Visit the Trevi Fountain in 2026: New €2 Entry Fee Aims to Enhance Visitor Experience and Protect Rome’s Iconic Landmark

Published on December 22, 2025

Starting in February 2026, tourists visiting one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, the Trevi Fountain, will need to pay an entry fee for the privilege of accessing the famed fountain’s lower levels. This decision is part of a broader effort by the city to manage increasing tourism numbers, preserve the historic site, and improve the overall visitor experience. The €2 fee, however, applies only to those who wish to get closer to the fountain. Visitors will still be able to admire its grandeur from the surrounding piazza without charge. For many, this move marks a significant change in how the Trevi Fountain will be experienced.

Rome’s decision to introduce this fee stems from the overwhelming crowds that have consistently packed the fountain area, especially during peak tourism seasons. With an average of over 9 million visitors annually, the fountain often becomes a bottleneck in the busy city centre. Managing this influx has been a growing challenge for the local authorities, as the number of tourists continues to rise each year. While the fountain has long been a free public attraction, the new fee will help ensure that the site remains accessible while also maintaining its integrity.

The entry fee will apply from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, during the hours when the site experiences the highest traffic. Tourists who wish to venture down to the fountain’s iconic steps, near the water, will need to purchase a ticket. This initiative is designed to curb overcrowding at the fountain, allowing for a more relaxed, enjoyable experience for those visiting. However, visitors can still enjoy the beauty of the Trevi Fountain from the piazza at no cost. The municipality has made it clear that the fee is aimed at creating a better balance between access for tourists and the preservation of the site for future generations.

In addition to managing the crowds, the city intends to use the funds raised from the new fee to contribute towards the maintenance and restoration of the fountain and surrounding area. It is estimated that this move could generate around €6.5 million annually, a sum that will go directly into preserving the historic site, ensuring its longevity and cultural value. The Trevi Fountain, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture completed in 1762, is not just a popular tourist destination but a symbol of Rome itself.

Rome’s mayor, Virginia Raggi, has emphasized that the goal is not to exclude tourists but to improve the overall quality of their visit. While some may see the entry fee as a barrier, it is also an opportunity to enhance the experience by reducing congestion and making the environment more pleasant for those who come to admire the fountain. The introduction of this fee aligns with a broader trend seen in other European cities, such as Venice and Florence, where similar initiatives have been put in place to manage the impact of mass tourism.

For many tourists, the Trevi Fountain is a must-see on their visit to Rome, and this change may influence how they plan their trip. For those who dream of standing by the fountain’s steps and tossing a coin, the €2 fee represents a small price to pay for an iconic photo opportunity and a peaceful moment by the water. For others, the fountain’s beauty will still be accessible from the piazza without any cost, allowing everyone to enjoy the landmark’s grandeur without limitations.

This new fee also highlights Rome’s ongoing efforts to manage its tourism industry sustainably. With over 15 million international visitors each year, the Italian capital is continually exploring new ways to balance tourism with the needs of its local residents and the preservation of its rich cultural heritage. The introduction of a fee for the Trevi Fountain is part of a broader initiative to ensure that popular tourist sites can handle the pressure of mass tourism while maintaining the quality of the experience.

As the €2 entry fee begins in February 2026, tourists visiting the Trevi Fountain will be part of a new chapter in the city’s history. This step marks a shift toward a more sustainable approach to managing one of the world’s most beloved landmarks. It is hoped that the fee will help create a more organized, enjoyable experience for visitors, while also preserving the Trevi Fountain for generations to come. Rome’s balance of accessibility and preservation will likely set a precedent for other global tourist destinations facing similar challenges.

The introduction of the Trevi Fountain entry fee reflects a larger shift in how cities are approaching tourism management. As Rome continues to be one of the most visited cities in the world, its efforts to enhance the visitor experience while preserving its heritage will undoubtedly inspire other cities grappling with similar issues. The Trevi Fountain remains a symbol of Rome’s timeless beauty, and the new fee will help ensure that this cultural treasure continues to shine for decades to come.