If you’re planning a tour to Italy, you have to go to Rome, even if its for a short duration. Even our Bollywood stars love this remarkable city with a great history.
One of the world’s oldest cities, you’ll love seeing the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, Coliseum, The Pantheon, roman architecture, its history & culture, and of course enjoying the food there.
Also read: Bollywood movies filmed in Italy.
Unfortunately, it can get a bit expensive when you’re in Rome. However, the good thing is that with a bit of planning (and little ingenuity), you can still be within your budget when travelling to Rome.
Here are some rules to follow, when in Rome:
When in Rome, Tip Like a Roman
How much to tip, especially when a foreign country, is always an area where travelers are not sure, unless they know about the local custom.
Though you may be used to tipping (10 to 20 percent) after a meal, a coffee, or even a cab ride, the fact is that tipping isn’t routinely practiced in Rome. In Italy, workers make a fair wage that isn’t dependent on the customers’ tips.
So, you may tip to the nearest euro, or give at most five percent (to avoid offending the locals). But resist the urge to keep that extra money on the table.
Stand at the Bar
In case you don’t like to walk a lot, you may not like this option, but for most other travelers who’re visiting Rome to see the various sights, this is a practical option to put some money back in your pocket.
Most bars and cafes in Rome will charge you much more for using table-service, as opposed to standing at the bar to drink or eat. Just take a look at the locals, and you’ll see almost all of them on their feet with some snack or cappuccino in their hands.
Standing & eating at the bar will cost at least fifty percent less, so do make use of that opportunity.
Pack your Day Meal for Dinner
We are taking about some practical cost-saving options here, but if it sounds ‘cheap’ to you, by all means dump that method.
This one tells you how to save some money on your dinner, when in Rome.
Several restaurants offer low-priced lunch offerings in order to attract the local office crowd, so why not make use of it? You can always have lunch on the go, but why not pack a meal/snack for dinner (evening meal) as well? I think its a great way to save money. Eating that same packed meal in the evening can cost almost double.
Skip the Bottled Water
If you’re from a country like India or China, you may have trouble accepting this fact (because back home you just cannot trust outside or tap water). However, when in Rome, you can have the water from the tap or other outlets available in gardens/open spaces.
Rome gets most of its water from a clean, underground lake in the Appenine Mountains, so the water is free and readily available.
So don’t waste money on bottled water while traveling in Rome. Just carry a bottle to fill up water regularly. This way you also do your bit for the environment by keeping it clear of plastic bottles.
Save on Transportation with Smart Choices
If you already live in a big city, you probably may already be good at this. The fact is that you can save some money by making smart choices when it comes to commuting in Rome.
Public transportation is excellent in Rome, and also pretty affordable, especially when you make use of the various options available. Do some maths, and if it makes sense, buy daily, three-day, or weekly passes. At times, you may stick to single tickets that can be used on any combination of bus, tram, and metro (for limited time).
Remember, taxis charge extra ‘night charges’ (nocturnal surcharge) if you take the ride between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., so plan your rides accordingly.
Consider Buying the Roma Pass
If you’re going to be in Rome for at least three days, consider buying the ‘Roma Pass’ (discount pass sponsored by the Rome City Council).
Besides offering free public transportation during its validity period, you also get ‘free entry’ to state- or city-run museums and archaeological sites, plus discounted rates for entry into other participating sites.
However, if you’re in Rome for a shorter period, skipping the Pass could be a better option for local travelling.
Plan Your Trip to Rome
These are practical tips that have benefited several travelers who have been to Rome. As mentioned, some of you may not mind spending that extra Euro, which is perfectly fine. However, most travelers are actually looking for ways to cut costs when on holidays, and these suggestions can really help you spend little and accomplish more on your trip to Rome.
