Posts by author Nicole Arriaga
Colloseum by night, and for free. David Köhler
Rome, the Eternal City, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-class attractions. While it can be an expensive destination, there are plenty of ways to explore Rome on a budget. This guide highlights 25 free things to do in Rome, helping you experience the city’s wonders without breaking the bank. Budget tip: » Read more
Enjoy a cheap, delicious panini in Rome. Photo: Avinash Bhat
When it comes to eating lunch in Rome, there are several cheap options, the most common of which are grabbing some pizza al taglio and panini. Back in the States, everyone is crazed over the panini “concept.” However to Italians, panini are just plain old sandwiches! Whatever you think, panini make a very affordable lunch. » Read more
The entrance to Rome's Ottaviano Metro station. Photo: Oksidor
By Nicole Arriaga in Rome— Traveling about Rome can be an adventure at times. With over 100 bus lines, tram routes and two metro lines, it’s no wonder that maneuvering Rome’s public transit system can leave a visitor utterly confused. As many visitors are only stopping through Rome for a short while, there’s no real » Read more
The wet floors of the Pantheon, a great rainy-day spot in Rome. Photo: Jules Stoop
By Nicole Arriaga in Rome— As the saying goes, when it rains it pours and the last place you want to be when traveling is stuck outside in the rain. When it’s raining like mad in Rome, you don’t want to be hanging out in the middle of the Roman forum, as there’s nowhere to » Read more
Enjoying a movie outdoors in Rome's Isola Tiberina cinema. Photo: Antmoose
During the summer nearly all the locals in Rome enjoy wining and dining all’aperto. As most restaurants (and apartments) in Italy don’t have air conditioning, many residents prefer dining outdoors in a lovely piazza or going for drinks with friends along the banks of the Tiber River. Another activity that is molto trendy for Romans » Read more
Take a romantic stroll through Villa d’Este. Photo:William Warby
When most travelers think of romantic cities, their thoughts head straight for Paris. Stealing a kiss at the top of the Eiffel Tower or ducking into an intimate café to gaze into each other eyes is indeed priceless. But not so fast, Paris! There’s also an endless supply of romantic spots in Rome. The Eternal » Read more
Hanging out in the Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere. Photo: Yukino Miyazawa
Rome wasn’t built in a day… and you certainly can’t uncover all of its treasures in a day, either. But something you can do is uncover the city’s beauties neighborhood by neighborhood, devoting a day to each one. Which better neighborhood to start off with than the charming quartiere of Trastevere! Most locals consider Trastevere, » Read more
The view from the top of St. Peter's dome. Walter Parenteau
By Nicole Arriaga in Rome— Even though Rome is fast becoming one of the most expensive cities in Europe, there are still plenty of memorable things to do that won’t put a big strain on your budget. Here are my top ten Roman activities that cost less than €10. 1. Galleria Borghese: €8.50 Piazzale del » Read more
Roman street signs can be a bit confusing. Photo: Ashley Frill
Finding your bearings in Rome can at first be tricky. You’ll probably get lost, and those buses can be hard to figure out. Even understanding the street signs can be a bit of a challenge. The first time I ventured about Rome on foot, I remember struggling to even find the signs! But never fear, » Read more
Welcome to the Cinema America. Photo: antmoose
Tourists may not feel inclined to spend a night at the movies when visiting Rome. This is partially because of the language barrier (most films in Italy, especially big American blockbusters, are dubbed from English to Italian) and also because you’re probably too busy seeing the sights. Seeing a film abroad can be a fun » Read more
Can you say "homemade spaghetti sauce"? Photo: Mike Steele
Cheapos looking to save a buck or two during their trip to Rome can certainly save some money by buying food at the local neighborhood supermercato. If you have access to a kitchen during your stay, you can obviously save big on meals. Even if you don’t have cooking facilities, a supermarket is a great » Read more
A "half off" sale in a Roman store. Photo: Zac MC
There are two times a year when you’ll see Italians go nuts about something other than soccer. Yes, I’m talking about the saldi. For those non-shopaholics or those not in the know, “saldi” are twice-annual sales that are regulated by the Italian government. In Rome, they’re a great opportunity to save big on clothing. Two » Read more
Celebrating the New Year in Rome. Photo: Giulio Menna
By Nicole Arriaga in Rome— For those of you with plans to ring in the New Year in Rome, the problem is not finding something to do. Rather, the real dilemma lies in narrowing down your celebratory options. Fortunately for Cheapos, Capodanno (New Year’s Eve) is one time when the city’s squares come alive with » Read more
Christmas spirit at the Vatican. Photo: Sunshine City
By Nicole Arriaga in Rome— When it comes to holiday festivities, Rome doesn’t exactly turn into tinsel town. That’s partly because the holiday season in Italy is focused on the religious aspects of the celebration, rather than on leaving presents under the Christmas tree. Christmas traditions in Italy Italians wait to give gifts to children » Read more
Getting scooped at Giolitti in Rome. Photo: Andre Luis
In Rome there’s Gelato, and then there’s just gelato. Let me clarify: I am quite a snob when it comes to eating the heavenly dessert. Whenever friends ask me to meet them for a gelato, I have to ask, “Where?” After all, there is such a thing as a mediocre cone. Thus, take note. Here » Read more
It's not a vacation without spending time with a book and a cup of coffee.
By Nicole Arriaga in Rome— If there’s something to be said about Italians, one thing’s for certain, they sure know how to churn out a good cup of coffee. Just about everywhere you turn in Rome, behind every nook, cranny and yes, monument, you will find a coffee bar. To say that Italians are obsessed » Read more
A crowd at Rome's Stadio Olimpico. Photo: KingPenguin1029
Ask almost any Italian and they’ll tell you there are only two things in life that they cannot do without: coffee and calcio (soccer). Right up there with coffee, calcio in Italy is definitely much more than a game. It’s a passion. Italians eat, breathe and live soccer. There are radio and TV shows dedicated » Read more
A pharmacy sign in Rome. Photo: Dietmar Rabich
Getting sick while on vacation is the pits. Not knowing where to go or who to turn to for medical attention just isn’t fun. Luckily when visiting Rome, if you find yourself in this situation, you won’t be left to fend for yourself. There are several services and clinics where tourists can go to without spending the » Read more
At the Mercato di Campo de’ Fiori. Photo: Roberto Taddeo
While it’s not hard to find a supermarket in Rome that carries all of the essentials on your grocery list, there’s nothing like scouring a mercato all’aperto (an open-air or farmers’ market) for the freshest fruits and veggies. Ah, yes. Shopping at these markets is a real Roman rite of passage and the perfect chance to » Read more
Enjoy an Aperol spritz and excellent views at one of these bars in Rome. Photo: Metro Centric
There are a 101 places in Rome where you could kick back your feet, relax and reminisce over drinks. But not every café will serve up your cocktails with breathtaking views of the Ancient City. Many of the most jaw-dropping vistas have been taken over by Rome’s most exclusive hotels, yet there are still a few » Read more
Care for a slice of pizza al taglio? Photo: Kyle T.
It’s lunchtime in Rome and you’re on the hunt for a quick bite on a budget. Where to turn? When I have friends in town and I feel like taking them for a fast and simple lunch, I take them straight to a “pizza al taglio” (pizza by the slice) shop. Lunch by the slice Simply » Read more
