Rome’s Trevi Fountain to Charge Tourists for Close-Up Access: What You Need to Know

Published on December 21, 2025

In a move to tackle overtourism and improve the visitor experience, Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain will introduce a €2 entry fee starting February 1, 2026. While the world-famous monument remains free to view from the surrounding piazza, tourists who wish to get up close to the fountain will need to pay the new fee. This measure is part of a broader initiative by the city of Rome to manage its heavy tourist traffic at popular sites.

What the New Fee Means for Tourists

The Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most beloved landmarks, will now require visitors to pay a small fee to get close to its picturesque basin and steps. As many as 30,000 tourists visit the fountain daily, and with the new fee, only a limited number of people will be allowed near the monument at any given time, helping to reduce congestion.

Residents of Rome will still enjoy free access, but tourists will need to plan their visit more carefully. The entry fee applies during the day, with tourists being able to access the fountain for free after hours. Visitors can also enjoy the fountain from a distance, at no charge, in the surrounding piazza. The introduction of the €2 fee is expected to alleviate crowding and allow for a more comfortable experience, particularly during the peak tourist season.

Managing Overtourism: The Bigger Picture

Rome’s Trevi Fountain is not the only landmark to introduce such a fee. Other popular attractions across the city, including the Villa of Maxentius and several museums such as the Baracco and Napoleonic Museums, are set to implement entry charges in 2026. These measures are part of an ongoing effort to manage the city’s popularity with tourists, which has led to overcrowding at key attractions.

The move comes as cities across Europe, including Venice and Florence, also impose tourist fees to curb overtourism. The Trevi Fountain, known for its grand design and as a filming location for iconic movies, receives an estimated nine million visitors annually. With such high footfall, the decision to charge for close-up access is seen as a necessary step to preserve the monument while maintaining a high-quality experience for tourists.

What Are the Implications for Rome’s Tourism Industry?

Tourists planning a trip to Rome in 2026 will need to adjust their expectations regarding access to the Trevi Fountain. While the fee is modest—around €2 or USD 2.35—it marks a shift in the city’s approach to tourism. The new policy is designed to offer a more controlled experience, especially during the busiest periods of the year. Visitors should be prepared for potential queues and crowds during peak hours, even though fewer people will be allowed in the restricted area at a time.

Beyond the Trevi Fountain, the entry fees will help fund the maintenance of these historical sites. With the funds raised, the city aims to improve infrastructure and support ongoing preservation efforts. By regulating access to the most popular sites, the city of Rome hopes to manage its visitor numbers without sacrificing the quality of its cultural offerings.

Residents and Families Will Be Exempt from the Fee

Local residents and young children under the age of five will be exempt from the entry fee. Additionally, tourists with disabilities and a companion will also receive free access. This policy ensures that the city remains inclusive for all, while still addressing the challenges of overcrowding.

What Travellers Need to Know

For anyone planning to visit the Trevi Fountain, the introduction of the €2 entry fee should be part of their travel planning considerations. As of February 1, 2026, those who wish to experience the fountain up close will need to pay the fee, which will be collected during daylight hours. However, the fountain will still be accessible to everyone from a distance for free, ensuring that no visitor is excluded from enjoying one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

Rome’s decision to introduce a tourist fee is in line with broader efforts across Europe to manage overtourism and preserve historical sites. As tourists continue to flock to the city, these measures are essential for ensuring that the Trevi Fountain and other beloved monuments remain accessible and well-maintained for generations to come.