we are planning on renting audio guides while visiting some of the museums in Rome and Florence. Would anyone have any suggestions or warnings? Are they available in enough numbers, ie, do they sometimes 'run out' of them? any comments on audio quality and price? Thanking you in advance.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
The big museums have pretty much got the audio guide thing figured out, they've been doing it for some time. Many times they're even included in the admission price, they ought to be at the prices they charge to get into the museums.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
When there is an additional charge it is usually 3-5 Euros per audio guide. You will probably have to leave an ID as a "security deposit." I would leave drivers license and NOT passport or credit card.
Ciao,
Ron
Posted by
Northborough, MA
636 posts
If you have an iPod, consider using podcasts. Rick has several (the Uffizi, Accademia, Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon, and others).
Posted by
Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
606 posts
If you have a pocket mp3 player (like a Treo smartphone) you can also download free audio guides for museums in Rome and Florence and listen to them as you stroll the museums, Roman Forum, Colosseum, etc.
Rick Steves' free audio guides are here.
The audio guides produced by the museum may be more up to date on the current museum layout and exhibits, but it's kind of comforting to be far from home and hear Rick's familiar voice guiding you around.