Ever felt your wallet cringe at the thought of an Italian vacation? I sure did – on my first trip, a €1.20 espresso and a €2 gelato gave me sticker shock.
As per my experience, you should plan on at least €130 per day in Italy if you want to hit the famous sights. But don’t panic – that’s a maximum, not a rule. Think of it as your budget upper limit and then shave it down with travel tricks.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to nibble Italy on a shoestring: saving on flights, trains, food and fun so you can splurge on experiences (and maybe an extra gelato or two) without blowing the budget.
Travel Smart: Off-Peak Season & Cheap Arrivals
First, pick your timing wisely. Italy’s crowds and prices spike in July–August, so shoulder season (spring or fall) is your friend.
As per my research, I point out, “Shoulder season (March–May and September–November) is known for cheap Italy deals.” I once booked a trip in late September and had spring-like weather (mid-70s!) and much cheaper airfare.
Flights drop in price, hotels throw in extras, and many attractions still have lovely weather and shorter lines.
Next, where you land can save you hundreds. Cheap carriers often fly into smaller airports: Bergamo instead of Milan, Treviso instead of Venice, or Bari/Brindisi instead of Rome. This trick alone can shave €50–€100 off a flight.
In fact, my recommended budget tips begin with “Fly into secondary airports or enter Italy overland.” From those airports you can hop on local buses or trains into the city. (Example: a shuttle bus from Bergamo into Milan’s center is only a few euros.) Also see my guide: A Local’s Guide to Milan.
One more transit note: skip the rental car unless you’re truly venturing off-grid. Italian trains and buses are reliable, scenic, and often cheaper than fuel and tolls.
I learned this the hard way after a winding Amalfi Coast drive – next time I’ll gladly take the train. Italy’s high-speed trains link cities in comfort (e.g. Florence–Milan around €56 with advance booking), and regional trains or FlixBus coaches can be dirt-cheap if you plan ahead.
Urban transport is also a steal – a city bus or tram ticket is often under €2 per ride.
Budget Accommodations: Sleep Cheap, Dream Big
Where you sleep doesn’t have to drain your funds. I often mix hostels, Airbnbs and countryside farm stays (agriturismi) to cut costs.
Hostels in Italy are clean and social – on a good deal I’ve snagged dorm beds for as low as €20–€25 in smaller cities (splurge a bit more in peak Rome or Venice).
Many have kitchens, so you can save by cooking breakfast or pasta dinners. Private rooms run higher, but you can sometimes split an Airbnb or B&B room with a friend for about €40–60 each in mid-size towns.
For a uniquely Italian experience, try an agriturismo (farm stay). These are usually outside city centers in Tuscany, Umbria or Puglia, and they often include breakfast (and sometimes dinner!) in the price.
Book your stay here:
I once stayed at a Tuscan farmhouse for €80/night with an included breakfast of homemade jam and fresh bread. Sleeping among olive groves is romantic and cheap – plus the hosts love sharing budget tips.
If you really want to save, camping is a viable option (especially in coastal or alpine areas). Italy has many well-equipped campsites, and even “agri-camps” where you pitch a tent on farmland.
Also check:
➡️ A First-Time Guide to Italy
I’ve camped for €15–€20 and cooked my own meals. Just be sure to book early in summer.
Eat (and Drink) on the Cheap
Ah, the food! Here’s the good news: tasty Italian food doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of my best meals were under €10.
Don’t miss our guide on Street Food in Italy.
Breakfast is usually free in hotels/hostels (coffee and a pastry), so start the day fueled. For lunch and snacks, hit the markets and delis. Cheap eats my friends love:
- Pizza al taglio or panini: You’ll find counters selling pizza by the slice or fresh sandwiches for €3–5. Grab one to-go in a pretty piazza.
- Local markets: Pick up bread, cheese, olives and fruit at outdoor markets or grocery stores for a picnic. Pairing prosciutto with melon (when in season!) or a caprese salad made from market tomatoes can be gourmet yet cheap.
- Aperitivo hour: This is like happy hour and it’s huge. In many cities, paying ~€6–10 for a drink (spritz or beer) grants you access to a buffet of snacks and finger foods. One cocktail equals a small dinner. (My wallet and I are still high-fiving over this hack.)
And don’t underestimate coffee hacks: always stand at the bar instead of sitting down. Lonely Planet’s cheeky tip: “Stand up for your coffee.”
Italians do it all the time – you pay around €1–1.20 for a quick espresso at the counter versus twice that at a table with a view. (This literally saved me €40 over one week of morning coffees!)
For dinner, avoid touristy traps near major sights. Those menus can double the price. Walk a few blocks to where locals eat and you’ll find hearty pasta or pizza for €8–12.
Also look for the “pranzo del giorno” – a fixed-price lunch menu (often 2 courses + wine) for about €10–15 in neighborhood trattorias. I once did a 2-course lunch + glass of wine for €13, and it was divine.
One final sip-and-savor tip: tap water in Italy is generally safe and free. Carry a refillable bottle and save the €2 bottled water. Every cent counts!
Free and Cheap Attractions
Italy is like an open-air museum – much of the best stuff is free! Picture strolling through medieval hill towns, centuries-old piazzas, and iconic city squares without spending a cent.
Here are some freebies and nearly-free experiences I swear by:
- Bask in free sights: Rome’s Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, or the Trevi Fountain – no entry fee. Many grand cathedrals (Duomo in Florence or Milan) let you enter the main hall for free (you only pay to climb the dome or see the baptistery). The joy is in wandering.
- Piazzas & parks: Venice’s Piazza San Marco, Florence’s Piazza della Signoria, or any village piazza are perfect for people-watching. The historic gardens (like Villa Borghese in Rome) are free to explore. I’ve spent afternoons lounging by the Arno River in Florence or sipping gelato on Rome’s Janiculum Hill, all at zero cost.
- Free museum days: Many cities offer free museum entry on certain days or times. For example, Rome opens many state museums free on the first Sunday of each month. Florence offers free entry to locals on certain dates (if you pretend you’re local, eh?). Just Google “ museum free day” before your trip.
- Walking tours & hiking: Load up on free walking tours (just tip the guide what you can). And don’t miss hiking or scenic strolls – from Cinque Terre trails to Amalfi Coast pathways, nature’s view is often priceless.
- Cultural freebies: Often churches host free concerts or events, and local festivals (sagre) offer free samples of regional food or wine. Keep an eye on local event calendars or ask at tourist offices.
All these free/cheap things let you experience the soul of Italy without draining your euro pouch.
Local-Style Money Hacks & Misc Tips
A few more tricks from my backpacker playbook:
- City Tourist Cards: If you plan to hit many paid sites, check if a city pass makes sense. For example, the Roma Pass or Firenze Card bundles museums and transit. If you’re museum-hopping, the upfront cost can pay off with freebies and skip-the-line access.
- Cash vs. Card: Most places accept cards, but it’s smart to use a debit/credit card with no foreign transaction fees and withdraw cash as needed (avoid airport kiosks with bad rates). Some restaurants still prefer cash for small bills.
- Lunchy Shopping: Supermarkets and discount shops (Lidl, Eurospin) are great for grabbing water, snacks, pasta and even ready-made meals far cheaper than corner cafes.
- Pack Light, Buy Cheap: Italy has a bounty of markets for souvenirs – it’s often cheaper to buy olive oil, ceramics or textiles there than in a fancy store. Haggling is rare, but in outdoor markets a friendly smile and “Dai un po’ di sconto?” (Give me a little discount?) sometimes works.
- Language & Locals: Learn a few Italian phrases and always say “per favore” and “grazie.” Italians appreciate it, and you might earn a local tip or friend to show you the cheap spots.
Need a reliable connection? I recommend Airalo eSIM (use MUHAMM7693 for $3 off), and a strong VPN like Surfshark when on public Wi-Fi.
Final Encouragement
Believe me, you can explore Italy without blowing up your bank account. It just takes a bit of savvy planning, like booking early, traveling off-peak, and embracing the local way of life.
With these tips – many straight from my experience budget guide and my own adventures – you’ll be toasting with a €1.20 espresso and a sun-drenched smile.
Remember: Italy isn’t about spending every euro in sight, it’s about savoring its magic. Wandering medieval alleyways, marveling at art, and sharing a street pizza with friends can all be priceless experiences.
Follow these budget tips and you’ll stretch your euros from Palermo to Milano, saying “che bella vita!” without the financial stress.
Now grab your rail pass (or broomstick) and get going – an affordable Italian adventure awaits!