Cost To Visit Rome: Complete 2024 Travel Budget Guide

This guide will walk you through exactly what it costs to visit this iconic destination. From accommodations to food, attractions, and transportation, we’ll cover it all. You’ll learn how costs fluctuate with the seasons and how to plan your trip around peak and off-peak times to maximize your budget. In this comprehensive guide, you'll get a clear picture of what to expect when visiting Rome in 2024.

Is Rome Expensive To Visit?

Rome is considered a moderately expensive destination compared to typical U.S. travel costs, but it remains more affordable than cities like Paris or London. For Italy, Rome tends to be on the pricier side due to its immense popularity and globally renowned attractions. In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of visiting Rome across different seasons, including lodging, food, and attractions, and explain how the area you choose to stay in can affect your overall budget.

Seasonal Cost

The time of year you choose to visit Rome will significantly affect your trip's overall cost. Factors like weather, holiday seasons, and the number of visitors can influence flight prices, hotel rates, and the overall experience of the city.

Peak Season (June–August)

Rome's peak season runs from June to August due to the warm weather and many visitors taking advantage of the summer break. During this time, the city is full of tourists, and as a result, accommodation and flight costs are at their highest. If you’re visiting Rome in the summer, be prepared for higher prices and a bustling atmosphere at popular attractions.

Shoulder Season (April–May, September–October)

The shoulder seasons are considered the ideal time to visit for many travelers, as the weather is still pleasant, but the city isn’t as crowded as during the peak months. April, May, September, and October offer a perfect mix of affordable prices and fewer tourists while still enjoying the beauty of Rome in spring and fall. Hotel prices and flights tend to be more reasonable, and it’s easier to visit major sites without long wait times.

Off-Season (November–March)

Although Rome doesn’t have a traditional off-season, the winter months from November to March are generally quieter, with fewer tourists visiting the city. This is a great time to find deals on accommodation and cheaper flights. While the weather will be cooler, it’s a perfect time for travelers looking to experience the city at a slower pace and take advantage of lower costs on everything from hotels to dining.

Most Expensive Times to Visit Rome

The most expensive times to visit Rome are during the summer months from June to August, when the warm weather and summer break draw the highest number of tourists. Additionally, major holidays like Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve can cause an increase in prices for accommodations and flights. Special events such as the Rome Film Fest in October also lead to higher costs in certain parts of the city.

Cheapest Months to Visit Rome

The cheapest months to visit are during the off-season, typically from November to February, with the exception of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. January and February offer particularly low accommodation rates and cheaper flights, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travelers. The cooler weather brings fewer crowds, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of the city's historic sites.

Where You Stay

Your choice of neighborhood or area in Rome can significantly impact your travel budget. Different districts have varying levels of affordability, and proximity to major attractions like the Colosseum or Vatican will influence hotel rates and dining costs.

Most Expensive Areas to Stay

• Centro Storico (Historic Center):
  • The Centro Storico is the heart of Rome, home to landmarks like the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain. This area is ideal for those who want to be in the middle of everything.
  • Pros: Walking distance to major attractions, lively atmosphere.
  • Cons: Higher accommodation prices due to its central location and popularity.
• Tridente and Spanish Steps:
  • Known for its high-end shopping and luxury hotels, the area around the Spanish Steps and Via Condotti is a great choice for those looking for a more upscale experience.
  • Pros: Excellent shopping, luxury dining, scenic views.
  • Cons: Prices for hotels and restaurants tend to be higher compared to other areas.

Affordable Areas to Stay

• Monti:
  • Monti is a trendy neighborhood just a short walk from the Colosseum, offering a mix of boutique hotels and great restaurants.
  • Pros: A vibrant area with affordable mid-range hotels, lively nightlife.
  • Cons: Fewer luxury hotel options.
• Testaccio:
  • A local favorite, Testaccio is known for its incredible food scene and laid-back vibe. It’s a great spot for travelers looking for a more authentic Roman experience.
  • Pros: Affordable accommodation, authentic food scene.
  • Cons: Slightly farther from major tourist attractions, but easily accessible by public transportation.

Cheapest Areas to Stay

• San Giovanni:
  • A quiet residential neighborhood, San Giovanni offers some of the most affordable accommodation options while still being well-connected to the rest of the city by metro.
  • Pros: Budget-friendly, quieter than central areas, great public transport links.
  • Cons: Fewer nearby tourist attractions, but major sites are easily accessible by metro.
• Ostiense:
  • Known for its industrial charm and hipster vibe, Ostiense is an up-and-coming neighborhood that offers great deals on hotels and dining.
  • Pros: Affordable and trendy, with excellent restaurants.
  • Cons: A bit farther from major sights, though connected by metro.

Rome Vacation Costs

Avg. Accommodation Cost

• Budget Travelers: €50–€80/night ($54–$87 USD)
• Moderate Travelers: €100–€200/night ($109–$218 USD)
• Luxury Travelers: €300+/night ($327+ USD)

Food Cost

• Budget Travelers:
  • Breakfast: €3–€5 ($3.27–$5.45 USD)
  • Lunch: €8–€12 ($8.72–$13.08 USD)
  • Dinner: €12–€20 ($13.08–$21.81 USD)
• Moderate Travelers:
  • Breakfast: €5–€8 ($5.45–$8.72 USD)
  • Lunch: €12–€20 ($13.08–$21.81 USD)
  • Dinner: €20–€40 ($21.81–$43.63 USD)
• Luxury Travelers:
  • Breakfast: €10+ ($10.90+ USD)
  • Lunch: €30+ ($32.72+ USD)
  • Dinner: €50+ ($54.54+ USD)

Transportation Cost

• Budget Travelers:
  • Public transport (Metro, buses): €1.50 per ride or €7 daily pass ($1.63–$7.63 USD)
  • Scooter rentals: €20/day ($21.81 USD)
• Moderate Travelers:
  • Taxi: €10–€20 ($10.90–$21.81 USD) for short distances within the city center
  • Ride-sharing: €15–€30 ($16.35–$32.72 USD)
• Luxury Travelers:
  • Private car service: €200+/day ($218+ USD)

Popular Attractions Cost

Colosseum (including Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)

• Entry Cost: €18 ($19.63 USD) for standard entry
• Includes: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill

Vatican Museums (including Sistine Chapel)

• Entry Cost: €17 ($18.54 USD) for standard entry
• Reduced Cost: €8 ($8.72 USD) for children aged 6–18 and students under 25

St. Peter's Dome (Climb)

• Entry Cost: €10 ($10.90 USD) with elevator
• Stairs Only: €8 ($8.72 USD) for those climbing entirely by stairs

Galleria Borghese

• Entry Cost: €15 ($16.36 USD) for standard entry
• Reduced Cost: €8.50 ($9.27 USD) for students and children

Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini)

• Entry Cost: €15 ($16.36 USD) for standard entry
• Reduced Cost: €13 ($14.18 USD) for EU citizens aged 18–25

Castel Sant'Angelo

• Entry Cost: €15 ($16.36 USD) for standard entry
• Reduced Cost: €7 ($7.63 USD) for certain groups

Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla)

• Entry Cost: €8 ($8.72 USD) for standard entry
• Reduced Cost: €4 ($4.36 USD) for certain groups

MAXXI (National Museum of 21st Century Art)

• Entry Cost: €12 ($13.08 USD) for standard entry
• Reduced Cost: €9 ($9.81 USD) for students and specific age groups

Ara Pacis Museum

• Entry Cost: €13 ($14.18 USD) for standard entry
• Reduced Cost: €11 ($11.99 USD) for specific groups

Domus Aurea (Nero’s Golden House)

• Entry Cost: €16 ($17.45 USD) for standard entry
• Guided Tours: Available at an additional cost

Total Cost Overview for These Attractions:

Visiting all ten of these attractions at their standard rates would cost approximately €139 ($151.45 USD). Many of these attractions offer reduced pricing for children, students, and EU citizens, as well as free entry on certain days for residents of the EU.

While the costs listed for the attractions above cover standard entry fees, they do not include guided tours. If you would like to have a guided experience at these attractions, expect to pay 3–5 times the entry cost for each site. Guided tours often provide rich historical context and exclusive insights, making them well worth the extra investment if you want a more in-depth experience.

For example:

• A standard €18 ticket for the Colosseum may become €54–€90 if you choose to include a professional guide.
• Similarly, a €17 entry to the Vatican Museums could increase to €51–€85 for a guided tour.

However, if you are interested in experiencing multiple attractions with guided tours, you can save money by purchasing package deals. Websites like GetYourGuide.com offer discounted bundle packages, where you can book guided tours for several major attractions at a reduced price. These packages typically combine entry fees and guided experiences, often making them a more budget-friendly option if you plan to visit multiple sites during your trip.

For example, you can get a package deal that includes entry and a guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, which can significantly reduce the total cost compared to booking individual tours for each attraction separately.

Using such platforms can provide substantial savings while ensuring you have a comprehensive guided experience at some of Rome's most iconic landmarks.

Weekly Cost

7 nights in Rome, covering accommodation, food, attractions, and transportation for budget, moderate, and luxury travelers:

Budget Traveler:

• Total Cost (in Euros): €1064
• Total Cost (in USD): $1159.76

Moderate Traveler:

• Total Cost (in Euros): €2103.50
• Total Cost (in USD): $2292.82

Luxury Traveler:

• Total Cost (in Euros): €3427
• Total Cost (in USD): $3735.43

Daily Average Cost

Daily cost in Rome, covering accommodation, food, attractions, and transportation for budget, moderate, and luxury travelers:

Budget Traveler:

• Daily Average (in Euros): €152
• Daily Average (in USD): $165.68

Moderate Traveler:

• Daily Average (in Euros): €300.50
• Daily Average (in USD): $327.55

Luxury Traveler:

• Daily Average (in Euros): €489.57
• Daily Average (in USD): $533.63

These daily averages give you a clear idea of what to budget for each day of your trip depending on your travel style. Let me know if you'd like more details!

​Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rome a lot cheaper to visit in the off-season?

Yes, Rome is significantly cheaper to visit during the off-season, typically from November to March (excluding the Christmas and New Year's holidays). You can expect to spend about 20-40% less on accommodation and flights compared to the peak summer months. Many attractions also have shorter lines and sometimes offer reduced entry fees during this time, making it a more budget-friendly period to explore the city.

What are the cheapest neighborhoods in Rome to stay in?

The cheapest neighborhoods in Rome to stay in are typically San Giovanni, Ostiense, and Pigneto. These areas offer more affordable accommodations while still providing good public transportation connections to the city center. They are slightly removed from the main tourist areas, but that helps keep costs down without sacrificing convenience.

Do many hotels include free breakfast?

Yes, many hotels in Rome, especially mid-range and luxury accommodations, include free breakfast as part of the stay. However, it's always good to check in advance, as this may vary by hotel, especially for budget accommodations or apartment rentals.

Do most hotels charge for parking in Rome?

Yes, most hotels in Rome charge for parking, especially those located in the city center. The fees for parking can range from €20–€40 per day ($22–$44 USD). Hotels further away from central areas might offer cheaper parking rates, but it’s always best to confirm in advance.

What hotels offer free parking in Rome?

Hotels offering free parking in Rome are usually located outside the historic center or in more residential areas. Some hotels that offer free parking include:

• Hotel Artemide (Via Nazionale area)
• Villa Duse (Parioli district)
• Hotel Pineta Palace (outside the city center)

For more options, consider checking apartment rentals or smaller boutique hotels outside the main tourist areas where free parking is more common.

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