Seven tips for visiting Italy in a thoughtful way

Italy is one of the most popular destinations for travelers from all over the world, thanks to its cultural, historical, artistic and gastronomic richness. However, visiting Italy can also be very expensive, especially if you don’t plan your trip well and fall into tourist traps. Luckily, there are some tips that can help you save money and make the most of your stay in the Bel Paese. Here are 7 tips if you want to visit Italy without spending too much.

1. Choose the right period. Italy is beautiful in every season, but some are more affordable than others. In general, the most expensive months are the summer ones (from June to September), when the cities are crowded with tourists and the prices of flights, hotels and attractions skyrocket. If you can, avoid traveling during this time and instead opt for spring (March to May) or autumn (October to November), when the weather is still pleasant and offers are more plentiful. Alternatively, you can also visit Italy in winter (from December to February), if you are not afraid of the cold and the possibility of finding snow. In this case, you will be able to take advantage of low prices and less crowded cities, but also natural beauty and Christmas traditions.

2. Book in advance. Another way to save on your trip to Italy is to book your flights, accommodations and attraction tickets in advance. This way, you can compare the different options and choose the most convenient ones that suit your needs. Furthermore, by booking in advance you can avoid the code and any last minute price increase. To find the best deals, you can use websites or apps that compare prices from different providers, such as Skyscanner, Booking.com or GetYourGuide.

Cittadella

3. Choose where to stay wisely. The cost of accommodation can have a big impact on your travel budget, so it’s important to choose where to sleep carefully. In general, the most expensive places are those located in the historic center of the city or in the most touristy areas. If you want to save money, you can opt for alternative solutions, such as hostels, bed and breakfasts, rented apartments or couchsurfing. These options will allow you to pay less and have a more authentic and local experience. Furthermore, you can also look for accommodations that offer additional services, such as breakfast included, free wifi or a kitchen available. The larger cities also charge the tourist tax, which can be a few euros per day, which the smaller towns do not charge.

4. Get around by public transport or on foot. Italy is a country well connected by a public transport network that includes trains, buses, subways and ferries. These vehicles are often cheaper and more environmentally friendly than a car or taxi, and allow you to easily reach the main tourist destinations. To save even more, you can purchase integrated tickets or tourist cards that give you unlimited access to public transport for a certain period of time. For example, you can use the Roma Pass to visit Rome, the Firenze Card to visit Florence or the Venezia Unica to visit Venice. Alternatively, you can also move on foot or by bicycle, if distances allow it. This way, you will be able to discover hidden corners and enjoy the landscape. To move from one city to another, the train is a good alternative. There are car sharing services. Car rental costs much less if done in smaller cities compared to large centers or airports.

5. Eat like a local. Italian cuisine is one of the most famous and appreciated in the world, but it can also be very expensive if you eat in tourist restaurants or in the central areas of cities. To save money and enjoy the true flavors of Italy, we recommend eating like a local. This means looking for places where Italians eat, such as trattorias, taverns, pizzerias or markets. Here you can find typical, fresh and affordable dishes, such as pasta, pizza, sandwiches, salads or desserts. Furthermore, you can also take advantage of the aperitif hour, which usually takes place between 6pm and 8pm, when many places offer free buffets or appetizers with the cost of the drink. Remember that coffee in Italy costs a fraction compared to other countries and that a continental or sweet breakfast is usually very affordable. However, be aware that refreshment points along motorways, airports or stations can be expensive. Better to go out and find a cafe. Use the various online guides without problems.

6. Visit free or discounted museums and monuments. Italy is an open-air museum, full of works of art, monuments and archaeological sites of great value. To visit them, however, you often have to pay tickets which can be quite expensive. Luckily, there are some ways to save money and enjoy Italian culture without breaking the bank. One of these is visiting free or discounted museums and monuments. In fact, many of these offer free or reduced entry on certain days or times, or for certain categories of people (students, elderly people, residents, etc.). For example, you can visit the Colosseum in Rome for free every first Sunday of the month, the Duomo in Milan every Wednesday from 4.30pm to 5.45pm or the Egyptian Museum in Turin every Tuesday from 7pm to 11pm. To find out about other opportunities, you can consult the official websites of the museums and monuments that interest you.

7) Don’t just stop at the big cities. The beauty of Italy, its art and its history are widespread throughout the territory. Although it is obvious that a tourist wants to linger in famous centres, such as Rome or Venice, there are smaller cities, on the fringes of tourist flows, of enormous charm where the cost of accommodation is low. For example, if you visit Venice, leave a few days for the Veneto, from Verona to Marostica to Cittadella to Montagnana. If you visit Piedmont there is a network of wonderful castles that can be visited. If you are in Tuscany don’t forget Siena, Lucca, Pisa, but also Perugia and Umbria. If you are in Rome don’t forget Bracciano and Ariccia. This is not a complete list and, if you want, write to us for advice.

Enjoy!