessandro Palace & Bar

The Alessandro has two locations. I recommend staying at the Alessandro Palace & Bar which is just a few blocks away from the Termini station. The staff is very welcoming and you get a more social vibe on the €20 bar crawl they offer. I stayed here for 3 nights. Rooms here are as cheap as €15 a night, but expect that price to be doubled during the high season.

After checking out the bar crawl you can check out The Yellow Bar across the street. There is no entrance fee.

The Yellow

The Yellow is next door to the Alessandro Palace (also a few blocks from Termini) and has The Yellow Bar just across the street. Rooms here are more hotel like, so if you want a more luxurious stay with a hostel vibe and good A/C, then stay here! I stayed here for 2 nights. Price ranges from around €20-€40 a night depending on the season.

If you book through The Yellow website you’ll get a 20% discount on everything the hostel has to offer including drinks at the bar! Be sure to check out the basement of the bar for good music and loads of dancing!

FOOD FINDS IN ROME

If you want to find the really good deals on really good food then you’ll have to be open to exploring the outskirts of the city center. Most restaurants that are near main tourist attractions are extremely over-priced and extremely over-rated. Walk through quiet alleys to find cute little cafes and even better prices!

Pizza al taglio (by the slice)

Places that offer pizza al taglio are usually super cheap and really good. They offer a variety of different pizzas and each slice is weighed by the slice depending on how much you want. If you’re staying at The Yellow or the Alessandro Palace, theres a good place on the corner of Via Palestro and Via Vicenza, next to the tobacco shop.

Rossi Tiziano

Via Palestro 57, Rome, Italy

If you’re staying at The Yellow or the Alessandro Palace, Rossi Tiziano is just on the corner of Via Palestro and Via Vicenza. This place seems to be a family ran restaurant and has authentic Italian food. We ate here 3 times during our stay because the staff is so welcoming and friendly and the food is affordable and tasty.

I’d recommend getting any of the pastas, with prices as low as €7. My favorite dish was the Risotto alla crema di scampi for €10.

Trastevere

Almost any restaurant found in the Trastevere area is authentic and tasty. Several side alleys and streets are filled with restaurants, good deals, and real Italian culture.

Gelateria Frigidarium Roma

This Gelateria was recommended to us by a friend and its the best gelato I’ve ever had! It is located between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.

There is very little seating and the line was out the door but this cone was well worth the wait. It is only €1 per scoop with a choice to dip your cone in fresh cream or melted chocolate (white or dark).

I got the Frigidarium flavor and pistachio flavor dipped in white chocolate. By far the best gelato in Rome!

Quick Tips

Avoid restaurants that offer any type of free deal, they’re usually not very good
Tipping waiters is not expected, but I do believe in awarding service with a tip
Skip the bread. Some restaurants will charge extra for bread and won’t tell you about it until they hand you the bill
Do Not eat your pizza with your hands. Eat your pizza with a fork and knife
Always finish your food. Not finishing your food is often an insult to the cook

HOW TO GET AROUND ROME

Offline-Map

Maps.me is an amazing offline map that requires no internet connection. Quickly download the offline map and navigate through the city!

Google maps is also an amazing offline map that requires no internet or data connection if you previously download the map of the city. It gives you directions through the city via walking, bus, metro, or tram!

Rome Public City Bus Services

The Rome Public City Bus Services are easy to navigate. Tickets can be bought at any tobacco or newsstand shop anywhere in the city.

Note: The buses rarely check for tickets, but on occasion people in uniform will check for ticket validations and tickets. If this happens and you’re found without a ticket, fines can be up to €50! I recommend just paying for your tickets to avoid this fine!

One Metro Ticket €1.50
24 Hour Ticket €7
48 Hour Ticket €12/50
72 Hour Ticket €18
Weekly Ticket €24
Note: All day long tickets are valid for unlimited metro, bus, and train from validation.

Walking

Once you’re within the center of Rome, most of the attractions are within walking distance from one another. If you’re staying on the outskirts I’d recommend taking a bus into the city center and then walking every where else from there. Also, walking through the city will let you get a neighborhood feel of the city and find cute little alleyways full of Roman culture.

NIGHTLIFE IN ROME

Getting a feel of Rome’s nightlife is a must, however, be sure to keep important documents and credit cards locked up back in your hostel room. Pickpockets are always out to get drunk tourists and they’re good too, so bring cash only and be on high alert with your cell phones and wallets.

Here are a few of my favorite nightlife locations in Rome:

If you’re staying at The Alessandro or The Yellow, check out The Yellow Bar (mostly tourists, but still a good time)
Trastevere is always a cool part of Rome to go out in
Go to Shari Vari on a Tuesday
Art Cafe is a super cool night club
The Abbey is a fun Bar
Almula has Harry Potter Shots
Bars/Clubs around the Pantheon area are always fun

THE GOOD OF ROME

The Art and Architecture

Rome is home to many of the most beautiful churches, ancient ruins, museums, squares, and fountains. Take a second to appreciate the intricate beauty of all its buildings

Culture

Authentic Roman culture is seen throughout the city in its buildings, its people, and its food! Take a second to have a conversation with your waiters, admire the beauty of the city, and delve into its ancient history

Food

Walk the side alleys and stay away from the city center to find good authentic Roman cuisine at low prices!

Water

Tap water in Rome is fine to drink. There’s water fountains throughout the city where you can refill your bottles completely free. However, bottled water here is also relatively cheap. I got a case of 6 water bottles for €1.50.

The Not-So-Good of Rome

Pickpockets

Rome is one of the worst pickpocketing cities in the world, if not, the worst. Always be aware of all your valuables. Also, always keep your bags in front of you or locked up. Pickpockets always target tourists so be aware of all your belongings whether your touring the colosseum or dancing at a nightclub.

Big crowds and long lines

Millions of tourists visit Rome yearly, so expect big crowds and people everywhere. Try buying tickets online so you can skip long ticket lines.

Men dressed as Roman Soldiers

Be aware that taking a picture with the men dressed as roman soldiers comes with a price! They usually are found all around the colosseum, but are seen at other tourist sites too. They’ll ask for as much as €20 per person, so if you’re on a budget, don’t do it! I’ve heard they can get pretty aggressive if they don’t get the price they ask for