If I have learned only one thing from traveling it's this: it's expensive. So I like to go on and find some ways to save money - not when it comes to food but when it comes to finding beautiful places.
Here are a few tips for you if you're thinking about visiting Rome on a budget!
Fiumincino Aeroporto --> Rome itself
Yes you heard that right. The airport is quite a few miles aways from the city. Well you can either take a taxi / cab OR to the tricks we did and save around 50 €!
- as soon as you arrive try to find the "Leonardo da Vinci Express" which is a train that will transport you for only 8 bucks! (NOTE: that train basically drives 24/7 but depending on the time you arrive it can be full as hell. Unfortunately we had to sit on our suitcase and / or stand and there is literally no air conditioning)
- take the train to "Termini" which is - as the name states - the absolute last station so you can't miss it!
- after that you take the metro and exit whenever you have to (maybe write it down so you won't forget it!)
Fiumincino Aeroporto --> Leonardo da Vinci Hotel
This is the hotel we stayed in. It's quite a nice hotel and you really quiet since there's not a lot of traffic (don't worry we will give you a review next month!) Here's how to find the way without spending money :)
- as soon as you're at the metro station you need to take "Line A" and exit at "Lepanto"
- the street you will get out to is called "Via Giulio Cesare"
- you turn to your left and go down "Via Alessandro Farnese" wich is on the right hand
- follow "Via Alessandro Farnese" and pass two streets
- you've arrived at "Via dei Gracchi" and you hotel is directly on your left!
Rome --> Ostia Lido
One of the things I never thought would happen: being in Rome AND laying on the beach. I can't blame you if this isn't the first thing you think about when you hear "Rome"! (The following description was friendly given to us by the receptionist at our hotel :) )
- take the metro back to "Termini". This is really nice since you can arrive there no matter how far your hotel is. Just hop on the metro and you'll arrive.
- when you arrive you need to change to "Line B"
- the station you need to get out is called "Piramide"
- there will be a train waiting for you which is called "Lido Train" and you can get it every 30 minutes
- next you need to go down to "Cristoforo Colombo" and take the bus shuttle for the beach which is number 07 or 70
Just a quick tip from me: ALWAYS use sunscreen. I fell asleep on the beach - which wasn't intended - and was as red as a crab. If it's possible try to find a bit of shade!
Leonardo da Vinci Hotel --> Center of Rome a.k.a shopping heaven
This seems and sounds like a long way but I can guarantee you: you'll find some amazing buildings!
- you get out of the hotel and follow street do your left until you arrive at a crossing
- you might have to change sides but you turn right and walk until you see the big crossing (now be careful: I am Italian myself but I can tell you - they're (mostly) horrible drivers. It's a big crossing like a said so maybe look twice)
- this is the building you should see right in front of you
- you leave it on your right and follow along the road
- what follows next is actually quite a walk: just follow the street as long until you arrive at the bridge. you can't miss it since it's always really crowded.
- cross the bridge and follow the street (you will pass a Ferrari store so you know you're still on the right way!)
- you will soon see the "Fendi" store
- the little street across is actually the so called "shopping street"
- the street you're on is "Via del Corso" and if you keep following it you will find your way to the Colosseum!
Do you have any more tips to save money in Rome? If so, let us know :)
