Budget Travel in Italy: How to Do it Right

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, it’s easy to think that budget travel in Italy is impossible. 

But with some insider knowledge and tips, it most certainly is possible. 

Ready to sip on an Aperol Spritz and enjoy nonna’s homemade pasta while exploring ancient ruins, picturesque villages, and splashing in the Mediterranean Sea?   

Thought so. Let’s do this.

Top tips for budget traveling in Italy

Tip #1: Book early and consider shoulder season 

As with any country, prices for accommodation and travel tickets vary from season to season. 

Italians vacation mainly in August, coinciding with the summer, from June to August. Prices during these months skyrocket. 

Instead, plan your vacation for April and May or September and October. Not only will you find better deals, but the weather is still pleasant, and there will be fewer crowds.

Regardless of when you plan to visit, book at least a few months out, particularly regarding flights. Deals for international travel are few and far between these days.

Pro tip: Milan and Rome are home to two of the major airports in the country. However, consider arriving at secondary airports such as Brindisi or Bergamo. From Bergamo to Milan you can easily travel by bus as it will only take 50 minutes. 

Tip #2: Consider less touristy areas 

Of course, you may wish to visit areas such as Positano or Rome. However, as popular tourist spots, the accommodation, food, and activities are more expensive. 

Below are just a few locations to consider to save some pennies. Not only are they just as beautiful to explore, but you will likely find less crowds.  

For example, consider visiting Tropea or Scilla instead of Positano. While these two gorgeous seaside towns are located further south on the coast, you will still find beautiful stretches of beaches, stunning cliffs and historic architecture.  

Or, instead of visiting the fashion capital of Milan, plan a trip to the nearby town of Bergamo. It’s known for its UNESCO heritage site, Venetian Walls, stunning architectural landmarks and scenic views. And since it’s so close to Milan, you can do a day trip.

Tip #3: Book accommodation outside the city center 

For those planning budget travel in Italy, it’s time to get creative when booking hotels. Nothing is worse than spending half your saved vacation money on accommodation, knowing you’ll spend so little time there. 

So what are your options?

Sure, you can find a hotel outside the city center that may require more travel time. However, if you are looking for an affordable, authentic experience, there are amazing agriturismos (countryside accommodations) that are well-priced and full of character.

Or, if you prefer to have your own kitchen while on the road, you can rent a villa or apartment outside the city center. They range in price, but the value is much better than an individual hotel room. 

Pro tip: When researching accommodation options, speak with the owners to see how close you will be to a train or bus station. If finding something near a station is difficult, hiring a car is always an option. It may be more expensive than public transport, but it will allow greater flexibility when it comes to getting in and out of the city.  

Tip #4: Use public transportation instead of hiring a car

Although renting a car provides flexibility, the state-of-the-art public transportation system is a reliable and cost-effective way to travel around the country.

But know this — high-speed trains cost more, so to save money, choose a slower, regional train that will be less expensive.

The best way to explore the narrow streets and piazzas of Venice or Florence is on foot. However, in the larger cities, use the Metro or bus. 

Pro tip: If you plan to travel a lot by train, consider purchasing a Trenitalia Pass to save money.

Tip #5: Take advantage of free self-guided tours

There are several benefits of choosing a self-guided tour rather than booking an organized tour with a guide. 

Not only can you choose your start date, but you can also explore a destination at your own pace. Oh, and you can also have lunch (or a gelato) where you want and break the tour into two days instead of one. 

Not only is this option ideal for budget travel in Italy, but you’ll receive a thoroughly researched and planned itinerary with route descriptions, maps and places of interest before you leave. 

It will almost feel like you had a guide with you the entire time. 

Pro tip: Self-guided tours are a great option within cities. However, if you want to book a hiking tour in a location you haven’t visited before, we recommend you take a guided tour. 

Tip #6: Dine at local, more affordable places 

Dining out in Italy can be confusing if you haven’t visited the country before. 

There are ristorantes, the most expensive and formal dining establishments. Some may be cozy and small, but you can expect a more extensive menu with dishes from all over the country. 

On the other hand, a trattoria is a laid-back, family-run restaurant serving typical local dishes passed down from generation to generation. Additionally, they have a wide selection of Italian wines.

The least formal and most affordable type of restaurant is an osteria, which offers a humble atmosphere and well-priced food. Back in the day, locals used to gather at this type of venue to play cards and drink wine. Menus are typically written on a chalkboard, and you may still find nonna cooking in the kitchen.  

And don’t forget to try the street food in Italy. Even if you aren’t on a tight budget, it’s a treat. 

Fun fact: When you think of food in Italy, most people think of pasta and pizza. However, you typically can’t find both offerings in one dining establishment. If you want pizza, you will need to visit a pizzeria. 

Weather in Italy 

Before planning your trip to Italy, it’s best to learn about the different seasons, as this may influence which cities and towns you visit.

Let’s break it down into Northern and Southern Italy. 

Northern Italy, including Milan and Florence, experiences slightly milder weather than the south. You can expect average summer temperatures of 25°C (77°F) and winter temperatures of 7°C (45°F). 

The northern mountainous region of the Dolomites receives heavy snowfall along with rain and hail during the winter. Temperatures in this area can drop as low as -30°C (-22°F). 

Rome, in the middle of the country, has slightly warmer temps than the north. During the summer, temperatures range from 25-33°C (77-91°F), and during the winter it drops to 8-10°C (46-50°F). 

Southern Italy includes the cities of Naples, Positano, Tropea and the island of Sicily. This part of the country generally experiences warmer weather than the north and similar temperatures to Rome. 

Packing list essentials for Italy 

When packing your suitcase, the items you bring will change dramatically depending on whether you are visiting — summer or winter. Below are a few crucial items for varying temperatures.  

When traveling during the warmer months of June, July and August (as well as the shoulder season), below are a few items you won’t want to forget. 

• Comfortable shoes: Yes, it will be warm, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be in flip-flops, especially if you aren’t at the beach. Italians are well-dressed, so be mindful of that when you’re out and about. Wear closed-in comfortable shoes for exploring the vibrant cities of Rome, Florence and Milan. 
• Dry bag: Planning a boat trip around the Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast? A dry bag will ensure your valuables stay dry. 
• Jacket or jumper: Even though you are visiting during the summer, temperatures up north, near the mountains, are much cooler. You won’t regret bringing a jacket for the evenings! 
• AirPods: Since you will likely travel around Italy by train, having your AirPods to listen to music or a podcast will be a savior. 
• Mini-fan: This isn’t a necessity, but you’ll love having one of these tucked into your bag when wandering around a city in the middle of the day.

In comparison, a visit to Italy during the winter (December, January and February) means you must pack heavier clothing, including beanies and scarves. Below are a few more items you will want to consider.

• Umbrella: If you have a small umbrella that fits into your suitcase, bring it! This will save you the hassle of buying one if it starts raining. 
• Slippers: These may not be an essential item for everyone, but there is nothing better than returning to your accommodation to snuggle into your cozy loungewear and slippers. 
• Jacket: Ideally, you’ll have a waterproof one if you plan to visit the mountains. 
• Sunglasses: The winter sun will hopefully be shining, so it’s always best to protect your eyes from any glare. 

How to get to and around Italy

There are a number of major airports in Italy. These include Rome Fiumicino Airport, Milan Malpensa, Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport and Naples International Airport. 

As mentioned earlier, for budget travel in Italy, look for cheaper flights landing at an alternative airport. 

Below are a few of the most popular routes for traveling within the country:

• From Rome to Milan, you can take a one-hour and 10-minute flight, a 3-hour train ride, or a 7.5-hour bus ride. 
• If you plan to travel from Milan to Florence, a train ride will take 1 hour and 45 minutes. A bus is about 4.5 hours.
• From Venice to Florence, you have two options. The first is to take a 2-hour train ride. The other is jumping on a bus, which takes 3-4 hours. 
• From Rome to Naples, it will take two hours and 40 minutes in a car, three hours on a bus, or one hour on a train or plane. 
• Even from Milan to Naples, which involves traveling from the country’s north to the south, it will only take 1.5 hours by plane or 4.5 hours on a train. The bus ride is about 10.5 hours, but it starts around $8.  

As you can see, transport options to and within Italy are relatively simple. Planes and trains are the fastest but also the most expensive. Buses are more time-consuming but by far the cheapest. 

No matter how you travel, the key is planning your trip logically, either moving from north to south or vice versa. 

Told ya! Budget traveling in Italy is possible!

There is a reason that Italy has many tourists longing to return. While it may not be the largest country, it certainly has it all. 

From the Dolomites’ ski slopes to the Como and Garda lake region to the crystal clear waters of Sardinia and the charming villages in Tuscany, Italy has something for everyone. 

With these budget travel in Italy tips, you’ve got six ways to save money on your next trip. Perhaps these money-saving tips and techniques will help you visit again and again. 

FAQ