I have explored Italy for many years and I never get tired of it. I love the old ruins in Rome, the art in Florence, and the romantic canals in Venice. Many people dream of a trip to this beautiful country but worry about the cost. I am here to share my secrets on the 12 Best Way To Travel Italy On A Budget so you can enjoy la dolce vita without a huge bill.
how much should i budget for a trip to italy? A budget-friendly one-week vacation usually costs between $1,200 and $1,800 per person. This price includes your flights, a place to sleep, and food. Mid-range travelers might spend $2,500 to $3,500 for the same week. however, I have learned that Italy is actually 12.1 percent cheaper on average than the United States. You can save even more if you use these tips. First of all, let us look at the calendar.
Pick the Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit italy on a budget is during the low season. This period lasts from November to March, but you should avoid the Christmas holidays. at that time, you will find the lowest rates for hotels and flights. January and February are the months with the highest number of cheap flights.
on top of that, the crowds are much smaller. You can see the Vatican Museums or the Uffizi Gallery without thousands of other people in your way. though the weather is cooler, around 5°C to 15°C, most indoor attractions stay open. therefore, you can save up to 60 percent on hotel rooms compared to the summer. A nice hotel in Rome might cost $60 to $90 in January but jump to $250 in July.
Find Cheap Flights by Staying Flexible
Flights are often the biggest part of your travel costs. You should book your tickets four to six months in advance to get the best deals. I use tools like Google Flights to compare costs between different cities. additionally, I sometimes fly into a different city if it is cheaper. For example, if a flight to Florence is much less expensive than a flight to Rome, I take the cheaper flight. I then use the train to reach my final stop.
similarly, flying on a weekday instead of a weekend can save you hundreds of dollars. You can also look for budget airlines like Ryanair for short trips inside Europe. You must remember that these airlines often charge for bags. however, if you travel light, you can find tickets for very low prices.
Master the Regional Train System
The best way to travel italy on a budge involves the extensive train network. You have two main choices: high-speed trains and regional trains. High-speed trains like the Frecciarossa are very fast and can reach 300 kilometers per hour. You can get from Rome to Florence in just 90 minutes. You must book these tickets early because the price goes up as the date gets closer.
on the contrary, regional trains have fixed prices. They do not sell out and you can buy a ticket on the day you travel. These trains are slower but cost 40 to 60 percent less than the fast ones. additionally, you can buy a special pass called Italia in Tour. This pass gives you three days of unlimited regional train travel for only €35. A five-day version costs €59. It is a great way to see many small towns for one low price.
Sleep in Monasteries and Convents
I have found that one of the most interesting ways to save money on a bed is staying in a religious guesthouse. These are called Case per Ferie. Monasteries and convents often have extra rooms for travelers. These rooms are simple and very clean. They often cost between €44 and €75 per night.
however, you must follow their rules. Many of these places have a curfew between 10:30 PM and midnight. They do not allow loud parties. therefore, they are perfect for a quiet night of sleep. You can find these rooms on sites like Monastery Stays. It is a unique experience that helps you learn how to live like a local.
Stay at an Agriturismo
If you want to stay in the countryside, you should book an agriturismo. This word comes from the words for agriculture and tourism. These are working farms that offer rooms to guests. You can find them in places like Tuscany, Umbria, and Abruzzo. Many of these farms produce their own cheese, wine, and vegetables.
The cost for a room is usually between €90 and €200. plus, the price often includes a very large and fresh breakfast. These farm stays are usually much cheaper than hotels in the city. You get to enjoy the beautiful nature of the Italian hills while eating the best food. gradually, finally, you will see that these rural spots offer better value for your money.
Eat Pizza al Taglio for Lunch
Food is a highlight of any trip, but fancy restaurants can be expensive. The best way to visit italy on a budget is to eat like the locals do at lunch. I love pizza al taglio. This is pizza sold by the slice and it is the ultimate Roman street food. You find these small shops everywhere.
The pizza is baked in long rectangular trays. You point to the slice you want and tell them how big to cut it. They weigh the pizza and you pay by the kilo. A large slice usually costs between €3 and €5. also, you can get a supplì, which is a fried rice ball, for a few euros. A full lunch with a few slices and a drink often costs only €10. You should look for shops where locals are waiting in line. Avoid places with pictures of the food on the door because they are often for tourists.
Drink Vino Sfuso Instead of Bottled Wine
I was shocked when I discovered vino sfuso. This means “loose wine” or wine on tap. You can find small shops that sell wine directly from the barrel. You can even bring your own empty water bottle to fill up. This is a huge secret for how to tour italy on a budget.
The price is amazing. You can get a liter of good local wine for €1.50 to €3. If you buy the same quality in a fancy bottle at a shop, you might pay double or triple. on top of that, it is better for the environment because you reuse your bottles. You can ask the shopkeeper for a free taste before you buy. I recommend visiting a shop like Bacco Nudo in Florence to meet Simone and try some Tuscan wine.
Use the Nasoni for Free Water
Buying bottled water every day is a waste of money. In Rome, you will find over 2,500 small fountains called nasoni. They are called this because the metal spout looks like a “big nose.” The water is cold, fresh, and perfectly safe to drink. It comes directly from the mountains through old aqueducts.
therefore, you should carry a reusable water bottle and fill it up as you walk. You can use apps like Waidy WOW to find the nearest fountain. This simple tip can save you €2 to €4 every time you would have bought a bottle at a tourist stand. however, do not try to use your own water bottle at a restaurant because it is considered rude.
Take Advantage of Free Museum Days
Italy has a wonderful program called Domenica al Museo. This means that all state-run museums and parks are free on the first Sunday of every month. You can visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Uffizi Gallery for zero euros.
also, there are other free days on national holidays. These include April 25, May 1, and June 2. You should check the official websites to see if you need to book a ticket in advance. additionally, most churches in Italy are free to enter. You can see famous art by Michelangelo or Caravaggio inside these churches without paying a cent. It is the best place to visit in italy on a budget for art lovers.
Master the Art of the Aperitivo
The aperitivo is a great Italian tradition. Between 6 PM and 9 PM, you can buy a drink and get access to a buffet of snacks. In cities like Milan, Rome, and Bologna, these buffets can be very large. They often include pasta, salad, cheese, and meats.
A cocktail or a glass of wine usually costs €8 to €12. If the food is enough for a whole meal, it is called an apericena. This is a smart way to enjoy a social evening and dinner for a very low price. plus, you get to experience the local culture and meet new people while you eat.
Join a Free Walking Tour
I always recommend starting your trip with a walking tour. Many cities offer free walking tours led by local guides. These tours give you a great introduction to the history and the best spots in town. You can find them in Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice.
The tours are free to join, but you should give the guide a tip at the end. A tip of €5 to €10 is fair. This is much cheaper than a private tour that might cost €80 or more. later, you can go back to the places you liked and explore them more on your own. It is a perfect way to learn how to travel italy on a budget.
Head South to Puglia, Sicily, or Abruzzo
If you want to find the best place to visit in italy on a budget, you must go south. Regions like Puglia, Sicily, and Abruzzo are much cheaper than the north. Prices for hotels and food can be 30 to 40 percent lower than in Venice or Florence.
on top of that, these regions are full of hidden gems. Abruzzo is known as the greenest region in Europe and has many beautiful mountain towns. Sicily has incredible Greek ruins and the best street food in the world. Puglia has white-washed towns like Alberobello that look like they are from a fairy tale. gradually, finally, you will find that these areas feel more authentic because they have fewer tourists.
Practical Planning Tips
how to travel italy on a budget requires some extra work before you leave. You should book your major museum tickets online at least one to two months early. This ensures you get a spot and avoids long lines. I also suggest standing at the bar for your morning coffee. An espresso at the counter costs about €1.20, but it can cost three times more if you sit at a table.
additionally, you should use a luggage storage service like Radical Storage. It costs only €5 per bag per day. This allows you to walk around the city freely after you check out of your hotel. therefore, you can see one last museum before you take your train.
FAQ
What is the most affordable way to see Italy?
Slow travel is the best strategy because you stay longer in fewer spots. This helps you find local markets and cheap wine shops. Additionally, you should visit southern regions like Calabria or Abruzzo. These areas are often 30 to 40 percent cheaper than the big northern cities.
What is the cheapest way to travel in Italy?
Long-distance coaches like FlixBus or Itabus provide the lowest fares. You can find tickets for as little as €16.98. On the contrary, regional trains offer stable and affordable pricing for reaching smaller towns.
What is the most efficient way to travel in Italy?
High-speed trains like the Frecciarossa or Italo are the fastest way to move between major hubs. They reach 300 kilometers per hour. A trip from Rome to Florence takes only 90 minutes.
What is the best way to plan a trip to Italy?
You must start your planning four to six months in advance. This secures the lowest rates on flights and hotel rooms. Early bookings often save you 30 to 50 percent of the total cost.
What is the cheapest month to go to Italy?
January and February are the months with the lowest prices for flights and hotels. November is also a very cheap time to visit. Accommodation rates drop by 40 to 60 percent during the winter season.
Is 1200 euros enough in Italy?
Yes, 1,200 euros is enough for a one-week budget trip for one person. This price usually includes your flights and a place to sleep. However, your daily spending must be very disciplined.
Which city in Italy is the cheapest?
Southern cities like Palermo, Bari, and Naples offer the best value for your money. These spots deliver authentic experiences at half the cost of places like Venice.
What are the big 3 in Italy?
The “Big 3” cities are Rome, Florence, and Venice. These are the top spots for culture, art, and history.
How many days in Italy is enough?
You should stay for at least seven to ten days to see the main sights of the country. A two-week trip is better if you want to explore the countryside or the southern regions.
Is there an unlimited train pass in Italy?
Yes, the Italia in Tour pass offers unlimited travel on regional trains. You can choose between a three-day or five-day version. Additionally, the Trenitalia Pass is available for foreign residents.
What not to do in Italy as a tourist?
You must not bring your own water bottle to a restaurant. It is considered very rude. Also, do not buy tickets from street sellers. They are likely fake and will rip you off. You should avoid places with pictures of food on the menu too.
Concluding words
You can visit this amazing country without a large budget. Focus on slow travel and shop at local markets to save money. First of all, book your tickets and hotels early. Plus, eat pizza by the slice for lunch and use free water fountains. Therefore, you can enjoy la dolce vita without a high bill. Your Italian adventure is ready!
