Rome

The Italian capital of Rome was one of the founding cities of Western Civilisation. Considering that it was once the centre of the Roman Empire, it comes as no surprise that Rome is one of the most archaeologically distinct and strikingly beautiful cities in Europe, if not the world. Perhaps it's also no surprise that such a beautiful city with countless attractions has also garnered a reputation for being expensive. A meal or a drink in the vicinity of any kind of well-known attraction can cost up to 50% more than normal prices, and Rome is hardly short of attractions.

Visitors come to Rome throughout the year, but the off peak season is generally the best time to see the city. The accommodation prices are lower, the heat isn't as intense and you can enjoy the city without the crowds that flock there during the summer months. Late September to October and April to June are the best times to see the city.

Even in Rome, there are always ways to save money. For example, the famous Vatican Museum, which houses the Sistine Chapel has no entry fee on the last Sunday of each month. The Vatican itself has no entry fee for St Peters Basilica, the Piazza San Pietro and the Grotte Vaticano, so there's really no excuse not to visit the smallest state in the world.

The best way to get around the city is on foot. A good idea is to allow ample time to just get lost and wander through the streets. Rome has many surprises around the most seemingly innocuous of corners, like ruined temples to long dead cults, a forgotten statue or an ancient fountain. Take the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo for example, which houses two Caraveggios and has no entry fee.

Of course you also have the choice of hiring a Vespa scooter and negotiating the Roman traffic in a more authentically Italian manner. Many of the top sights of Rome are in close proximity to each other. From the Piazza Navona heading east through the streets and on to Via del Seminario you will come across the magnificent Pantheon and Piazza Della Rotunda, free to visitors. Continuing eastwards along the Via Marco Minghetti will bring you to the famed Trevi Fountain, where a coin thrown into the water supposedly ensures a repeat visit to the city.

Many of the attractions that Rome is famed for are free to members of the public - including the Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps so it's possible to get a good sense of the city without spending too much money. The Colosseum, which is possibly the greatest feat of Roman engineering and once home to gladiators and chariots is now one of the iconic symbols of Rome. Despite an entry fee of about €10, it is reputedly well worth the money, and includes entrance to the Palatine Hill.

Dining out in Rome can often give unsuspecting tourists a bit of a shock when they see the bill. Taking a bit of a detour away from the main streets onto the quieter and often quite picturesque side streets you can find far more reasonably priced food and drink. When having a coffee or snack on the go during the day it's handy to know that cafe owners jack up the price if you sit down, and even more so if you sit outside. Generally the different prices are on display on the menu. Its no real hardship to stand at the counter if the pizza you are eating is reputedly some of the best in the world. For desert you can get excellent 'gelato' for about €2 (takeaway price) in the little ice cream shops that are dotted around the city.

There is plenty of cheap accommodation to be found in Rome, particularly around the main Termini train station. However these 2 star hotels are usually a bit too basic for a weekend away, and why share a bathroom with other guests when you can source a good 3 star hotel for about €150 per night? The Hosianum Palace, in the heart of Rome, just steps from Piazza Venezia and Via dei Fort Imperiali is one such hotel. However, if you really want to keep the costs down without staying miles out from the city centre, the Casa per Ferie Santa Marie Alle Fornaci boasts not only an impressively long name but also double rooms for only ninety five euro a night including breakfast. This remodelled Trinitarian monastery is only 2 blocks away from St Peters Square so the location and price couldn't be better for those who are looking for a no frills base to enjoy the city.

Nightlife in Rome can be divided into two categories. If you fancy skipping the Trevi to have a bevy the wilder side to Rome's nightlife is found in Testaccio. This former stable area is one of the liveliest and most decadent spots in Rome and the locals are usually out in force. However this jaunt can be a little harsh on the pocket. One tip is to take a chance on the local draught beers and pay about €4 or €5 instead of the imported bottles which could cost up to €8 or €9. Make like the locals and dress to impress.

Once a huge wine cellar, Micca Club is an unusual addition to central Rome's nightlife. There's a programme of DJs, radio transmissions, visual arts and even a Sunday market selling everything from vintage clothes to design objects and music. With a labyrinthine structure defined by a spectacular spiral staircase, elegant columns and magnificent vaults, Micca is open four nights a week and has a stage for live concerts, a dance floor, three bars, a lounge area and an art gallery.

However most visitors to Rome claim the best nightlife in the city involves sitting in a Piazza sipping on a glass of wine and enjoying some street performers or admiring the view of amazing buildings that at night are lit up and look even more spectacular than in the daylight. Be warned that you pay for the view, but with views like this, maybe one glass of vino is worth it.

Price Information:

Aer Lingus
www.aerlingus.com
0818 365000

Dublin to Rome
Return fares from €99 including taxes and charges.

1800 Hotels
www.1800hotels.ie
1800 468357
Hosianum Palace
Double room incl. breakfast: from €150.

Casa per ferie Santa Maria Alle Fornaci
Single room incl. breakfast: €70
Double room incl. breakfast: €95
Tel. 06.3936.7632
E-mail: cffornaci@tin.it

Italian Tourist Board
www.italiantouristboard.co.uk