Italy doesn’t have to be expensive. The country offers a lot of activities you can do for a cheap price - sometimes even for free!
And if you know the right places to visit and the right activities to try, then you can definitely explore its 3 major cities. 😉
Rome
Rome, the capital city of Italy. You’d think touring the capital city would be expensive, but that’s not the case.
Discover the major attractions in Rome with just one ticket!
A budget trip to Italy, particularly to Rome, is made more affordable with the Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. For less than US$30, you get to visit the city’s major attractions aboard a double-decker bus. You can even hop-off then hop-on anytime!
A trip to Rome isn’t complete without a visit to the Vatican.
The hop-on, hop-off bus has a total of 8 stops, including a stop at the world-renowned Colosseum. But we recommend hopping off at 2 specific stops!
Your first hop-off could be at the 6th stop, which is the Vatican stop. After all, a trip to Rome isn’t complete without a visit to the Vatican.
You can explore St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica for free. But if you want to tour the St. Peter Basilica’s dome, it’ll cost extra. For less than US$35, you can get the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Ticket with a self-guided audio tour to explore the place.
Going up the dome means discovering the masterpieces of Michelangelo and Bernini and seeing a beautiful view of Rome.
Tour the inside of the Pantheon for an affordable price!
After visiting the Vatican, hop on back to the bus, and hop off at the 7th stop, which is the Spanish Steps. Walk up and down those 135 steps before walking over to the famous Trevi Fountain. Make sure to toss a coin to guarantee a return to Rome! 🤭
Head over next to the Pantheon, a famous architecture in Rome. You can admire its architecture for free on the outside, but, if you do want an insider’s tour, a Pantheon Ticket costs less than US$14! Talk about a steal!
If you still have time, check out more free things to do in Rome! There’s really a lot more you can do in Rome to make the most of your budget travel in Italy.
Milan
Milan is regarded as the global capital of fashion and design, so others might think it’s just a place for shopping. But, really, it’s more than that.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Milan Cathedral.
For one, Milan is also famous for its stunning Milan Duomo, a 600-year-old Gothic cathedral recognized as the largest church in the country.
The Milan Cathedral does require a ticket to enter, but it costs just around US$30. You can also explore with a Milan Duomo Self-Guided Audio Tour that’ll point you to the cathedral’s masterpieces and hidden gems.
Explore Milan at your own pace with the self-guided walking tour.
After exploring the cathedral, you can go on this Milan Self-Guided Walking Tour that takes you to Milan’s best-kept secrets.
You’ll begin at Piazza del Duomo, where the Milan Duomo is located, and end at Fondazione Prada. You’ll visit many famous places in between, like the Santa Maria delle Grazie where you can find Da Vinci’s The Last Supper!
A budget trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without exploring its markets and food halls. So, after discovering the city’s gems, head on over to the 7 best Milan markets for affordable yet delicious meals. 🍽️
Venice
Venice, the floating city known for its Grand Canal and romantic gondola rides.
Prepare for lots of walking in Venice!
The city is entirely car-free, relying instead on its water transportation and, well, walking. You can ride a gondola to discover the city’s attractions, but we recommend going on a Walking Self-Guided Tour of Venice instead for a more up-close experience.
The tour will take you to famous spots like St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge Palace, and Rialto Bridge. For that Venice vibe, you might want to consider taking lots of photos at Rialto Bridge. 📸
Learn the craft of glassblowing and lacemaking from Venetian artisans themselves.
But then again, that Venice vibe won’t be complete if you’re not aboard a boat, floating along the Grand Canal.
So, it’s time to ride one! 🛶
A perfect Venice boat ride would be this Murano and Burano Boat Tour that takes you to discover glassblowing in Murano, and lacemaking in Burano. The tour isn’t just a simple cruise along the canal; it’s also a tour that showcases Venetian culture and art, as well as the history of the two islands.
Feel an exquisite kind of wonder at La Fenice Opera House.
Speaking of Venetian culture and art, you should also check out La Fenice Opera House, one of Italy’s most iconic opera houses.
Sure, Venice is known for its canal and gondolas, but did you know that opera is also integral to the city? Think of it like pizza and Naples; they’re inseparable!
La Fenice Opera House takes you to the history and treasures of Italian opera, as you take a tour around all of the halls.
FAQs
1. How much is a typical budget for an Italy trip?
A typical cost of vacation to Italy ranges from US$115 to US$250 per person per day, excluding flights. Budget travelers could manage on US$50 to US$100 per person per day.
2. Is $5000 enough for a trip to Italy?
Yes, US$5000 is enough for a 2-person budget trip to Italy for 1 to 2 weeks. This budget should already cover flights, accommodations, transportation, and dining.
With a budget like this, we suggest avoiding peak seasons. You can visit during shoulder seasons, but visiting during off season is most recommended.
3. What is the cheapest month to go to Italy?
As we did say, it’s best to visit during off season for a cheap Italy vacation. The cheapest months to visit are November, January, and February. Especially during January and February, flights and accommodations are at their lowest prices.
Visiting during the shoulder seasons of March, April, and October are also good for moderate prices.
4. What is the cheapest way to travel around Italy?
Definitely use public transportation! Trains and buses will be a budget traveler’s best friend. But, if you’re staying in just one city and you want a more affordable trip to Italy, then all you have to do is walk. 🚶
5. How can I save money on sightseeing in Italy?
Hop-on, hop-off bus tours and walking tours are a very affordable way to discover a city’s tourist attractions with just one ticket. You can also consider city passes that give you unlimited public transportation rides and free entrance to chosen attractions.
A budget trip to Italy is possible!
Clearly, there are countless affordable (and free!) ways to explore the major cities of Italy. You don’t have to overspend! With a bit of planning, a budget trip to Italy can be filled with memories that stick with you long after the journey ends. 🇮🇹
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