Rome in October and November is a dream. The summer heat has calmed down, the tourist crowds have thinned, and the city feels like it belongs to you. Staying in a well-rated, affordable hotel near the city center means you can step outside and immediately be immersed in history. This is the kind of trip where you let your feet (or a rented Vespa) take the lead, wandering wherever Rome’s winding streets call you.
What to See & Where to Wander
Start your mornings with a cappuccino and a cornetto at a cozy café—just don’t order a cappuccino after 11 AM unless you want to be that tourist. Then, head to the Colosseum, because let’s be honest, it’s not a trip to Rome without seeing this gladiatorial masterpiece. Right next door is the Roman Forum, where you can almost hear the whispers of ancient Rome.
From there, it’s a short walk to Piazza Venezia and the grand Altar of the Fatherland. Climb to the terrace for an epic panoramic view of the city. Meander your way to the Pantheon, where the architecture alone will leave you speechless. And don’t forget the Trevi Fountain—toss a coin in, because who doesn’t want an excuse to come back?
For the art lovers, the Vatican Museums are a must. The Sistine Chapel will leave you staring at the ceiling so long you might get a crick in your neck, but trust me, it’s worth it. St. Peter’s Basilica is next door and offers another breathtaking view if you climb to the dome.
Where to Eat (Without Selling a Kidney)
Food in Rome is an experience in itself. A budget-friendly way to enjoy authentic Italian flavors is to stick to trattorias and avoid tourist traps. For the best carbonara of your life, head to Roscioli. Their pasta is the kind that makes you question every meal you’ve had before.
If you’re in Trastevere (and you absolutely should be), visit Da Enzo al 29 for classic Roman dishes. Their cacio e pepe is legendary. Grab a supplì (fried rice ball) from a street vendor if you need a snack between meals. And of course, gelato is non-negotiable—Giolitti and Fatamorgana are top picks.
Nightlife & Evening Strolls
Rome at night is pure magic. The city lights up, street musicians add a soundtrack to your walk, and there’s a buzz in the air. Trastevere is the go-to neighborhood for nightlife, with lively bars and cozy wine spots. Freni e Frizioni is a great place for an aperitivo, where you buy a drink and get access to a buffet of delicious snacks. If you want a more relaxed evening, take a moonlit stroll by the Tiber River or enjoy a late-night espresso at a piazza.
Budget Breakdown (Per Day, Excluding Flight & Hotel)
- Food: €25-€40 (breakfast at a café, a street snack, a trattoria dinner)
- Transport: €1.50 per bus/metro ride or €7 for a daily pass
- Attractions: €10-€20 (some places like the Pantheon are free; major sites like the Vatican and Colosseum have entry fees)
- Extras (drinks, souvenirs, gelato fund): €10-€20
Total: €50-€80 per day (less if you’re strategic, more if you indulge a bit—which, let’s be honest, you should!)
The Final Word
Rome in October and November is everything you want it to be—romantic, historic, delicious, and wonderfully walkable. It’s a city that rewards wanderers, where getting lost leads to hidden piazzas and unexpected trattorias. Whether you’re tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, savoring pasta like it’s your last meal, or cruising through the countryside in a rented Fiat, one thing is for sure: you’ll leave with stories to tell and a promise to return.
