Will Tourists Really Pay €2 to Visit Rome's Trevi Fountain?

Tourists planning to visit Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain will soon face a €2 (£1.75) entrance fee starting from 1 February 2026. This measure aims to manage visitor flows and generate funds for the upkeep of the monument, with the city expecting to raise approximately €6.5 million annually from the fee. While residents will enjoy free access to certain sites, non-residents will need to pay to experience the fountain and five other attractions.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The announcement from Rome's Mayor Roberto Gualtieri marks a significant shift in how visitors access one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. Starting in early 2026, tourists will need to pay to get up close to the Trevi Fountain, a move intended to ease overcrowding and provide financial support for its maintenance. The fee will be introduced alongside a new system that aims to regulate the flow of tourists at several key sites in the city, reflecting a growing trend among major tourist destinations to charge visitors for access to cultural landmarks.

Key takeaways

A €2 entrance fee will be implemented for the Trevi Fountain from 1 February 2026.
The fee aims to reduce overcrowding and fund maintenance, with expected annual revenue of €6.5 million.
Residents of Rome will have free access to certain attractions, while tourists will be charged at the Trevi Fountain and five other sites.
Children under five and individuals with disabilities will be exempt from the fees.
Viewing the fountain from a distance will remain free for all visitors.

Timeline: how we got here

Rome's approach to managing its tourist attractions has evolved significantly in recent years. Here’s a brief timeline of key events:

2020: The city begins discussions on managing tourist flows at major sites due to overcrowding.
2022: Restoration work on the Trevi Fountain is completed, leading to the introduction of a queuing system.
October 2023: Mayor Gualtieri announces the new €2 fee for the Trevi Fountain and its implementation date of 1 February 2026.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The new entrance fee is the most significant change announced this week. It aims to control the number of visitors accessing the Trevi Fountain at any given time, which has previously been around 30,000 daily. The decision is part of a broader tariff system that will also affect other cultural sites in Rome.

What was already established

Prior to this announcement, the Trevi Fountain was free to view, though the city had already implemented a queuing system to manage crowds. The coins thrown into the fountain have traditionally been donated to charitable causes, but this new fee will redirect funds to the city’s maintenance efforts.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK tourists, this new fee may influence travel decisions and budgeting for trips to Rome. With £1.75 required just to view the Trevi Fountain up close, visitors will need to account for this cost in their travel plans. Additionally, access to other attractions may also incur fees, which could affect overall travel expenses.

Businesses and jobs

The introduction of the fee may impact local businesses catering to tourists, including restaurants and shops near the Trevi Fountain. If fewer tourists choose to visit due to the entrance charge, there may be a ripple effect on employment and revenue in the area. Conversely, the funds generated could be reinvested into the local economy through enhanced services and infrastructure.

Policy and regulation

This fee is part of a broader initiative by the Roman authorities to improve visitor management and preserve cultural landmarks. The changes will be monitored closely, and further adjustments to the tariff system may follow depending on visitor responses and financial results.

Numbers that matter

€2 (£1.75): The new fee for accessing the Trevi Fountain.
€6.5 million: Estimated annual revenue from the entrance fees.
30,000: Average number of visitors per day to the Trevi Fountain.
400: Maximum number of people allowed to access the fountain at once.
5: Other attractions that will also require an entrance fee, including the Napoleonic Museum.

Definitions and jargon buster

Baroque: A style of architecture and art prevalent from the late 16th to the early 18th century, characterised by dramatic expressions and grandeur.
Queuing system: An organised method for managing lines of visitors to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety.
Tariff system: A structured pricing system applied to services or facilities, in this case, cultural attractions.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the announcement circulates, tourists planning trips to Rome should consider budgeting for the new fee and be aware of the changes in access to popular sites. Travel agencies may also start to adjust promotional materials to reflect these new costs.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the coming months, stakeholders, including local businesses and tourism boards, may begin to analyse the impact of this fee on visitor numbers and overall city revenues. Feedback from tourists will also be crucial in shaping future policies.

Signals to watch

Visitor numbers to the Trevi Fountain post-implementation of the fee.
Public response from tourists and local residents regarding the new pricing structure.
Financial reports from the City of Rome regarding revenue from the entrance fees.

Practical guidance

Do

Budget for additional costs when planning a trip to the Trevi Fountain and other attractions.
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Stay informed on any changes to entry policies as the implementation date approaches.

Don’t

Don’t assume that viewing the fountain from a distance will always be sufficient, especially during busy tourist seasons.
Don’t overlook the potential for saving on costs by exploring other free attractions in Rome.
Don’t forget to check if you qualify for any exemptions from the fee.

Checklist

Check travel dates for the implementation of the €2 fee.
Consider booking tickets in advance for other attractions that may require payment.
Review accommodation options close to free attractions.
Explore alternative viewing points for the Trevi Fountain.
Look for special offers from local businesses that may arise in response to the fee.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the introduction of the fee is aimed at improving visitor management and funding maintenance, there are risks associated with potential backlash from tourists who may feel the cost is unjustified. Additionally, the actual financial benefits of the fee remain uncertain; if visitor numbers decline significantly, the expected revenue may not materialise. Monitoring these factors will be essential in determining the long-term viability of this initiative.

Bottom line

The introduction of a €2 fee to view the Trevi Fountain up close reflects a broader trend in tourist management across major cities but also presents new challenges for both visitors and local authorities. As this policy unfolds, it will be crucial for tourists to adapt their plans and for the city to effectively manage the resulting financial implications.

FAQs

Will the €2 fee apply to all visitors at the Trevi Fountain?

Yes, the €2 fee will apply to all non-resident visitors wishing to view the Trevi Fountain up close, while children under five and individuals with disabilities will be exempt.

Can I still view the Trevi Fountain for free?

Yes, visitors will still be able to view the Trevi Fountain from a distance without paying the fee.

What will the funds from the fee be used for?

The funds collected from the entrance fee will be allocated to the City of Rome for the maintenance and management of the Trevi Fountain and other cultural attractions.