Rome was once the center of the known world and today is still the focus of vacation travelers from all over the world. If you would like to visit Rome, but think it would be too expensive, you are in luck. There are budget hotels in Rome as well a vacation rentals and hostels that will reduce your spending on accommodations to save money for the things you want to do.
Accommodations in Rome
There are a surprising number of cheap hotels that offer excellent amenities and service. Many are near the Roman Forum and Colosseum as well as the Romanina Shopping Center. You can also get good prices in the luxury hotels if you travel during the off season. The most crowded times are during the Christmas and Easter holidays. Vacation rentals are available and are less expensive than many budget hotels. They also have fully equipped kitchen to save you even more on your food costs.
How to Save Money Seeing the Sights
You can view extraordinary art in churches around the city for free, and the last Sunday of each month admission is free from 9 am to 12:30 pm at the Vatican Museums. Works by Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, Bramante and many more greats are on view for free in the churches.
The Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and St. Peter’s Basilica have no entry fee.
If you get a Roma Pass, you get cheaper rates to most sights and avoid waiting in long lines. This doesn’t work for the Vatican.
Take a walk along the Appian Way. Starting at Capitol Hill it passes through the Roman Forum and the Arch of Titus. You’ll pass by historical places such as San Sebastian Gate, Church of Santa Maria in Palmis or Quo Vadis church and the Catacombs of St. Callixtus.
Central Rome has narrow roads and is best seen on foot. It’s home to some of the best examples of architecture and timeless artwork and is also where many excellent and inexpensive restaurants are. It’s also a center for exciting night life with live music and street performers. It is considered the most popular place in Rome.
Trastevere is another location that is popular among tourists and locals. It also has charming narrow streets that are paved with cobblestones. It’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes because this area is not easy for vehicular traffic. It’s south of Vatican City and is the home of musicians, artists and writers. It is more popular for younger visitors.
Save Money on Food
The public drinking fountains around the city offer excellent, safe water. You can buy a cheap water bottle and keep it filled, so you don’t need to buy expensive bottled water.
Make lunch your biggest meal. If you can stand at the counter for breakfast as Italians do, your meal will cost less. At lunch time, most restaurants offer the same fare they offer at dinner time, only for a lower price.
When you find good gelato, it’s time to splurge. It’s refreshing, tasty and filling.
Whether you’re a single traveler or taking your family on a vacation, you can visit Rome without spending a small fortune. There are excellent hotels throughout the city that offer clean, cheap and convenient accommodations.
This article was contributed by Fiona Moriarty of Hipmunk, a travel website that offers customers a fast and easy way to find the best travel deals.