RomaPolacchi

The key to saving money on museums, archaeological sites, and transportation in Rome is to purchase "city cards" from the city of Rome. Budget Travel outlines how you can save using three different packages. 1. The Roma Pass (20 Euros) gets you into two museums/sites and discounts at various other sites and events and unlimited entry on buses and metros for three days. 2. The Roma Piu Pass (25 Euros) also offers the above perks but expands into regional trains and buses. 3. The Roma Archaeologia Card (22 Euros) gets you into an extensive list of ancient sites for seven days. Budget Travel reminds you that many sites are closed on Mondays, so plan ahead.

For a decade entrance to the Roman Forum has been free. Not any longer. Be prepared to pay 9 Euros to get in the gates. While some may lament the loss of free access, the Modern Traveler is hoping that this will mean fewer crowds and more revenue for the upkeep and excavation of the Forum and other sites. You can use the Roma Archaeologia Card to get in to the Forum (buy it at the entrance to the Palatine Hill ) and to avoid lines at the Colosseum . Remember, the best time to go is first thing in the morning when the gates open at 9:00. Get there even earlier-they may open them before. Not only will you have the run of the place, but there is something magical about the morning light in the Forum.

If you are interested in visting the Roman National Museum sites (Palazzo Massimo Museum and the Octagonal Room of the Baths of Diocletian), the Colosseum , the Palatine Hill , the Baths of Caracalla , the Tomb of Cecilia Metella and the Villa of the Quintilii, perhaps you should consider purchasing the Roma Archaeologia Card . The card will get you into all of the above-mentioned sites for 20 Euros. It saves you a few Euros and it will save you waiting in line at the Colosseum , which is worth paying any price! Buy the card at the entrance to the Palatine Hill (near the Forum Romanum ). If you don't plan on visiting all of the sites that the card covers, you can still avoid the long line at the Colosseum without purchasing the card. As luck would have it, the regular entrance fee to the Palatine Hill also includes entrance to the Colosseum .