Take your Italian tour!

Who hasn't dreamed of sipping an espresso in Rome, tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, or getting lost in the narrow streets of Tuscany? Italy is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world, but it's also famous for its steep prices. But don't worry: it's possible to travel to Italy on a budget, and I'll show you how to do it without sacrificing the incredible experiences the country has to offer.

The truth is, the secret isn't being rich, but being smart. With good planning, some strategic choices, and some traditional traveler tactics, you can enjoy the best of Italy on a backpacker's budget.

Choose the right time to travel

The first step to saving money is to avoid the high season. In Italy, the months of June to August are the most expensive, with flights, accommodations, and attractions inflated due to the European summer. If you want to spend less, choose to travel between October and March.

During this period, the weather is milder, lines are shorter, and prices plummet, including on flights. Plus, you can enjoy the beauty of the cities without bumping into crowds of tourists.

Want a bonus tip? November is the perfect month: cheap, beautiful, and full of flight deals.

Research airline tickets carefully

Nothing weighs more heavily on an international travel budget than airfare. But you can overcome this with a few strategies:

  • Use search engines like Skyscanner, Google Flights e Kayak to compare prices.
  • Turn on price alerts to receive notifications when there are promotions.
  • Be flexible with your dates — sometimes changing your flight by a day or two can save you hundreds of dollars.
  • Consider flying with European low-cost airlines (such as Ryanair or Wizz Air) if you have a layover in another country.

And a golden tip: research flights departing from big cities, like São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, and see if it's cheaper to take a domestic flight there before heading to Italy.

Where to stay without breaking the bank

Lodging is another area that can stretch your budget, but there are many affordable and comfortable alternatives. Instead of traditional hotels, try:

  • Hostels (many have private rooms, with great value for money);
  • Airbnb, for those who want to save money by cooking their own meals;
  • Homestays or solidarity accommodation, on sites like Workaway and Couchsurfing.

If you want a sure tip, Bologna and Naples These are perfect base cities for those on a budget. They're beautiful, have great food, and are close to famous tourist attractions like Florence, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast.

How to get around within Italy

The Italian transportation system is excellent, and you can cross the entire country without spending a lot.

  • Regional trains are cheap and punctual — the Trenitalia and Italo are the main companies.
  • For long journeys, search for tickets from low-cost buses, such as FlixBus, which offers trips from 5 euros.
  • Within cities, prefer to walk or take public transportation. Italian cities are safe and easy to explore.

If you like total freedom, rent a scooter (in smaller cities) or a car, but only if you're going to share the costs with other people, otherwise, it could end up being more expensive.

Good and cheap food

Eating well is almost a must in Italy, but it doesn't have to be expensive. Avoid touristy restaurants and look for trattorias e osterias, which are family restaurants with authentic food and affordable prices.

Another tip is to ask for the menu del giorno (menu of the day), which includes starter, main course and drink for a fixed price, usually between 10 and 15 euros.

Want to save even more? Visit local markets and bakeries, buy cold cuts, bread, and fruit, and have a picnic in the square—it's as Italian as sitting in a restaurant.

Oh, and a heads up: in many places, there is a fee called covered, which is a kind of "table service." Keep an eye on the bill so you don't get surprised.

Visit less famous cities

Everyone thinks of Rome, Venice, and Florence, and yes, they're incredible, but they're also the most expensive. If you want to experience the real Italy without breaking the bank, explore smaller cities.

Some amazing and cheaper options:

  • Lecce (Puglia) – full of baroque architecture and beautiful beaches;
  • Siena (Tuscany) – historic, charming and great value;
  • Bari – starting point for paradisiacal islands and beaches;
  • Verona – romantic, with that movie-city feel.

These cities offer cheaper accommodations, good food, and a true Italian atmosphere, without the mass tourism.

Free (and unmissable) attractions

Italy is practically an open-air museum, so you can enjoy a lot without spending a dime. Just walking around Rome is a history lesson in itself.

Check out some free attractions that are worth a visit:

  • St. Peter's Basilica, in the Vatican (entrance is free, you only pay if you want to climb the dome).
  • Historic squares such as Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna and Piazza San Marco.
  • Trevi Fountain — and yes, tossing a coin is free, just don't overdo it.
  • Walks through historic neighborhoods, such as Trastevere in Rome or Brera in Milan.

And if you want to visit museums, look for free days: several Italian museums open for free on first Sunday of every month.

Learn the basics of the language

Knowing a few Italian phrases makes a difference and can even help you save money. Besides opening doors and bringing smiles, you'll avoid falling into tourist traps.

Useful phrases:

  • “How much does it cost?” (How much does it cost?)
  • “Poso pagare con carta?” (Can I pay with a card?)
  • “Un caffè, please.” (A coffee, please.)
  • “Where is the bathroom?”

Travel and enjoy!

Traveling to Italy on a budget is entirely possible. It all comes down to planning, flexibility, and wise choices. Escape the obvious, explore what tourist itineraries overlook, and experience Italy like a local, savoring every dish, every little street, and every conversation with that friendly man at the market.

Italy is a country that rewards those who allow themselves to slow down and enjoy themselves. And the good news is that you don't need to be a millionaire to do so, just curious and well-prepared.

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Published on October 27, 2025