5 x Budget-Friendly Day Trips from Rome You’ll Love
View from Castel Gandolfo
While Rome is my favourite place on earth, sometimes I want to escape in search of fresh air and adventure. Day trips from Rome are the perfect solution, they allow me to explore new destinations without spending a fortune, which is always a win as a student. Over time, I’ve discovered some incredible day trips from Rome that are easy to plan, budget-friendly, and full of Italian charm. In this blog post, I’m sharing my five favourites with you!
Tivoli
Tivoli is a historic town located 30 kilometres east of Rome, and its higher altitude makes it an ideal summer day trip to escape the heat. With a direct train from Roma Termini, you can reach Tivoli in under an hour for just €2.60 one-way!
Simply wandering through Tivoli’s picturesque streets is already a fun way to spend your time, but the town also has some must-see attractions that are worth visiting. Two highlights for a perfect day trip are Villa Gregoriana and Villa d'Este.
Villa Gregoriana is a stunning nature park that offers spectacular views of the Grande Cascata di Tivoli waterfall. In addition to the waterfall, the rest of the park is equally impressive, with ancient ruins to explore along the trails. Tickets to the park are priced at €10, but students can enjoy a discounted rate of just €6.
Villa d'Este, located in the heart of Tivoli, is a historic villa famous for its Renaissance gardens and stunning fountains. The garden is filled with statues of classical gods and mythological figures, creating a magical atmosphere.
It’s worth noting that young people in Italy often receive discounts at museums and cultural sites. For example, a ticket to Villa d'Este costs €15, but EU citizens under 25 pay only €2! If it’s not clearly mentioned, it’s always worth asking! I wrote an entire article about my trip to Tivoli, so if you want to read more about this amazing destination you can click this link.
Bracciano
Bracciano, a charming town located about 40 kilometres north of Rome, sits beside a volcanic lake, making it a destination with an amazing view. Reaching Bracciano by train takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your departure station. I usually depart from Roma Tiburtina, where a direct train is available. If you prefer to leave from Roma Termini, you can, but you’ll need to transfer at Roma Ostiense. Good to know: both routes have the same budget-friendly price of just €3.60 one-way!
You can easily spend a whole day in Bracciano, as there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy. Take a walk down to the volcanic lake for a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear waters, or try out other water activities. A visit to the impressive Orsini-Odescalchi Castle is also a must! This medieval castle, just a ten-minute walk from the train station, offers stunning panoramic views of the lake. Entry costs €10, with discounts available for students.
In addition to the castle, the town centre of Bracciano is a lovely place to wander, with its cozy streets and great restaurants. My favourite spot in Bracciano, however, is the La Sentinella viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding hills.
Want to discover more about Bracciano? You can click here to read more about my adventure there!
Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia is the main port city of the Italian capital, located about 80 kilometres northwest of Rome. As soon as you step off the train, you get slammed in the face with a fresh sea breeze, one of the many reasons I love this place. It’s a cozy city with a mix of historic charm and a relaxed vibe, thanks to its proximity to the sea.
Getting to Civitavecchia is easy: you can take a train from Roma Termini and arrive within 1 to 1.5 hours. A one-way ticket costs just €4.60, making it a budget-friendly and accessible destination for a day trip from Rome.
Civitavecchia offers plenty of fun activities to fill your day. From Monday to Saturday, you can visit the famous Mercato di Civitavecchia (Civitavecchia Market) in the morning. This local market is popular with both residents and visitors, offering a wide range of fresh products like vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, and Italian delicacies. It’s also a great spot to find clothing, accessories, and handmade goods.
A walk along the beach is always a great idea, and Civitavecchia is perfect for this! As you walk, you'll encounter impressive landmarks like Fortezza Michelangelo, a 16th-century fortress originally built to defend the city. Along the beachfront, you'll also find plenty of cozy cafés and restaurants where you can stop for a drink or a delicious meal with a view of the sea. A great recommendation is Bistrot Pizza a Volontà. This restaurant is situated a bit higher than the others, offering a panoramic view of the sea!
Frascati
Frascati, a cute town in the Castelli Romani region, lies just 20 kilometres southeast of Rome and is renowned for its wine, charming streets, and peaceful atmosphere. Thanks to its proximity to the capital, it's the perfect destination for a relaxing day trip. Trains depart every hour from Roma Termini, taking just about 30 minutes to reach Frascati. My all-time favourite part? Traveling to Frascati is very budget-friendly, with a one-way ticket costing just €2.10!
Frascati is a town rich in history, beauty, and, of course, wine. As you travel by train from Rome to Frascati, you'll pass many vineyards, so be sure to grab a window seat to soak in the views. One of the town's main highlights is Villa Aldobrandini, an impressive Renaissance villa perched on a hill that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. While it’s currently not possible to visit the villa or its gardens, the Villa is still a beautiful sight.
The town’s centre is also fun to explore, with its narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and cozy cafés. Don’t miss Piazza San Pietro, the heart of Frascati, where you can relax with a coffee or a glass of wine and soak in the lively yet laid-back atmosphere. Frascati is the perfect place to relax for a day, with its charming shops, cozy cafes, and inviting spots to sit and read. While the other destinations are more nature-focused, Frascati offers the ideal small-town experience.
Castel Gandolfo
Located on the edge of Lake Albano, Castel Gandolfo is a picturesque town that looks like it jumped of a postcard. Located 25 kilometres southeast of Rome, it’s famous for its serene lake views, charming streets, and the Apostolic Palace, which served as the summer residence of popes for centuries. A train from Roma Termini takes about 45 minutes and costs €2.10 one way.
As mentioned above, a must-see is the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo, now a museum where visitors can explore the papal apartments and learn about the town’s historical connection to the Vatican. Tickets are priced at €20, but students can enjoy a discounted rate of €8. If you're interested, you can click here for the official website!
Beyond the palace, Castel Gandolfo itself is perfect for exploring and wandering around. You can walk down to Lake Albano, where you can rent a kayak, go for a swim, or simply relax by the water. The town’s small but lively centre is filled with restaurants and gelaterias, making it a great spot to enjoy traditional Italian dishes with a spectacular backdrop.
These five day trips from Rome always have my back when I need to escape Rome for a day, and I love the balance between historic towns and beautiful nature. Have you been on any of these trips? I would love to hear your experience in the comments below, or let me know your favourite affordable day trips from Rome!
