Italy’s #1 tourist destination can offer cost savings for travelers…
by Stefanie Michaels
Rome Italy on a budget…
“Roma”, the city that captivates travelers to visit by the millions each year, makes it Europe’s #1 tourist destination– for Rome on a budget, whether it be for first time visitors or repeat tourists heading back to Rome, there’s never disappointment with the endless experiences available, if even just by walking its streets. Whether visiting the Forum or Vatican, to navigating through a bustling contemporary city, there’s certainly a lot to see.
People always inquire with me about when the best time to visit actually is. I prefer the cooler shoulder periods of April-June and September-November. Travel during these off-peak times is more affordable, less crowds, and weather is milder than the extreme heat associated with a Roman Summer. I tend to hedge away from December, because of the masses that come in to attend festivities at the Vatican, especially during the Christmas season. Prices can spike during this time.
Another perk to traveling off-peak is the pricing on hotels (even luxury ones), which offer reduced pricing or even complimentary nights with certain bookings. A little investigating on the actual hotel’s website could mean deep savings versus using third party booking engines.
Anywhere travelers go in Italy, there’s never a bad meal to be had there. Especially, in Rome, where neighborhood trattorias are plentiful and reasonable. For pizza and pasta lovers, local eateries are insanely good. Not to mention reasonable local gelato shops, sometimes offering mid-day specials. Needless to say, one won’t starve in Roma!
There are two sites I always check out for touring the city. Walks of Italy and Tours By Locals. Some tours can be pricy on their own, but when working with group tour companies such as these examples, there can be discounts.
For history buffs, spending a little extra on a guided tour, can mean the difference between what a traveler takes back in knowledge or not. Often times there are promo codes offered to maximize cost savings. Also, check out the Omnia Pass multi-pass for discounts and fast track to major attractions.
Another way to see the Eternal City, is with Free Walking Tours Rome. Booking ahead of time is mandatory with this company. It might not be as comprehensive as other tours, but in their 2-hour tour, travelers will get a pretty good overview of antiquities and history.
Walking Rome, Italy must-sees can be exhausting, but renting a car and attempting to merge into Roman traffic is a whole other adventure unto itself, as well as adding a costly tab onto a budget.
Instead, opt to utilizing the rails– all lines connect to the main Termini railway station. Buses are also a solid transit option, and a great way to connect with locals. These are also found in front of Termini Station. Use One Metro ride, or consider purchasing a 24-hour ticket– approx. €7.00 will get bus, train, and metro access within the city.
Did you know?
Visit the free attractions: Rome has many free attractions, including the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. Take advantage of these free attractions and save on admission fees.
A little history:
Rome is one of the most historic cities in the world and has a rich and fascinating history that spans over two and a half thousand years.
According to legend, Rome was founded in 753 BC by the twin brothers Romulus and Remus. Over time, Rome grew in power and became the center of the Roman Republic and then the Roman Empire, which lasted for over 500 years. During this time, Rome became one of the most influential cities in the world, with an empire that stretched from Spain to Syria.
Rome has been the site of many significant historical events, including the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC and the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. In 313 AD, Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, which granted religious toleration to Christians, paving the way for the establishment of Christianity as the dominant religion of the Roman Empire.
In the Middle Ages, Rome Italy became the center of the Roman Catholic Church. Many of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, were built during this period.
Stefanie Michaels, aka ‘Adventure Girl’, spends more than 180 days a year on the road seeking out great spots for adventures, dining, shopping, hotels and more. Dubbed “America’s Sweetheart” by Vanity Fair Magazine for being one of Twitter’s first icon’s to reach over 1 million followers, her fans continue to grow across all of her digital media platforms. Follow her @adventuregirl as she shares photos, updates and more.
