Exploring Rome for Free Guide - Podcast Episode

Ciao, intrepid explorers! 🌍✨ Are you ready to conquer Rome like a true adventurer, without spending a single denarius? The Planet Explorer Podcast starts with an episode that'll revolutionize your Roman holiday!

In our latest sonic voyage, "Exploring Rome for Free" we're ditching the tourist traps and diving headfirst into the beating heart of the Eternal City. Prepare for a thrill ride through secret passages, under-the-radar viewpoints, and mouthwatering local haunts that'll make your taste buds dance the tarantella!

 

 

🎧 Episode Highlights:

• Discover iconic landmarks for free, including Saint Peter's Basilica and the Trevi Fountain
• Explore hidden gems like Villa Borghese and the Jewish Ghetto
• Uncover the quirky Coppedè neighborhood's architectural wonders
• Walk the ancient Appian Way and follow in the footsteps of Roman legions
• Sample affordable local cuisine, including pizza al taglio in Piazza Navona

 

But wait, there's more! Before you hit that play button, fuel your wanderlust with these expert-curated guides:

1. 25 free things to do in Rome - Lonely Planet
2. The best of Rome on a budget - Lonely Planet
3. Rome Budget Travel Guide - Nomadic Matt
4. Rome Italy Travel Guides - The Culture Trip

 

Now, fellow explorers, lace up those walking shoes and get ready to traverse centuries of history, art, and culture – all while keeping your euro stash intact. Press play and let's paint the town Rosso!

Podcast Full Transcript:

Podcast Host 00:00:00  This is a guide to Rome, a city of timeless wonders and hidden stories. And welcome to the Planet Explorer podcast, where we guide you through the world's most epic destinations.

Joanna 00:00:21  All right, everybody, get ready. Because today we are diving straight into the heart of Italy. The heart.

Michael 00:00:27  Of Italy.

Joanna 00:00:28  Rome.

Michael 00:00:29  Nice.

Joanna 00:00:29  You know how some cities just feel like history happened somewhere else? Yeah, a long time ago. Rome isn't like that. It's like every corner has a story, right? And you're walking right through it. And I think that's why we hear all these cliches, right? Yeah. The Eternal City, a treasure trove of history, a living museum.

Michael 00:00:48  They're all true. I know it's so true. And what gets me is how Rome balances the grand with the intimate. Like, one minute you're dwarfed by the Coliseum, right? Oh, yeah. The next you're wandering down some cobbled side street with the sunlight filtering through the laundry strung overhead.

Joanna 00:01:06  You're making me want to book a flight right now.

Joanna 00:01:08  It's amazing. But I have one concern, okay? And I bet you know where I'm going with this. Rome has a bit of a reputation. Yeah. It does. It's not the first place you think of for budget travel, I think.

Michael 00:01:18  Ooh, Italy. And that's where this deep dive gets really interesting. Okay. Because we're about to bust that myth wide open. You can actually have an amazing Roman experience without emptying your wallet.

Joanna 00:01:32  Okay, now we're talking. So we've got our trusty Lonely Planet guide. Yes, your mates budget tips, even Wiki Voyage for those like real local insight. Love it.

Michael 00:01:42  My favorite.

Joanna 00:01:42  And then of course you know Planet Explorer setting the scene vibe wise.

Michael 00:01:46  Exactly. Yeah. We're going to maximize your time and your money without missing out on the experiences that make Rome truly special.

Joanna 00:01:52  Yes, and for me, it always starts with the icons. Of course, the places that you just can't miss, even if you are on a shoestring budget. Right? Right.

Joanna 00:02:02  You've got to see these places. Yeah.

Michael 00:02:04  And the good news is you don't have to go broke to see them.

Joanna 00:02:07  Oh, really?

Michael 00:02:07  Because Rome has some incredible freebies. No way. When it comes to the Must-See attractions.

Joanna 00:02:13  Okay, stop. Tell me more.

Michael 00:02:14  Well, we will right after this break.

Joanna 00:02:16  All right, we are back. And I am ready to dive into those iconic can't miss but t still free experiences that Rome just does so well.

Michael 00:02:27  They really.

Joanna 00:02:28  Do. I'm talking about places like Saint Peter's Basilica. Yes, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona. Oh my God, just hearing those names. I feel like I'm already there.

Michael 00:02:37  I know, and for good reason. These are the spots that really capture the spirit of Rome. Okay, let's start with Saint Peter's. Okay. Just imagine standing in Saint Peter's Square. Sun on your face. Okay. Picture this directly beneath you are layers upon layers of history leading down to the tomb of Saint Peter himself.

Joanna 00:02:57  Oh, wow.

Joanna 00:02:57  I never even thought about it like that. It's literally built on top of history. Exactly.

Michael 00:03:02  It's more than just a pretty basilica, you know? Right. This is the heart of the Catholic world. Yeah. You can feel that weight, that sense of significance just standing there.

Joanna 00:03:13  Okay, that's going straight to the top of my list. What about the Trevi Fountain?

Michael 00:03:16  Oh, the Trevi fountain. I mean.

Joanna 00:03:18  Who doesn't love a good fountain, right? Especially one with, like, a legend attached to it, a superstition. Yeah. Hey, let's do it.

Michael 00:03:26  And let's be honest. Yeah. Everyone loves a good legend, right? The tradition of tossing a coin over your shoulder. Yeah. I mean, it's irresistible.

Joanna 00:03:35  I've done it multiple times. Probably.

Michael 00:03:37  It turns out all those coins add up. Really?

Joanna 00:03:40  I always wondered about that. Oh, yeah? Like, do they ever empty it?

Michael 00:03:43  Well, Lonely Planet's build the tea. Okay. They say they pull out around €3,000 from that fountain.

Joanna 00:03:49  Yes. Out of here.

Michael 00:03:50  Every single day.

Joanna 00:03:51  €3,000 a day. Yeah. People must be wishing for some big things, right?

Michael 00:03:56  It makes you wonder about all the hopes and dreams swirling around in that water.

Joanna 00:03:59  Seriously. Okay, speaking of swirling Piazza Navona, that sounds like another must do.

Michael 00:04:05  Absolutely. Close your eyes. Okay, imagine this sound of street musicians. Oh, a scent of roasted chestnuts in the air. I'm there all around you. This stunning baroque architecture. Beautiful. It's a feast for the senses. Wow. And it used to be a bustling marketplace. You can almost feel the energy of, like, all those centuries of commerce and community.

Joanna 00:04:29  It's amazing how a place can hold that much history and still be so vibrant. It's true and alive today. It's true. Like a public space where people still go. It's true. So we've got these like grand piazzas and basilicas, right? But I know Rome is best explored on foot. Really it is any like freebie tips for us walkers.

Michael 00:04:49  Definitely walking is the best way to really, like, experience the city's charm and you can actually find free walking tours.

Joanna 00:04:58  Oh, nice.

Michael 00:04:58  That focus on the historic center. Nice, which is a great way to get your bearings and learn about the city's past.

Joanna 00:05:04  Yeah, I always take a walking tour when I'm in a new city, just to kind of get a feel for it.

Michael 00:05:09  It's a smart.

Joanna 00:05:09  Move, but I have a feeling you have a few more tricks up your sleeve.

Michael 00:05:13  Maybe.

Joanna 00:05:13  Maybe some places, like even seasoned travelers might not know about, or possibly places that are a little more like off the beaten path.

Michael 00:05:21  You know me too well. While those iconic spots are incredible, there's a whole other side to Rome waiting to be discovered that won't cost you a dime. All right. Ready to ditch the crowds for a bit? Because Rome has this whole other side.

Joanna 00:05:35  Okay.

Michael 00:05:36  Yeah. These tucked away places that feel like you've discovered them yourself.

Joanna 00:05:39  Okay, now you're speaking my language.

Joanna 00:05:41  Tell me more about these hidden gems. All right, spill the beans. What kind of hidden gems are we talking about here? Well, one place.

Michael 00:05:46  That comes to mind is Villa Borghese. It's more than just a park. It's like stepping into a Renaissance painting. Imagine strolling past like ancient statues, fountains gushing with crystal clear water, and then bam! You stumble upon this hidden grove, the Giardino del Lago, with its own little Roman temple reflected in the still water.

Joanna 00:06:06  Oh, stop! It sounds too perfect. See, this is why I love these deep dives. It's like uncovering these little treasures that most tourists would just walk right past. Exactly.

Michael 00:06:16  And for a totally different vibe, there's the Jewish ghetto. Okay? It's one of the oldest in Europe, tucked away in the heart of the city and steeped in history.

Joanna 00:06:23  Yeah, I've heard of it, but I'll admit, I don't know much about it. It's a place.

Michael 00:06:27  That stays with you. Wiki voyage mentioned these brass cobblestones scattered throughout the neighborhood, each one marking the home of a Jewish resident deported during World War Two.

Michael 00:06:38  It's a poignant reminder of the city's complex past.

Joanna 00:06:42  Wow. Yeah, that's an shivers down my spine. It's amazing how these free experiences can be so powerful, right? So moving. Okay, I need a little mood booster after that. What about some of that, like, famous Roman architecture? Anything free and fabulous in that department.

Michael 00:06:59  You cannot miss the Cartier Cup. Okay? It's this whimsical little neighborhood that feels like it's straight out of a storybook. Imagine a mishmash of Art Nouveau, medieval, even ancient Roman styles all jumbled together in this delightful architectural frenzy.

Joanna 00:07:15  Okay, you had me at storybook. I'm picturing pirates and mosaics and all sorts of crazy details.

Michael 00:07:21  You're not far off. A Lonely Planet describes it as like a feast for the eyes, and I couldn't agree more. It's the perfect place to wander and just soak up the unique atmosphere.

Joanna 00:07:30  This is why I love Rome. There's just so much to discover. Speaking of discoveries, what about those ancient ruins? I can't go to Rome without channeling my inner gladiator, right?

Michael 00:07:39  Of course not.

Michael 00:07:39  And you're in luck. You can actually walk the historic Appian Way. Okay, the Via Appia Antica for free. It's one of the oldest and most famous roads in the world, dating all the way back to 312 BC.

Joanna 00:07:50  Wow, 312 BC. That's older than, well, a lot of things.

Michael 00:07:54  It's incredible to think that you're walking in the footsteps of Roman legions, emperors, even gladiators. Lonely planet even mentioned that Spartacus and his fellow rebels were actually crucified along this very road. It's a sobering thought, but it really brings history to life, doesn't it?

Joanna 00:08:12  It really does. You've given us so much to think about. We've got the iconic spots, the hidden gems, a crash course in Roman history. But I have a confession to make. Okay, I'm getting hungry just thinking about all this exploring. And I know, I know, we're sticking to free today. Is that even possible when it comes to food in Rome?

Michael 00:08:29  It definitely is. You don't have to break the bank to eat well in Rome.

Michael 00:08:33  Remember Piazza Navona? Yeah, well, the surrounding streets are actually a haven for street food lovers, and you can find some really tasty and affordable options there.

Joanna 00:08:41  Now you're talking my language again. Street food is the best way to get a real taste of, like, local life, wouldn't you say?

Michael 00:08:48  Absolutely. And when in Rome, you have to try pizza. Al taglio.

Joanna 00:08:53  Pizza. Italian. That sounds interesting. What is it exactly?

Michael 00:08:56  So it's pizza sold by. Wait, not by the slice. Oh, okay. You basically point to the toppings you want. They cut a piece, weigh it, and you're good to go.

Joanna 00:09:04  That's awesome.

Michael 00:09:05  It's a super fun and affordable way to sample different flavors without committing to a whole pie.

Joanna 00:09:12  I love that idea. Wiki voyage had that little nugget, right? They did, they did. I'm writing that down. What else? What about.

Michael 00:09:18  Dinner? For a lively atmosphere and some budget friendly dinner options, head to the Trastevere neighborhood.

Michael 00:09:23  It's known for its vibrant nightlife.

Joanna 00:09:26  I've heard of.

Michael 00:09:26  It, but Wiki Voyage points out that you can find great deals on food there, especially later in the evening.

Joanna 00:09:32  This is amazing. I feel like we've barely scratched the surface of all the free things Rome has to offer, I know right? And on a budget no less.

Michael 00:09:41  We really have covered a lot of ground, that's for sure. From iconic landmarks to hidden alleyways and budget friendly food tips, there's truly something for everyone in the Eternal City.

Joanna 00:09:51  It's true. And the best part is, you don't have to choose between seeing the iconic sights and discovering those hidden gems. You can do both, all without breaking the bank.

Michael 00:10:01  Exactly. Rome rewards the curious, the adventurous. So take those free walking tours. Get a little lost in those backstreets, strike up a conversation with the local.

Joanna 00:10:11  Barista and eat all the pizza al Taglio you can handle. I think that's the perfect note to end on, don't you think?

Michael 00:10:17  I couldn't agree more.

Michael 00:10:18  Rome is waiting. Get out there and explore.

Podcast Host 00:10:20  Thanks for joining us on today's adventure. For more guides, tips, stories and souvenirs from the places we explore, visit Planet Explorer shop. Don't forget first time buyers get 25% off. Just use the code welcome 25 at checkout. Head to the website to start your next journey with us.

 

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