Italy on your mind? Let’s be honest, we’ve all been dreaming of being there since that Lizzie McGuire movie came out years ago…
Visiting this European beauty is a fantasy most travellers share. The endless carbs, the beautiful people, the ton of culture – there’s just so much to love. And though Italy can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be – not if you know where to go and how to do it right.
Coming right up: an ultimate budget guide that will have you exploring the best of the country, on the cheap.
Making Your Money Go Furthest
Rome
It’s a touristy city but you simply can’t ignore it – it’s that awesome. There’s no need to spend money on entry to expensive museums in order to experience Rome’s rich history; you can visit plenty of sights for free and get the same experience. For starters, check out the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and St Peter’s Basilica, which are all free (and great for the ‘gram)!
Florence
Florence is mostly a student town, as universities around the globe tend to ship their brightest students abroad for the summer in this beautiful Tuscan city. Luckily, this means there are a lot of cheap food options around and plenty of free sights to see. You can window shop on the Ponte Vecchio, see the outside of the Duomo, and take in the beautiful city views from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Venice
This historic city is a little more fancy but there’s no need to spend extra dough in order to experience Venice’s full beauty. Some of the city’s attractions don’t cost a thing – such as the Basilica di San Marco and Galleria Traghetto. You may not be able to take a gondola ride, but you can get a splendid view of them on the water from the Grand Canal.
Cinque Terre
These five small villages are absolutely perfect for the budget traveler. Your money can’t not go far with all the small boutiques and tiny restaurants on offer, but if they do prove unaffordable just remember that sweet views don’t cost a thing. And you don’t even have to take expensive transportation to get from point a to point b. For €7 ($8 usd), you can literally take a hike to all of the villages in Cinque Terre, from Riomaggiore to Monterosso.
Eating Out (and Eating Well) on the Cheap
Rome is full of dining options, but instead of spending money on an expensive restaurant, you can pick up local meat, cheese and fruit at the local markets known as Mercato Trionfale or Mercato di Testaccio. For a fun and inexpensive night out, hang out at Piazza Navona, a square that brings in live entertainment, wine bars and cozy cafes.
Fancy doing Italy on the cheap? Check out top rated tours of Italy.
In Florence, you can enjoy the very best of Italy (think gelato and wine) without breaking the bank. Head to Carapina, right off the Ponte Vecchio, for a refreshing snack that only costs a couple of euros. As for wine, you can get a nice glass at Gianni Migliorini’s wine bar, accompanied by appetizers and porchetta sandwiches. Yum.
In Venice, you can eat plenty on the cheap at lunchtime and from 6–8pm, a period of time called chicheti. You can find many snacks from €1 to €6 ($1-7 usd), as long as you seek out the right places. Two popular chicheti places are Osteria al Squero and Vino Vero. You can also enjoy happy hour at 6pm at various hole-in-the-wall bars, which tend to offer drinks at a price so low it will leave you in awe.
In Cinque Terre, there are plenty of restaurants and local groceries, but we recommend the latter for the budget traveler. This way you don’t have to spend extra on an ambiance you can get for free. Buy a cheeky pizza or panini at the local café or grocer, and find a hidden spot overlooking the sea to sit down, eat it, and really soak it all that Italian goodness in.
Extra Tips and Tricks for Travel in Italy
• July and August is high season for tourists, meaning just about any other time of year is cheaper. You have been warned!
• In Rome, public transport can be expensive. We recommend walking and taking a taxi if you really need to.
• In Venice, if you’re going to use the water bus, we suggest investing in an ACTV Tourist Ticket, giving you a better bang for your buck.
• In Florence, consider investing in a Firenze Card (€72/$79 usd), which gives you access to museums, galleries and gardens for 72 hours.
• In Cinque Terre, you can take a train that allows you to visit all the villages for €12 ($13 usd).
If you would like to do more than just the usual tourist activities, these pages will help: