Planning a trip to Italy this year and looking for ways to save? While traveling in Italy is usually more affordable than in other countries (we’re looking at you Sweden, Denmark, and Switzerland!), trip expenses can add up quickly.
This is especially true if you’re planning to visit popular destinations like Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan during peak tourist season. But don’t worry – with our expert tips, you can experience the magic of Italy without breaking the bank.
Here are 11 budget tips to help you live la dolce vita without breaking the bank.
11 Money-Saving Tips for Your 2024 Italian Getaway
1. Book early and consider shoulder seasons
Timing is everything when it comes to budget travel in Italy. Here’s how to make the most of your timing:
- Summer (June-August): Peak season with highest prices and largest crowds
- Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October): Ideal for better rates and mild weather
- Winter (November-March): Lowest prices, but be prepared for cooler temperatures
It’s no surprise that summer is the busiest tourist season in Italy. Whether you want to book one of our favorite cheap hotels, or find a great deal for cheap flights, make sure to book as early as possible.
For even better rates (and fewer crowds!), visit in the spring or fall. For the absolute best deals, take your Italian holiday in winter. Christmas in Italy is a treat, and Rome is especially beautiful this time of year and never gets too cold.
August in Italy: A Hidden Opportunity
On the other hand, there are a few advantages to sweating it out in Italy’s big cities in the heat of August. Throngs of Italians go on vacation, so even though there may be still plenty of tourists in Rome, Florence, and Venice, the crowds can be a little thinner and the hotel rates take a tumble. (Here are some tips on going to Florence in August.)
Saving on Flights to Italy
For cheap flights, we recommend:
- Booking during shoulder or off-peak seasons
- Searching for weekday flights instead of weekends
- Considering early morning or late night flights on budget airlines like Ryanair
Price Update: As of 2024, budget airline fares to Italy can start as low as €20-€50 for one-way tickets from other European cities, while transatlantic flights from the US can be found for around $400-$600 during off-peak seasons.
Consider visiting Urbino, Italy. Photo: Gareth Williams
2. Consider visiting less touristy parts of Italy
While iconic destinations like Venice, Rome, and Florence are must-sees, exploring lesser-known areas can offer authentic Italian experiences at lower prices. Consider these hidden gems:
- Turin: Rich in history and architecture, with fewer crowds
- Beaches of Calabria: Stunning coastlines without the high prices
- Basilicata: Home to the unique cave dwellings of Matera
- Urbino: Birthplace of Raphael and a well-preserved Renaissance city
Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, it is packed with artistic, natural, and historic sites, and everywhere you go, you are guaranteed to find something worth visiting. Just get off the beaten track, and try visiting less popular areas. Here you will find authentic gems, friendly people, and much cheaper prices.
Panda Hotel in Rome is a budget operation right in the center of it all near the Spanish Steps. Photo: EuroCheapo
3. Sleep small and central…
When it comes to accommodations in Italy, thinking small can lead to big savings. Consider these budget-friendly options:
- Family-run pensions: Affordable guesthouses with a personal touch
- Religious accommodations: Convents and monasteries offering unique, budget-friendly stays
Price Update: In 2024, bare-bones budget accommodations in central locations of major Italian cities can range from €50-€120 per night, while staying in less touristy areas can drop prices to €30-€70 per night.
Also, make sure to double check the location of the hotel before you book. You may find a hotel or bed and breakfast that offers a great rate, but if it is so far away from the sites, you might end up spending all of that money you saved on extra taxis at night.
Want some small and budget-friendly hotel recommendations? Check out our favorites in Florence, Milan, Rome, and Venice, or click to search more than 80,000 hotels in Italy.
Related: Best budget hotels in Rome
4. …or sleep outside the most popular cities
If central accommodations are still stretching your budget, consider staying in nearby towns. This strategy can significantly reduce your costs while offering a more authentic local experience.
Examples of budget-friendly alternatives:
- Venice: Stay in Mestre (10-minute train ride to Venice)
- Milan: Consider Monza or Como
- Florence: Look for an agriturismo in the Tuscan countryside
- Cinque Terre: Base yourself in La Spezia
- Amalfi Coast: Opt for Sorrento instead of pricier Capri or Positano
Price Update: In 2024, staying in these alternative locations can save you 30-50% on accommodation costs compared to central areas in major cities.
5. Use trains and buses instead of renting a car
Italy’s extensive public transportation network offers an economical and efficient way to explore the country. Here’s why you should consider trains and buses:
- Extensive Coverage: Italy’s train system connects major cities and many smaller towns
- Speed and Convenience: Fast trains like Italo and Frecciarossa offer quick city-to-city travel
- Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than car rentals, especially when factoring in parking and gas
- Stress-Free Travel: No need to navigate unfamiliar roads or worry about parking
Money-Saving Tips for Train Travel:
- Book train tickets well in advance for the best prices
- Look for special offers and discounts on the Italo and Trenitalia websites
- Consider overnight trains for longer journeys to save on accommodation
Price Update: As of 2024, regional train tickets start from about €10-€20, while high-speed train fares between major cities can range from €30-€70 when booked in advance.
Get ready to walk in Florence!
6. When visiting a city, use public transport or just walk around
Exploring Italian cities on foot or by public transportation is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to experience the local culture more intimately. Here’s how to navigate urban areas economically:
- Walking: Most Italian city centers are compact and walkable
- Public Transportation: Reliable and affordable in larger cities
- City Passes: Many cities offer tourist passes that include public transportation and museum entries
Tips for Urban Exploration:
- Download offline maps on your smartphone for easy navigation
- Invest in comfortable walking shoes
- Use Google Maps for public transportation routes and schedules
- Remember to validate your ticket when using buses or trams
Price Update: In 2024, single-ride public transport tickets in major Italian cities typically cost €1.50-€2.00. Day passes range from €6-€10, offering excellent value for extensive city exploration.
7. Take advantage of free museum days
Many Italian museums and archaeological sites offer free entry on specific days or times. Planning your visits around these free periods can lead to substantial savings.
Tips for Free Museum Visits:
- Research free days for major attractions in advance
- Arrive early on free days to avoid long queues
- Check for student and senior discounts if you’re eligible
- Look for combination tickets that offer entry to multiple sites at a discount
Always Free Attractions:
- Many churches and basilicas
- Public parks and gardens
- Some beaches (though some may charge for facilities)
Be sure to check out this list of free things to do in Rome, free things in Florence and free activities in Venice.
Price Update: As of 2024, entry fees for major museums and archaeological sites in Italy can range from €15-€25. Taking advantage of free days can result in significant savings, especially for families or groups.
Crowds at St. mark’s Square in Venice. Photo: Photo by Efrem Efre
8. If you want to go on guided tours, research free options
While professional guided tours can be expensive, there are several ways to enjoy informative tours without breaking the bank:
- Free Walking Tours: Available in most major cities, usually tip-based
- Museum-Led Tours: Many museums offer free guided tours with admission
- Self-Guided Audio Tours: Download apps for affordable, flexible touring
Where to Find Free Tours:
- Check Eventbrite for local free walking tours
- Visit official tourism websites for cities like Florence, Milan, Rome, and Venice
- Look for student-led tours, often available in university towns
Price Update: In 2024, professional guided tours in Italy can cost anywhere from €30-€100 per person. Opting for free or tip-based tours can save you €20-€80 per person, per tour.
Ahhhh, what a romantic (and very expensive!) scene. Photo: Chen Kirin
9. Don’t fall for tourist traps!
While iconic experiences can be tempting, they often come with inflated prices. Here are some common tourist traps to be wary of:
- Overpriced Restaurants in Tourist Hotspots: e.g., those lining Rome’s Piazza Navona
- Costumed “Guides”: Like gladiators in Rome offering tours… keep walking!
- Gondola Rides in Venice: Romantic, but extremely expensive
Budget-Friendly Alternatives:
- Eat at restaurants a few streets away from major attractions
- Take official guided tours or use audio guides
- In Venice, try a vaporetto (water bus) instead of a gondola
Having said that, if you want to dine on the Piazza, pose with a gladiator, or shell out serious cash for a gondola ride, go for it, and have fun! Just remember these might not be the cheapest (or best) options. We won’t judge. (Okay, maybe just a little 🙂
Price Update: As of 2024, a gondola ride in Venice can cost upwards of €80 for a 30-minute ride, while a vaporetto ticket is around €7.50 for a single journey or €20 for a 24-hour pass.
Related: Avoid these tourist traps in Italy
10. Shop the markets for fresh (and super cheap) food
Local markets offer a budget-friendly way to enjoy Italy’s renowned cuisine. Here’s why you should consider market shopping:
- Fresh, Local Produce: Often cheaper and fresher than supermarkets
- Authentic Experience: Interact with locals and practice your Italian
- Picnic Possibilities: Create your own meals for substantial savings
Tips for Market Shopping:
- Visit markets early for the best selection
- Look for seasonal produce for the best prices
- Don’t be afraid to haggle, especially at flea markets
- Bring your own bags to carry your purchases
Price Update: In 2024, you can expect to spend about €10-€15 per person for a picnic lunch sourced from local markets, compared to €20-€30 for a basic restaurant meal.
Related: The best supermarkets, bakeries, and delis in Venice
11. Go for an aperitivo
Aperitivo, the Italian pre-dinner ritual, is not just a cultural experience but also a budget-friendly way to enjoy drinks and light bites. Here’s what you need to know:
- Timing: Usually enjoyed in the late afternoon or early evening
- What to Expect: A drink (often a Spritz or wine) accompanied by snacks or small plates
- Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than a full dinner, with food sometimes included in the drink price
Aperitivo Tips:
- Look for bars advertising “aperitivo” or “happy hour”
- Try local specialties like Aperol Spritz or Campari
- Some places offer extensive buffets with the price of a drink
- Use it as a light dinner alternative to save on meal costs
Price Update: In 2024, expect to pay €8-€15 for an aperitivo, which typically includes a drink and access to snacks or a light buffet. This can be significantly cheaper than a full restaurant meal, which might cost €20-€30 per person.
Conclusion: Embracing La Dolce Vita on a Budget
Traveling through Italy doesn’t have to break the bank. By following these tips, you can experience the best of Italian culture, cuisine, and history while keeping your expenses in check. Remember, some of the most authentic and memorable experiences in Italy often come at little to no cost – whether it’s wandering through charming neighborhoods, enjoying a sunset in a public square, or chatting with locals at a neighborhood café.
As you plan your 2024 Italian adventure, keep these budget-friendly strategies in mind, but also don’t be afraid to occasionally splurge on experiences that truly matter to you. After all, la dolce vita is about finding joy in both the grand and simple pleasures of life.
Buon viaggio e buon risparmio! (Happy travels and happy saving!)
Your budget tips?
Have some budget tips for Italy to add to our list? Share with us in the comments section below!