Rome is a culinary paradise, but dining out can quickly drain your travel budget if you’re not careful. This guide will help you navigate Rome’s food scene like a savvy local, enjoying delicious meals without emptying your wallet.

General Tips for Budget Dining in Rome

Let’s start with some money-saving basics:

• Watch out for package deals: Stay away from “slasher” establishments that advertise themselves as “Bar/Restaurant” or offer a wide range of cuisines. These places often serve subpar, overpriced food and often are catering to tourists. Instead, look for dedicated “ristorante” or “trattoria” establishments for a more authentic experience.

• Ask about off-menu specials: Always ask about “house specials” and their prices before ordering, especially if they’re not listed on the menu. Be wary of “market price” items, which can often lead to sticker shock.

• Be specific about food quantities: When ordering pizza by the slice or other foods sold by weight, be clear about how much you want. Use the phrase “un piccolo” if you only want a small portion.

• Beware of extras: Some restaurants charge for bread baskets, water, or additional guests. Ask about these potential charges before ordering.

• Take it away: To-go prices are often much cheaper than sit-down prices. For instance, drinking your coffee standing at the bar like a local can cost less than twice the cost of sitting at a table.

Hungry? Photo: kentwang

Street Food: The Cheapo Traveler’s Best Friend

Rome’s incredible street food scene allows you to sample delicious local specialties at very affordable prices. Here are some must-try options if you’re planning to enjoy some budget dining in Rome:

Trapizzino: A modern Roman street food consisting of a triangular pocket of pizza bianca stuffed with traditional fillings. This delicious treat costs around €3.50-5 each.

Pizza al Taglio: Pizza by the slice, a Roman institution. Expect to pay €2-5 for a satisfying slice. We recommend stopping by Zucchero Farina (Near Via Giulia at Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 105), which is open daily from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and also has delicious pastries for dessert.

Supplì: Fried rice balls typically filled with ragù and mozzarella. Each one usually costs €1-3.

Porchetta Sandwiches: Savory, boneless pork roast served on crusty bread. This is delicious and filling option that costs around €5-6 per sandwich.

Cheapo tip: When trying street food, look for places with a steady stream of local customers. That can only mean good things…

Best Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Rome

Dig into fresh, affordable pasta in Rome. Photo: Gabriella Clare Marino

While street food is great for a quick bite, sometimes you want to sit down for a proper meal. Rome offers a wide array of budget-friendly restaurants that serve delicious, authentic cuisine without breaking the bank. Here’s a list of some of the best options, organized roughly by neighborhood:

Centro Storico (Historic Center)

Armando Al Pantheon
Salita dei Crescenzi, 31
Website: https://www.armandoalpantheon.it/
Price Range: $$

This restaurant is known for its excellent cacio e pepe and its prime location near the Pantheon. It offers traditional Roman cuisine in a cozy setting.

Pane e Salame
Via di Santa Maria in Via 19
Website: https://www.facebook.com/panesalameroma/
Price Range: $

Pane e Salame is great for quick, affordable sandwiches. They specialize in cured meats and cheeses.

Campo de’ Fiori Area

Forno Campo de’ Fiori
Campo de’ Fiori, 22
Website: https://www.fornocampodefiori.com/
Price Range: $

This bakery is famous for its pizza al taglio. Slices start from €2.50, making it a budget-friendly option in the heart of Rome.

Trastevere

Pizzeria La Boccaccia
Via di Santa Dorotea, 2
Price Range: $

This pizzeria offers excellent pizza al taglio at affordable prices. It’s a favorite among Trastevere residents and visitors alike.

Near the Spanish Steps

Pastificio
Via della Croce, 8
Price Range: $

Pastificio offers heaping plates of pasta for only €5 between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. daily. There are two pasta choices each day. But if you don’t get there early enough, you might be left with only one. Remember, it’s technically a pasta shop, so lunch is nothing fancy and is best eaten inside where the pasta is hot and fresh.

Specialized Dining Options

It never hurts to stop for a little gelato. Photo: Özlem Özdemir

Maybe you’re searching for some gelato that won’t break the bank, or you’re hoping to find some more plant-forward dishes. Here are options for budget dining in Rome, even if you have specialized dietary needs or are looking for something particular.

Best Gelaterias in Rome

Gelateria del Teatro
Via dei Coronari, 65-66 (Centro Storico)
Website: https://www.gelateriadelteatro.it/

This gelateria is known for its high-quality, Italian-sourced ingredients and unique flavors. It’s a must-visit for gelato enthusiasts.

Giolitti
Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40 (Pantheon area)
Website: https://www.giolitti.it/

One of Rome’s oldest gelato shops, established in 1890, Giolitti offers a wide range of traditional and innovative flavors.

Fatamorgana
Multiple locations throughout Rome
Website: https://www.gelateriafatamorgana.com/web/

Fatamorgana is famous for its creative and unique flavor combinations. Prices start from €2.50 for a small cup.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Bibliothè
Via Celsa 5
Phone: 0667 814 27
Price Range: $$

This restaurant serves Ayurvedic food, including whole grain and organic pasta. Their daily lunch special is usually around €13.

Buddy’s
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 107A
Website: https://buddyroma.com/
Phone: 06 8772 8433
Price Range: $$

Located in the historic center, Buddy’s offers flavorful vegan meals for plant-based lovers and meat-eaters alike, with options ranging from brunch to pasta to pizza.

Il Margutta
Via Margutta, 118
Website: https://ilmargutta.bio/restaurant-2/
Phone: 06 32650577
Price Range: $$

Known as the first vegetarian restaurant in Italy, visitors will find plenty of plant-forward meals. There’s also a daily special that runs from 12-4:30 p.m. that includes two courses, a dessert, bread, and water for €16.

Markets and Picnics

Stop by Campo de’ Fiori Market for picnic essentials. Photo: Genevieve

For an authentic and budget-friendly experience, consider shopping at local markets and having a picnic. After shopping, head to parks like the Borghese Gardens, Aventine Hill, or Janiculum Hill for a picnic with a view.

Here are some top markets in Rome:

Campo de’ Fiori Market
Piazza Campo de’ Fiori (Campo de’ Fiori)

This historic market offers fresh produce, cheeses, and cured meats. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mercato Trionfale
Via Andrea Doria 3 (Prati)

One of the largest markets in Rome, Mercato Trionfale offers a wide variety of fresh ingredients. This market is open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mercato di Testaccio
Via Beniamino Franklin (Testaccio)

This local favorite has excellent produce and prepared food stalls. It’s open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Additional Money-Saving Strategies

Check the signs outside of restaurants for daily specials and deals. Photo: Lory

Lunch Specials and “Pranzo di Lavoro”

As with many other European cities, lunch can be a Cheapo’s culinary paradise in Rome. Many restaurants offer affordable lunch menus or “pranzo di lavoro” (worker’s lunch) specials. These are often great value and can be a way to experience higher-end restaurants at a fraction of the dinner price. Look for lunch specials listed outside the restaurant.

Aperitivo Deals

Happy hour, anyone? Look for “aperitivo” deals where you pay for a drink (usually €10-€15) and get access to a buffet of snacks, often substituting for dinner. This can be a great way to sample a variety of Italian appetizers while enjoying a drink in the early evening.

Using Food Apps for Discounts

Apps like TheFork and Too Good To Go can offer significant discounts on restaurant meals and help reduce food waste. Be sure to check these resources before dining out. Who knows what perfectly good treats you could save from going to the bin!

Water-Saving Tips

Basic advice, but it’s still worth stating: Bring your own water bottle and refill at public fountains to save €2-€3 per meal. Rome has numerous “nasoni” (big noses) fountains throughout the city with clean, drinkable water.

Always Get a Receipt

It’s the law in Italy to receive a “Scontrino Fiscale” for all purchases, including food and drink. This official receipt should have the restaurant’s Partita IVA code printed on it. Don’t accept handwritten scraps of paper (trust us, they’ll try!). Not only are you breaking the law without it, but you could well find that the bill’s total suddenly drops when an itemized printed bill has to be produced.

To Tip or Not to Tip

Don’t pay a “servizio” charge if it’s not clearly stated on the menu. Tipping is not obligatory in Italy, as service is usually included in the bill. However, rounding up or leaving a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated.

The Dos and Don’ts to Save on Dining

Dos:

• Stand at the bar in cafes for coffee and pastries, it’s almost always significantly cheaper.
• Reserve tables in advance to avoid wandering into a tourist trap.
• Order local and seasonal specialties for better value.
• Ask waiters for recommendations on local dishes.
• Practice the “scarpetta” tradition in casual eateries (using bread to mop up sauce).

Don’ts:

• Avoid eating at restaurants immediately near major tourist attractions (especially with menus in 10 languages).
• Don’t order cappuccino after morning hours; it’s not customary and may lead to inflated prices.
• Don’t let waiters choose unspecified items for you.
• There’s no need to feel obligated to order a full meal. It’s okay to just have a “primo” or “secondo” course.

Ready to eat?

By following these tips and visiting the recommended establishments, you’ll be able to enjoy Rome’s culinary delights without overspending. From street food to local markets and budget-friendly restaurants to picturesque cafes, Rome offers a wealth of options for the savvy budget traveler. Remember, eating well in Rome doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It just takes a little knowledge and planning. Buon appetito!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Budget Dining in Rome: Eat Like a Local appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The heat makes me crave cool drinks, gazpacho, salads, fresh fruit, and grilled fish (not to mention chilled white wine, better if it’s a Priorat), all foods that go well with my diet and the warm weather.

Cava for summer in Spain

Here are some of the best local cheap eats to look for in Barcelona from June to September:

Gazpacho

A tomato-base soup served cold. Typically, the waiter will bring you a side of minced cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper, which you can mix into the gazpacho, along with croutons. Most restaurants will offer this refreshing and healthy soup in the summer for lunch or dinner, usually as a starter. €5, aprox.

Ice Cream and Gelato

Not in my diet, but delicious! There may be more gelato stands than bars areas like the Gothic Quarter and El Born. My preferred ice cream place in Vioko, in La Barceloneta. Try the rose and raspberry flavor. €4.

Rose wines for the summertime

Rosé and White Wines

Spain does wine well. Summer is the time for sangría, which is made with red or white wine or even cava, plus fruit and liquor. I don’t normally order sangría, as it’s akin to mixing Coca-cola with red wine for me (yes, people do this, it’s called kalimotxo).

Instead, I stick to the basics: an excellent rosé from Navarra, a cool white from Priorat or Galicia, and cava from Penedès. Have a glass of wine or two at Vila Viniteca’s La Teca in El Born. €3, a glass aprox. (See more of my favorite wine bars in town.)

Horchata and Granizados

Nothing says “it’s freakin’ hot” like a line in front of your local horchata shop. Granizados are like slushies… but made with natural ingredients such as lime, lemon, etc. Horchata is made from tigernuts, and is bitter-sweet. I’m not sure if I like it or not. I’d probably go for the granizados.

They say the best Horchata in Barcelona is found at El Tío Ché in Poblenou, which has been in the biz since 1912. Under €5.

These tasty Barcelona treats will keep you cool and happy this summer. What foods do you crave when the heat hits?

The post Cheap Eats for the Summertime in Barcelona appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

While they may never meet the selection or the quality of a Florentine gelateria, Berlin’s best ice cream makers are making their mark by focusing on quality organic and local ingredients for their hand-crafted ices.

Here are three of my favorites places to get scooped, each within easy striking distance of some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods and attractions.

Caffe e Gelato
Potsdamer Platz Arkaden shopping center
S/U-Potsdamer Platz

My favorite location for ice cream in the city, not only because it’s conveniently located when sightseeing or shopping, but also because their ice cream is (in my humble opinion) the best. Regularly offering more than 30 different flavors, they also serve sugar-, lactose-, and gluten-free varieties for those with dietary restrictions. Grab a spot in line for a scoop (or three) from the counter, or take a seat in their expansive cafe area and check out their full menu of fancy ice cream sundaes. Open late every day of the week.

Vanille & Marille
Hagelberger Str. 1
U-Mehringdamm

While V&M has three locations throughout the city, the shop near Mehringdamm is located between Mustafa’s Kebap stand and Curry 36 on the one side and the Kreuzberg restaurant and bar strip in the Bergmannstrasse on the other. Early afternoon, the sidewalk in front is lined with kids and parents on their way home from kindergarten or school.

Berlin Homemade Icecream
Elßholzstraße 10
U-Kleistpark or U-Eisenacher Str.

A short stroll from Schöneberg’s Wittenbergplatz, it’s also a great way to finish a dinner at one of the many restaurants in the nearby Akazienstrasse (see our post from Oct. 8).  Grab yourself a cup or cone and follow the locals across the street to Kleistpark to enjoy your ice cream en plein air.

The post The scoop on Berlin’s best ice cream appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

As the saying goes, when it rains it pours and the last place you want to be when traveling is stuck outside in the rain. When it’s raining like mad in Rome, you don’t want to be hanging out in the middle of the Roman forum, as there’s nowhere to take cover.

Never fret. Here’s a few of my favorite things to do when it rains in Rome:

1. Museums

An obvious first choice is to check out one or two of Rome’s famous museums. There’s the MAXXI, MACRO, Capitoline, Ara Pacis and of course, the mother of all museums, the Vatican Museums.

Even in the rain, the Sistine Chapel dazzles. Photo: Jim Forest

It’s probably already on your checklist, anyway. Who comes to Rome and skips over the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel? That would be sinful. What better way to spend a rainy day than losing yourself amidst works by some of the greatest artists in the world, including Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Raffaello and Caravaggio.

Vatican Museums
Viale Vaticano
Metro A Ottaviano-San Pietro
Tel.: 06 69884676
Admission: €15
mv.vatican.va

Cheapo Tip# 1:

On the last Sunday of the month, the entrance is free. Beware of the long lines on any given day, especially when it’s free. However, if you don’t feel like waiting in line, you can simply buy the tickets online for €4 more and you can skip straight to the head of the line and into the museums. Simple as that!

Cheapo Tip #2:

On September 27, 2011, World Tourism Day, entrance to the Vatican Museums is free. The only catch is you have to make a reservation online to get the free entrance and pay a €2 per person reservation fee.

2. Pantheon

Not too many monuments can be fully appreciated during the rain. But there’s nothing more fascinating than entering the Pantheon during a downpour.

This temple-turned-Catholic church is something truly special to marvel at from the outside with its colossal dome. During a rainstorm, once inside the Pantheon you’ll witness a cascade of rain entering through the large circular hole at the top of the dome, creating a waterfall onto the resplendent marble floor, before draining away. The best part? It’s free.

3. Church Hopping

You’ll need an umbrella to get from church to church. But once inside, you’ll be nice and dry and you can also take in the beauty of each one at your own pace. Here are a few of my favorite Roman churches:

Saint Peter’s Basilica

Millions of pilgrims flock to Saint Peter’s Basilica, the largest and most important Catholic church in the world, every year. The burial site of its namesake, Saint Peter’s construction involved Italian masterminds Michelangelo, Raphael and Bramante, and took more than a century to complete.

Santa Maria in Aracoeli (Our Lady of the Altar in Heaven)

Nothing is more enchanting than the monumental sweeping staircase leading to the entrance of the Santa Maria in Aracoeli basilica, perched atop the Capitoline Hill. Its 137 steps were designed according to myths that celebrate the passing of the plague, the “Black Death.” Whew. Now that’s a climb! It’s best known for its carved wooden figurine of the Baby Jesus, the “Santo Bambino.”

Santa Maria sopra Minerva

There are very few Gothic-style churches in Rome, but if you had to choose one, Santa Maria sopra Minerva definitely takes the cake! Just around the corner from the Pantheon, this church is best known for its vast collection of art and sublime frescoes designed by Filippino Lippi. The church was built in the 13th century over the Temple of Minerva (the Goddess of wisdom). Also to be admired (with an umbrella in hand) is Bernini’s elephant obelisk in front of the church.

Sant’Ignazio

No, your eyes don’t deceive: It’s actually an optical illusion. What appears to be a dome above the church is actually an elaborate painted optical illusion. Sant’Ignazio, built in 1626, was dedicated to Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit Order.

Santa Maria in Cosmedin

The Santa Maria in Cosmedin

should be on your must-visit list, rain or shine. Tourists line up here, anxiously awaiting their turn to stick their hand inside the Bocca della Verità (“Mouth of Truth”), an drain cover from the Middle Ages located in its portico. Legend has it that the jaws would clamp down on the hands of those who are untruthful! Unfortunately, tourists rarely seem interested in the church’s well-preserved interior and Romanesque bell tower, the tallest medieval belfry in Rome.

4. Gelato

Sure, it doesn’t have to be raining in order to duck into a gelateria to savor some delicious gelato. But since it is raining outside, why not? Here are a few of my favorite gelaterie:

Giolitti
Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40
Near the Pantheon, Rome

San Crispino
Piazza della Maddalena, 3
Near the Pantheon, Rome

Via della Panetteria, 42
Near the Trevi Fountain, Rome

Il Gelato
Piazza Monte d’Oro, 91/92
Near Piazza Augusto Imperatore, Rome

Fata Morgana
Via Lago di Lesina, 9/11
Near Villa Ada, Rome

Your tips for Rome when it rains?

Have another rainy-day activity for Rome when it rains? Share with us in the comments section!

The post Rome: What to do on rainy days in Rome appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

One of the top five reasons I live in Barcelona is the weather. I’m from the Pacific NW in the United States, which is lovely when the clouds lift. Sick of the rain, I wanted to be in the sunshine which motivated me to move to Costa Rica, Guatemala and now Spain. But I digress…

As much as I love the sunny Mediterranean summer we’re having this July, I have to say: It’s HOT. Really hot the past couple of weeks. So hot that walking around outside makes me feel faint and in need of a siesta... and an ice cream.

Luckily, both of these essential needs are easily met in Barcelona. A siesta can be taken anywhere (in the grass, on the beach, on a bench; in this city anything goes), and ice cream shops are almost as plentiful as bars!

Vioko
Passeig de Joan De Borbó #55
La Barceloneta
Web site

Some ice creameries are better than others. The number one, best of the best, top-dog ice cream shop is Vioko, in La Barceloneta by the beach. There are always people getting cones and cups here, even in the winter. In the summer there’s a line, but go ahead and grab a number because it’s worth the wait.

Vioko has weird ice cream flavors such as “Violet and Jasmine with Grapefruit,” which sound strangely delicious though I haven’t tried them. I have licked their Chocolate Tentacion which has dulcede leche and brownie in it, as well as their Strawberry with fresh fruit, their Mint and Chocolate, and their Cheese Cake with Berries. As you can see, I’ve been a regular at Vioko “researching” this post.

Their cones are slightly more expensive than other ice cream shops in the area, but only by twenty or thirty cents. Their portions are bigger than other shops, so it all works out in the end.

Bellamia
Calle Espaseria 14
El Born
Web site

Bellamia in El Born neighborhood is another appetizing choice if you’re after a traditional Italian gelato. On Carrer de L’Espaseria, this is the place to go after a tasty meal at one of the barri’s many cutting-edge restaurants. Order a couple cups at Bellamia and then take them over to Passeig del Born and sit on one of the benches there, people-watching and taking in the balmy Barcelona night.

Horchata

While I prefer ice cream, lots of locals would rather have an horchata than a gelato. Horchata is a super sweet and very typical Spanish drink that’s popular during the summer. Grab one at Planelles Donat in the center of the city or at La Valenciana, which is a happening ice cream and horchata joint in the Eixample. Both of these shops are historic dating back to 1850 and 1910, respectively.

The post Barcelona: 4 divine ice cream shops in Barcelona appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But when you’re visiting Paris, don’t waste your time and money on store-brand desserts. Grab a five euro bill and head out to some of the best ice cream joints that the city has to offer. Here are my favorites:

The Classic

Berthillon
Main store: 29-31 rue Saint Louis en l’Ile, 75004
http://www.berthillon.fr/

Berthillon may just be the most popular ice cream in Paris, and with good reason. These tiny scoops of ice cream are so packed with flavor that one lick will instantly justify the long wait in line. Take note, it’s the only French ice cream on this list.

The Non-classics

It Mylk
15 rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006
http://www.itmylk.fr/

It Mylk has two locations in Paris serving up something that Parisians still aren’t entirely sure about: frozen yogurt. A far cry from the ice creams at Berthillon, It Mylk offers natural, fat-free yogurt that you can adorn with any combination of berries, granola, chocolate, etc. A quick look at the endless yogurt aisle in the grocery store and you’ll see why this concept works. And hey, it’s basically guilt-free.

My Berry
25 rue Vieille du Temple, 75004 or 51 rue Saint Louis en l’Ile, 75004
http://www.myberry.eu/

My Berry has the same concept as It Mylk but under a different name, recalling the Pink Berry frozen yogurt franchise in the United States. With tangy tart yogurt and a complicated array of toppings, My Berry is one of the places worth waiting in line for in the Marais on a Sunday after you’ve waited in a similar line for one of the best falafel sandwiches on nearby rue des Rosiers.

Enter the gelato…

Amorino
Various addresses listed on their Web site

When it comes to the best frozen treats, Parisians know that Italians are the real masters, even when, like Amorino, it’s a French company parading around as an Italian one. These stores can be found all over the city and they serve up picturesque Italian-style gelato in the form of a flower. Their chocolate-hazelnut combo (called the “Inimitable”) is a fantastic choice, especially for Nutella lovers. Chain-haters beware: Amorino boutiques are as ubiquitous as Starbucks, but the demand for ice cream is just so high…

Grom
81 rue de Seine, 75006
http://www.grom.it/

I first tried Grom in New York, unaware that it started in Torino. I never imagined I’d have the good fortune to grab a scoopful in Paris. Happily, in 2008 the high quality and eco-friendly Italian-based gelato makers brought their craft to Paris’ Saint Germain neighborhood after spreading all across Italy and overseas. They’re also very aware of food allergies, so there is a flavor for everyone.

Pozetto
39 rue du Roi de Sicile, 75004
http://www.pozzetto.biz/

Pozetto is yet another Italian gelateria that makes it easy for you. Not only is the menu limited to a very select 12 flavors, but they’re all delicious, so there’s no way to lose. Go crazy with pistachio, mint, and panna cotta flavors or go basic with Fior di Latte, a pure cream variety that seems simpler than vanilla with a taste that is anything but vanilla.

Mary’s
1 rue Charles-François Dupuis, 75003

Mary’s is one of those places that will always leave you with a smile. The super friendly owner, Mary, will speak to you in beautiful Italian, rarely English or French, while helping you choose which of her handmade flavors is best for you. The fruit sorbets are probably my favorite in Paris and her tea-based flavors are just as refreshing on a hot day, like a frozen scoop of fresh iced tea. And the entire experience of getting a cone from Mary and talking with her will make your ice cream taste all that much sweeter.

Your favorite ice cream spots

Tell us, Cheapos, do you have any other recommendations for a scoop or two to fight the summer heat? Tell us about your favorite ice cream joint in our comments section.

The post Paris: The city’s tastiest ice cream, frozen yogurt and gelato appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

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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Thus, take note. Here are some of my favorite gelaterie (some famous and some off-the-beaten path) in Rome:

Giolitti
40, Via degli Uffici del Vicario
Near the Pantheon, Rome
Web site

Walk by this gelateria on any given day and you’ll likely see a crowd standing around waiting for their scoops. The history of the Giolitti dates back to 1890 when the Giolitti family opened up a creamery to sell milk from their Roman pastures. Within a few years the family opened up their gelateria mothership on Via degli Uffici del Vicario, and soon it became “the” ice-cream parlor in Rome. The family is said to still follow the same recipes it used during World War I. Today, Giolitti is a landmark in Rome and hundreds of tourists and locals flock to the gelateria every day for gelato, granitas, coffee and pastries.

San Crispino Gelato. Photo: MMChicago

My favorite here is nocciola (hazelnut). I usually order a small cone (“cono piccolo”), which believe me, is more than enough, as it can be a meal in itself. A small cone will set you back €2.50; a little more expensive than other gelaterie, but worth every cent! You can choose up to three flavors, and they’ll even put whip cream on top.

San Crispino
3, Piazza della Maddalena
Near the Pantheon, Rome

42, Via della Panetteria
Near the Trevi Fountain, Rome
Web site

Ask San Crispino’s customers about what sets their gelato experiences apart from the rest and they’ll likely tell you two things: simplicity and diversity. While some of the flavors are quite different from those you’d expect, the taste and ingredients used are quite simple.

My three favorite flavors at San Crispino are il Gelato di San Crispino (made with honey from Sardegna), zenzero e cannella (ginger and cinnamon) and ricotta. My only complaint is the small portion size. A small cup, with just two flavors, costs €2.30. Unfortunately, San Crispino doesn’t do cones.

Fata Morgana
9/11, Via Lago di Lesina
00199 Rome
Web site

Fata Morgana is by far my favorite gelateria in Rome. Although it’s a little out of the way, located in the Corso Trieste neighborhood near Villa Ada, it’s worth the trip.

Fata Morgana offers nearly 50 flavors ranging from the most common (chocolate, hazelnut, cream and pistachio) to more exotic flavors like semi di papavero (poppy seed), riso latte (rice pudding), cheesecake di mirtillo (blueberry cheesecake), cioccolato kentucky (chocolate “Kentucky,” made with aromatic coffee, liquorish and Kentucky tobacco). A small, two-flavor cone here will set you back €1.50. The waffle cones here are heavenly.

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Still, there are many things to do with children in Venice that will make their holiday one to remember. The following suggestions have been tried and tested with children of all ages and backgrounds: from tiny toddlers to bored teenagers, from wild primary school boys to young girls.

Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal

As you arrive in Venice the first thing you should do is to take a vaporetto (water bus) ride on the Grand Canal. Get yourself and your child (children under one meter do not pay transport fees in the city) a daily pass. (A 12-hour pass costs €16 per person—it allows you unlimited rides within the allotted period.) For more information, visit ACTV, Venice’s transportation Web site.

The Palazzo Ducale

Take vaporetto line 1 and admire the beautiful palaces, gondolas, roaring boats and the innumerable seagulls and pigeons flying above you. I have not met a child who does not enjoy the ride.

To get the best views, sit outside either at the front or at the back of the vaporetto. The journey from Piazzale Roma to San Marco Square takes about one hour.

The Palazzo Ducale
San Marco 1, 30124 Venice
Tel.: +39 (0)4 12 71 59 11
Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (April 1st to May 31st), 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (June 1st to October 31st), 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (November 1st to March 31st)
Getting there: With vaporetto, line 51 or 41 to San Zaccaria
Admission: €13 (adult), 7.50 (reduced)

Once you arrive in San Marco, visit the Palazzo Ducale (the Doge’s Palace). To avoid the crowds, go during lunchtime or toward the end of the afternoon.

For children, the main attractions are likely the weapon and armor collection and the dungeons. If you take part in the guided tour of the dungeons, you will be sure to have a very happy kid when you come out.

Gondola and traghetto rides

Another kid-pleaser is a nice gondola ride (if you do not mind the cost—a whopping €80 for a 30-minute ride). If you want a cheaper alternative, try hopping on a traghetto.

Inside the Museum of Natural History

Traghetti are big gondolas, also called barchette (small boats). You can use a traghetto to cross the Grand Canal at various points. A ride costs just €0.50 and the crossing lasts about 10 minutes. The catch is that passengers have to stand up during the journey, and this can be a bit tricky with the waves rolling around the boats. In any case, it’s definitely an exciting, if short, experience!

Natural History Museum
Fontego dei Turchi-Santa Croce, 1730
Tel.: +39 (0)4 12 75 02 06
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Wednesdays), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays)
Getting there: With vaporetto, line 1 or 52 to Riva de Biasio
Admission: €4.50 (adults), €3 (reduced)

Children will also enjoy the Museo di Storia Naturale—the Natural History Museum. Just recently refurbished and reopened, the museum hosts a very interesting collection of fossils and finds from all over the world.

The most interesting (and scary) exhibition is the stuffed animal collection, which the museum has been displaying for over 100 years.

Don’t forget gelato!

No list of kid-friendly activities would be complete without mentioning gelato. For a nice break between traghetto rides and museum visits, seek out one of the gelaterias mentioned in this post.

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When I mean good, I mean places that use real hand-crafted ice-cream made with fresh fruits, fresh ingredients and real milk (not the artificial, powdered milk served up at so many bars and cafés in Venice).

So, together with my 13-year-old son (I needed an expert’s advice) and an American friend, I started a tour of gelaterias in the southern half of the city (we reserved the northern part and the center near San Marco for another ice cream treasure hunt). We walked around the Santa Lucia train station, then the area near the Ca’ Pesaro and the Natural History Museum, and then finally the area near Campo Santa Margherita.

Here are the best gelaterias we found:

Gelateria QB Quanto Basta
Lista di Spagna, 148
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

This place is run by Adriana, her husband and her two lovely daughters Elisa and Marta. It’s only a few minutes walk from the train station, on the busy Lista di Spagna. Born as an answer to the dozens of foreign take-away places which have sprouted in Venice in the last few years, the Gelateria QB has over 40 flavors of ice cream, which change daily, if not hourly.

A menu board at Gelateria San Stae

Prices are quite good, considering the central location, and the staff is extremely friendly. We tried out the chocolate and orange flavor, along with the toffee and chocolate chip varieties. Just one word: delicious. Some of the more exotic flavors on offer include: Kit Kat, watermelon, lime, pistachio, chocolate and chili.

Gelateria San Stae
Santa Croce 1910, Salizada San Stae
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Web site

Located between two of Venice’s nicest museums, the Ca’ Pesaro and the Museum of Natural History, the small but lovely Gelateria San Stae is run by Chiara. (It’s also only a few meters away from San Stae Vaporetto stop.) The Gelateria San Stae has been mentioned in various Venice guide books and it is well known by locals.

The gelato display is amazing, with big chunks of fruit, biscuits and chocolate everywhere. Prices are quite good and the flavors range from the usual to the extravagant, including prosecco, bussolà (a biscuit from Burano) and venexiana (candied fruit in a vanilla sauce). On Saturdays, Chiara holds “Nutella Day,” offering a whole menu made out of Nutella chocolate.

We tried the “Fruits of the Forest” flavor and we were not at all disappointed: It was one of the best fruit-flavored gelatos we have ever eaten.

Grom Gelateria

Gelateria Grom
Campo San Barnaba
Open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight
Web site

Grom is actually a very large chain of gelato shops found all over Italy, with locations in New York, Paris and Tokyo as well. We visited the shop in Campo San Barnaba, just a few meters away from Campo Santa Margherita.

Though Grom is known for using quality ingredients and strange flavors, we found the place a bit overpriced compared to the previous two. However, the selection of gelato is quite good and the flavors are tasty. Grom’s specialty is the granita siciliana (Sicilian slush) made with real lemons, strawberries or coffee. (The lemon granita is really, really good.)

Until next time, happy licking!

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