Photo by CALIN STAN on Unsplash
Dreaming of packing up your backpack & adventuring across Rome, yet worried to unpack your wallet while you’re there?
Traveling across Rome doesn’t have to be expensive. Even if you have your sights set on touristy landmarks, like the Colosseum and The Roman Forum, which we discuss in our first blog post on backpacking Rome, you can adventure the Eternal City and see its most famous and beautiful parts on a budget.
This blog post is going to focus on less popular yet equally entrancing Roman sights to see and activities to partake in.
So if you’re planning to visit Rome and want some actionable tips on how to save money while still having the adventure of a lifetime while you’re there, then this blog post is for you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. Market Musings: Navigating Rome's Campo de' Fiori
Photo by Gabriella Clare Marino on Unsplash
Campo de' Fiori Market is a public piazza located a four minute walk South of Piazza Navona.
Considered to be the oldest market in Rome, and a treasure trove of culture and history with its roots dating back to 1869, this bazar offers stalls that sell meat, fish, flowers, cheeses, freshly baked bread, pastries, legumes, rice, dried fruits, nuts, and spices, among many other things.
In addition to sampling these delicacies, the attraction of visiting the market lies in experiencing its atmosphere, culture, and history - since prior to the 1400s, this square was a meadow of flowers, hence the name “Campo de Fiori”, which means “Field of Flowers” in Italian.
It’s also located close to Piazza Farnese, which has been housing the French Embassy since 1874.
The overall look of the market and neighborhood is quintessential “old Rome”. So yes, it’s a great place to walk around, and soak up the atmosphere, even if you plan to spend no money.
That said, if you want to splurge a little bit, you can buy souvenirs - i.e. artisanal products, handmade crafts, leather goods, and ceramics, among other types of mementos.
You can also enjoy a snack or meal - such as pastries or pizza - either at the market itself, or at a nearby cafe or bakery, of which there are plenty.
And obviously the pizza here is authentic because it's in Italy.
In terms of when to visit, the market is open six days a week from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and if you truly want to get the most from it, I would wake up and stop by as early as possible.
I recommend visiting early because that’s when the food and pastries are at their warmest and freshest; it’s also when the market is less crowded, since most people are either at work or sleeping in.
That said, if you plan to visit on a Saturday, then be prepared for it to get crowded at any point.
2. The Road Less Traveled - Navigating Rome's Historic Appian Way
Photo by Mike Chrisemer on Unsplash
One of the most iconic, strategically prominent, and earliest roads ever built in Rome is the Appian Way, which has its roots in 312 BC, when it was used as a passage for military supplies for Rome’s takeover of Southern Italy.
That means that walking this road is like time traveling to Ancient Rome, since you’re literally walking on pavement strolled by emperors, soldiers, and traders from over two millennia ago.
And the best part about visiting this attraction, in addition to the historic significance and the surrealism of visiting it? It’s FREE. You do not have to wait in line, buy tickets, or worry about crowds, fees, or reservations.
The easiest way to start your trek down this road is to begin at The Appian Way Regional Park - which also happens to be the second largest European park, after Losiny Ostrov National Park in Moscow.
Located one km from The Colosseum, this park allows you to rent a bike - for only a few euros per hour -, or join a guided tour to explore the ancient road and its surroundings.
The park is like a tranquil oasis, located within Rome, yet away from the hustle and bustle of the city, since the greenery isolates the noise. It’s also filled with ancient, scenic paths and lush greenery.
Of the many activities you can participate in when visiting the park and road, you can visit the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, an EXTREMELY well-preserved - considering its age - Ancient Roman mausoleum dating back to the 1st century BC - between 30 - 10 BC to be exact -, consisting of a cylindrical tower and impressively detailed reliefs.
Image by Mario Lelardi from Pixabay.
Standing about three miles into the road, the tomb looks like a wide, relatively tall cylinder on the outside, yet once you go inside, it becomes a conical-shaped burial chamber that entombs the body of a Roman matron belonging to one of the most prominent noble families of Ancient Rome.
Some speculate that the body is that of the daughter-in-law of the famous Marco Licinio Crasso, member with Caesar and Pompey of the The triumvirate in 59 BC.
You can also explore the tomb’s nearby archaeological site, which means access to the rooms of the adjacent castle, built by the Caetani family circa 14 AD.
Inside the residential part of the fortification, you’ll also find the "Appian Museum", which houses a collection of statues, sarcophagi, inscriptions and reliefs from the Via Appia Antica and relating to the rich funerary monuments that dominated it.
Bottom line, a visit to the Tomb of Cecilia Metella - which costs €8, or €6 if you’re between 18-25 years old - includes the Mausoleum, the interior of Palazzo Caetani and the church of San Nicola.
There are also holographic projections inside the burial chamber, a video-mapping in the so-called lava chamber, and a 3D experience with oculus stations included in the entrance ticket to the tomb.
And this is just one monument to explore along the Appian Way! You can also check out the underground catacombs belonging to early Christians and martyrs, for which there are guided tours available - if you’re willing to spend a little bit of money, that is.
Now for more free stuff, as you walk along the ancient road, you’ll see Ancient Roman aqueducts, which once supplied water to the city, and which today give you an idea of the history of ancient Roman engineering.
Here, you can also stop by the Church of Domine Quo Vadis to see the legendary footprints of Jesus Christ, according to Christian tradition. The church marks the spot where, according to legend, Jesus appeared to St. Peter as he was fleeing persecution in Rome.
And the main attraction if you’re planning to spend no money here is the scenery. Even if you’re just walking and taking photos, the stunning countryside, dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and ancient ruins, allow you to imagine and kind of experience what it was like living in Ancient Rome. It’s surreal.
Definitely bring plenty of water and some snacks with you as you’ll likely spend most of your day here. The Appian Way can be hot and dusty during the summer months, so be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself.
But yeah, I’d personally recommend renting a bike while here since it’s inexpensive. And probably a lot of fun - as well as a great way to get some exercise. Walking works too though.
Have a thorough look at their website to better plan for all the awesome things you can see and do here.
3. Hilltop Horizons: Exploring the Majesty of Janiculum
Rome, view from the Gianicolo Hill to the city, by Dguendel - link to license. Change include adding the original photo to this blog.
This one’s quick, and it’s about Janiculum Hill, a high ground overlooking Rome from which you can see stunning panoramic views of the city, its landmarks, and monuments.
You’ll want to start your trek up the hill at Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi, which is located on the base of the hillock, and on which stands the Garibaldi Monument - so lots of photography opportunities from the get go!
You can then hike up the hill on foot, or take the Tram 8 streetcar all the way to the top of the hill.
And let’s face it… what’s backpacking without a little exercise, huh?
Once you reach the top of the hill, you’ll be rewarded with a view of Rome’s entire skyline, including St. Peter's Basilica, the Colosseum, and the Altare della Patria.
You’ll also have access to the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola from the 17th century, AKA the "Big Fountain," which is a popular gathering spot for tourists - so make sure to be aware of pickpockets.
The hill’s summit is a great place to have a picnic, so pack some snacks and a blanket, and find a shady spot under a tree to relax and soak in the views.
After you’re done eating, you can check out the Janiculum Lighthouse, a replica of the original lighthouse built in the 17th century. From the area surrounding this monument, you can enjoy even more spectacular views of Rome and the surrounding countryside.
Other than that, there are several walking paths you can hike through on the hill, as well as monuments such as the San Pietro in Montorio church, which stands on what was formerly thought to be the site of St Peter’s crucifixion.
There are also several foreign research institutions on the hill, including the American Academy in Rome and the Spanish Academy in Rome.
You will also find The American University of Rome, Pontifical Urban University, and Pontifical North American College here, in addition to Orto Botanico dell’Università di Roma “La Sapienza”, and the Palazzo Montorio, which is the abode of the Ambassadors of Spain.
If you’re visiting the hill at noon, make sure you watch the traditional firing of the cannon, a ritual that dates back to the 19th century and commemorates the exact time when Rome’s midday signal was fired.
Other than that, make sure to take plenty of photos.
The good news is that the hill is FREE to enter and is accessible year-round, so there are no restrictions on when you could visit it.
4. Hidden Depths: Navigating the Layers of San Clemente
Courtyard of the Basilica of Saint Clement by Labicanense - link to license. Changes include adding this photo to this blog post.
The Basilica of San Clemente, a minor yet stunning catholic church building dedicated to Pope Clement I, is a 100% worthy place to visit if you have the time for it.
Though obviously not as famous or grand as the more renowned monuments that Rome is known for, these sorts of smaller attractions are still incredibly well made, gorgeous, and provide a stunning experience into history.
Inside the basilica are three levels: the upper levels, the lower levels, and the main basilica. It’s usually the most feasible to begin your visit by exploring the uppermost level, which houses the current basilica dating from the 12th century.
Once you step inside the main basilica, you’ll be privy to its Romanesque architecture, adorned with stunning mosaics, frescoes, and marble columns.
You’ll then venture down to the lowest levels of the basilica complex, where you'll find a 4th-century church-building built on top of a 1st-century Roman house, along with ancient rooms, corridors, and chambers, giving you a glimpse into what life was like in ancient Rome.
You’ll then descend further into the basilica to discover a hidden Mithraic temple, so named because it’s dedicated to the god Mithras. You can then marvel at the EXTREMELY well-preserved frescoes and sculptures depicting scenes from Mithraic mythology, and learn about the secretive religious rituals practiced by ancient Romans.
You can then take some time to explore the present-day archaeological excavations beneath the basilica complex, where archaeologists continue to discover new insights into Rome's ancient past. You’ll also be able to see the ancient artifacts on display.
You can also attend a religious service, like Mass or a liturgical ceremony at the basilica. Doesn’t matter if you’re a Catholic, or a historian, participating in a service can be a deeply educational and perhaps even spiritual experience.
And you’ll definitely want to take photos while you’re here.
Tickets are €10 for adults, and €5 for students up to the age of 26 as long as you have your student card with you.
5. Chasing Sunsets & Statues: A Gentleman's Guide To Visiting Villa Doria Pamphili
Photo by Alex Does Pictures: https://www.pexels.com/photo/villa-doria-pamphili-in-rome-italy-14064480/
And finally we have Villa Doria Pamphili, a seventeenth-century villa with what is today the largest landscaped public park in Rome.
Open from 7am - 9pm daily, the park is FREE to visit - though I read that the Villa Vecchia, which is the part with the estate “Villa Algradi” or “Casino del Bel Respiro” is no longer publicly accessible, and you can only see it through the fence. This is a bummer, and at the end of the day it’s still nice to look at.
Those secret gardens by the way are not unlike the ones at Versailles.
Anyways, you can begin your visit by entering through the main gates located near the Gianicolo Hill. You’ll immediately be greeted with lush greenery, manicured lawns, and tree-lined pathways that are immaculately well maintained.
You’ll want to hike through the park's beautifully landscaped gardens, which feature Mediterranean pines, cypress trees, and flowering shrubs. You can get lost as you meander through the winding paths and discover hidden corners.
You can explore the grand Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, a 17th-century villa that once served as the residence of the noble Pamphili family.
Yes, you can go inside, and admire its beautiful interiors with elegant architecture, ornate facades & furnishings, luxurious rooms adorned with exquisite frescoes, and priceless works of art, while learning about the history and significance of the villa and its noble owners.
Speaking of art, there are masterpieces by renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, and Bernini, among others. The villa's galleries showcase an impressive array of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and decorative arts, providing a fascinating glimpse into the artistic and cultural heritage of Italy.
Guided tours of the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj are available to the public, offering insights into the villa's architecture, history, and art collection, though they can get really expensive, so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend going for one.
Regular tickets are typically €16, and this should be fine to give you the experience you’ll want to have here.
Back outside, you’ll see - and probably take photos of - lots of beautiful fountains and ponds, where you can relax and unwind amidst the soothing sound of flowing water.
You can also pack a picnic or a lunch and enjoy a relaxing meal al fresco in one of Villa Doria Pamphili's scenic picnic areas.
There are also tons of wooded areas you can venture into at the park, where you'll discover shady groves, walking paths, and hidden alcoves. There’s lots of wildlife out here such as birds, squirrels, and even the occasional deer, so watch out - and keep your camera ready to snap photos before they run off.
During the warmer months, Villa Doria Pamphili offers a variety of recreational activities, including jogging, cycling, and horseback riding, which means you could rent a bike or lace up your running shoes and explore the park's extensive network of trails and paths at whatever pace you feel comfortable with.
Anyways, visiting Villa Doria Pamphili is a retreat from the Eternal City's hustle and bustle, offering visitors a chance to reconnect with nature, explore history, and unwind amidst its lush surroundings. Take your time, explore at your own pace, and let the beauty of the park rejuvenate your senses.
That’s it for this blog post, gents. I hope you got something from it.
Now go out there, explore Rome on a budget - or a spending plan, as I like to call it - and have fun.
For more articles like this where we give you actionable tips, tricks, hacks, and insights into backpacking and world travel on a dime, like our Facebook, Twitter / X, and Instagram pages, where such blog posts will be uploaded weekly.
Until next time, stay strong, safe, and resilient out there, and I shall see you all next time!