For many, the chance to visit a foreign country is the stuff dreams are made of. In most cases, the cost of airfare alone can be crippling let alone paying for meals, attractions, and entertainment.

Rome is one of the most popular cities in the world amongst tourists and despite its exotic allure you don’t need to worry about your trip coming with a huge price tag. Here are a few things you consider if you want to plan a trip to Rome on a budget.

10. Choose the Right Time to Visit

Despite relatively hot weather, tourism in Rome is at its highest during the summer months. Your best options are to visit during the winter and spring months as prices will typically be a lot lower. The winter months will be cold but you most likely won’t encounter any ice or snow. If, however, you want to be in Rome for the Christmas Eve Mass at Vatican square you’ll want to book your hotel in Rome very early.

9. Plan to Walk

While Rome’s public transportation systems are easy to use, you’ll find that most of the attractions you want to see during the day are within walking distance of most hotels. Your best bet is to plan some walking tours and to save a few dollars for a taxi if you find yourself out and about during the evening hours.

8. Read about Rome’s History

As silly as it sounds you should read a book about the history of Rome before you embark on your journey. Knowing about the things you’re seeing in advance will make your trip far more valuable than spending a ton of money on souvenir books or guided tours and will give you a leg up when it comes to some of the free sites you may encounter from the outside alone.

7. Visit the Catacombs

Take a day to step outside of the main city and visit the Catacombs. They’re not the most talked about attraction but they’re definitely worth seeing. On the way you’ll get to see some of the old viaducts you learned about in grade school, too!

6. Appreciate Rome’s Style

Fashion and architecture are huge in Rome but you don’t need to spend a lot of money to appreciate either. Visit the Via del Corso to check out some of the hottest new styles, take a few pictures, and limit your spending to whatever you can conjure up during a window shopping session. Those high fashions are great to look at but you really don’t need to take anything home.

5. Visit a Tourist Office

Visit a tourist office for the most accurate and reliable information available when it comes to Rome’s attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The main office can be found at Piazza della Repubblica atVia Parigi5 and another can be found within the Fiumicino Airport near International Arrivals. There are others around the city as well. Can’t make it to a tourist office? Ask your hotel concierge for tips on what to do and see as well.

4. Look for Discounts

Some major cities sell tourist passes that allow you to get discounted admission to most of the area’s major museums. This type of program doesn’t really exist in Rome but if you ask in the tourist office they’ll be able to tell you about any available specials. Senior citizens should not expect to receive discounts, especially if they aren’t European citizens. Students with an International Student Identity Card can receive discounts at tons of different attractions, in restaurants, an even on transportation lines.

3. Look for Standing Room

If you’re headed into a bar or café for a simple snack or refreshing drink you should head towards the bar and just stand while you enjoy your break. The prices for food and drink will automatically be higher if you sit down at a table and allow a waiter to serve you. The same applies to small cafes during the lunch rush – you can save as much as $15 per meal standing instead of sitting down.

2. Eat at a Trattoria

If you don’t want to stand while eating, make sure you visit a local trattoria. Local trattorias aren’t designed as tourist traps. You won’t feel rushed or overcharged and the owner, who is probably the chef as well, will probably come out to say hello. Eating in a local restaurant is one of the best ways to experience a true Italian meal.

1. Visit Free Sites

There aren’t as many free sights to see in Rome as you might wish for but there are a few and you’ll be able to fit them into your itinerary if you plan carefully. The Vatican Museums, for example, are free in the morning on the last Sunday of the month. The Basilica, Bernini’s Colonnade, and the Papal Tombs are free as well. Head towards the tourist office near St. Peter’s and you may be able to catch a free tour offered by a local religious group.

Ready to embark on your journey throughout Rome? Pack some good walking shoes and hit the road. This is one trip you’ll always remember!