In our guide to cheap hotels in Rome, most of our hotel picks are located right in the center of the city. Here are some of our favorite budget hotels in Rome with impressive locations:

Hanging out at the Hotel Smeraldo.

Hotel Smeraldo
Campo de’ Fiori
Doubles: From €78

Another pick in the historic center near the Campo de’ Fiori, the three-star Hotel Smeraldo offers bright and cheerful rooms, free Wi-Fi, spacious bathrooms and a peaceful roof terrace with views of Rome’s historical architecture.

Cheapos take note: The Smeraldo includes an expansive Italian continental breakfast (fruits, meats, cheeses, breads, croissants, juices and coffee) in the room rate.

Hotel Mimosa
Piazza Navona
Doubles: From €69

The one-star Hotel Mimosa may be a simple place, but it offers budget travelers a clean home base steps from some of Rome’s most famous squares. The Mimosa places you one block south of the Pantheon, just minutes from Piazza Navona, five minutes from Campo de’ Fiori, and a 15 minute-walk to the Spanish Steps.

While rooms don’t offer TV, the Mimosa does provide free Wi-Fi, a basic breakfast and air conditioning.

Look out over Trastevere at the Hotel San Francesco.

Hotel San Francesco
Trastevere
Doubles: from €67

Located across the river in the hopping Trastevere neighborhood, the Hotel San Francesco is a comfortable and reasonably priced three-star hotel. While the San Francesco is located near some of Rome’s best bars and restaurants, it’s still a couple of blocks removed from the “main scene,” which keeps things quiet. The hotel may be across the river from most of the city’s most famous sights, but it’s still a surprisingly quick walk over to the Campo de’ Fiori, Roman Forum, Colosseum, Piazza Navona — even the Vatican is only about a 30-minute walk (and what a walk!).

The hotel itself, once a seminary, now sports a Mediterranean vibe, and offers comfortable and clean rooms, a picturesque courtyard and a rooftop terrace. Wi-Fi and an expansive breakfast are included in the room rate.

Guest House Trastevere
Trastevere
Doubles: From €77

Also located in Trastevere, the Guest House Trastevere is a budget-friendly bed and breakfast with a cheerful, make-yourself-at-home atmosphere. From here its a short walk to major sights like Saint Peter’s Basilica, Santa Mara in Trastevere Church,  Campo de’ Fiori and many other central spots.

The Guest House Trastevere features only four rooms, which allows guests to get to know the owners and learn about local life in Rome. Wi-Fi and breakfast are included in the room rate.

More hotel suggestions: Looking for more hotel suggestions? Stop by our Rome guide for a complete list of our editor’s picks.

The post Rome: 4 cheap hotel locations that will make you scream “Ciao Bella!” appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

In fact, the weather is usually so good that it’s possible to sit outside with a steaming cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine and watch panicked Romans desperately try to finish their Christmas shopping. Just make sure you pack a warm coat and a scarf (but keep your sunglasses handy).

Here are some more great things to see and do in Rome to get into the holiday mood:

First things first: Take in the Christmas tree at the Colosseum. Photo: Wenzday01

Christmas tree at the Colosseum

An absolute must-see is the enormous Christmas tree currently illuminated in front of the Colosseum. It has been standing tall since early December and adds a fantastic glow to the ancient amphitheater.

Christmas Market in Piazza Navona

The “Mercantino di Natale” (Christmas Market) in Piazza Navona is considered a highlight of the Christmas scene here in Rome. It goes from November 24, 2012 to January 6, 2013, and features market stalls packed with Christmas-related ornaments, goodies and components to create do-it-yourself nativity scenes (“presepi”).

Piazza Navona is especially popular for gifts just before the Epiphany on January 6, which is a religious holiday featuring the Befana, an old witch-type lady who brings gifts to good children and lumps of coal to bad children (Harsh – I know!).

Weekdays: 10:00 am – 1:00 am
Holidays and days before Holidays: 10:00 am – 2:00 am

The Christmas market in Piazza Navona is one of the most visited in Rome. Photo: ianus

Nativity Scenes (“Presepi”)

Nativity scenes are traditionally elaborate in Italian culture, and while Naples is the “home” of the presepi, most Roman churches feature their own presepi during the holiday season. One of the most well-known nativity scenes in Rome is in Santa Maria Maggiore, which dates back to the 13th Century and is said to contain pieces of the original manger.

For people who are really keen on presepi, there is the comprehensive “100 Presepi, a Display of Nativity Scenes from Around the World” exhibition in the Sala del Bramante by Piazza del Popolo (admission charge). Via G. D’Annunzio (Piazza del Popolo)

Of course, a life-size nativity scene is also unveiled every year in St. Peters Square on Christmas Eve (pictured, at top). The presepe is open during the day and night, and is, of course, free.

Attending a mass in St. Peter’s Square. Photo: Trishhhh

Masses in Vatican City

Every year, thousands of visitors from around the globe flock to Saint Peter’s Square on Christmas Eve to watch the Pope on large, outdoor screens say midnight mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica. He also delivers his Christmas message at noon on Christmas Day from a window above the square. Even if you’re not Christian, it is usually a fascinating cultural experience and a definite must if you love people watching.

More Christmas ideas

For more holiday suggestions, check out our previous posts on celebrating the Christmas season in Rome. This post offers some additional markets and details on ice skating in Rome.

Also in our guide: If you’re heading to Rome this holiday season (or anytime, really), be sure to swing by our Rome guide for recommendations on great budget hotels in central Rome.

The post Rome for the Holidays: Christmas markets, nativity scenes and midnight mass appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

A Slice of Piazza History

Originally, Piazza Navona was home to horse racing and jousting and was centered around an oval track that was built in 86 AD. At this time it was known as the Stadium of Domitian and could accommodate up to 33,000 spectators.

In the 13th Century, Sant’ Agnese was executed here after she refused to denounce her Christian beliefs and marry a pagan. Legend says that as she was paraded naked through the piazza before her execution, with just her hair protecting her modesty.

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi

Romans often flooded the Piazza by blocking the fountain outlets. This meant that the aristocracy could enjoy being pulled around on an artificial lake in gilded carriages to take part in mock sea battles that were all the rage at the time.

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi

The pride of the Piazza is Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, which was commissioned by Pope Innocent X (look closely and you will see his insignia of doves in the design). The fountain was contentious when it was commissioned, as the money to pay for it was raised by unpopular taxes on bread and other staple foods. This fascinating Baroque creation pays homage to the four greatest rivers of the time, the Danube, the Ganges, the Nile, and the Plate. The fountain also features an Egyptian obelisk in its center.

A recent renovation has brought the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi back to its former glory. Make sure to look for the two other fountains in the square: At the southern end you can find the Fontana del Moro by Giacomo della Porta and at the northern end there is the Fontana di Nettuno by Antonio della Bitta, depicting Neptune battling with a monster.

Sant’ Agnese in Agnone Church

The Chiostro del Bramante

Commissioned by Innocent X in 1652, this elegant 17th-century church commemorates the execution of Sant’ Agnese. It was built in part by Borromini, who created a notable, concave facade for the church.

At the time, there was intense rivalry between the Bernini and Boromini, and according to legend, the statue on Bernini’s fountain is holding its hand up to the church to protect himself in case it falls down. (From the church facade, a statue of Sant’ Agnes looks down, reassuringly confident in the strength of her church.) Whilst this is a nice story, the fountain was actually created before the church, so it sadly owes more to dramatic license than fact.

Another building of note around the Piazza is the Palazzo Pamphilj, which is now the Brazilian Embassy and which was also commissioned by Innocent X.

Take time to explore the narrow streets around the square especially around the Via della Pace which is a good place for nightlife. Take time also to visit the Chiostro del Bramante and the Santa Maria della Pace Church with its frescoes by Raphael.

Practical Notes

Piazza Navona is located in the historic center and is easy to reach on foot. If you prefer to travel by bus, take the 30 express or the 87, which both stop right by the square.

Note that buying coffee in the square is an expensive option. However, if you take a newspaper and linger at your table long after the coffee cups have been cleared away, you can get more than your money’s worth by just sitting and watching the world go by.

The post Rome: Discovering the Piazza Navona appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The Christmas toy market at Piazza Navona

Along with the usual array of portrait painters, mime artists and peddlers that gather around Piazza Navona at any time of year, come winter you’ll find the Christmas market set up on the square. The famous Piazza is transformed into a child’s paradise with brightly colored wooden toys on display, a traditional carousel, and hot roast chestnut stalls. Look out for Befana the witch, who brings gifts to Italian children on January 6 (Epiphany and Befana’s Feast day).

Attend the Midnight Mass in the Vatican

Every Christmas morning at the stroke of midnight, the Pope delivers his Christmas Mass. Tickets for the mass in St. Peter’s Basilica are free, but must be booked in advance. Visit the Vatican website for information on the mass timetable, which also includes carol services. For those who don’t have tickets, the service is broadcast live on large screens in St. Peter’s Square.

Ice skating by Castel St. Angelo on the banks of the River Tiber

Situated in one of Rome’s most beautiful settings, the Christmas ice rink under the shadow of Castel St. Angelo looks toward St. Peter’s Basilica. What could be more romantic? To get there, take either the Metro to “Lepanto,” or, better yet, take one of the many buses (such as the 30 Express or the 87) to Piazza Cavour.

Nativity scene hunting

Pop your head into any church during December and you’re guaranteed to see traditional nativity scenes on display. From the animals in the stable to the figures bearing gifts to the baby Jesus, these ancient displays are rich in detail and tradition. Don’t miss the huge one in St. Peter’s Square: Each year it has a different theme. Constructed behind curtains over the course of several weeks, it is finally unveiled in mid-December and stays on view for most of January.

Panettone and Torrone

Panettone is the traditional Christmas cake that is given to friends and relatives. Traditionally filled with candied peel, you can now find many other varieties in beautifully wrapped Christmas paper tied with ribbon. For a smaller gift, look out for the torrone, oblong chocolate bars in gift wrapping usually filled with nuts or nougat.

New Year’s Eve

Two of the main gathering places for the adult revelers are Piazza Navona and Piazza del Popolo. Many people also line the banks of the river with glasses of champagne to watch the fireworks. Try to avoid partaking in the other traditional festivity of wading drunkenly into the Trevi Fountain. It is illegal and you may find you start the New Year behind bars, instead of being in front of one.

Transportation during the holidays

Mainline and local services do operate throughout Christmas, but with a very limited service on national holidays (see below). There is a free “shopping bus” that runs between Termini and Via Del Corso during December, but you are better advised to walk than use the public transport. During this period, buses and metros are filled with at least double the capacity of intended passengers, complete with bulky purchases. Visit the Roman transit site for more information.

What’s closed when

Shops are open every day (including Sunday) during the holiday period, except for December 25 and January 1. (Note that Rome’s January sales do not start on the first weekend in January.) Most museums and attractions are closed December 25 and January 1, but are open the rest of the time. (Check online first.) Restaurants generally remain open throughout the holiday period.

Also note that in addition to Christmas and New Year’s, Italians celebrate Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, and St. Stephen’s Day on December 26. However, most shops, restaurants, and attractions remain open on these days.

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