Another activity that is molto trendy for Romans during the summer is to catch a movie outside, al fresco. Through September, there are several outdoor cinemas set up around town where locals and tourists can watch a movie under the stars. How romantic is that?

Here are three outdoor cinemas in Rome that I recommend:

Isola Tiberina
www.isoladelcinema.com
Cost: Free – €8

First up is the famous Isola del Cinema. Every June through September, this event offers movies at Isola Tiberina, near the hospital. Every night, films are projected at 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.

This year, the films celebrate the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy with two film series. One is called “Cantiere Italia” and showcases films made with famous Italian celebrities. The other category, “New Italian Cinema,” features films made by (and with) emerging Italian artists.

There are three locations where you can watch the films: Arena, Cinelab and the Tiberscreen. Depending on the flick, tickets range from free to €8 per person. The great part about catching a flick here is that following the film you can go for a passeggiata (stroll) along the banks of the River. Do a little shopping, dining or grab a cocktail at any one of the numerous stands that make up this fabulously fun outdoor village!

Piazza Vittorio
www.agisanec.lazio.it/notti_cinema.html
Cost: €6

Then there’s Piazza Vittorio, famous for its ethnic diversity. For years this area has churned out good food, music and a market offering fabulous ethnic food and spices. If you know where to go, the vibe here is great. So, of course, it makes perfect sense to hold an outdoor cinema right here in Piazza Vittorio.

The event is officially called “Notti di Cinema a Piazza Vittorio” and runs through September 11, 2011. Hollywood blockbuster movies are shown (dubbed in Italian) as well as a selection of award-winning international films in their original languages. There are two “maxi screens” that usually project a few movies each night. Movies begin between 8:40 p.m.-11:15 p.m.

My favorite part about this outdoor theater is that you can see two films for the price of one! The cost of the ticket enables you to see two films back-to-back on the same screen.

Casa del Cinema
www.casadelcinema.it
Cost: Free (until seats run out)

Last but not least, there’s the Casa del Cinema located in the heart of Villa Borghese. Through September 12, 2011 the Casa del Cinema hosts an outdoor movie theater that projects famous films nightly, including such classics as The Godfather and Italian films made by Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti. Don’t miss the Casa del Cinema’s “Shakespearean Mondays”; Every Monday until the end of summer films dedicated to Shakespeare will be shown.

Best of all, these movies are absolutely free, so make sure to get there early if you want to grab a seat. Movie times are usually around 9 p.m.

The post Rome Outdoor Movies: Catch a flick “al fresco” appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

“Inglorious Basterds,” “The Bourne Supremacy” and “A Good German” are just a few of the films that have been enhanced by the city’s historic and high-tech architecture. Berlin also boasts a cutting-edge film studio, Studio Babelsberg, which produces mega-budget action flicks. What’s up next? “Unknown White Male” with Liam Neeson, January Jones and Diane Kruger.

It only makes sense, then, that Berlin is well-stocked with a wide range of movie theaters. A host of quirky cinemas studding the city play anything but mainstream fare. In fact, you’re more likely to catch an offbeat, English-language independent film in Berlin than in many major cities in the U.S.

Ticket prices and Kinotage

Film-going in Berlin is decidedly Cheapo-friendly. Prices are relatively low—most films don’t cost more than €7. They’re even cheaper on Kinotage (“Movie Day”), when tickets are reduced by about €1.50. Kinotage varies by theater, but it’s usually on Tuesday. Be sure to avoid movies longer than two hours and ten minutes—they can cost up to €1 more.

For current movie listings, pick up an issue or visit the Web sites of Zitty or Tip, the city’s weekly entertainment and cultural listings magazines.

Here are four great cinema options for movie-goers in Berlin:

Babylon Cinema
Rosa Luxemburg Str. 30
U-Bahn: Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz
Admission: €6.50

With its old-fashioned neon marquee, Babylon Berlin is the best of the Yorck Kinogruppe’s art theaters. Its film buff-approved lineup almost always includes English-language films or foreign films with English subtitles, making it a favorite among Berlin’s expats. The theater also hosts occasional film festivals and book talks. After catching a showing, discuss the film over a beer at a nearby Hackescher Markt bar.

Hackesche Höfe Kino
Rosenthaler Str. 40/41
S-bahn: Hackescher Markt
Admission:  €8 (€6.50 on Monday and Tuesday)

Also in Mitte, the Hackesche Höfe Kino is a downsized “multiplex” in one of the neighborhood’s historic courtyards. Movies—from the U.S., Europe and beyond—tend to be critically acclaimed and independent. Documentaries are also well represented.

CineStar Berlin-Original
Potsdamer Str. 4
S-/U-bahn: Potsdamer Platz
Admission: €7; loge seats: €8

Potsdamer Platz is another major place to catch a movie. The futuristic Sony Center is home to two theaters that offer vastly different options. The subterranean CineStar Berlin-Original is an American-style multiplex that plays Hollywood blockbusters in their original versions.

Arsenal
Potsdamer Str. 2
S-/U-bahn: Potsdamer Platz
Admission:€6.50

Adjoining the Filmmuseum Berlin, the Arsenal provides an indie alternative to Cinestar. Also housed in the Sony Center, it runs film series that focus on a specific director—usually a classic like John Ford or Ingmar Bergman.

Note: No matter which theater you choose, be warned that movie theater popcorn in Berlin is sweet.

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