How to save money traveling in Italy: the complete guide for foreign visitors
A practical guide to planning your trip, booking transport and restaurants, avoiding tourist traps, and spending less while traveling across Italy.
Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world, but many travelers assume it is always expensive. In reality, traveling in Italy can be surprisingly affordable if you know a few local habits and plan your trip carefully.
This guide is written by a local Italian and a savings enthusiast, so the tips come from real experience. I will explain how to reduce costs before and during your trip: when to book, how to move between cities cheaply, how restaurants work, and how to avoid common tourist traps.
The tips are especially useful for first-time visitors who want to enjoy Italy without spending more than necessary, but I’m sure even people who visited Italy already will discover something useful.
Planning your trip to Italy
Saving money in Italy often starts before the trip even begins.
1. Choose the right travel period
Prices for flights and hotels vary significantly during the year. The most affordable months are usually March–May and September–November. These periods offer milder weather and lower tourist demand.
August is usually the most expensive month because it is the main holiday period for Italians and European travelers and it might be very hot and tiring if you plan to visit historical cities.
Avoid peak travel weeks: prices rise sharply during major holidays such as Easter, 25th April, 1st May, 1st June, Christmas, and New Year.
2. Book in advance
Booking early can reduce travel costs considerably.
Flights are usually cheaper when booked around two to four months before departure. High-speed trains often offer discounted tickets one or two months in advance, while hotels in popular cities should ideally be reserved two or three months before arrival.
3. Use cashback platforms when booking
Many travelers do not realize they can get money back when booking hotels or online services. Cashback platforms return a small percentage of the purchase after you complete a booking.
Two platforms commonly used in Europe are Beruby and TopCashback.
These platforms provide cashback for hotel reservations, online travel services, shopping before your trip.
The process is simple: access the booking website through the cashback platform, complete the purchase, and receive part of the spending back later.
Beruby also offers gift cards of several brands with immediate cashback that you can use online or in real shops.
4. Booking accommodation the smart way
Accommodation is usually the largest travel expense.
Choose the location carefully
A cheap hotel far from the city center may require expensive taxi rides or long transport times. Staying near metro lines or major train stations often saves money overall.
Understand the tourist tax
Main Italian cities charge a small city tax per night, usually between €1 and €7 depending on the accommodation category. This fee is typically paid directly at the hotel.
Compare hotels and apartments
Apartments may be more convenient for longer stays or families. They also allow you to cook occasionally or order delivery food and reduce restaurant expenses.
Check cancellation policies
Flexible cancellation options are useful if travel plans change, but they cost more.
Getting around Italy for less
Italy has a large transportation network, but prices vary depending on the type of service.
Trains
High-speed trains are the fastest way to travel between major cities such as Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice. However, tickets are much cheaper when purchased early. Regional trains are slower but often significantly cheaper.
Trenitalia and Italo are the two main train brands, the latter serving only high-speed routes.
Long-distance buses
Bus companies often offer lower prices than trains, especially for longer routes or last-minute trips. The main companies operating in Italy are Flixbus and Blablacar Bus.
Both train and buses routes and prices can be checked and compared on platforms such as Omio, Trainline and Trainpal.
City transportation
Most cities offer daily or multi-day transport passes that can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. Many public transport systems in big cities now allow contactless payments with credit cards or smartphones.
Taxi tips
Always use official taxis and make sure the taximeter is active. Avoid accepting rides from drivers who approach tourists directly near train stations or airports.
Taxi apps are generally more convenient than taxi as price is known from the beginning so there’s no risk of scams, and there’s no need to speak italian, simplifying communication. Uber and Free2move are the two main apps covering most of the main italian cities.
Walk whenever possible
Italian city centers are compact, walking saves money and gives you a better feel for the city.
Museums and attractions: how to save on tickets
Italy is famous for its museums, archaeological sites, and historic landmarks. However, entrance tickets to major attractions can add up quickly, especially in cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice. Planning ahead can help reduce both costs and waiting time.
Book tickets online in advance
Many popular attractions have long lines, particularly during the high season. Booking tickets online allows you to secure your visit time and often skip ticket office queues.
Several international platforms allow visitors to compare prices, find guided tours, or purchase skip-the-line tickets, the main ones are GetYourGuide, Klook, Tiqets and Musement. These platforms sometimes offer discounted tickets, bundled attractions, or guided tours that may be cheaper than purchasing services separately.
Consider city passes carefully
Many Italian cities offer tourist passes that include museum entries and public transport. These can be convenient but are not always the cheapest option. They are usually worthwhile only if you plan to visit several attractions in a short time. Check if websites such as Turbopass o Go City provides convenient city passes.
Take advantage of free museum days
Many state museums in Italy offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month. While this can save money, it also tends to attract large crowds, so visiting early in the day is recommended.
Look for smaller museums
Italy has thousands of museums, many of which are much less crowded and more affordable than the most famous attractions. Visiting smaller museums can offer a more relaxed experience while keeping your travel budget under control.
Free walking tours
GuruWalk lists walking tours of many city centers around Italy. These tours doesn’t have a fixed price. Participants are free to give a tip at the end of the tour based on how much they enjoyed it. This “pay-what-you-want” system makes it a budget-friendly way to explore cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and Bologna, while learning from local guides who know the hidden corners and stories that typical tourist maps miss.
Eating well without overspending
Italian food is famous worldwide, but eating in tourist areas can be expensive if you are not careful.
Avoid tourist restaurants
Restaurants directly next to major attractions often charge higher prices. Signs of tourist-oriented places include menus with photos, aggressive invitations from staff outside, and unusually large menus in many languages.
Understand the “coperto”
Italian restaurants often charge a small fee called “coperto.” This covers bread and table service and usually costs between €1 and €3 per person, but in high-level restaurants or main tuoristic cities can be even higher. Always check or ask in advance to avoid surprises.
Tipping culture
Unlike in some countries, tipping is not mandatory in Italy. Service is typically included in the price. Leaving small change or rounding up the bill is considered polite but not required and locals never tips.
Lunch menus
Many trattorias offer cheaper “pranzo” (lunch) menus from Monday to Friday.
Look for local food options
Affordable meals can often be found at bakeries, “pizza al taglio” shops (take away pizza by the slice), local markets, casual trattorias away from tourist areas.
Restaurant discounts with apps
Some restaurants offer discounts when reservations are made through online platforms such as TheFork. The provides discounts between 20% and 50% (excluding drinks and set menus) when booking through the app on a selection of restaurants.
If you plan to eat in restaurants in main cities it can help you to save up considerably and makes it easier to book, since you won’t have to reserve by phone. What you have to do:
register on TheFork website or on the app
at the first booking insert the code 7D3CF799
you’ll get 1000 Yums, equivalent to 20€ of discount to use on your following booking (in selected restaurants)
you’ll earn more TheFork Yums on every booking
If you want to combine discounts, you can purchase a gift card with immediate cashback on Beruby, add it on your TheFork and use the app to pay at the restaurant (TheFork Pay). This will allow you to get an additional 5-10% discount, on top on the discount already provided by TheFork (if available for your choosen restaurant).
Payments in Italy
Most payments in Italy can be made with cards, but understanding a few details can save money.
Credit cards
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted across the country. American Express may not be accepted in smaller shops.
Cash
Small shops, markets, or cafes sometimes prefer cash for small purchases.
ATM tips
Avoid independent ATM machines in very touristy areas because they often charge higher fees. When withdrawing money, decline the automatic currency conversion and allow your bank to perform the exchange.
To avoid conversion fees, use a Revolut account: create a wallet in Euros, transfer Euros in the wallet during the weekdays (on weekends there’s a conversion fee) and use the virtual or physical debit card to pay online or at shops.
Mobile payments
Contactless payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted in most shops and restaurants.
Payment apps
Satispay is the most popular payment app in Italy, however it requires a SEPA bank account (mainly European countries), it also requires a few days for completing the registration process.
Avoid tourist traps and scams
Large tourist cities are generally safe, but visitors should be aware of a few common issues.
Pickpockets
Pickpocketing is more common in crowded areas such as public transport, metro stations, and busy squares. Not keeping valueables in bags and avoiding wallets in back pockets reduces the risk. Also don’t leave mobile phones and wallet on tables while eating in restaurant or while resting on the train. Do not leave objects and luggages in a parked car.
Taxi scams
Some unofficial drivers may approach tourists near stations and airports. Always use official taxis with a visible license and meter or taxi apps such as Uber and Free2move.
Restaurant tricks
In some tourist areas, restaurants may add extra items such as bread or bottled water without clearly explaining the cost. Always check the menu and ask if anything is unclear. Ask in advance for the amount of “coperto“, the service and bread fee.
Small tricks that save money
Several small habits can help reduce daily travel costs.
Drinkable public water
Many Italian cities provide public fountains with drinkable water. Bringing a reusable bottle can save money during the day.
Coffee and ice-cream culture
Coffee and ice-cream are cheaper when consumed standing at the bar counter. Sitting at a table may involve an additional service charge.
Transport passes
In cities where you plan to move frequently, daily transport passes are often cheaper than multiple single tickets.
Public toilets
Public toilets are rare, when available in touristic areas are usually not free. A common habit is to use toilets of coffee bars, however you should buy something in order to use the toilet. However, if you visit a museum or a mall, toilets are usually available and free.
VAT refunds
Non-EU visitors can claim VAT refunds on purchases over a certain amount (usually €155).
SIM cards or eSIMs
Local data plans are often cheaper than roaming. Buy a local SIM card at the airport, or (if your phone support it) an eSIM. Airalo is the most famous eSIM provider with dozen of offers and plans for each country.
FAQ
Is tipping required in Italy?
No. Tipping is not mandatory. Service is usually included in the bill, and leaving small change is optional.
What is “coperto” in Italian restaurants?
Coperto is a small fee charged per person that covers bread and table service.
Is tap water safe to drink in Italy?
Yes. Tap water is generally safe to drink across the country, and many cities also provide public drinking fountains.
Are pickpockets common in Italy?
They can occur in crowded tourist areas and public transport, but basic precautions usually prevent problems.
Do I need cash in Italy?
Cards are widely accepted, but carrying small amounts of cash can be useful for markets, small cafes, or taxis.
What is the cheapest way to travel between Italian cities?
Regional trains and long-distance buses are usually the most affordable options, especially if booked early.
Are taxis expensive in Italy?
Taxi prices are regulated but can still be relatively high compared with public transport.
Do restaurants charge for bread?
Yes. Bread is often included in the coperto or charged separately.
Are trains and buses on time?
Unfortunately no. It is not infrequent to have delay on trains, including high speed ones. Long distance buses might be delayed due to traffic, especially if they have to cross a border. Transportation strikes are common. Take this into account when planning to move, and make sure you get to your last city a couple of days in advance in order not to miss your return flight.
TuttoCashback.it is a website focused on Italian market that helps people save money every day, offering tips, cashback opportunities, and practical advice for smarter spending.