The WeSwap community spent upwards of £35 million around the world in 2016. That works out at roughly 1.2 transactions every minute. We’ve taken that data, crunched it and created a series of spending guides based on how real travellers travel in cities across the world.
We'll also explore the places in Italy's capital travellers have to go – the Colosseum Eiffel Tower, Vatican City – and the costs of everyday things like a glass of wine, or the price of a taxi into town from Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport.
How many Euros do I need to budget per day? Which attractions are really worth visiting? Do you have any money saving tips? Using real data from real travellers, all of these important questions are answered below.
This reflects what everyday travellers tend to spend in Rome. Think mid-range - most of the major attractions, a few cab rides, maybe a big night out, and a bit of shopping on the side. It doesn’t include the cost of hotels or car hire as these are often booked in advance. Make sure you have some cash with you. It’s hard to pay for everything by card in Rome so be prepared.
Real traveller, average daily spend: €62
At nearly 2,000 years old, the Colosseum is one of the longest standing, certainly the largest remnants of the Roman empire. Simply put – you have to see it. To avoid the long queues, you can either book in advance or arrive before 8.30am. If the Colosseum is a little ruinous in parts, the Pantheon epitomises Roman splendour and is impeccably preserved.
Rome's history splits crudely into two sections - Roman history and Catholic history so once you've ticket off the Colleseum and the Pantheon it's worth looking at the religious side. St Peter’s Basilica is the centre of the Roman Catholic faith and the biggest church in the world. It sits within the walls of Vatican City.
The "Papal Audience" takes place every Wednesday evening and surprisingly given it's the Pope own service, gaining entry isn't that difficult. If you need less than 10 tickets you can normally pick these up without a reservation from the Swiss Guards at the "Bronze Doors". You need to be brave and just ask! The Bronze Doors are found just after security at St Peter's Basilica. The Swiss Guards are the soldiers who protect the Vatican. Despite the outfits, they are some of the best soldiers in the world.
Collect tickets for the Pope's Wednesday service directly from the Swiss Guards
Cool tip:
Go all old school and send postcards from Vatican City. As well as getting a cool stamp it's also well known for being quicker and safer than the Italian post system.
Real Traveller Average Food Transaction: €37
Food
Like most European cities, the price of a meal can vary wildly. Restaurants around the tourist attractions are often overpriced so it’s worth sourcing a good recommendation online or from a friend when you’re in those areas. Another thing to consider is that dinner is eaten late in Rome, it’s normal to sit down around 9pm.
The most popular place with WeSwap travellers is Pane E Salame, as the name might suggest - this place specializes in anti-pasti and cured meats. They do indeed cut a mean salame and you can grab some bits to take away too.
It's fair to say they put on a good spread in Pane E Salame. Not a cocktail stick in sight.
Il Pommidoro is serving up great local grub in the city's most alternative district, San Lorenzo. It has been run by the same family since opening in 1926 and dishes up the likes of wild boar ragu and pasta carbonara for €8. The district is proof that the city has a future as well as a past. Packed with cheap eateries, lefty-leaning bars and boutique shops, it’s a welcome break from the touristy centre.
Drink
The Hotel Forum Rooftop overlooks the Colosseums and is surrounded by greenery. It’s a quaint spot to sit down during the day to admire the scenery and people watch.
Whilst you would be remiss not to try the wine in Rome, cocktail bars have recently begun to pop up at a rapid pace around the city. The average price for a wine or beer it around €4.50 but cocktails are more expensive at about €8.
Helpful things to remember:
No need to tip in Italy! It’s normally included in the ‘servizio’ which is already included in the bill.
Real Traveller Average Daily Spend: €10
The Metro in Italy is efficient and affordable but not very far reaching. It can get very crowded during peak hours too. Trams and busses will get you around where the metro can’t. You can buy a ticket that covers all 3 modes of transport for €1.50 for 100 minutes. You can also fork out €16.50 for an unlimited three-day pass across trains and busses.
Real Traveller Average Daily Spend: €68
Shopping is hard to put a price next to - it entirely depends on how much you want to spend. Rest-assured, the sky is the spending limit in Rome. WeSwap travellers drop around €68 on an average shopping trip but of course, you wouldn’t go shopping every day.
For high-street brands the best place to go is the Via Del Corso which is a long narrow street in the middle of Rome’s historic centre. As well as all the biggest high street stores there are a smattering of smaller boutiques in the area.
For something a bit more bespoke there is the Porto Portese Flea Market which is held every Sunday. Here you can buy a huge variety new and old clothes and antiques. If you have the patience you can find yourself a bargain.
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Last checked and updated: 15.03.2017. All travel, accommodation and entertainment costs are taken from the provider’s official website – but don’t forget to double check yourself first before you head off.
