How much does a trip to Rome cost?
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If you’re planning on travelling to Rome, you’re probably wondering how much you need to budget for your trip. While your travel costs will depend on your travel style, generally speaking Rome is best for travellers with some spending money.
Accommodation costs are generally on the high side and food and drinks are relatively expensive. Many of Rome’s best attractions are very affordable or even free and, while some activities could set you back a fair amount, there’s plenty to do at lower price points too.
How much should I budget for a trip to Rome?
A reasonable budget for two for a weekend in Rome is around €770. This assumes you’ll be spending two nights and three days in the city.
The above cost is based on staying in good, mid-range accommodation and going to a mix of restaurants and cafes for meals. It makes allowances for a couple of sightseeing activities, but doesn’t take into account expensive activities like adventure sports or private tours.
How much does accommodation cost?
You can expect to spend between €90-€135 a night, per couple, on accommodation in Rome. This will get you a private room with your own bathroom in a 3-4-star hotel or apartment rental.
See latest hotel deals in RomeHostels are, of course, cheaper, but a private room with a shared bathroom will still cost around €90 per night. A bed in a dorm room also averages around €25 per night, per person, although there are definitely cheaper options out there.
See the highest rated hostels in RomeLike in many big cities, accommodation costs in Rome tend to fluctuate depending on where you stay. Any near major landmarks or in the Centro Historico tend to be a bit more expensive, while you'll find more affordable hotels and guesthouses further out. If you aren't sure where to stay, read our Rome neighbourhood guide.
How much should I budget for food and drinks in Rome?
Budget to spend around €340 for two for a weekend in Rome. This assumes you’re eating out and drinking some alcohol.
If you enjoy eating out, you can expect to pay around €60 for a nice dinner for two, including an alcoholic drink. A meal at a pub is likely to be around €45 for two, with cheaper meals available (especially for lunch) for around €18 each. You can buy a beer from a bar for around €5 and you can expect to pay around €1.5 for a cappuccino from a local café.
How much does it cost to get around Rome?
Getting around Rome is easiest with a bus. Transport costs fluctuate depending how much you travel, but budgeting around €50 for two is a good starting point. This should allow you to take a couple of longer bus trips. If you’re planning on doing any tours or using hop-on hop-off buses, you’ll need to up your budget a bit.
If you're staying in the Centro Historico and just want to get to the major sites, you can also use the metro. You can use the same tickets on the bus and the metro. The historical centre is also very walkable, so you may choose to just walk if you are planning on staying in the city centre.
If you're visiting for a couple of days and planning on exploring the city using public transport, consider buying a Roma Pass which also includes a couple of free entries to major attractions. If you're planning to take a taxi to or from the airport, budget €48 each way.
What should I expect to spend on activities?
A lot of the best things to do in Rome are free. However, there definitely are some attractions that cost money – entry fees to a museum or an art gallery are usually around €20 - €40 per person. If you want to do organised day trips or join smaller tour groups to learn more about some of the sites, budget around €120 per activity per person.
There's a lot to do in Rome itself and if you're only staying for a few days, you'll find plenty to do to keep you busy. Saying that, some people do take day trips to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast or Tuscany while they're in Rome. If you don't have your trip planned out, read our three-day Rome itinerary for ideas.
In summary
Rome is a beautiful destination to visit and although it’s not cheap, it’s definitely possible to travel there for less. Cooking your own meals, carefully selecting accommodation or limiting meals out will definitely help you to reduce your travel costs. And, if you're wanting to treat yourself, there are many luxury options available.
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Last Updated 22 June 2022
