Free & Almost Free

Free & Almost Free

Fortunately, though Rome is on its way to becoming one of the most expensive cities in Europe, sightseeing doesn't necessarily require a hefty bank account. In fact, depending on the time of year you plan your trip, there could be lots of free and cheap cultural events throughout the city that you could take advantage of.

Budget Boosters: Art & Archaeological Sites

On Valentine's Day (February 14), the Italian Ministry for Culture hosts its annual "Innamorati dell'Arte," or "In Love with Art," campaign where lovers or people in pairs can take advantage of two-for-one admission prices at all state-run museums and archaeological sites. Also sponsored by the Ministry for Culture, during "Settimana della Cultura," or Cultural Week (typically held in April-May), many of the major archaeological sites and museums in and around Rome waive their entrance fees. Check out www.beniculturali.it for exact dates and listings.

It usually costs EUR 14 to visit the Vatican Museums, but on the last Sunday of nearly every month you can get in free. Make sure to bring comfy shoes, as the wait in line can be a bit overwhelming!

Wallet-Watchers: Movies

If you're up for seeing a flick, head over to the Casa del Cinema (Largo Marcello Mastroianni 1, near Villa Borghese). The movie theater, sponsored by the City of Rome, has free showings daily. See www.casadelcinema.it for listings. Looking for a cheap movie night? The Metropolitan (Via del Corso 7, near Piazza del Popolo) and Warner Village (Piazza della Repubblic, 45/46) often show new releases in English during the first week of the month; on Wednesday nights, ticket prices are reduced.

Econo-Tips: Music & Performances

Every year on May 1, Italy's Labor Day, hundreds of thousands of people gather for the free concert held in Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano. Headliners are usually Italian rock bands, but occasionally folk troupes perform as well. During the summer (mid-June through August), one of Rome's loveliest parks, Villa Ada, hosts its annual Roma Incontro il Mondo-"Romeome Meets the World"—concert series. Concerts are held nightly, with ticket prices ranging EUR 5 to 13. Check www.villaada.org for details.

The Eternal City becomes magical during its annual La Notte Bianca—"The White Night"—(usually the first week of September) when museums, archaeological sites, and shops stay open into the wee hours of the night. You can also catch a variety of free concerts and theatrical performances in some of Rome's finest piazzas. Check out www.lanottebianca.it for details.

Euro-Stretchers: Eats

The aperitivo hour allows you to dine out, sort of, in some of Rome's trendiest and finest establishments without breaking the bank. Here's how: for the price of a drink (usually EUR 5 to EUR 8), you can feast on an all-you-can-eat buffet. Politicians head for the Riccioli Caffè, near the Italian Senate (Via delle Coppelle 13), for its sushi, oysters, and cold pastas. A posh scene can be found at Crudo (Via degli Specchi 6), where the spread includes veggies, pastas, and finger food. The Piazza Bologna district's Momart attracts a young college crowd (Viale XXI Aprile 19) with its wood-oven pizza.