Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world, known for its ancient history, grand architecture, food culture, and iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Vatican.
In 2024, Rome welcomed approximately 35 million visitors, recovering and surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
The Colosseum alone draws more than 12 million visitors a year, making it one of the most visited cultural monuments on the planet.
Key stats: Rome Tourism
- Rome hit a record 51.4 million overnight stays in 2024 — showing the city is busier than ever.
- Tourist arrivals reached 22.2 million in 2024, an all-time high for the Eternal City.
- In spring 2024 hotels in Rome were nearly full — 83.7% occupancy — and the average room cost climbed to €289.50/night.
- In 2023 the city welcomed around 35 million visitors, up roughly 9% from the prior year.
- Rome’s surge is in line with national trends: non-resident tourist nights in Italy exceeded 250 million in 2024, growing +6.8% — Rome as capital played a key role.
How Many Tourists Visit Rome Each Year?
Rome welcomed ~35 million total visitors in 2024 (domestic + international).
| Year | Visitors (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | ~32M | Pre-pandemic peak |
| 2020–2021 | ~5–10M | Travel restrictions |
| 2022 | ~26M | Strong recovery |
| 2023 | ~31M | Near full rebound |
| 2024 | ~35M | Above pre-pandemic levels |
International tourists account for roughly 63% of all visits.
How Many Tourists Visit Rome Each Day?
On average, ~95,000 tourists visit Rome per day.
Peak days (summer weekends, Easter, Jubilee periods) can exceed 150,000 visitors daily.
How Much Money Does Rome Make From Tourism?
Tourism contributes ~€14.3 billion annually to Rome’s economy (2024 estimate).
- Average spend per international visitor: ~€165/day
- Tourism represents roughly 8–10% of the local economy
- Hospitality, dining, and museum ticketing are the top revenue drivers
Which Countries Visit Rome the Most?
The U.S. remains the #1 source of international visitors, followed by Germany and France.
| Country | Visitors (2024 est.) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | ~4.2M | ~14% |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ~2.8M | ~10% |
| 🇫🇷 France | ~2.4M | ~9% |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ~2.3M | ~8% |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | ~1.9M | ~7% |
| 🇨🇳 China | ~1.1M | Growing again post-pandemic |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | ~900K | Cultural travelers |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ~750K | Long-stay tourists |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | ~720K | Pilgrimage + culture |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | ~650K | Long-haul premium travel |
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Rome?
| Attraction | Visitors per Year (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill | ~12M | Rome’s most visited site |
| Vatican Museums | ~6.8M | Home to Sistine Chapel |
| Pantheon | ~9M | Free until 2023; now paid entry |
| Trevi Fountain | ~10–12M | Public space, always crowded |
| St. Peter’s Basilica | ~11M | Pilgrimage destination |
| Spanish Steps | ~8M | Iconic city viewpoint |
| Castel Sant’Angelo | ~1.1M | Historic fortress |
| Galleria Borghese | ~525K | Reservation-only museum |
| Villa d’Este (Tivoli) | ~630K | Day trip favorite |
| Trastevere district | N/A | Popular dining & nightlife zone |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Rome?
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | High | Perfect weather, Easter crowds |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Very High | Peak tourism + heat |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | High | Pleasant climate & events |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Low–Moderate | Best travel deals |
July is the busiest month, January the quietest.
What Are the Major Events That Attract Tourists to Rome?
| Event | Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Easter & Holy Week | +500K extra | Vatican ceremonies |
| Rome Marathon (March) | ~11K participants | + international spectators |
| Festa della Repubblica (June 2) | ~300K | Military parade & celebrations |
| Estate Romana (Summer festival) | City-wide | Outdoor cultural events |
| Christmas & New Year | High | Nativity markets, Vatican masses |
| Catholic Jubilee (next major Jubilee: 2025) | Up to 30M visitors expected | Huge pilgrimage influx |
How Much Does Tourism Support Jobs in Rome?
Tourism supports ~290,000 jobs in the Rome metropolitan area (2024).
This includes:
- Hotels and B&B operators
- Restaurants and cafés
- Museums, heritage management, guides
- Transport & tour operators
Which Neighborhoods Do Tourists Stay In?
| Neighborhood | Why It’s Popular |
|---|---|
| Centro Storico | Walkable, near major landmarks |
| Trastevere | Nightlife + local atmosphere |
| Prati | Close to the Vatican, quieter |
| Monti | Trendy cafés & boutiques |
| Termini / Esquilino | Budget stays, rail station access |
FAQ – Rome Tourism
Is Rome one of the most visited cities in the world?
Yes — Rome is consistently ranked Top 5 globally by annual visitors.
How many tourists visit Rome each year?
~35 million (2024 estimate).
What is Rome’s most visited attraction?
The Colosseum tourism complex (~12M visitors/year).
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (Apr–May) and fall (Sep–Oct) for ideal weather and manageable crowds.
Is Rome expensive for tourists?
Moderate to expensive — prices rise sharply near landmarks.
Sources
- ISTAT (Italian National Institute of Statistics) — National Tourism Statistics Dashboard (2024)
- ENIT – Italian National Tourist Board — International Tourism Market Report (2024)
- UNWTO — Tourism Recovery and Global City Ranking (2024)
- Comune di Roma – Dipartimento Turismo — City Tourism Activity & Visitor Flow Bulletin (2024)
- Parco Archeologico del Colosseo — Colosseum Annual Visitor Statistics (2024)
- Musei Vaticani (Vatican Museums) — Annual Attendance Figures (2024)
- Banca d’Italia — Tourist Expenditure in Italy Report (2024)
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