Planning for Rome: Budget Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Italy this year and looking for ways to save? While traveling in Italy is usually more affordable than in other countries (we’re looking at you Sweden, Denmark, and Switzerland!), trip expenses can add up quickly. This is especially true if you’re planning to visit popular destinations like Rome, Venice, Florence, and » Read more

Lush landscapes, stunning monuments, exciting history, beautiful art, mouthwatering food and free-flowing wine make Rome one of the most popular destinations in the world — and also one of the priciest. But a trip to the Eternal City doesn’t have to be expensive. Underneath the luxury hotels and vineyard tours is a city that runs » Read more

Rome is one of the best cities for designer shopping in the world. Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, Bulgari and the like line the streets of the city center, tantalizing passerby with their luxurious window displays. But you don’t need to cough up your entire savings to go home with a Prada purse or a Roberto » Read more

Public transportation strikes are extremely common in Rome (there was one just a fortnight ago). They usually get called with a couple of days notice and have the potential to disrupt even the most carefully laid travel plans. But you can avoid the headaches of “scioperi” (strikes) by keeping an eye out for upcoming strikes » Read more

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

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

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

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

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

Over the last couple of years around Rome, ATAC’s bikesharing program has become a popular fixture around the city center and the beach resort of Ostia. Taking to the streets in Rome can be scary, as traffic is plentiful, but for the brave and those with padded clothing (those cobbles can be a challenge), it » Read more

Whether you like romantic cobbled streets, nightlife, shopping or convenience to the main transport hubs, choosing the right Rome neighborhood can make or break your holiday experience. Here is our guide to help you make your choice. Trastevere For scenic streets and nightlife Literally meaning “across the Tevere” (or the River Tiber), Trastevere is a » Read more

If you are watching the euros during your trip to Rome, fear not. We’re on hand with five simple tips to add a sprinkle of free froth to your freshly served Roman holiday. 1. St Peters Basilica The most famous Catholic church in the world is free to enter. Don’t be deterred by the queue » Read more

One of the things about Rome that never fails to impress me is the value for money offered by the public transport system. While locals complain about the limited metro system (only two lines at present) and the endless strikes, you cannot help but be impressed at the simplicity of the “one ticket fits all” » Read more

By Samantha Collins in Rome– Note: This post was updated with new prices in May 2013. The Roma Pass is a three-day discount card that gives you free or discounted access to some of Rome’s top museums, as well as free use of the public transport system. Launched to encourage visitors into the museums, the » Read more

By Sav D’Souza in Rome—In Rome adherence to the bella figura (beautiful figure) is considered important. And, hey, for some of us – when in Rome – it’s more fun to do as the Romans do. Here are my top suggestions for escaping a visit from the style polizia. For the donna… Ride high! Whether » Read more