| Once upon a time there was a wonderful currency | | | | other secrets you might stumble across while getting |
| called the lira. It made millionaires out of paupers and | | | | lost in the back streets? (remember to take a map |
| assured a cheap and cheerful stay in the Eternal City. | | | | though!) |
| Then came along the Euro and evil exchange rates | | | | 6) When in Rome, do as the Romans do |
| and suddenly Rome became comparable to London | | | | Hotels in Rome are notoriously expensive and often |
| and New York in terms of prices. | | | | not the most economic option for groups or families. |
| However, there do remain some traces of the 'old' | | | | Why get a real tast of the lifestyle and rent an |
| Rome and if you know how, you can have a great | | | | apartment? Leisure in Rome ( has a great range of |
| value stay in one of the most beautiful capital cities in | | | | properties all over the city which start from as little |
| the world. | | | | as EUR100 per night. |
| 1) Hallowed be thy Euro | | | | 7) Sample the local produce |
| Rome is brimming with churches which secretly house | | | | Italy is famous for its food so take on a DIY attitude |
| stunning works by world-famous artists. From | | | | and go grocery shopping! Head to a fruit and |
| Michelangelo and Bernini at St Peter's Basilica to | | | | vegetable and stock up on interesting salads and |
| Caravaggio and Raphael at Santa Maria del Popolo, | | | | succulent fruits. Then find the nearest 'alimentari' or |
| churches offer a great way to get yourself some | | | | supermarket and pick out some local meats and |
| free culture. | | | | cheeses. After all that effort you'll definitely deserve |
| 2) Timing is everything | | | | a gelato for dessert. |
| Try to coincide with Rome's cultural week (in 2009 | | | | 8) Aperitivo baby! |
| it's 18-26 April) and you can visit any state run | | | | A relatively new social event, the 'aperitivo' can be |
| monument or museum for free! Alas, the Vatican | | | | found in many of the capital's bars and pubs around |
| Museums and Sistine Chapel don't count but if you | | | | 6-7pm. Order a drink (usually EUR6-10) and help |
| head there early on the last Sunday of the month | | | | yourself to the wonderous selection of nibbles laid |
| you can wander completely gratis (but prepare | | | | out on the bar. A kind of Italian tapas which if done |
| yourself for some spectacular crowds). | | | | well can save you the cost of dinner. |
| 3) When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie...... | | | | 9) Water, water, everywhere..... |
| If you're searching for a good value lunch option look | | | | There is a water fountain on every street corner |
| no further than one of the city's many 'pizza al taglio' | | | | which is perfectly safe to drink and lovely and cold. |
| shops. Huge trays of pizza with a wide array of | | | | Simply buying one bottle and then filling up at the |
| toppings sold by weight. Pick out your favourites, | | | | fountains is a fantastic way to save those precious |
| head to a nearby bench or park and enjoy a cheap | | | | coins. |
| and tasty al fresco lunch. | | | | 10) Wander the alleyways |
| 4) Get outta town | | | | We all know how lovely it is to have pizza |
| If you want a break from the tourist crowds hop on | | | | overlooking the Colosseum or gnocchi by the light of |
| a train and take a trip to one of the enticing areas | | | | Piazza Navona but how much lovelier it is to find that |
| outside the city. In just 30 minutes you could be | | | | quaint traditional backstreet trattoria where the wine |
| taking a stroll by the beach in Ostia or sampling the | | | | comes in jugs and mamma's kneading pasta in the |
| local wine in Frascati. Tlittle towns of Lazio will give | | | | kitchen. Few places like this still exist in Rome but the |
| you a great value glimpse of the real Italy. | | | | best way to get a great dinner at a great price is to |
| 5) Take a hike | | | | wander off the beaten path. Tourist attractions do |
| Just walking around the city is a great way to get a | | | | indeed attract tourists and you'll pay through the |
| sense of Rome. Many monuments such as the Trevi | | | | nose for a sub-standard meal. Walk a few blocks and |
| Fountain, Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps cost | | | | follow your instincts instead of opting for the |
| nothing and are always open. Who knows which | | | | obvious. |