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 Museo Borghese, 5
Tel.: +39 06 32 810
Web site
Open: Tuesdays- Sundays 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Located inside Rome’s “Central Park,” the Villa Borghese is a lovely museum that holds a vast collection of 17th and 18th-century artwork. Feast on masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio and Raphael. The villa was built for Cardinal Sciopione Borghese and is itself quite a beauty. When you’ve had enough art you can go for a passeggiata in the park. (That’s always free.)

2. Castel Sant’Angelo: €5.50
Lungotevere Castello, 50
Tel.: +39 06.6819111
Web site
Open: Tuesdays-Sundays 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

At first glance, the overbearing structure that looms over the Tiber River near the Vatican seems to be just another enormous castle. However, the history of Castel Sant’Angelo is more complicated than that. It was built by the emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself in 135 AD. The monument was later transformed into a fortress that guarded the Vatican and became a Papal refuge for nearly 1,000 years. Inside the castle you’ll find a spectacular showcase of battlefield weaponry, including cannons, cannon balls and dungeons, too. Not a bad deal for just €5.50!

3. Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica: €5-€7
Piazza San Pietro
Tel.: +39 06.0608
Web site
Hours: October 1 – March 31: daily, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; April 1 – September 30: daily, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sure, a bird’s-eye view of the Eternal City can be found from any number of rooftop terraces around town. But there’s something extra special about taking in the view from the tip-top of St. Peter’s dome. There are two ways to get up there: your feet or an elevator. For €5 you can huff and puff your way up 500 steps to the top. Or you can ride the elevator up for €7.

4. Fountain-hopping frenzy: Free

Did someone say free? One of the most amazing things about Rome for budget travelers is the amount of art, architecture and sculptures that can be admired for niente. When it comes to marvelous fountains, Rome has plenty to go around. They’re just as breathtaking by day as they are by night. Here are some of my personal favorites:

Fontana del Tritone (Triton Fountain): Located at the center of the bustling Piazza Barberini where traffic flows in and out of the Centro Storico. The fountain was designed by Bernini in 1642. Also worth checking out is the Fontana delle Api (Fountain of the Bees) nearby on Via Veneto.

Fontana delle Naiadi (Fountain of the Naiads): My goodness what a piazza (della Repubblica)! Albeit, seeing it by day doesn’t do it justice, as the the fountain only becomes more beautiful when illuminated at night.

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers): What makes Piazza Navona so beautiful (apart from its picturesque cafes) are the three beautiful fountains that dominate the square. My favorite is the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, the central and largest of the three. Designed by the great Bernini, the fountain represents the rivers of the four continents known at that time: the Nile (symbol of Africa), the Ganges (symbol of Asia), the Danube (representing Europe) and the Rio de la Plata (representing America).

Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain): The mother of all fountains, it’s also world-famous for wish-makers. Legend has it that if you toss a coin into the fountain, a return to Rome is guaranteed! It also made famous appearances for movies like Three Coins in a Fountain and Fellini’s La Dolce Vita.

5. Ostia Antica: €6.50 + two €1 bus tickets
Viale dei Romagnoli, 717
Tel.: +39 06 5635 8099
Web site
Hours: November-February, Tues-Sun 8:30 a.m-6 p.m.; March, Tues-Sun 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; April-October, Tues-Sun 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Located just outside Rome, the Ancient town of Ostia Antica often gets overlooked. Ostia Antica is an archeological site that served as a port city for ancient Rome and is located near the modern town of Ostia. Although its founding was thought to have been in the seventh century BC, archaeological remnants “only” date it back to fourth century BC. Wander about the impressive ruins, including an amphitheater, many temples and villas.

Getting there is a simple combination of a Metro and train ride (45 minutes total). Take Metro B line to the “Piramide” stop (direction: “Laurentina”). The Piramide Metro stop is located next to the Roma Porta San Paolo train station. Make sure to follow the signs that say “Lido.” Trains leave every 15 minutes.

6. Roaming the streets of Trastevere: Free

One of the favorite Italian past times is going for a passeggiata (“easy stroll”), and what better neighborhood to stroll through than picturesque Trastevere. Get lost in the winding cobblestone alleys. Happen upon local trattorias, street cafès and wonderful churches, such as Santa Maria in Trastevere.

7. Attend a Papal Mass: Free
Web site

There’s our favorite word again! On Sundays at noon, the Pope gives a prayer (the “Angelus”) and blesses the crowd of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square. Tickets are not required to attend this event, so if you want a good spot, be sure to arrive early. On Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. the Pope leads a blessing before a general audience; tickets are required but can be easily obtained (see Web site for details).

8. Hop on the ArcheoBus: €10
Web site

Sometimes, it’s nice to have someone do all the planning for you. For example, the ArcheoBus will drive you around town and let you hop on and hop off at major sights, including the Colosseum, the Baths of Caracalla, the Appia Antica Park, the Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano, among others. The entire loop lasts about an hour and a half and includes an audio guide in eight languages, including English. You can catch the green open-air bus from Termini train station.

9. Go for gelato: €2-€3

After going to see the Pantheon (another must-see freebie), you must indulge in one of life’s tastiest pleasures: a gelato from Giolitti (Uffici del Vicario, 40). It’s one of Rome’s oldest gelaterie and, according to me at least, it’s one of the city’s best. Nocciola (“hazelnut”) and pistacchio are my favorites. The place is always packed with tourists, but once you’ve tried their gelato, you’ll understand why. (It’s a far cry from Häagen-Dazs.)

10. Visit Ara Pacis: €7.50
Lungotevere in Augusta
Tel.: +39 06.0608
Open: Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Web site

One of Rome’s newest landmarks, the funky glass-and-travertine structure where the Ara Pacis (“Alter of Peace”) is held was designed by the American architect Richard Meier. Some find the structure gaudy, while others find it breathtaking. Regardless, it caused quite a stir in Rome when it opened in 2006.

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So for anyone traveling with younger ones to Rome, what can the ancient city offer to keep everyone amused? Well, many things, as it turns out! Plus, many of the city’s kid-friendly attractions offer free admission to guests under 18.

Here are our top five ideas for visiting Rome with kids:

1. The Colosseum

Admission: €12; free for children under 18 (with ID)
Web site (in Italian)

With a history of gladiators, blood, exotic animals and vestal virgins, the Colosseum should get children’s imaginations running. (Did you know that during the opening ceremony over 5,000 wild beasts were slain and that crocodiles were brought to the 100-day event from all over the world to battle to the death? And what better way to rid yourselves of prisoners than get them to kill each other with ancient weapons in front of 80,000 spectators?)

Okay, so the fierce warriors and gory battles are no longer to be found, but a little story-telling and a gladiator costume or two go a long way in keeping the little ones amused.

2. Roman Bones, Ghosts and Ghouls at the Capuchin Crypt

Address: Santa Maria della Concezione Church, Via Veneto 27 (Barberini end)
Hours: 9 a.m-12 p.m. and 3 p.m.-6 p.m., closed Thursdays
Admission: By donation, with a minimum of €1
Web site

Prepare to be spooked at the sight of thousands of skulls and bones artfully arranged in the Capuchin Crypt under the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappucini Church. Five vaulted chapels are filled with the remains of Capuchin Friars, with about 4,000 skeletons total. You’ll find complete skeletons (with skin) as well as lampshades, fireplaces and artwork made of bones. Go on, if you dare…

3. Castel Sant’Angelo

Address: Lungotevere Castello 50 (just next to Piazza Cavour and the Vatican)
Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (Tuesday to Sunday); closed on Mondays
Admission: €8; reduced entrance fee for visitors under 18
Web site

Made famous in the film Angels and Demons when Tom Hanks ran through the Papal corridor, the Castel Sant’Angelo has passages, stairways, cannons and ramparts that are just waiting to be explored. The castle offers a magnificent view over the Tiber River and the Vatican, so children won’t be the only ones eager to explore its ancient secrets.

4. The Time Elevator Experience

Address: Via SS Apostoli, 20
Hours: 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. daily
Admission: €9 (adults); and €7 (children under 12)
Web site

This virtual ride brings the story of Ancient Rome to life—beginning with the dinosaurs and culminating in a five-dimensional journey through time and space. The 180-degree screen, moving platforms, flight simulators and 3D effects are guaranteed to entertain both adults and children.

This is not the cheapest option in town (especially as the film is not that long), but check to see if your hotel reception offers discount vouchers.

5. Climbing St. Peter’s Dome

Admission: €6 (stairs); €7 (using the elevator)
Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (April-September); 8:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m. (October-March)
Web site

Racing up the twisting spiral staircases to the top of the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica should tire the little ones out. (There’s an option to take an elevator to the roof if you feel short on youthful energy.)

The Dome was designed by Michelangelo, and there is a total of 330 steps to get to the top. During part of the climb, you have to walk on a slanted platform to accommodate the Dome’s sloping walls. Stagger to the top for a well-deserved rest.

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The release of the movie “Angels and Demons” is set to do for Rome what “The Da Vinci Code” did for Paris—bring a lot more Dan Brown fans to town! But while Rome is currently afire with pricey “Angels and Demons”-inspired guided tours, you can visit most of the sights featured in the film for free.

Here are six sights, featured in the film, that are easy to get to and free to visit:

1. The Ecstasy of St. Teresa

This provocative sculpture by Bernini holds court in the Santa Maria della Vittoria church. Works by Bernini are featured prominently in “Angels and Demons,” and throughout Rome, where it’s hard to imagine the cityscape without the indelible mark of the painter, sculptor, and architect.

Where to go: Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria. Just off Via Nazionale.

2. Fountain of Four Rivers

The striking and imposing “Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi,” sculpted in 1651 by Bernini, is the setting for a scene in which Dr Langdon (played by Tom Hanks) saves a cardinal from drowning. The fountain is an excellent example of the dramatic flourishes of the “High Baroque” period. Toss a penny in the fountain and make a wish for good luck.

Where to go: The fountain is located in the center of Piazza Navona, in the heart of Rome.

3. Chigi Chapel

The Chigi Chapel was designed by Renaissance painter and architect Raphael, although it was finished in 1520, nearly a hundred years after his death, by Bernini. The chapel is tucked inside the Santa Maria del Popolo church in Piazza del Popolo. The Chigi Chapel houses the famous Chigi pyramidal wall tomb, and the Bernini sculpture “Habakkuk and the Angel,” which factors into Brown’s book.

Where to go: Santa Maria del Popolo church in Piazza del Popolo (Metro Flaminio)

4. Pantheon

The Pantheon, that wonder of ancient architecture, is referred to as the “oldest church in Rome” by Dr. Langdon in “Angels and Demons.” Constructed in 125 AD, the Pantheon was originally dedicated to the worship of all gods, or “pan theos.” In 609, the building was consecrated as a Christian church by Pope Boniface IV. Today, the Pantheon represents the best-preserved ancient building in Rome, and is filled with sculptures, tombs (including Raphael’s), and incredibly-preserved details.

Where to go: Piazza della Rotunda. Open daily, admission free.

5. Ponte and Castel Sant’Angelo

The magnificent Ponte Sant’Angelo (pictured above), constructed in 136 AD by Emperor Hadrian, leads travelers past its Bernini sculptures over the Tiber River and to the Castel Sant’Angelo and Vatican City.

The Castel Sant’Angelo is an imposing sight, and was built by Hadrian as a tomb for himself, his family, and subsequent Emperors. The building has been used for many purposes since, including a fortress, castle, and today, museum. The Castel plays a crucial part in “Angels and Demons.”

Where to go: Take bus #40 from Termini to Castel Sant’Angelo

6. St. Peter’s Square

The dramatic first murder in “Angels and Demons” takes place in St. Peter’s Square, crowded with visitors.

The square, located directly in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, is another of Bernini’s Roman masterpieces, designed to give the faithful a massive gathering space where every visitor could see the Pope and receive his blessing.

The square, replete with colonnade and obelisk, was constructed between 1656 and 1667, and can accommodate more than 300,000 people.

Where to go: Bus 40 or 64, or Metro Ottaviano.

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