Budget Rome

Our Local Expert Says:

Make sure to request a map of the park as there are many hidden sights and museums.

Description:

Design of the villa began at the start of the 17th century when Pope Paul V Borghese was elected. Its style resembles that of city villas from 100 years earlier. The gardens were especially cared for - aviaries were added to house exotic birds and areas of the gardens were stocked with peacocks, ostriches, gazelles and even lions. Over the years, the garden was altered into an English-style space designed by Jacob Moore. One of the park's loveliest areas is the Lake Garden, which is enclosed by a railing that emphasises the lake's irregular shape. In the centre of an artificial island, a temple was built dedicated to Aesculapius. The famous Square of Siena has been the scene of horse-jumping and carriage-racing competitions since it was first built.

Description:

In 1099 Pope Pasquale II had a chapel erected in honor of the Madonna, to commemorate the victory of the crusaders who had liberated the Holy Sepulchre. Two hundred years later, Pope Gregory IX enlarged this chapel and brought to it a painting of the Virgin, said to be by St Luke. But it was under Pope Sixtus IV that the church really took shape. Its interior presents numerous works of art, including frescoes by Pinturichhio in the Cappella Della Rovere, dramatic paintings by Caravaggio in the Cappella Cerasi, and the Cappella Chigi, designed by Raphael with sculptures by Bernini and Lorenzetti. The splendid stained-glass windows, by the French artist Guillaume de Marcillat, are unique in Rome for the period.

Description:

Fish, cooked simply but well, abound here: risotto alla marinara, fish soup, linguine allo scoglio, spaghetti with clams and various types of steamed or baked fish with herbs or salt. Other Mediterranean dishes such as ravioli with ricotta cheese and spinach are excellent. The restaurant is clean, airy and well managed, so the relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal place to take friends.

Description:

This three-story hotel has a four-star government rating at two-star prices. Expect a friendly pensione-style reception. The furnishings are antiques or reproduction, and the firm beds are backed by carved-wood or wrought-iron headboards. Fifteen rooms are air-conditioned, and the bathrooms have heated towel racks, phones, and (in a few) marble sinks. Only three come with a complete tub/shower combination. Rooms differ in style; the nicest are no. 82, with its original 1800s furniture; and nos. 104, 106, and 107, which open onto the rooftop garden. You can enjoy the chandeliered and tromp l'oeil breakfast room, or carry your cappuccino up to the small rooftop terrace with its view of San Silvestro's bell tower.

Description:

The splendid fortress of Castel Sant'Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian in 139 AD. In the 10th century AD it was transformed into a castle, then, 500 years later, into the elegant residence of Pope Alexander VI Borgia. Michelangelo designed the marvellous main court for Pope Leon X and many of the rooms inside are decorated with frescoes of great beauty. It's also been used to house prisoners, including the sculptor Benvenuto Cellini. The terrace offers a fine view of the river Tiber and opera lovers will know that this was where the final act of Puccini's opera "Tosca" took place. The building is now a museum with a fine collection of suits of armour.

Description:

A relaxing family restaurant in a simple locale, well appointed with a big wood oven in the center. In summer you can dine outside on lovely, large tables beneath elegant white umbrellas. The house specialty is the oven-fired calzone, but the pizzas alla romana (thin & crispy), bruschette, crostini and fritti are also good. Unlimited beer as well.

Description:

People come by the millions each year to receive the Pope's blessing, traditionally given on Sundays at noon. St Peter's has undergone many transformations since the original Constantine basilica of AD320. The top of its majestic dome (designed by Michelangelo), provides the best vantage point from which to marvel at Bernini's magnificent colonnade surrounding the square, the gilded bronze canopy above the altar and Michelangelo's Pietà. Bramante, Pietro da Cortona and Canova are just a handful of the many other artists who worked together on this monumental basilica's decoration and design.

Description:

Enclosed by Bernini's magnificent colonnade, this square has the largest number of visitors in the world. Millions of tourists wait here either for the Pope's Sunday blessing or to enter the Basilica. More than a square, the colonnade gives it the atmosphere of a courtyard, inviting people to enter the church. During Christmas, a nativity scene and a Christmas tree are installed, and there is a remarkable atmosphere of celebration, with the majestic dome dominating the scene behind.

Description:

In the centre of St Peter's square, the Vatican obelisk stands between 2 enormous fountains and four cast-iron lamp posts. It stands on four bronze lions and was placed in the square by Domenico Fontana for Pope Sixtus V. It was brought to Rome from Alexandria in Egypt in 37 AD by Caligula who used it to decorate Nero's circus. Many legends arose around the enormous monolith. It is said that while it was being raised, in total silence, a certain Bresca (who realised the cords were breaking) prevented it falling by shouting the famous phrase, "Water on the cords". Even more famous is the story that the tip of the obelisk held the ashes of the cremated Julius Caesar in the bronze globe that is now to be seen in the Capitoline museums. Now the tip of the obelisk is crowned, 41 metres up, by a relic of the Holy Cross.

Description:

This family-run restaurant has the father preparing the food in the kitchen and the rest of the family dealing with the guests in a tranquil atmosphere. The recently restored building is more than 300 years old and is very attractive. On Tuesdays and Fridays fish dishes are available, while roast meat dishes are served during the rest of the week. The wine list, including house wine, is not very long, but is in line with the food on offer. You can eat late if you book.

Description:

This three-story hotel has a four-star government rating at two-star prices. Expect a friendly pensione-style reception. The furnishings are antiques or reproduction, and the firm beds are backed by carved-wood or wrought-iron headboards. Fifteen rooms are air-conditioned, and the bathrooms have heated towel racks, phones, and (in a few) marble sinks. Only three come with a complete tub/shower combination. Rooms differ in style; the nicest are no. 82, with its original 1800s furniture; and nos. 104, 106, and 107, which open onto the rooftop garden. You can enjoy the chandeliered and tromp l'oeil breakfast room, or carry your cappuccino up to the small rooftop terrace with its view of San Silvestro's bell tower.

Description:

This is probably the oldest shopping centre in the world. Built by the Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century A.D, it consisted of 150 offices and shops selling food, flowers, jewellery and wool. The finest shops were decorated with mosaics depicting the merchandise on sale. Today the shops are intact, but empty, even though, when the wine-shops were rediscovered, they were full of amphors of wine. The offices on the floor above organised the distribution of free rations of corn to the citizens of Rome.

The recently opened Museum of Imperiali is nearby and a must see to get a glimpse into Trajan's offices.  It is truly one of the top sites in Rome.

Description:

Trajan's Column stands between two seemingly twin churches - Santa Maria di Loreto and SS. Nome di Maria. It's 40 metres high overlooking the remaining columns of the ancient Ulpia basilica in Trajan's Forum. It is thought that the column was originally erected between two large libraries that were, with the terrace of Trajan's Temple and the terrace of the Ulpia basilica, places where Romans could admire the historical reliefs on the column. The column has resisted degradation superbly over the years - the spiral frieze illustrates the most important episodes in Trajan's successful expedition against the Dacians as well as showing the everyday lives of soldiers. On the top of the column (reached via a stairway inside) there is a bronze statue of St Peter sculpted by Tommaso della Porta which, it is thought, must have replaced one of the emperor himself.

Description:

Located in Monti, one of Rome's newest hipster hangouts, alle Carrette is a local pizzeria with a "no frills" attitude, perfect for a night of pizza and beer.  Staff is patient and present.  In addition to its vast list of pizzas, the menu also has a great selection of traditional fritti -- fried appetizers like zucchini flowers, olives and mozzarella, along with bruschette (toast bread), and calzoni- pizza pockets.

Description:

No visit to Rome is complete without having seen its magnificent Colosseum, a vast amphitheatre with seating for 55,000 that was designed as a horse racing circuit and arena for animal fighting and gladiatorial battles. Upon its completion, spectacular 100-day celebrations were organized as part of the opening ceremony in 72 AD. Its name is believed to come from Nero's enormous statue of Colossus that stood close by.

Our Local Expert Says:

This arch is the largest of the three remaining arches from ancient Rome.

Description:

The Arch of Constantine is particularly interesting because it is like a jigsaw made up of other monuments. It was built using material from Trajan's Forum, from where the statues of the Dacian prisoners and the friezes representing Marcus Aurelius were also taken. The Arch was erected at the beginning of the fourth century in honour of Constantine, following the victory over Maxentius. It is considered one of the last great monuments to be constructed by the Romans. It stands beside the Colosseum in the huge square which in summer is the site for one of the events of the 'Estate Romana'. A huge screen is hung from the arch, onto which films and videos are projected.

Description:

The Forum was designed to be the centre of social, political and economic life in the city. The innumerable remains include the well-conserved triumphal arch of Emperor Septimius Severus, with reliefs depicting his victories and the base of the Temple of Saturn with its eight columns and their splendid Ionic capitals. The 'Rostrum' is the famous platform from which Mark Antony gave his oration in Shakespeare's play after Julius Caesar's assassination. The platform became the setting for many important events in Rome's history. It was named the 'rostrum' after the bows of the ships that form the decorative motif. The Temple of Vesta was the home of the Vestal Virgins, charged with keeping the sacred flame alight. The circular foundations still remain, near to a garden in which traces of the House of the Vestal Virgins can still be seen. The Basilica of Constantine and Massentius was used as the court, and the three remaining barrel-vaulted naves give an idea of its gigantic structure. The Arch of Titus celebrates victories in Judea, and in the reliefs you can see the spoils of war, including an altar and a seven-armed chandelier.

Description:

This famous wine bar has a vast wine list that includes vintage wines and a quality international selection. Classic wine bar food with cheeses, pork meats and salads.

Description:

This three-story hotel has a four-star government rating at two-star prices. Expect a friendly pensione-style reception. The furnishings are antiques or reproduction, and the firm beds are backed by carved-wood or wrought-iron headboards. Fifteen rooms are air-conditioned, and the bathrooms have heated towel racks, phones, and (in a few) marble sinks. Only three come with a complete tub/shower combination. Rooms differ in style; the nicest are no. 82, with its original 1800s furniture; and nos. 104, 106, and 107, which open onto the rooftop garden. You can enjoy the chandeliered and tromp l'oeil breakfast room, or carry your cappuccino up to the small rooftop terrace with its view of San Silvestro's bell tower.

Description:

The remains of Octavia's Portico stand at the end of the road known as Portico d'Ottavia. It was called this, despite being built in 146 BC by Quintus Cecilius Metellus, because it was rebuilt by Emperor Augustus in the 1st century AD who dedicated it to his sister Octavia. Two centuries later it was renovated by Emperors Septimus Severus and Caracalla but it retained its Augustan name. Initially, the rectangular area was used for promenading and was decorated with sculptures and paintings; some sculptures were also placed at its centre where Octavia's library and several temples once stood. During the Middle Ages - up until the destruction of the Ghetto walls - the function of the portico was altered and it was used as a fish market. One of the results was that the church behind the portico was given the name Sant'Angelo in Pescheria. A Latin inscription on the arch at the end of the portico refers to the curious tradition that allowed the Conservatori - the magistrates of the city - to receive the heads of the largest fish!

Our Local Expert Says:

While still populated with Italian Jews, many former residents of the Ghetto have moved outside the city center since the area has become very popular, and therefore very expensive.

Description:

This area has been frequented by the Jewish community since the year 1000, thus the name "ghetto." It is full of archeological remains, dating to the medieval period and earlier. The significant monuments that can be seen include Octavia's Portico, built by Augustus for his sister, now incorporating the church of Sant'Angelo in Pescheria. Cola di Rienzo was born in this area, and a plaque marks his birthplace in what was once Via della Fiumara. The Synagogue, with its square dome, is very different from the surrounding Roman city architecture, and on the wall of the riverside street there are slabs with inscriptions commemorating the death of the Jews in the Nazi concentration camps and at the Fosse Ardeatine.

Description:

This small restaurant run by Margherita serves old Roman cuisine with Jewish influences. There are dishes that are fixed for the various days of the week, common in Rome, such as anchovies with endives on Mondays, Rome-style tripe on Wednesdays, cod on Thursdays and Fridays, and chickpea purée on Friday. Lovely home-made flans. Good Velletri wine by the jug. Open only at lunchtime.

Our Local Expert Says:

The word "Trastevere" combines two separate meanings: "tras" and "tevere" which translate as "beyond" and "tevere" since it is across the Tevere river from the bustling city center.

Description:

It is strange to think that this area of Rome was originally built to be a city port where storehouses held goods at the time of Augustus and continued to do so until the end of the 19th century. Trastevere then became a downmarket residential quarter and has now developed into a very desirable quarter. The heart of the district is Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere with its lovely church, a 17th century palazzo and a fountain in the middle which is probably Rome's oldest, having been designed by architects such as Bernini, Fontana and Della Porta. There are still some well-conserved medieval houses. On Sunday mornings, you can visit the 7th Corte dei Vigili in Via dei Salumi, and if you enter the guards' rooms, you will see grafitti on the walls written by Roman soldiers who served the emperors from Septimus Severus to Caracalla, in addition to notations of their guard duty.

Description:

This is the first Rome church to be consecrated to the Madonna. Its foundations were laid in approximately 400, when Christianity was only just beginning to take root in Europe. The present edifice is dated 1300 and contains beautiful mosaics by Pietro Cavallini, especially those dedicated to the life of the Virgin Mary. There is a magnificent life-size icon, 'La Madonna della Clemenza', from as early as the 7th century. The nave is formed from granite columns taken from ancient Roman edifices. The 12th-century mosaics of the façade, depicting the Madonna and child and ten women holding lamps, are not to be missed. The portico was renovated in the 18th century by Carlo Fontana and the balustrade is decorated with statues of Popes, baroque additions which do not detract from the church's original medieval aspect.

Description:

An authentic Roman trattoria, situated in an enchanting piazza in Trastevere. The atmosphere is Roman, informal, cheerful and lively. The dishes are also typically Roman - Amatriciana, Tripa alla romana (tripe), Pasta with chickpeas, Abbacchio scottadito, beans al corallo. The Vino sfuso (wine for immediate consumption) from Genzano is also good.

Description:

This three-story hotel has a four-star government rating at two-star prices. Expect a friendly pensione-style reception. The furnishings are antiques or reproduction, and the firm beds are backed by carved-wood or wrought-iron headboards. Fifteen rooms are air-conditioned, and the bathrooms have heated towel racks, phones, and (in a few) marble sinks. Only three come with a complete tub/shower combination. Rooms differ in style; the nicest are no. 82, with its original 1800s furniture; and nos. 104, 106, and 107, which open onto the rooftop garden. You can enjoy the chandeliered and tromp l'oeil breakfast room, or carry your cappuccino up to the small rooftop terrace with its view of San Silvestro's bell tower.

Description:

Commissioned by Marcus Agrippa, restored by Domitian, and subsequently rebuilt by Hadrian (who added the dome) before being turned into a church in the early 7th century by Pope Boniface IV. The building's sole source of light is the opening at the dome's apex (the oculus); according to popular legend, this formed the base for the bronze pinecone that is now in the Vatican's 'Pigna' courtyard, where it is used as a fountain. Many famous Italians are buried in the Pantheon, including Renaissance painter Raphael and King Vittorio Emanuele I.

Description:

This is a family restaurant and dishes like spelt soup hot from the kitchen will remind Romans, at least, of their childhood. There are of course also classical dishes like Pajata and Tripe, and innovations, such as Rissoles with spelt or duck with plum sauce. The interior is typical of old Roman trattorias and the air-conditioning is a welcome luxury.