How Much Can I Expect To Spend In Rome?
Rome offers excellent value compared to many of Europe's major capitals, though costs can vary considerably depending on where you stay, dine, and explore. Though generally more affordable than capitals like London or Paris, Rome is typically more expensive than other popular destinations across Eastern Europe. To help you plan your visit, we've broken down the typical costs of transportation, food, attractions, and accommodation, along with several practical money-saving tips.
Things To Do In And Around Rome
With nearly 2,800 years of history, Rome is one of the world's most remarkable destinations for culture, architecture, art, and archaeology. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, and Vatican Museums, whilst enjoying vibrant neighbourhoods, bustling markets, and exceptional Italian cuisine. Beyond the city, ancient ruins, Renaissance villas, charming hill towns, and a picturesque countryside provide endless opportunities for memorable day trips. Read more about Rome attractions, activities, and visitor highlights here.
Rome Transportation & Parking
Despite its size and popularity, Rome is surprisingly easy to navigate. Many of the city's most famous attractions are within walking distance of one another, whilst an extensive network of metro lines, buses, trams, taxis, and rideshare services helps visitors reach destinations further afield. For those seeking a uniquely Italian experience, bicycle and Vespa rentals are also widely available throughout the city. Learn more about Rome transportation, parking, and travel tips here.
Things To Do In Rome
Rome is one of the world's most extraordinary destinations, where ancient history, Renaissance art, religious heritage, and vibrant Italian culture come together in spectacular fashion. From iconic archaeological sites and Vatican treasures to beautiful gardens, bustling shopping streets, and panoramic viewpoints, the Eternal City offers an endless variety of experiences for visitors of every interest. Beyond the city, medieval towns, volcanic lakes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and picturesque countryside provide exceptional opportunities for unforgettable day trips.
Activities in the City of Rome
- The Vatican Museums: The largest and most extensive museum complex in Rome spans roughly 7 kilometers of exhibits and houses over 70,000 works of art. Their collection of priceless classical sculptures, tapestries, historical artifacts, and Renaissance paintings is unrivaled by anywhere in the world. These are, understandably, quite popular and pre-booking and planning is a must. We recommend consulting the official website to plan your visit.
- Via Appia Antica: Affectionately known as the "Queen of the Roads," Via Appia Antica is one of the world's oldest and most historically significant paved roads. Runners and cyclists are often found here for a more active outdoor excursion in the city. This UNESCO World Heritage site is also an archaeological park, featuring the Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano which can be explored by brave travellers. See full details, maps, and moreon their official website.
- Terrazza delle Quadrighe: For sweeping 360-degree views of Rome, there's no place better than the Terrazza delle Quadrighe. After ascending its glass panoramic elevator, take in stunning views of ancient ruins and iconic landmarks from the rooftop observation point. Hobby photographers will want to plan their visit for sunset as the city's history is truly brought to life in the warm glow. While access to the lower levels is free, tickets are required for the elevator to the top with the ride taking up to 45 minutes. Tickets can be purchased online here.
- Via del Corso: For high-end luxury shopping, there's no place finer in Rome than Via del Corso. Stretching nearly 2 km, this avenue is home to several famous brands, iconic landmarks, and incredible dining. This street alone can take up most of a day in Rome if you let it. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended as it's best experienced on foot. Local, boutique shops can also be found here so there's something for every budget.
- Roseto Comunale on the Aventine Hill: This gorgeous rose garden is found on the slopes of the Aventine Hill which has been dedicated to flowers since the 3rd century BCE. This public garden contains over 1,100 varieties of roses, many being gifts from countries around the world. The park is free to visit and offers a lovely break from busier tourist areas. Learn all about the gardens on their official website.
- Villa Borghese: The Villa Borghese gardens comprise multiple buildings, attractions, and landscape gardens, making them Rome's third largets public park at nearly 200 acres. This beautiful mix of nature, art, and history offers a welcomed respite from the business of the city. Art lovers are encouraged to visit the Galleria Borghese while in the park, a stunning 17th-century villa housing an extensive collection of famous art including statues by Bernini and master paintings by Raphael and Caravaggio. To learn about the latest exhibits, opening times, and tickets check their official site.
Activities Outside of Rome
Outside of the city, the area has plenty of sites to see and adventures to be had. Some of our favourites include:
- Lake Bracciano: This pristine volcanic crater lake serves as a main drinking water resivoir for Rome and is located just 20 miles northwest of the city. Three picturesque medieval towns dot the shoreline and each are worth a visit: Bracciano, Anguillara Sabazia, and Trevignano Romano. The lake is an excellent place to enjoy watersports, though motorboats are strictly prohibited. Horseback riding, wine tasting, and historical exploring can all be enjoyed around the lake.
- Santa Severa: About an hour train ride northwest of Rome lies Santa Severa, a beautiful coastal town with a free public beach. Best known for its dark sand beaches and an imposing medieval castle, Santa Severa makes for an excellent day trip away from the city and a beautiful place to enjoy the Tyrrhenian Sea. Other activities include visiting Antiquarium of Pyrgi (an archaeological site), exploring the Castello di Santa Severa, and enjoying authentic local cuisine.
- Villa d'Este, Tivoli: Villa d'Este is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Tivoli, just 30 km east of Rome. This estate features 100 spectacular gravity-fed fountains, gorgeous terraced gardens, and stunning frescoed rooms inside the palace. You won't want to miss the Fontana dell'Organo (Fountain of the Organ) which is an engineering marvel that plays music every 2 hours with the help of a water wheel and various organ pipes. There's more in store than we can mention here; plan your visit on the official site.
- Pilgrimage Sites: Those visiting Rome on faith-related travel will find several pilgrimage sites outside the city. The Basilica of Saint Francis of Asisi is the birthplace and final resting place of this popular saint, and lies about two and a half hours north of Rome by car. The Basilica della Santa Casa is a Marian shrine found in Loreto, about 3 hours northeast of Rome on the Adriatic Sea. This shrine is widely known for preserving the house of the Holy Family. Orvieto & Bolsena (the sites of the 1263 Eucharistic Miracle) can be visited in just under a two hour drive northwest from Rome.
- MagicLand: This well-reviewed theme park may be the perfect escape for those travelling with children. Reminiscent of Universal Studios in Florida, MagicLand is full of exciting rides, characters, animatronics, and attractions. Details and tickets can be found here.
- Circeo National Park: An excellent choice for families, Circeo National Park features peaceful nature trails, historic ruins, coastal lakes, local wildlife, museums, and much more. Those seeking some addiitonal exercise may want to hike to the summit of Mount Circeo and take in stunning views of the coastline and nearby islands.
Whether you spend your days exploring ancient Roman roads, admiring priceless works of art, relaxing in historic gardens, or venturing into the beautiful Lazio countryside, Rome rewards visitors with remarkable experiences at every turn. Blending nearly three millennia of history with outstanding cuisine, world-famous landmarks, and timeless charm, Rome and its surrounding region remain one of Europe's most captivating destinations.
Rome Transportation & Parking
Rome is one of Europe's most walkable cities, with many of its most famous landmarks located within comfortable walking distance of one another. For destinations further afield, the city offers an extensive public transportation network including the Metro, buses, trams, regional rail services, and airport connections. Whether you are visiting ancient ruins, the Vatican, or one of Rome's many monasteries and churches, there are transportation options to suit every itinerary and budget.
Rome Public Transportation
- Rome Metro: Rome's Metro system consists of three main lines (A, B, and C), connecting many of the city's major attractions including the Vatican, Spanish Steps, Colosseum, and Termini Station. Maps, fares, and journey planning tools are available on the official ATAC website. Like most city subway systems, Rome's Metro can be paid by contactless card or phone app (Apple Pay/Google Pay). Note that this system is tap-in only and you won't need to tap out when leaving the Metro. Paper tickets are also available.
- Rome Buses & Trams: ATAC operates an extensive network of buses and trams throughout Rome, reaching many historic neighbourhoods and attractions not directly served by the Metro. Route maps, ticket information, and service updates can be found on the official ATAC website. ATAC's "tap&go" system also applies to Rome's buses and trams.
- Regional Rail Services: Trenitalia and regional rail lines provide convenient access to destinations outside Rome including Tivoli, Ostia Antica, Orvieto, and other popular day-trip locations. Schedules and tickets are available on the official Trenitalia website.
- High-Speed Rail: Roma Termini is Italy's busiest railway station, offering high-speed Frecciarossa and Italo services to Florence, Naples, Venice, Milan, Bologna, and many other destinations throughout the country. Tickets and timetables can be found on the Trenitalia website or Italo's official site.
- Airport Connections: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino) is linked to Rome by the Leonardo Express train, regional rail services, airport buses, taxis, and rideshare options. Most visitors can reach the city centre in approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Full transportation details are available on the airport's official website.
Taxis, Walking & Parking
- Taxis & Rideshare Services: Official Rome taxis are white and can be found at designated taxi ranks throughout the city or booked by phone or app. Uber operates limited premium services, whilst Free Now and itTaxi are widely used by visitors.
- Walking: Many of Rome's most famous attractions, churches, monasteries, and piazzas are best explored on foot. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended, as historic streets are often paved with uneven cobblestones.
- Parking: Driving in central Rome is generally not recommended due to heavy traffic, limited parking, and restricted traffic zones (ZTL). Visitors travelling by car will usually find secure underground or multi-storey car parks near the city's main attractions and transport hubs.
- Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL): Large areas of Rome's historic centre are protected by restricted traffic zones. Visitors should familiarise themselves with current regulations before driving to avoid fines. Details can be found on Roma Mobilità's website.
By planning your transportation in advance, you'll spend less time navigating the city and more time enjoying Rome's extraordinary history, architecture, and culture. Whether you choose to explore on foot, travel by Metro, or venture beyond the city on Italy's excellent rail network, Rome's transportation system makes discovering both the Eternal City and the surrounding region remarkably straightforward.
How Much Can I Expect To Spend In Rome?
Rome offers excellent value compared to many of Europe's major capitals, particularly considering its extraordinary history, world-famous landmarks, and exceptional cuisine. Whilst generally more affordable than cities such as London or Paris, costs can vary depending on where you stay, dine, and explore. Understanding typical local prices for transportation, meals, attractions, and day trips can help you budget effectively and make the most of your visit to the Eternal City.
Typical Transportation Costs
- Rome Metro ticket (single): €1.50
- 24-hour travel pass: €7–€8
- 72-hour travel pass: €18–€20
- Leonardo Express (Airport to Termini): €14
- Taxi within the historic centre: €10–€20
- Taxi from Fiumicino Airport: €55 fixed fare
- Regional train to nearby towns: €5–€20 depending on destination
Food & Drink
- Italian breakfast & coffee: €4–€8
- Lunch at a trattoria: €12–€22
- Pizza or pasta dinner: €15–€30
- Three-course dinner for two: €60–€120+
- Espresso: €1.20–€2.50
- Cappuccino: €2–€4
- Local beer: €4–€7
- Glass of Italian wine: €5–€10
- Gelato: €3–€6
Attractions & Activities
- Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: €18–€24
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: €20–€30
- Castel Sant'Angelo: €16–€20
- Borghese Gallery: €15–€20
- Guided walking tours: €15–€35
- Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus: €25–€35
- Pantheon: €5
- Many churches and basilicas: Free (donations welcomed)
Day Trips
- Tivoli (Villa d'Este & Hadrian's Villa): €15–€40
- Ostia Antica: €15–€30
- Lake Bracciano: €10–€30
- Orvieto: €20–€50
- Assisi: €35–€80
Estimated Daily Budget Per Person
- Budget traveller: €60–€110
- Mid-range traveller: €140–€250
- Luxury traveller: €350+
Money-saving tip: Many of Rome's greatest attractions, including St Peter's Basilica, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, and countless historic churches, are completely free to visit. Purchasing a public transport pass, booking major attractions in advance, and dining away from the busiest tourist areas can also significantly reduce your overall travel costs.
Rome offers an exceptional travel experience at a price that compares favourably with many of Europe's most popular capitals. Whether you're visiting for history, culture, pilgrimage, or simply to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, careful planning allows you to experience the very best of the Eternal City regardless of your budget.
