Hotels in Rome can come as cheap as you want or as expensive as you want. There are plenty of cheap and budget hotels in Rome, but be aware that you tend to get what you pay for. Price is often a better indication of quality than the star-rating. The best way to get to know Rome is to walk its picturesque, winding streets. So bring your walking shoes. Rome, like most European destinations, has some delightful parks. And if you feel you want more, then step just outside the city center and take a relaxing walk through the luscious greens of the Villa Ada.

The Italian capital has always been known to be an expensive city, but if you truly appreciate Italian culture, you can enjoy the best that Rome has to offer for next to nothing. Rome itself is the greatest open-air museum in Europe. The city houses countless churches. Like the Piazza Santa Maria, monuments and galleries, like Piazza dell'Accademia di San Luca, etc., that are available to visit for free.

Romantics should head out to the Centro Storico on the Campo Marzo. The Historic Centre is the area in the centre of Rome that holds most of the significant tourist sites. Located at the centre of Rome, it features numerous winding medieval streets, piazzas, and fountains. The area also hosts numerous restaurants and bars. Piazza Navona and Campo dei' Fiori tend to be busy areas that are generally filled with tourists and locals. Other streets are more laid back with less activity.

The charm of the area makes it a strong favourite among lovers of all ages. Buildings and sites are generally dated between 2000 and 300 years old. Most sites are walking distance from here, and so it is a very popular place - generally reflected in prices. In this area are Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Campo dei Fiori, and Trastevere etc. The area is most easily reached by buses and taxis from the Stazione Termini.

A real discovery and a charmer, The Inn at the Spanish Steps, is the former Roman residence of Hans Christian Andersen. It has been transformed into one of the most desirable little upscale inns of Rome, with each bedroom furnished in gorgeous, authentic period decor. Not far away, the brilliantly restored Hotel de Russie, was a retreat for artists, including Picasso and Stravinsky. Reclaiming its 1890s style, it's been remade as a stunning little boutique hotel with a fabulous location right off the Piazza del Popolo and excellent service.

The Colosseum and Roman Forum are usually high on the itinerary list for travellers to Rome. A metro station and the Stazione Termini are located nearby, making it easier to travel to the area from other parts of the city. The neighbourhood also has a number of hotels for the convenience of those who wish to explore the area over a few days. Hostels are highly recommended for the budget traveler, as they can make your dollar go pretty far. There are many of them and Rome is small and walkable so whatever works for your pocketbook will probably be fine. That said, hostels in Rome are pricey as hostels go. The Pop Inn for example is right next to Termini and easy to find.

Staying outside the central area of Rome will save you money, but is obviously less convenient. Rome's bus network is extensive, while the metro is much simpler for the short-term visitors to master. Yet overall public transportation in Rome can be somewhat confusing and unreliable. Public transportation tickets must be purchased in advance from tabacchis, newsstands, bars, or vending machines - exact change only - at metro and major bus stops. You cannot just hail a taxi in Rome, as in New York for example. You have to go to a taxi stand, many of which are located all around town. Or else call one, though the meter starts running as soon as the taxi leaves to get you.

To really "do as the Romans do", you have to drive around on a Vespa. You'll have no trouble finding rental places all around the city. Rental average are €40-€50 for a one day. Although most of the sights in Rome are within walking distance, two wheels will give you the freedom to see exactly what interests you, and in less time.

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