Here are four of my favorite spots for people watching in Rome.

The Spanish Steps

Taking its name because of the Spanish ambassador who once lived here, the steps leading up from Piazza di Spagna to the Trinita dei Monti church are ideal for taking a rest after a day’s shopping in the nearand all those fabulous tourists and Romans—go by.

Piazza Trilussa

Just over the Ponte Sisto bridge in Trastevere is Piazza Trilussa. This is a lively piazza full of young Romans who congregate till the early hours. On any given evening you could witness anything from an impromptu guitar concert, locals crooning old Calabrian tunes from a bygone era, or see some breakout flamenco dancing. Keep an eye out for the regular, and very amusing exploits, of Indian magician “Guarda”. Cheapo tip: There’s a small ice cream parlor just off Piazza v.Pallotti where you can grab a few cold bottles of beer for just €1.50 before heading for the piazza.

Campo de’Fiori

With a host of fun restaurants and wines bars circling the piazza, this is another ideal spot for watching Romans in their natural environment. Come late into the evening and the place has a more lively frenetic energy to it which can border on the chaotic. On occasion, it’s not for the fainthearted. Cheapo tip: Head for La Vineria (Campo de’ Fiori, 15) for a perfect ringside seat and great, inexpensive wine by the glass.

Isola Tiberina

At sundown, the Tiber Island is a fantastic place for an easy stroll and a good bout of people watching. It’s a wonderfully relaxed and laid back environment. There’s an outdoor cinema,  and loads of vendors selling all manner of delicious foods.  Choose from all manner of bars, grab a drink, and then pop a squat on a cozy sofa—or in the case of one bar—a bed! It’s accessible from Ponte Fabricio. Cheapo tip: The cocktails around here can be on the expensive side. Buy a couple of bottles at a local shop beforehand.

The post Rome Tip: Find the best (free!) people watching in town appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Today we bring you another neighborhood spotlight, this time we’re focusing the lens on Trastevere in Rome, Italy. Ciao down!

Across the river…

Trastevere, which literally means “Beyond the Tiber,” is an area directly west of the Tiber River in Rome. Not only is it gorgeous architecturally (think lots of ivy, stone walls, cobblestone streets, and medieval buildings), it’s pretty chock full of funky shops, cafes, and bars. (In fact, we call it “Boho gone Soho” in our guide.

Years ago, it was your typical Roman working class neighborhood, but today, it’s been ‘discovered’ by hipsters and fashionistas alike.

This doesn’t mean it has to be expensive, though.  Six of the budget hotels we recommend in this area go for under €150 a night, for two guests. And, if you want something cheaper, we have tons of properties via  CheapoSearch; just do a search and simply highlight Trastevere as your neighborhood of choice. (As usual, let us know if you don’t find what you’re looking for.)

What to see and do…and eat

A trip to Trastevere isn’t complete without a visit to the flea market in Porta Portese. It happens every Sunday from 7 AM to 1 PM, just off of Viale Trastevere.

If you want some truly spectacular photos of the city (“I’ve seen the world from both sides now…”), be sure to take a walk on Isola Tiberina, the island that’s in the middle of the Tiber between the Trastevere and Centro Historico sides.

The Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere is widely considered the oldest church – dedicated to the Virgin Mary –  in Rome. It’s a beautiful sight, with golden mosaics and a Romanesque facade.

And, our own EC correspondent Annie Shapero, recommends Da Augusto (Piazza de’ Renzi, 15) for traditional Italian fare – and at reasonable prices.

If you go

Check out our guide for lots of budget tips for Rome, hotels, and more.

The post Rome Neighborhood Spotlight: Trastevere appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.