Discover Bracciano: Your Budget-Friendly Day Trip from Rome
As my wise friend often says: when living in Rome, it is sometimes necessary to reconnect with nature. Lucky for you, I’ve made it my mission to uncover the most beautiful places around Rome, where you can go for your daily dose of non-polluted air and peace of mind. With its breathtaking lake, charming historic centre, and the impressive Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, Bracciano checks all the boxes for your perfect budget-friendly escape from the city. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan a seamless day trip to this stunning destination!
Why visit Bracciano?
When I arrived in Bracciano, I was pretty busy with uni stuff and curious if the town would be worth the visit. Spoiler alert: yes, it was! Located approximately 40 kilometres away from Rome, Bracciano is a charming town by a stunning volcanic lake. The lake features crystal-clear water and scenic surroundings, where visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, sailing, and kayaking.
Bracciano has a rich history, and one of its main attractions is the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, a medieval fortress dating back to the 15th century. Yes, the Google pictures don’t lie; it is a stunning destination. However, what I loved most were the overall vibes of the town. It truly felt like I was on holiday, allowing me to relax completely. By the end of my trip, I felt much better than I did when I arrived.
How to visit Bracciano from Rome
The trip from Rome to Bracciano is easy and budget-friendly to make. I took the train from Roma Tiburtina station, choosing this station for two reasons: I live nearby, and from Tiburtina, there’s a direct train to Bracciano, getting you there in less than an hour and a half. You can also depart from Termini, but then you’ll need to change trains at Roma Ostiense, adding about twenty minutes to your travel time. Trains leave from both stations approximately every hour, and sometimes even every half hour. Taking the train is student-budget proof, with a one-way ticket costing only €3.60!
You can buy your train tickets very easily in the Trenitalia app. You can pay with Credit card, PayPal, Google Pay, Satispay, Amazon Pay or an Online Transfer. After paying, your ticket will be visible in the app and also sent to you through email. If you are not able to buy tickets through the app, you can use the many ticket machines located at Roma Tiburtina or Termini station. When travelling by train to Bracciano, make sure to grab a window seat at the right side of the train, because towards the end you will have a stunning view of the lake.
How to spend your day in Bracciano
the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle
Like mentioned above, the Orsini-Odescalchi Castle is a stunning medieval fortress dating back to the 15th century. When planning my trip to Bracciano, I knew I had to visit, since I love myself some castles. From the Bracciano train station, it’s just a ten-minute walk to the entrance. The castle is open daily, and you can also book guided tours in five different languages! Since the guided tours need to be reserved in advance, I decided to explore on my own.
A ticket for the castle costs €10, but students pay a reduced price of €8. Personally, I didn’t need to show any “proof” of being a student, I guess I fit the student demographic.
Once you pay the entrance fee, you’re free to explore the castle grounds, and I absolutely loved my visit. You can wander through the castle’s outdoor areas, and there’s even a panoramic tower with a stunning view of the lake! The route ends with access to the castle’s interior chambers, which I imagine would be even more fascinating with a guided tour.
Since I visited on a Saturday, it was quite crowded, so I’d recommend going on a weekday if possible for a more relaxed experience.
La Sentinella
If you’ve read some of my other blog posts, by now you’ll know I’m a sucker for viewpoints. My favourite in Bracciano is La Sentinella, a spot located on a hill with spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding hills.
There are plenty of benches at this viewpoint, making it my favourite reading spot in Bracciano. La Sentinella is also a very romantic spot, and I noticed many couples there. I visited during the day, but I can imagine this viewpoint is even more magical at sunrise or sunset, I might have to return another time to experience it myself.
Historic Centre
Bracciano is not a very big town, it feels cozy and charming. The atmosphere felt medieval to me, and I loved strolling around. Since it’s small, you can easily wander and discover all the picturesque streets. I must say, it was a bit of a shame that I was on a budget because the restaurants looked amazing!
When I visited Bracciano, a festival called Castelli e Castagne (Castles and Chestnuts) was taking place. This annual autumn festival celebrates the region's medieval heritage and seasonal harvests. From what I saw, Bracciano’s narrow streets and medieval squares filled up with food stalls offering roasted chestnuts, local crafts, and other local specialties. There were stalls featuring traditional foods, including cheeses, meats, wines, and autumn-themed dishes. According to their program, there were also activities during the day, such as historical reenactments and live music, making it a complete experience. Watching the festival really added to my Bracciano adventure, and I can recommend visiting in autumn!
Visiting the lake
Here comes the part where I make a confession: I didn’t actually walk down to see the lake up close. From Bracciano, it’s a twenty-minute walk to the lake, but the path is pretty steep. Since I visited for only a day (or, more accurately, half a day), I knew I would enjoy the walk down, but the hike back up scared me. From what I saw, there are signs indicating which path to take to reach the lake, and I know it’s totally doable if you visit Bracciano. However, sometimes you have to make choices in life!
Conclusion
Bracciano is the perfect destination for a budget-friendly day trip from Rome, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and charming ambiance. Whether you’re exploring the majestic Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, enjoying breathtaking views from La Sentinella, or stumble upon a festival, Bracciano promises an unforgettable experience.
Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on visiting Bracciano, just a short train ride from the crowded city. Plan your trip today and get ready to reconnect with nature! For more tips on exploring Italy as a solo traveller, you can follow me on Instagram or read some of my other blogposts. Kisses!
