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How to travel to Italy on a budget

While Italy may not be the most expensive country in Europe, it's also not the cheapest - but you'll find your hard earned money can go further than you think with a bit of strategic planning, a few smart decisions, and focussing your spending where it really matters - without compromising your experience.

Updated by: Aimee White - Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Updated: 6 October 2025

 

Incredible cuisine. Landmark art and architecture. Natural beauty from rolling vineyards and alpine lakes, to limestone cliffs on sun-kissed Mediterranean coastline. Italy offers a wealth of attractions and experiences. But partaking in everything this great European country has to offer can start to add up cost-wise.

 

First of all, there's the cost of flights, hotel rooms and other essentials like travel insurance. Most attractions like museums, cathedrals and archaeological sites charge for admission. And with so many culinary delights to sample, food costs can also quickly add up.

 

But don't worry. There are plenty of ways to see Italy on the cheap and plan a budget trip. Here are some insider tips on how to save money when visiting Italy, while still relishing the classic Italian experience.

Can you do Italy on a budget?

Yes! By doing things like traveling in shoulder or off-season, using public transportation, and taking advantage of affordable food, Italy can be a very budget-friendly destination. Whether travelling solo or travelling on a small group Italy itinerary, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down.

 

By including add-ons like meals and pre-booked accommodations, activities and tours, travelling with a small group tour will save you money. Our close working relationships with hoteliers, restaurant owners, and tour guides in Italy also enables us to get you the best deals.

 

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Cyclist rides a mountain bike uphill on a gravel path, surrounded by wooden fences, green vegetation, and steep cliffs under a cloudy sky.

Is travelling to and around Italy expensive?

While Italy may not be the most expensive country in Europe, it's also not the cheapest. The time of year that you visit, where in the country you're travelling, and how many things you want to do also factor in to how expensive your Italian trip will be.

 

There are ways you can keep travel costs down. You can take cheap flights on budget airlines, and fly into and out of major airports, as opposed to smaller regional hubs. And instead of going through the hassle of getting an international driving permit and organising a car rental, you can use public transit.

 

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When is the best time to visit Italy while on a budget?

The time of year you visit Italy will also impact on how expensive your trip is. Summer is high season, so not only will all the tourist hot spots be very busy, but everything from tickets for flights to accommodations will be more expensive.

 

The best time of year to visit Italy on a budget is during the shoulder season, in either the spring or autumn. While the weather may not always be as predictable, you'll encounter fewer tourists, flights and other costs will be lower, and you will be able to find the best deals. Given the rise of temperatures in recent years, the cooler temperatures of shoulder season might even be preferable for some travellers.

 

How to travel solo in Europe
Two tall medieval towers stand prominent in an open plaza, surrounded by historic buildings with arches and a domed structure, under a clear blue sky with sunlight filtering through.

Michelle's take on Amalfi in shoulder season:

"The weather in March was wonderful for hiking. The temps averaged 60s to 70s during the day and a bit cooler nights and mornings. Minori was lively with locals but not overrun with tourists which I personally treasure. You see the city through the eyes of the locals. Public transportation was extremely reliable and not as crowded as the busy season. As someone who was extremely trepedacious about this trip I'm so happy I did it! It was my first group tour and it far exceeded my expectations. Matteo the tour guide made it especially enjoyable with his passion for the area and knowledge (and he's also quite comedic!). If you are looking for an adventure where there are more locals than tourists then this is the time to go."

Michelle from New Orleans, who travelled on Amalfi Coast Walking - Coastal Hotel, verified Feefo customer review (2025)

Where should I go on a budget in Italy?

Where you travel on your trip to Italy will also impact on how expensive or cheap it is. Cities like Venice and Rome will be pricey even during low season.

 

For some of the most budget traveller-friendly places in Italy, head to Cinque Terre instead of Positano on the Amalfi Coast, Naples or Bologna instead of Milan or Rome, as well as countless charming small towns and villages throughout the countryside. Sicily is also very affordable all year round.
Bicycle leans against a brick wall outside a café named "Caffetteria," while diners sit at tables under umbrellas in a sunlit European square with historic buildings.

How much should I budget for a trip to Italy?

This varies depending on when and where you're visiting on your trip to Italy. Luckily, our affordable small-group tours start out as low as £999 for eight days of travel, excluding airfare. That way, while in Italy, you only need to budget based on personal preference for costs like food and drink, add-on experiences, and buying souvenirs.
A chef places ham on a pizza in a rustic kitchen, surrounded by ingredients like herbs, eggs, flour, and spices, with a visible stone oven in the background.

Where to stay in Italy on a budget

Staying in big Italian cities like Rome or Florence will generally cost more, especially during high season. The type of hotel will also impact the price. You can save money by choosing hotels that aren't close to major tourist areas, by sharing a room instead of getting private rooms to take advantage of double occupancy rates, or by staying in hostel dorms.

 

On Explore tours, we arrange all your hotels and accommodations for you to save you both time and money.
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Colorful buildings tightly cluster on a hillside overlooking a serene bay, with lush green hills and distant mountains framing the vibrant coastal town.

What is the cheapest way to get around Italy?

While you can keep transportation costs down by using public transit, there is one way to get around Italy at no extra cost: on your own two feet! With our small group walking tours and cycling tours, you can save even more money by being your own personal mode of transportation.

 

Apart from walking or cycling, using public transit is one of the cheaper options. You can easily get around big cities like Rome using the metro. You can also use buses in and outside of the cities. Train travel is especially popular, with both high-speed and regional train options available. The high-speed trains are generally a bit more expensive, but you can buy a rail pass to save money.

For an extended rail adventure, why not journey to the start of your tour by rail? Explore's partners International Rail can design your route, book your trains and will be on hand to support you throughout your journey, taking care of the logistics for you. 
Two hikers walk along a narrow, winding trail on a coastal hillside. One carries a blue backpack and uses trekking poles, with the sea and distant mountains in the background.

Where to stay in Italy on a budget

Staying in big Italian cities like Rome or Florence will generally cost more, especially during high season. The type of hotel will also impact the price. You can save money by choosing hotels that aren't close to major tourist areas, by sharing a room instead of getting private rooms to take advantage of double occupancy rates, or by staying in hostel dorms.

 

On Explore tours, we arrange all your hotels and accommodations for you to save you both time and money.
Colorful buildings tightly cluster on a hillside overlooking a serene bay, with lush green hills and distant mountains framing the vibrant coastal town.

 

Other ways for budget travellers to save money in Italy

Here are some other top tips on how to be cost effective while travelling around Italy:

  • Seek out attractions that offer free admission. Some churches you can enter for free (with perhaps a suggested donation) while many museums also have free admission days – the Vatican Museums offer free entry on the last Sunday of each month. This is a great way for history buffs to see as much as they can on a budget
  • By budgeting on travel expenses, you can save enough to afford unforgettable experiences such as taking a gondola ride in Venice
  • If you're going to indulge in a cappuccino or espresso, drink it standing up at the bar and save yourself additional gratuity fees
  • You don't always have to scrimp and save the entire trip. You can spend less and be on a tight budget in certain cities in order to have more to spend in the places you're most excited to visit
  • Buy your own groceries. Visit a local market to stock up on affordable local foods and save cash instead of dining out
  • Head outside the city center, away from major tourist areas, to find more affordable (and better) Italian cuisine. Restaurants and stores near tourist attractions charge higher prices and are often mediocre compared to what can be found just a few blocks away
  • Save money on dining by eating a big multi-course lunch instead of a big dinner – dinners are more expensive

 

Don't just travel, Explore!

Ready to explore Italy with us? We offer a wide range of small group trips to Italy; choose from Classic Discovery, Walking, Cycling, and Family tours. From Rome to the Amalfi Coast, the only question is where to start – so where will your next adventure take you?
View all Italy trips
Colorful buildings cascade down a steep hillside against a backdrop of a calm blue sea with numerous boats, under a vivid, picturesque sky at sunset.

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