And for good reason — the Vatican, the world’s smallest independent state, is the home base of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope.

It also houses the world’s most important collection of classical sculptures and Renaissance art within the Vatican Museums — including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, which alone attracts a whopping 4 million visitors per year.

Related: Cheap hotels near Vatican Museums | Best budget hotels in Rome

Tips for visiting the Vatican

You are bound to have company as you visit these popular sights. Fortunately, you can avoid the worst of the crowds and maximize your enjoyment of these sights with some insider tips and careful planning!

1. Book your Vatican Museums tickets online

Don’t be one of those people waiting outside the Vatican Museums in a three-hour line! Book your ticket in advance online at the Vatican website, then head straight for the ticket office to pick up your tickets and go right into the Museums.

Note that there is an extra €4 fee for booking online, but the time you save is worth it. Remember to print your tickets, as the attendant will need to scan the barcode as you enter.

2. Go early or go late

Although you’ll avoid the worst of the crowds by skipping the line, you’ll still be wandering around the Museums with many people – about 25,000 people visit the museum every day. You can have more space to yourself if you visit outside peak late morning hours.

We’d recommend going first thing in the morning when the museum opens at 9 am, or after lunch when the crowds have died down. Make sure to enter by 3 pm to allow enough time to visit the plethora of art–remember that the Museums close at 6 pm.

3. If possible, visit from Tuesday to Friday

If your schedule allows, try to visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica from Tuesday to Friday, avoiding the weekend and Monday. Tourists flock to these sights on Mondays, when other museums in Rome are closed, and, of course, over the weekends.

By visiting on weekdays you will be able to beat some of the crowds and have a more relaxed visit. If possible, visit the Museums on a Wednesday while the Pope is having his weekly morning audience in St. Peter’s square.

4. Visit during the off-season

If you have some flexibility with the timing of your visit to Rome, try visiting the city during “off-season” when the weather is still mild and the city has fewer tourists. Visiting during this time allows you to see sights without lines and crowds, and gives you a unique perspective on how Romans really live.

Although Rome is never a vacant city, you will find far fewer visitors from mid-January to March and from November to mid-December.

5. Visit the Museums on a “free” day… but come early.

The Vatican Museums are free on the last Sunday of each month and on World Tourism Day (September 27). On these days you can visit the Museums without paying the entrance fee.

Note that you should get there very early or go towards the end of the day (4 pm is the last entrance), as you won’t be alone!

Don’t skip the spectacular Map Room in your rush to the Sistine Chapel! Photo: stefanorometours

6. Pace yourself

The Museums are extensive and take at least three hours to get through. It’s important to keep in mind that you won’t see the Sistine Chapel until the end of the Museums visit, and while you can jump ahead to it, that would be a pity, given the amazing works that you’d be skipping over.

Highlights of the Museums include the Map Room and the Rooms of Raphael with the famous School of Athens. Check out this map of the Museums to know where to allocate more or less time as you make your way through the 54 rooms.

7. Take the secret passageway from the Sistine Chapel straight into the Basilica

After you visit the Sistine Chapel there is a secret passageway that takes you straight into Saint Peter’s Basilica. Take it, as it saves you the hassle of leaving the Museums and walking through St. Peter’s square only to face another long line of tourists.

Note that this passageway is technically only supposed to be used by tour groups, so you might just want to hang out and wait for one to start through and walk with them!

8. Take the elevator halfway up to the cupola

The view from the top of Saint Peter’s is a well worth a visit… but the 551 steps to the top can be daunting and difficult if you aren’t in shape or suffer from vertigo or claustrophobia. Seriously.

You can avoid the worst of the climb by taking an elevator halfway up and continue the rest by foot for €7. Note that you will still have to climb 320 steps and that there is only one passage for climbing up and back down, so you should skip this experience altogether if you feel uncomfortable in narrow spaces.

9. Dress appropriately in order to enter

The Vatican is a holy area and to enter the Museums and the Basilica you must dress appropriately — covering shoulders, thighs, neckline, and midriffs. This means no shorts and no tank tops. Long shorts and t-shirts are fine for men. Women should wear longer skirts/dresses (or pants) and bring a shawl to cover their shoulders. All backpacks and umbrellas must be checked before you enter the Museums, as well, so try to pack light as you visit these sights.

10. Eat before your visit

Many of the restaurants and cafés immediately surrounding the Vatican are overpriced and underwhelming. They take advantage of tourists who are hoping for a quick bite to eat before or after visiting the sights. For example, the café located just opposite the Vatican Museums “Caffe Vaticano”, is notoriously expensive and known for charging unsuspecting tourists an arm and a leg for a coffee or simple sandwich.

Instead, try one of these budget eateries near the Vatican before your visit, all within a three-minute walk from the Vatican Museums:

• Habemus Pizza (pizza by the slice)
• Duecentogradi (sandwiches)
• Fa-Bio (salads)

Saving at the Vatican and Vatican Museums

Whereas entrance to Saint Peter’s Basilica is free, discounts are hard to come by at the Vatican Museums, which cost €17 to enter.

You can qualify for a reduced ticket if you are between 6-18 years of age, if you’re a student up to 25 years of age (with valid ID or International Student Card), or a priest or religious employee (with documentation). Children under 6 are free.

See the full list of reduced price tickets on this page.

Hours

Vatican Museums

Opening times: Mon-Sat, 9 am-6 pm (last entry at 4 pm).

The last Sunday of each month the museum is free and open from 9 am-2 pm (last entry at 12:30 pm) but this day is extremely crowded. For more specific information, visit the Vatican Museums website.

Saint Peter’s Basilica

October 1 – March 31: Open daily, from 7 am – 6:30 pm
April 1 – September 30: Open daily from 7 am – 7 pm

Saint Peter’s Cupola

October 1 – March 31: Open daily from 8 am – 5 pm
April 1 – September 30: Open daily from 8 am – 6 pm

Cheap hotels near the Vatican

Get an early start to your visit by staying at one of our recommended budget-friendly hotels near the Vatican, including the Marta Guest House. Or search all hotels available for your dates in Rome.

More Rome advice

Looking for more ways to save time and money in Rome? Check out all of our articles in our Rome guide.

The post Rome: 10 tips for visiting St. Peter’s Basilica & the Vatican Museums appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Welcome to European travel at its most popular—and most frustrating.  And these most popular attractions only seem to get busier with each passing year, filling up with tourists even during the slower seasons.

But before you head back to your hotel to sip a bottle of wine in misery, take a deep breath and relax. Despite millions of other tourists descending upon the same museum, church or ruin every year, there are still ways to beat the crowds and save time in Europe.

Here are 10 insider tips to let you spend more time experiencing these sights—and less time experiencing the line.

9 tips to help you save time in Europe

Beat the crowds and get this incredible view when you visit the Eiffel Tower in the evening. Photo: Miguel Mendez

1. Eiffel Tower: Book in advance, and head up around dinner time

The Eiffel Tower sure is pretty to look at from a distance. During peak summer season, save time waiting in a ticket line by booking your Tower tickets in advance through the official Eiffel Tower website. (Careful — lots of ticket agencies would like to sell you more expensive versions of the same ticket. Buy yours directly from the Eiffel Tower website.)

To avoid the biggest crowds in high season, plan on an early or late dinner and schedule your Tower visit for 8 or 9 pm. Not only will you catch the sunset, but you’ll miss most of the other Paris lovers who will be out to dinner.

Related: Our favorite budget hotels near the Eiffel Tower

2. Louvre: Stay up late on Wednesdays & Fridays

On Wednesday and Friday the Louvre is open until 9:45 pm. We know it’s tempting to visit Mona early in the day when everyone’s fresh, but coming after dark means that you’ll miss the herds of school groups, extended families and tour groups that arrive around 10 a.m.

And no matter what time you come, enter through the Carrousel du Louvre entrance. Waiting to pass through security under the main pyramid is an unnecessary time waster.

Related: Read more Louvre tips | Favorite budget hotels near the Louvre

3. Anne Frank House: Get your tickets way in advance

There’s no way around it. If you just show up on a Saturday afternoon in summer expecting to saunter right into the Anne Frank House, you’re going to be disappointed. So many tourists in Amsterdam are shocked that you have to get tickets in advance. It is the only way to see the museum now. It’s too bad if you don’t get in as this is one of Europe’s most powerful experiences.

Just plan ahead and get your tickets in advance either two months in advance or the day of (if you’re lucky!). Check out our full guide to getting Anne Frank House tickets for all of the details.

Related: 32 recommended budget hotels in Amsterdam

Tourists mingling and waiting outside of St. Mark’s Basilica. Photo: Dennis Jarvis

4. St. Mark’s Basilica: Skip ahead with online booking

There’s almost always a line to get into this stunning church—no matter what time of year you visit. Entry can easily take 45 minutes or longer during high season. And since this ancient basilica is still used for services, avoid Sunday mornings during mass and major Christian holidays, unless you’re planning to attend the service.

You can book entry tickets directly online to save time during the busier months. Total cost: only €2! This service is available from 1st of April to 2nd November and is a small price to pay for saving so much time.

Related: More tips for visiting Venice’s attractions. | Our 23 best budget hotels in Venice

5. Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s basilica: Visit Tuesdays through Fridays

St. Peter’s basilica has been a destination for pilgrims for centuries, and Pope Francis’ new-found popularity is bringing in even bigger crowds. With so many attractions to see in one place, from the stunning basilica to the fascinating museums that draws up to 25,000 people a day, visiting the Vatican area can be a little overwhelming.

You can book museum tickets online, but the key here is coming mid-week. The weekends (especially Sundays of course!) and Mondays are the busiest, so try to plan your schedule around them. Then go first thing in the morning or after lunch around 3 pm. Late morning usually sees the biggest number of visitors.

Check out 9 other tips on beating the crowds at the Vatican (including our tip for the secret entry between the Vatican museum and St. Peter’s).

Related: More ways to save in Rome | 37 recommended budget hotels in Rome

Tour buses, lines and oh so many tourists are a common site at the Colosseum. Photo: Dzhingarova

6. Colosseum: Get up very early

The Colosseum can only hold 3,000 people at a time, so you can imagine the backups that can ensue on the busiest days. If you can actually pull yourself out of bed and be in line by 8:15 a.m., you will be in good shape to be one of the first to get through the doors when they open at 8:30 a.m. You can also book online, if you prefer to sleep in

Bonus Tip: Another way to save a couple of euros (and some time, too) is to avoid all of the costumed Roman soldiers and gladiators looking to separate you from a few of your euros for a cheesy photo op. (Unless, of course, you want an epic holiday card to send to Uncle Jack this year.)

7. British Museum: Research and come prepared

The Elgin Marbles, Rosetta Stone, Lewis Chessmen, Parthenon Sculptures… it’s like Humanity’s Greatest Hits, and it’s free to visit! Just know that it’s on every other tourist’s list, too. While you can choose to zip through the biggies in under 60 minutes (there really is a guide for that!), we prefer to take our time and soak it all in.

However, do a little prep work or you’ll be wandering around all day. To get a head start, spend some time in the museum’s online collection or listen to a great series of BBC podcasts “A History of the World in 100 Objects.” Figure out what sounds good, and make a plan. Research has never been so fun!

Related: Read all of our tips for the British Museum | Best budget hotels in London

8. Buckingham Palace: Book ahead in summer, guard yourself otherwise

There are royal palaces. And then there’s Buckingham Palace, which boasts 775 rooms that stretch over a football (that’s American football) field long. Not to mention the posh royal ceremonies or the official Throne Room. This is the real deal.

Buckingham Palace opens its doors to tourists every summer from late July through the end of September. You should book those tickets online well in advance.

Visiting around the holidays? Travelers can splurge for one of the palace’s exclusive private tours, available to small groups from December 11, 2015 – January 31, 2016. Ticket prices are a hefty £75 per person.

Looking for a touch of the Prince but the price of a pauper? Swing by to experience the changing of the Guard for free. It takes place at 11:30 a.m. — daily during the summer and alternating days off-season. (Check out this schedule for more info.)

Prepare to be awestruck at La Sagrada Familia. If you get up early and beat the crowds. Photo: Antonio Tajuelo

9. La Sagrada Familia: Arrive early or go to mass

Barcelona is a feast for fans of architecture and Gaudí, with Park Güell, several residences like Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Familia, all easily accessible within the city’s boundaries. But if you only have time to see one of his master creations, La Sagrad Familia is probably the best bet—as long as you hit the sack early the night before.

The church opens at 9 a.m. every day of the year (including Christmas and New Year’s), so early arrivals can get a jump on the crowds no matter what season they come. Admission will cost you more than a handful of euros, but even on our cheapo budget, we think it’s well worth it. You should also consider attending mass at the Sagrada Familia — it’s not just free, it’s a moving experience.

Related: Read all of our tips for La Sagrada Familia | Recommended budget hotels in Barcelona

Your tips

Have some additional ways to save time and money at any of these tops attractions? Did we overlook something big? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Secrets to saving time at Europe’s top attractions appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But not so fast, Paris! There’s also an endless supply of romantic spots in Rome. The Eternal City inspires romantics from every vista, piazza and fountain. Looking for the perfect spot to profess your love? The hardest part will be narrowing down your options!

Of course, you’ll also need a romantic nest to cuddle up in every night, so reserve one of these romantic hotels in Rome that won’t break the bank and start planning your trip.

Here are five of the most romantic spots in Rome:

Janiculum Hill

There’s simply nothing like going for a late afternoon passeggiata (stroll) from Trastevere up to the top of the Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill). On the hike up, the breathtaking views of the the city’s skyline will make any heart flutter. It’s also an amazing place to watch the sunset.

Giardino degli Aranci

Viale Nino Manfredi

Many tourists overlook this beautiful spot, so popular with locals in love. The magical Giardino degli Aranci (“Garden of Oranges”) is situated near many of Rome’s most enchanting churches. This garden is popular, and if you visit on a weekend you’re likely to run into newlyweds getting their wedding photos taken.

The beautiful orange-scented garden offers a stunning bird’s-eye view of Rome’s most romantic panoramas. Make sure to snag a spot on the little terrace and watch the sun set over St. Peter’s Dome.

Pincio Gardens

Villa Borghese

Whether for a picnic or an afternoon stroll, there are a slew of things to keep lovers busy in Villa Borghese, Rome’s most popular park. Nothing, however, tops stealing a bacio (kiss) or two at Pincio gardens while gazing over the magnificent Piazza del Popolo. The Pincio balcony and gardens are especially popular with love birds.

Via della Conciliazione & Borgo Pio

Citta del Vaticano

There’s nothing quite like walking up Via della Concilliazione, the street that leads you to St. Peter’s Square, at night when the Basilica is lit up. Regardless of whether or not you’re a pilgrim, you’ll find yourself inspired by the scene. Once you’ve reached the square, turn back around to the Borgo Pio (the mostly pedestrian neighborhood) that surrounds Vatican City and duck into one of the restaurants for a candlelit dinner.

Villa d’Este

Tivoli

The Villa d’Este is one my favorite spots, and one that I always recommend for those looking for an easy day trip from Rome. Villa d’Este is a villa located in Tivoli, a town just outside of Rome, that boasts perfect examples of Renaissance architecture and splendid gardens.

The villa itself is filled with marvelous frescoes and an extravagant array of artwork. Perhaps the most beautiful part of the villa is it’s exterior: a maze of lush gardens with some 500 fountains running all at once. During the summer, the villa is also open at night and believe me, it’s equally gorgeous lit up at night. It’s a perfect place to propose!

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For those of you with plans to ring in the New Year in Rome, the problem is not finding something to do. Rather, the real dilemma lies in narrowing down your celebratory options. Fortunately for Cheapos, Capodanno (New Year’s Eve) is one time when the city’s squares come alive with free events.

My favorite free New Year’s events include:

Free Concert at the Fori Imperiali (Imperial Forum)
New Year’s Eve
10 p.m.

New Year’s just wouldn’t be the same without its traditional Capodanno concert in Rome. Sponsored by the city, the free concert at the Imperial Forum typically has a big Italian name headlining the show.

For this year’s event, famous Roman singer Claudio Baglioni will put on a concert starting at 10 p.m. that will last about three hours. Just before midnight, the concert will be interrupted in order to do the traditional New Year’s countdown, followed by a magnificent fireworks display. The concert will take place along Via dei Fori Imperiali near Piazza Venezia. Large TV screens will be strategically positioned around the area to enable the tens of thousands of attendees to enjoy the concert.

The New Year’s Eve concert is an event definitely not to be missed. Plan to arrive early to find a good spot.

Free Classical Concert at Piazza Del Quirinale
New Year’s Eve
11 p.m.

Just off of Via Nazionale in the Piazza del Quirninale, a classical music concert is held on New Year’s Eve. The classical concert, usually attended by the Italian President (currently Giorgio Napolitano), takes place around 11 p.m. and is followed by fireworks.

Free Concert and Nativity Scenes Exhibit in Piazza del Popolo
New Year’s Eve
10 p.m.

The grandiose Piazza del Popolo will also put on a New Year’s Eve concert of its own with a mix of Italian music, street performers and fireworks. The festivities begin here roughly around 10 p.m.

Need a break from all of that rocking out? Head over to the Santa Maria del Popolo church, where just next to it is a giant exhibit of nativity scenes from nearly 100 Italian regions.

Metro Hours Extended on New Year’s Eve

Worried about how to get home after a long night taking in the capital’s festivities? Happily, the city has decided to extend the Metro’s hours of operation in order to ensure that people can make it home safely without having to resort to driving.

New Year’s Day Parade – St. Peter’s Square
New Year’s Day
From 10 a.m.

If you wake up with energy on January 1, you should consider attending the city of Rome’s fantastic New Year’s Day parade. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Square, with the Pope’s New Year’s Day blessing. It then heads down Via della Concilliazione before winding up near the Castel Sant’Angelo. Tens of thousands of people congregate to witness the parade, with its military, civil and school marching bands and pageantry.

For Kids: Piazza del Popolo
New Year’s Day
10 a.m.-6 p.m.

While the big kids enjoyed the New Year’s Eve festivities, the little kids have lots more to look forward to on New Year’s Day. The city turns Piazza del Popolo into one big playground. The performances and activities include acrobats, clowns, street performers, musicians and face painters.

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When it comes to holiday festivities, Rome doesn’t exactly turn into tinsel town. That’s partly because the holiday season in Italy is focused on the religious aspects of the celebration, rather than on leaving presents under the Christmas tree.

Christmas traditions in Italy

Italians wait to give gifts to children until January 6 when La Befana, a witch on a broomstick, delivers presents to children. If Roman children have been naughty, tradition has it they should receive carbone (coal), so you’ll notice pastry shops selling confections of witches with baskets and caldrons of coal-shaped candy.

Despite these differences, you can still easily get into the holiday spirit in Rome. The city offers several “winter wonderland” activities for you to marvel at and enjoy. Seven of my favorite spots are:

Traditional Christmas Market (Centro Storico)
Piazza Navona
Through January 6, 2011

Each year, Rome’s most beautiful piazza hosts a traditional Christmas market where you can find stands of candy, trinkets, ornaments and other bric-a-brac. And yes, you can pick up one of the famous witches mentioned earlier with her caldron.

Ice Park Christmas Village (San Giovanni)
Piazza Re di Roma
Through January 11, 2011; 10 a.m.-midnight
Web site

People of all ages can enjoy skating on ice at the Ice Park Christmas Village in the San Giovanni neighborhood. It doesn’t cost you a thing to get in. All you have to do is pay for the rental of the skates. The park also puts on daily shows and ice-skating exhibitions.

The Immaculate Conception – Papal Procession
December 8, 2010; 4 p.m.
Near the Spanish Steps

Every year on the day of the Immaculate Conception (December 8), the Pope pays homage to the Virgin Mary with a procession to Piazza Mignanelli near the Spanish Steps at around 4 p.m. The tradition, which dates back to 1958, calls for the Pope to leave a floral wreath on the statue of the Madonna after he has knelt for prayer.

Chanukkah – Light of the Menorah (Centro Storico)
Piazza Barberini

Starting on December 1, every evening just before dusk you can celebrate the candle lighting of a large menorah at Piazza Barberini.

Nativity Scene at the Vatican
St. Peter’s Square
December 24, 2010-January 9, 2011

The nativity scene at St. Peter’s Square is one of the most beautiful things to witness around Christmastime in Rome. Each year, a gargantuan presepe (nativity scene) is constructed in the center of Piazza San Pietro. The scene is open to visit day and night for free.

Christmas Midnight Mass at the Vatican
St. Peter’s Square
December 24, midnight

For those who wish to attend the midnight Papal Christmas Eve mass at the Vatican, you can try to score tickets for the service by sending a request through the Vatican’s Web site. By now, however, the chances of getting tickets are pretty slim, but you can still try.

Alternatively, if you don’t land tickets, you can stand among the thousands of worshipers, pilgrims and onlookers in Piazza San Pietro around 10 p.m. when Pope Benedict XVI gives his Christmas Eve Mass.

Christmas Tree in Piazza Venezia (Centro Storico)
Piazza Venezia

The lighting of a beautiful Christmas tree in Piazza Venezia traditionally takes place late November. Due to this year’s torrential rainfall and ongoing student protests in the city center, however, the traditional lighting has been postponed. Once the lights are hung, she’s definitely a beauty. City workers should finish the decorating of the Christmas tree by December 8, as per tradition. So, keep your eyes peeled.

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1. St. Peter’s Square

This vast space is famous for being the home of Papal Addresses (and for being integral to the plot of Dan Brown’s “Angels and Demons“). It can accommodate up to 300,000 people, a number that puts the World Series Final crowd to shame.

Designed by Borromini so that the maximum number of people could see the Pope at any one time (before the days of plasma screens), its elliptical shape is dominated by the Basilica. Stand on the stone discs between the fountains and the Egyptian obelisk to see the rows of columns magically line up.

2. The Basilica

It is hard to put into words the immense size of this building. Look out for the dimensions of the world’s other large churches marked on the floor to give you a sense of its scale. The Basilica is free to enter, and highlights include Michelangelo’s Pieta (now sadly behind glass after it was attacked and damaged), Borromini’s vast altar canopy (the Baldacchino) made using bronze taken from the Pantheon roof, and the 13th-century statue of St. Peter Enthroned. Join the queue to kiss his foot for luck.

3. St. Peter’s Dome

For the best views of Rome, pick a clear day, get there early to avoid the queues, and prepare to make the climb up the 320 steps to the top of St. Peter’s Dome. You can take the lift for the first part, but a long climb still awaits you with a mix of spiral, steep, and strange slopes, taking you up to the viewing point where staggering views stretch out before you on every side.

It will cost you €4 to make the climb (or €7 if you use the lift at the start). Get your tickets at the office just next to the Basilica entrance, clearly marked after you have passed through security checks.

4. The Vatican Museums

The endless rooms filled with Vatican treasures are a great way to spend a few hours. The highlight has to be the Sistine Chapel (which, contrary to popular belief, is not in the Basilica), which you have to pay to see. While everyone knows about the famous ceiling by Michelangelo, look out also for his huge mural depicting the “Last Judgment” and Botticelli’s “Story of Moses“.

Also make time to see the Raphael Rooms, Caravaggio’s “Deposition,” and the Borgia Apartments. The entrance fee is usually €15, though if you visit the last Sunday of the month, it’s free (though you need to get there at around 7 AM to avoid the queue which extends to many hundreds of people).

5. The Necropolis

A little-known tour of the Necropolis takes you under the Basilica to the hidden city below. Excavated in the 1930s, the ancient streets are lined with tombs that are almost untouched by time. The highlight has to be seeing the alleged site of St. Peter’s tomb and looking up to see the dome towering about you through the floor grates. You need to book the tour around four weeks in advance by emailing the excavations office. Tours cost €12.

Top tips for visiting the Vatican

· Whether you are visiting the Basilica, the Dome, or the Museums, get there early to avoid long lines.

· In the Vatican Museums, head for the Sistine Chapel first, as the tour groups head there last.

· Cover shoulders and do not wear shorts.

· The queue in the piazza is for the security checks. Once through, keep left for the Basilica. The queue is for the Dome.

· Unless you want a plastic model of the Vatican that lights up and plays “Ava Maria,” or even a “Pope on a Rope” soap, avoid the tacky souvenir sellers.

· Do not buy a coffee or lunch within 1,000 meters of the Vatican unless you want to pay prices that will bring you to your knees.

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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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Its commercial bluster may indeed shock those emerging from a weeklong mountain journey through the Pyrenees. And in fact, some of its commercial business is a bit depressing. Shops selling discounted tobacco, perfume, and jewelry are everywhere. There are also sinister militia shops hawking surveillance devices, riot gear, bb guns, and odd objects expressly designed to hide things—like dummy soup cans that screw apart to reveal a hidden chamber. Are these things even legal?

Let’s table that question for a minute and fight the conventional wisdom regarding the Andorran capital by focusing on its downright interesting attributes.

Looking at Andorra

Andorra’s pleasingly dated bar decor.

The language on the streets is the gorgeous hybrid tongue of Catalan. It’s framed dramatically by stunning jagged peaks that appear to sprout behind every building. It’s got a romantic if very tiny old town and loads of interesting, modern stone architecture. In many ways, it is reminiscent of a medium-sized Swiss city. This is the case even aesthetically, down to the faded, pleasingly dated store signage and bar interiors that pop up here and there.

Beyond shopping, true tourism draws in the capital itself are few. Just outside of Andorra La Vella in the town of Escaldes-Engordany is the enormous Caldea thermal baths complex. Our Cheapo tip: obtain a discounted nighttime admission for €25, a savings of €8 off the standard admission price.

One standout site in the city is the Casa de la Vall, the 16th-century stone house that serves as the seat of government. It’s delightful to consider that such a beautiful small house could serve as a national parliament.

Andorra’s cute Casa de la Vall.

Andorra’s governmental balancing act

Andorra is, truth by told, a bit of an anomaly. It’s in charge of its own affairs but maintains some vestigial attachments to France and Spain. Officially, it is a co-principality, and its two “co-princes” are the French head of state and the Bishop of Urgell, who represents Spain.

(Lest you imagine that France and Spain run the show, know that executive power is the domain of the Andorran government, not the co-princes.) The postage system is operated by its two much larger neighbors, who dutifully produce Andorran stamps; defense, also, is delegated to the giants on either side.

Andorra is not a part of the European Union. It also remains outside of Schengen, the EU’s customs union that de facto blankets most of the other European microstates. On the main road through Andorra there are large mountainside immigration stations—a downright rarity in today’s Western Europe. (Many bus shuttles, however, including the one occupied by your loyal correspondent, are dismissed with a wave at the border crossings. What a disappointment!)

French and Spanish mailboxes side by side.

With neither an airport nor a railway network, Andorra certainly sits off the beaten path. Unlike the other Western European microstates, it isn’t quick to get to by road, either. Andorra is a three to three-and-a-half hour bus journey from both Barcelona and Toulouse.

By way of contrast, Monaco is smack dab in the middle of the Côte d’Azur, Liechtenstein is as close as an hour and a quarter from Zurich, San Marino is a stone’s throw from Rimini, and the Vatican is encircled by Rome. Andorra’s sheer distance makes actually touching down on the ground feel a little bit more like an accomplishment.

Andorra La Vella Hotel Tip

Budget bed fans should check out the clean, quiet, and very affordable Hotel Sant Jordi in Andorra La Vella, where double rooms booked online can be nabbed for as little as €40.

The post Wandering Cheapo: Reappraising Andorra La Vella appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.