Italy is a dream destination which can be expensive, however, there are so many ways you can save money on your trip. With some planning, you can enjoy everything from the canals of Venice to the beaches of Sicily.
We’ve visited Italy more times than we can count, with kids in tow, just the two of us, and even solo—and along the way we’ve learned how to do Italy without spending a fortune.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the hacks and tips you need to travel Italy cheaply, including flights, accommodation, transport, packing, and food. We’ll also link to some of our budget-friendly Italy trips for inspiration.
Search for “Italy” instead of a specific city on Skyscanner.
Instead of searching for a specific city, try typing “Italy” instead. This will show you the cheapest airports to fly into across the country.
Airfare can vary significantly from day to day. Mid-week flights, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are often cheaper than weekend departures. Use the “flexible dates” or “whole month” options in flight search tools to compare prices.
💡 Pro Tip: Sometimes shifting your trip by just a few days can reduce flights by 20–30%.
If you’re planning a short trip, last-minute flights can be cheaper than booking far in advance. For budget airlines, the sweet spot is usually 4–6 weeks before departure. Booking too early or too late can sometimes mean higher prices.
Sign up for fare alerts from budget airlines or flight comparison tools. This way, you’ll be notified immediately when prices drop or a flash sale appears. Flights at rock-bottom prices sometimes only last a few hours!
Flying into one city and out of another can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket from the same airport. For example, flying into Venice and returning from Rome. Or Turin in the north and leaving from Verona, can often save money while letting you see more of Italy. We often fly into one airport and return from another, and it saves us a lot of money.
Budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air often charge for extras like seat selection, hold luggage, and even priority boarding.
Let the airline assign seats randomly to save £10–£20 per person.
For a short trip, a backpack is often enough and avoids costly checked bag fees.
Check your airline’s luggage rules; EasyJet and Ryanair differ slightly, and even a small mistake can cost extra.
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Traveling with kids? Some airlines offer free or discounted seats for children under 12.
Consider flying at less convenient times (early morning or late evening), which can often be cheaper.
Book for the whole family at once to lock in the best rates rather than buying tickets separately.
See our 7 Night Itinerary: Flying in to Venice and out of Verona
Finding the right place to stay can make or break a budget trip to Italy. Hotels in city centres can be expensive, especially for families, but there are plenty of alternatives that are cheaper, spacious, and just as comfortable.
For families or groups, renting an apartment can be far more cost-effective than booking multiple hotel rooms. Apartments often come with:
A kitchen to cook your own meals
Washing machines to reduce packing
Extra space for kids to play or relax
💡 Pro Tip: We use Airbnb, Booking.com and Expedia.com to find the best prices. Sometimes staying slightly outside the city centre can save 20–40%, while still being close to public transport. We find holiday rentals great for cities. Being a family of six we will quite often need two rooms in a hotel which is costly and they aren't guaranteed to be next door to each other.
Italy has some fantastic holiday parks and campsites, especially near lakes, beaches, and popular attractions. These often include:
Bedding and towels (no need to pack heavy linens)
Pools, playgrounds, and entertainment for kids
Kitchens or barbecue areas for self-catering meals
Staying in a campsite or holiday park can feel like a mini-resort while keeping costs much lower than hotels.
If you’re interested in this style of travel, check out our full guide on Eurocamps in Italy.
We also have a guide on which are the best Car Free Eurocamps to visit in Europe, which also features some of our favourite Italian camp sites.
Smaller towns and less touristy cities often have affordable hostels or B&Bs. These can be a great option if you’re:
Traveling solo or as a couple
Looking for local recommendations and tips from hosts
Wanting to meet other travellers
💡 Tip: Many hostels in Italy now offer private family rooms, combining privacy with the budget benefits of a hostel.
💡 Pro Tip: On our site, check our Italy trips for inspiration on budget-friendly stays.
Flexible booking: Use platforms that allow free cancellation; prices often fluctuate.
Split stays: Spend 1–2 nights in each city instead of staying in one expensive location.
Check amenities: A washing machine or kitchenette can save money on food and packing.
Book early for high season: Hotels and apartments fill fast in summer; booking in advance can lock in cheaper rates
Getting around Italy can be surprisingly affordable if you know the tricks. Here’s how to save on trains, buses, and taxis while traveling smart.
Italy’s train network is extensive, but not all trains cost the same.
💡 Pro Tip: Book tickets online through Trainline or Trenitalia . We highly recommend booking any high-speed journey a few months in advance - this can save 50% compared to the on the day price. Plus there are sometimes offers you can take advantage of which aren't available on the day,
💡 Pro Tip: Download apps like Rome2Rio or Google Maps to compare routes and costs for buses, trains, or taxis.
Packing light isn’t just about convenience. It’s a real money-saver. Avoid baggage fees and make city-hopping easier with these tips.
Backpacks over suitcases: Cheaper on budget airlines, easier on trains, and more convenient in small streets or cobbled towns. We use these backpacks for all our travel and they've been fantastic despite the amount of stick we've given them!
Mix & match outfits: Pack versatile clothes that can be layered or worn multiple times.
Vacuum bags: Compress clothes to maximize space and fit more into smaller bags. We find these incredible space savers, especially for winter trips. We got ours here
Magic Leaves or compact laundry sheets: Ideal for handwashing essentials mid-trip and they even go in a washing machine. Click here for the ones we buy
Buy toiletries at the airport or pre-order online to collect at Boots after security (cheaper). This doesn't form part of your luggage allowance
Bring multi-purpose items like quick-dry towels or portable chargers to reduce extra purchases abroad.
For kids, pack essentials in their own small backpack—keeps hands free and avoids sharing a big bag.
Include a few “comfort items” (small toys or travel games) to make journeys smoother without extra bulk.
If you’re travelling with a child still in a pram, it’s worth buying a pram travel bag for when it goes in the aircraft hold. You can use the extra space in the bag for nappies, towels, or blankets, which not only saves luggage space but also helps protect the pram from damage.
Check out our list on 20 most forgotten items when packing
Eating in Italy doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few smart choices, you can enjoy local cuisine without breaking the budget.
Many restaurants offer cheaper lunch menus. Sometimes up to 50% off the dinner price.
Apartments or campsites with kitchens let you cook your own meals. A picnic by a lake or in a piazza can cost just a few euros per person and is a fun experience.
💡 Pro Tip: Plan a few meals in advance if staying in self-catering accommodation—shopping at local markets is cheap, fresh, and part of the Italian experience.
Exploring Italy doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of the most memorable experiences are completely free, or very low cost. Here’s a few ideas.
Italy’s cities are full of charm, and much of it is free to enjoy:
💡 Pro Tip: Early mornings or late evenings are perfect for quieter, free sightseeing.
💡 Pro Tip: Research each city’s museum websites before you go to catch free or discounted entry times.
Many public squares have playgrounds or fountains where children can play for free.
Lakes and beaches provide natural entertainment for kids without extra cost.
Consider picnics in parks or by lakes instead of eating out for every meal.
Book trains and major attractions online in advance to avoid tourist markups.
Travel off-season for cheaper flights and accommodation.
Split costs: Traveling as a group? Share taxis, apartment rentals, and meals.
Use travel apps: Apps like Trainline, Google Maps, and Rome2Rio help avoid expensive mistakes.
For inspiration on budget-friendly itineraries, check out some of our Italy adventures:
16 Day Train Trip Round Italy with Kids - Rome, Venice, Verona, Florence, Pisa, Lake Garda, Milan
4 Days in Sicily from Mainland Italy
How to Travel to Rome with Kids: Budget Edition
Italy can be expensive if you stick to tourist hotspots, hotels, and peak-season travel. However, with budget airlines, regional trains, self-catering accommodation, and free attractions, Italy can be surprisingly affordable—especially compared to destinations like Switzerland or France.
The cheapest months to visit Italy are usually January, February, November, and early March. Flights and accommodation are much cheaper outside of school holidays, and popular cities are far less crowded.
Yes—Italy is actually very family-friendly on a budget. Apartments, campsites, and holiday parks like Eurocamp offer great value, while kids often travel free or discounted on public transport. Parks, beaches, lakes, and city squares provide plenty of free entertainment.
On a budget, many travelers spend €50–€80 per person per day, including accommodation, food, transport, and activities. Staying in apartments or campsites and using regional trains can bring costs down even further for families.
For most budget travelers, trains are cheaper and easier than renting a car—especially in cities. Regional trains are affordable, reliable, and avoid parking fees, fuel costs, and city driving stress. Cars can make sense in rural areas but usually aren’t needed for city-based trips.
Traveling in Italy doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a bit of planning, some smart choices, and a few handy hacks, you can enjoy flights, trains, meals, and accommodation without breaking the bank. Whether you’re going solo, as a couple, or with family, a budget-friendly Italian adventure is totally doable, and still full of the culture, food, and scenery that makes Italy so special.
If you’re planning your own Italy trip, have a look through our Italy itineraries and guides to see exactly how we keep costs low without missing the best bits.
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