There are a lot of things to consider once you’ve made the decision to attend an American university in Italy. For many students, top among them is sightseeing! Rome is home to many famous works of art and architectural landmarks, and you won’t want to miss out on any of them while visiting for a semester - or for the duration of your degree. However, touring Rome can become quite expensive if you don’t know about cash-saving shortcuts and special deals. Read on to learn about the various sightseeing passes available in Rome, and how to maximize your sightseeing budget.
Roma Pass
With this option, students can choose between a three-day pass and a two-day pass – which of course will depend on how much time you’ll dedicate to sightseeing between classes and over the weekends. The three-day Roma Pass provides unlimited access to public transportation plus admission to your choice of two museums. The two-day option will also let you travel the city free of charge, but only provides admission to one museum.
What’s tempting about the three-day Roma Pass is that after you’ve used your two free museum admissions, you’ll gain access to reduced admission fees at other sites you might be interested in checking out. The Roma Pass will grant you free or reduced admission to any of these museums:
- Accademia Nazionale di San Luca
- Museo Carlo Bilotti a Villa Borghese
- Museo della Repubblica Romana e della memoria garibaldina
- Museo delle Mura
- Museo di Scultura Antica Giovanni Barracco
- Museo Napoleonico
- Museo Pietro Canonica a Villa Borghese
- Villa di Massenzio
Roma Pass comes fully equipped with an entire kit of traveller essentials, like a map that indicates all of Rome’s Tourist Information Points, metro stations, museums, etc. You’ll receive a Roma Pass Guide as well, which is a list of all the museums and sites where your card will get you discounts. Also included is access to the Rome è app – this is a great tool because it stores everything you need on your mobile device. Lost your map? No problem, just open Rome è on your phone and you’re good to go!
Biglietto 4 Musei
Students who choose to study art history in Italy will no doubt feel a bit restricted by the Roma Pass and its inclusion of only one or two free museum admissions. If you have a passion for art, you might find that opting for the Biglietto 4 Musei pass is a better option. This pass is valid for three days and provides admission to all four of the National Museums of Rome (Palazzo Altemps, Palazzo Massimo, Diocletian Baths, Balbi Crypt). Just remember that these museums are all closed on Mondays, so it’s probably best to begin your three day art-athon on a Friday (which works out better for students, anyway).
Archeologia Card
If you would like to experience a mix of Rome’s art and archaeology, the Archeologia Card could be your ideal sightseeing pass. It will get you into the:
- The Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Palatine Hill
- Roman National Museum sites
- The Baths of Caracalla
- The Villa of the Quintili
- The Tomb of Cecilia Metella
Heads up to all students, though - there is some fine print to look out for with this one. Although it’s valid for one entire week, you’ll only be granted access to each site once. There’s no going back for a second look with this pass.
Rome Transportation Passes
Whether or not you plan to sightsee while pursuing your degree at an American university in Rome, you’ll need to get around the city on a regular basis - and that’s where this specific pass will come in handy! The Rome Transportation Pass provides you with access to all of the bus and metro rides your heart desires. You can choose between a weekly or monthly pass, or opt for a one-day or three-day pass. There’s an option for every student, budget, or length of stay in Rome.
Which famous landmark or museum would you see first in Rome?
