Next time you need a break from the crowds, head to one of the city’s parks for a picnic or afternoon of reading and lying in the sun. Not only are they peaceful, but they’re some of the prettiest parks and gardens in the world. Best of all? They’re free!

Villa Borghese

Location: On Viale del Muro Torto and Via Pinciana
Getting there: Take the metro to Spagna or Barberini. Or take the FC3 tram to Flaminio.

Villa Borghese is Rome’s version of Central Park. Originally the grounds of the Borghese family’s villa in the 17^th century, today the park is open to the public and has an area for everyone. There’s a merry go round for kids, a small zoo, a dog park, and plenty of tree lined paths for jogging, elaborate fountains for cooling off, and large hills and sunny spots for reading and naps. The park is big, but it’s worth walking to the Pincian hill for the view of Rome over Piazza del Popolo. If you’re not in relaxation mode, visit one of the villas for a look into the lives of nobility, or stop at the Galleria Borghese, one of the city’s most impressive museums full of incredible frescoes and Bernini statues.

Related: Cheap hotels near Villa Borghese in Rome

Villa Pamphili

Location: Via Aurelia Antica
Getting there: Take the 881 bus, the N20, or the N5. The closest metro is Baldi Degli Ubaldi, and from there it’s about a 10 minute walk.

This is one of the prettiest parks in Rome mainly because of the Villa Doria Pamphili, a large mansion with a sunny yellow tint, and it’s surrounding gardens. You could probably spend hours just gazing at the villa itself, but the nearby pond full of swans is also worth a look. Villa Pamphili is located in the Monteverde area of Rome, just west of Trastevere, and is also the largest park in the city, so you’re sure to find a free patch of grass. It’s the perfect park for a picnic with friends.

Villa Ada

Location: Via dei Ponte Salario
Getting there: Take the FC3 tram to Campi Sportivi.

Villa Ada is great if you’re looking for some outdoor activity in the midst of all that pasta and wine. You can rent canoes or bicycles and also go horseback riding. Pack your bathing suit for a dip in the large public swimming pool, or spend hours strolling through the lush green paths. To combine exercise and history, visit Monte Antenne, an old Roman village that is now an archeological site at the highest point of the park, or head to the Catacombs of Priscilla. With a park this large, (450 acres!), you won’t be bored.

Related: Beating the heat in Rome: 4 beaches easily accessible by train for €10 or less

The Orange Garden

Location: Via di Santa Sabina
Getting there: Take the metro to Circo Massimo, and it’s about a 10 minute walk up the hill.

A small garden on the Aventine hill bursting with orange trees, this garden is small, but one of the most charming. Head up the hill to the Giardino degli Aranci with a group of friends and a bottle of white wine to soak in the panoramas of the city from the top. The view of St. Peter’s is fantastic, and the scent of oranges and shade from the trees is a splendid respite from the city. The famous keyhole view of St. Peter’s is just a few steps away in the Piazza dei Cavalieri.

The Gianicolo

Location: Via del Gianicolo
Getting there: Take the 34, 46, 46B, 64, 98 or 881 buses.

The Gianicolo hill is full of lovers, and it’s easy to see why. The view from the top is like an aphrodisiac. Go at the golden hour to see the sun bathe the terracotta rooftops in a warm glow and glisten on the domes of the Pantheon and St. Peter’s, while the Vittorio Emanule II monument sparkles against the backdrop of the Appenine Mountains. The entire city takes on a pinkish hue from up here, and you can’t help but gaze in awe and succumb to its spell.

Related : The 5 most romantic spots in Rome

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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!

The post Rome: The 5 most romantic spots in town 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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To celebrate Rome’s Caravaggio exhibition that has just opened at the Villa Borghese (and runs through January 24, 2010), it seemed timely to look at this bad boy of the paintbrush and take a tour around Rome to see some of his masterpieces for free!

So just who was Caravaggio?

Whilst most artists of the Middle Ages were more soft ruffles than tough scuffles, Caravaggio was not afraid of a fight, a drink, and the odd murder to boot. Commission happy, the taste of luxury did not bring out his lighter side. As well as pushing the Catholic church to the edge with his dark religious paintings, he eventually lost his temper once too often. After killing a young man who beat him in a tennis match in the Campo Dei Fiori, he fled Rome with a price on his head. He finally died in exile, never learning that he had been given a Papal Pardon.

Where can I see Caravaggio for free?

Sant’ Agostino Church
Via Sant’ Agostino

The Madonna di Loreto (painted in 1605, pictured above) is hung in the first chapel on the left. The church is close to Piazza Navona, and also includes a Raphael fresco. The church is currently under restoration, but don’t be fooled. Under the scaffolding, it is still open so you can see the paintings. For those who are pregnant (or wish to be), touch the statue of the “Madonna del Parto” near the door as you leave for luck.

San Luigi dei Francesi
Via Giustiniani

In the church of San Luigi dei Francesi you get three Caravaggio paintings for free with the Matthew trilogy, including  “The Calling of Saint Matthew”, “St. Matthew and the Angels”, and “The Matrydom of Saint Matthew”. This church is close to the centre, a short walk from the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, and next to the French institute with its wonderful bookshop.

Santa Maria Del Popolo
Piazza Del Popolo

This church is about a 20-minute walk from the historic centre, or you can take the Metro Linea A to Flaminio. Here you can find two paintings, the “Conversion of St. Paul” and “The Crucifixion of St. Peter”, so well worth the journey.

Please note that many churches are closed between 1 PM – 4 PM, but usually stay open in the evening until around 7 PM.

And if I want to pay?

Well if you are at the Santa Maria del Popolo, it is just a short walk up the hill to the Galleria Borghese, and its wonderful park. Here you can see three Caravaggio works, “Sick Bacchus”, “Boy with Bag of Fruit” and “Madonna dei Palafrenieri”. Entrance will cost you €8.50 but you also get to see the amazing Bernini sculpture of “Daphne and Apollo” amongst many other treasures.

At the moment, you can also access the Caravaggio and Bacon exhibition, on through January 24. Note that for the Galleria Borghese, you need to book in advance as only a limited number are allowed in at any one time (more details here).

Lastly, you can see the “Gypsy Fortune Teller” at the Capitoline Museums, entrance fee €6.50. Don’t forget that both of these museums are included in the Roma Pass, which is a 3-day pass that gives you free access to two museums, free travel on Rome’s public transport, and discounts to other museums and attractions. The pass costs €34. (read more about the Roma Pass).

The post Rome Art Walking Tour: See Caravaggio’s finest works for free appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Rome, like most European destinations, has some delightful parks. Whether you plan to relax after a day on the town, or spend a free afternoon strolling through gardens, sitting and public—park, the Villa Doria Pamphilj. Named after two noble Italian families, this marvel sits West of the Tiber and just South of Vatican City in residential Monteverde.

At the park’s center is the Villa Vecchia, here since the 1600s. The park itself offers a host of lovely gardens, intricate statues, a grotto, and fountains. A curvy bridge links up the gardens making this an especially popular destination for jogging and walking dogs.

Napoleon’s bust in the Villa Borghese.

Villa Borghese
Via Veneto
(Metro line A to Flaminio)

A sprawling area of land full of everything from quiet, lush green spaces to famous statues and fountains, the Villa Borghese is perhaps Rome’s most well-known park.  The oasis, completed around 1620, is an ideal venue for taking in some rays.

When you’re done sun bathing, you must check out the Borghese Gallery, considered one of the world’s top private art collections. (Keep in mind you need to reserve a ticket before you gallery-gaze. Adult tickets, to the museum and gallery, are €13.50 plus a €2 booking fee. EU citizens, children, and seniors receive a discount.)

Tip: Check out the carriage racing, every May at the Piazza di Siena.

Gianicolo Park
Trastevere (Walk up Via Garibaldi)

The Gianicolo, in picturesque Trastevere, is at the top of Janiculum Hill and offers unbeatable panoramic views of Rome’s sprawl. It’s a bit of a trek up, but if you can make it, pleasant scenery and unique photo-ops await you. Pack a picnic and make a day of it. For more info, grab a map at the Rome Tourism Office. The walk up to Janiculum Hill and its accompanying park are also clearly marked on most any tourist map of Rome.

Pincio Gardens
Piazzale Napoleone I and Viale dell’Obelisco
(Metro line A to Flaminio)

The Pincio gardens overlook the neoclassical Piazza del Popolo. Although Pincio is slightly wild and unkempt, I still love it for its vivid colors, towering trees, and foliage-filled gardens.  The Pincio remains a local and tourist favorite for sunset watching and afternoon reading—and is considered one of the prettiest places in the Eternal City.

Do you have a favorite park in Rome? Or, know of a secret garden somewhere off the beaten path? Share it in the comment section below.

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