But sometimes famous attractions can be completely overwhelming. Long lines and massive crowds can get tiring after a few days.

When you’ve had your fill of “must-see” Rome, head to these four wonderful sights, which are equally historic and beautiful, but too often overlooked. You’ll escape the masses and get a better sense of the city, and probably create some of the best memories of your trip!

Related: Top 5 Vatican attractions | 25 Free things to do in Rome

Villa Doria Pamphili

This 17^th century villa is part of the largest landscaped public park in Rome, and it is absolutely stunning. Locals know Villa Pamphili is the place to be in the summer, and they’ll spend entire days lounging in the grass around the villa, snacking on picnics and drinking wine while children play in the fountains and gardens.

The park is located in Monteverde, on the outskirts of Rome (near the Vatican), so tourists often miss it. It’s well worth the trek though, for the ponds full of ducks, the elaborate gardens, and the striking villa itself.

Basilica of San Clemente

Rome is home to more than 900 churches, so it’s understandable that tourists miss most of them. One of the most ornate, but often overlooked, churches is the Basilica of San Clemente, more than 2,000 years old and full of mesmerizing mosaics. Sitting on a hill about 300 yards from the Colosseum, the Basilica was named after Pope St. Clement, who died in 100 AD.

There is plenty of historical information for visitors, and architecture lovers will go crazy for the high ceilings and sprawling courtyard. Inside, the mosaics and frescoes rival even those of St. Peter’s Basilica!

Pyramid of Cestius

You don’t have to go to Egypt to see a pyramid. Rome has its own, built around 18-12 BC as a tomb for Gaius Cestius, a member of the Septemviri Epulonum, one of the four religious corporations in Rome at the time.

The Pyramid of Cestius is near Ostiense, which is a bit outside of the center and not often frequented by tourists. Those who do see they pyramid usually marvel at it from outside, but it’s what’s inside that makes it even more fascinating. The remains of frescoes line the burial chamber, as well as dedicatory inscriptions.

Next to the pyramid, the Protestant Cemetery, the final resting place of John Keats and many others, is also worth a stop.

Giardino degli Aranci

The orange garden in Rome is one of the best places to visit for sweeping views of the city in a relaxed setting. While the Gianicolo hill on the other side of Rome is famous for stunning vistas that inspire marriage proposals, it’s usually crowded and noisy. This little urban oasis, however, still provides the breathtaking views but in a more intimate setting. It’s one of the most romantic spots in Rome.

Bring a bottle of wine and visit at the golden hour for the best photos. Sometimes, there’s even live music played for a small audience of locals.

Your favorite secret spots?

Did we miss one of your favorite under-the-radar attractions in Rome? Let us know in the comments section below!

The post Rome’s 4 commonly overlooked treasures appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Among other delights, Rome’s San Giovanni neighborhood offers its share of interesting sights, cheap clothing opportunities, and sweet eats. Here’s our guide to a fun day exploring what to see, do, and eat in San Giovanni.

1. Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano

Grab a bargain at San Giovanni’s market.

A must-visit. The basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano (Basilica of St. John Lateran), pictured above, is Rome’s only official cathedral, and thus could be considered the “big daddy” of all basilicas. The bishop of Rome (the Pope) counts this as his church, and as a result it ranks higher than other churches in the Roman Catholic Church. The church was originally constructed by Constantine the Great in the fourth century.

Piazza San Giovanni. Open every day 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM

2. San Giovanni Clothing Market

Head for the San Giovanni clothing market to find very cheap new and used clothing. The market features plenty of stalls to pick through. You’re destined to find a bargain or two.

Via Sannio. Open daily, except Sunday. 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Tiramisu at Pompi. The best in Rome?

3. Tiramisu stop

Armed with bags of new (and used) clothing, head down the road, near Re di Roma, to Pompi. The restaurant has a reputation for dishing up the best tiramisu in Rome. If you’re not in the mood for layers of cream, chocolate, and cinnamon, you could also sample their gelato, panna cotta, “caffe del nonno,” or just settle for a banana split.

Via Albalonga, 11. Open daily, except Monday 6:30 AM – 1:30 AM.

4. Free Music! If you time it right…

The Cornetto Free Music Concert held every year in Piazza San Giovanni. The Black Eyed Peas, Avril Lavigne, Duran Duran, Beck, Joss Stone, and Jamiroquai have played the event in the past. The festival, sponsored by the Cornetto ice cream empire, is normally held during the summer. Consult their official site for upcoming dates.

The post Rome San Giovanni walking tour: church, cheap clothes, tiramisu appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Duomo do!

But, get this. Did you know that every 40 minutes Florence’s Center for Art and Culture also offers FREE guided tours of the church? Highlights of the jaunt include a look into the care and craft of that gorgeous facade, why the church was originally built, and more.  Tours are available in English and Italian.

Before you go…

If you plan to take a tour, enter the sanctuary via the left-side doors. The church is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and on Fridays from 10 AM to 5 PM; Thursday it’s open from 10 AM to 3:30 PM; Saturday it opens at 10 AM and closes at 4:45 PM. On Sunday, the sanctuary is only open from 1:30 PM to 4:45 PM.  And, the first Saturday of each month the church is only open from 10 AM to 3:30 PM. For information on special holiday hours and more, visit the Duomo’s official tourism site.

Note: If you want to see more of the basilica and travel up the stairs to the top of the dome, you’ll need to shell out €8. (Hint: We think it’s worth it.)

For more information and lots of budget tips for Florence, go here.

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