5 great places to drink on a budget in Rome

This loveable vineria should be on everyone’s list, not just wine-lovers, but lovers of local colour. The clientele is a broad spectrum of Roman society, and the mood is always cheery. Afterall, with generous pours of quality wine at roughly 5 euro per glass, why wouldn’t it be?

One of the few locali in Trastevere to retain its bohemian aura, Lettere Caffè lives up to its name, offering a selection of subversive and anarchist literature in a small reading nook at the entrance, as well as beer, wine and cocktails throughout. There’s also live music. Joan Baez would feel at home

The ironic name – Bar of the Uglies – should say something about the sense of humour that permeates this college hangout. It’s also the kind of bar where you can spend hours and hours, reading a book or using the free Wi-Fi, even after you have finished your coffee, without getting the evil eye.

Tucked away in the timeless Certosa neighbourhood lies Shakespeare & Co., an enoteca-cum-bookstore. The owner is a sommelier with a passion for small publishing houses. In the back there’s a garden named Patio Marquez, after the writer who died the day this shop opened. A real treat.

This bar gets its name from a term in the Veneto region that means to drink several glasses. Indeed, the owners are from the Veneto region, and like all good Venetians, know how to mix a good Spritz, both with Aperol or Campari. The average price is 3 euro, which is refreshingly more Venetian than Roman as well.