{"id":1476,"date":"2011-09-13T17:08:32","date_gmt":"2011-09-13T15:08:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/walks.friday.ie\/?p=1476"},"modified":"2025-04-30T13:35:01","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T12:35:01","slug":"budget-travel-in-italy-sightseeing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/budget-travel-in-italy-sightseeing","title":{"rendered":"How to Save Money in Italy: Top Tips for Saving while Seeing the Best Sites"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re planning a trip on a budget, you\u2019ll definitely want to dive into our how to save money in Italy guide, as we discover the best ways to get off the beaten track and enjoy the best sites in Italy like a local. At Walks of Italy, we know that stretching your travel budget doesn\u2019t mean you have to compromise on authentic experiences. In fact, our tours are crafted to give travelers the most value\u2014think skip-the-line access to Italy\u2019s top sites, insider insights from passionate guides, and unique experiences you simply can\u2019t find with a standard ticket.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve covered how to save money on transportation in Italy and how to find Italy\u2019s best budget accommodation.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some of the best tips to save money while making the best of your trip to Italy.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/budget-travel-in-italy-sightseeing\/#To_save_money%E2%80%94and_discover_your_%E2%80%9Cown%E2%80%9D_Italy%E2%80%94get_off_the_beaten_track\">To save money\u2014and discover your \u201cown\u201d Italy\u2014get off the beaten track<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/budget-travel-in-italy-sightseeing\/#Remember_that_Italys_churches_are_as_filled_with_masterpieces_as_the_museums\">Remember that Italy\u2019s churches are as filled with masterpieces as the museums<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/budget-travel-in-italy-sightseeing\/#Carry_your_ID_with_you_to_museums_and_sites\">Carry your I.D. with you to museums and sites<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/budget-travel-in-italy-sightseeing\/#Walk_and_take_public_transportation%E2%80%94smartly\">Walk and take public transportation\u2014smartly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/budget-travel-in-italy-sightseeing\/#Consider_discount_cards_but_always_do_the_math\">Consider discount cards, but always do the math<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/budget-travel-in-italy-sightseeing\/#Save_money_in_Rome\">Save money in Rome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/budget-travel-in-italy-sightseeing\/#Save_money_in_Florence\">Save money in Florence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/budget-travel-in-italy-sightseeing\/#Save_money_in_Venice\">Save money in Venice<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/budget-travel-in-italy-sightseeing\/#FAQ_Budget_Travel_in_Italy\">FAQ: Budget Travel in Italy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/budget-travel-in-italy-sightseeing\/#Optimize_Your_Budget_Without_Missing_Out\">Optimize Your Budget Without Missing Out<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"attachment_22510\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22510\" class=\"wp-image-22510 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Devour_Rome_Testaccio_May-24_0088.jpg\" alt=\"A group of people smiling as they walk under trees following a tour guide.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Devour_Rome_Testaccio_May-24_0088.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Devour_Rome_Testaccio_May-24_0088-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22510\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A walking tour might be just what you need!<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To_save_money%E2%80%94and_discover_your_%E2%80%9Cown%E2%80%9D_Italy%E2%80%94get_off_the_beaten_track\"><\/span><b>To save money\u2014and discover your \u201cown\u201d Italy\u2014get off the beaten track<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Get off the beaten path, like to Pienza, and not only will prices drop, but your experience just might be even better.<\/p>\n<p>Italy\u2019s cities and popular tourist destinations are more expensive than its more local, off-the-beaten-track towns and sites.<\/p>\n<p>The best part? Those \u201chidden gems\u201d are often just as rewarding, if not even more so, as what you\u2019ve heard about.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of spending five days in Florence, consider spending two days in Florence and three in <a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/florence\/best-top-ten-towns-in-tuscany-day-trips-from-florence-italy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tuscan towns like Lucca and Pienza<\/span><\/a>. Or head to a region that\u2019s not even as familiar as Tuscany, like Umbria or Le Marche.<\/p>\n<p>Everything, from accommodation to food to museums, will be cheaper.<\/p>\n<p>As a bonus, you\u2019ll also feel like you discovered the \u201creal\u201d Italy more than if you spend the majority of your time among crowds at the Duomo and the Uffizi.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Quick tips for getting off the beaten track:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Visit smaller towns and rural regions for lower prices and fewer tourists.<\/li>\n<li>Try local trattorias and markets instead of restaurants in tourist zones.<\/li>\n<li>Book accommodation in lesser-known regions for better deals and a more authentic experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Insider Tip:<\/strong> If you want to use the night to also cover some relevant sights you may not have time during the day, you&#8217;d definitely benefit from the unique experience of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/colosseum-night-tour\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VIP Colosseum night tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_21835\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21835\" class=\"wp-image-21835 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Walks_Rome_Tuscany-from-Rome_0018.jpg\" alt=\"A group of people on a Tuscany Day Trip from Rome with green hillsides behind them.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Walks_Rome_Tuscany-from-Rome_0018.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Walks_Rome_Tuscany-from-Rome_0018-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21835\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Our Tuscany Day Trip won&#8217;t disappoint!<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Remember_that_Italys_churches_are_as_filled_with_masterpieces_as_the_museums\"><\/span><b>Remember that Italy\u2019s churches are as filled with masterpieces as the museums<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rome\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.santamariasopraminerva.it\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Santa Maria sopra Minerva<\/a> is a church, a treasure trove, an art gallery\u2014and it\u2019s free.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Not all, but many of Italy\u2019s churches are free (a small donation is, of course, always appreciated).<\/p>\n<p>And that\u2019s a real coup for the budget-conscious traveler, since each church is way more than a religious space: It\u2019s a treasure trove of painting and sculpture.<\/p>\n<p>In Rome, for example, the churches of Santa Maria del Popolo and San Luigi dei Francesi have some of the best Caravaggio paintings you\u2019ll ever see. The church of Santa Maria della Vittoria holds one of Bernini\u2019s most stunning sculptures. The church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva has a Michelangelo, beautiful Filippino Lippi frescoes, and the body of Saint Catherine of Siena. We could keep on going all day.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20856\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20856\" class=\"wp-image-20856 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/40772659333_03cd6addcb_k.jpg\" alt=\"Santa Maria sopra Minerva interior with ray of light and person walking by\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/40772659333_03cd6addcb_k.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/40772659333_03cd6addcb_k-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20856\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Temples and Italy are much more than that: they&#8217;re references in culture, architecture and history, besides museums of the greatest art. Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/mutovkin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sergei Mutovkin<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Carry_your_ID_with_you_to_museums_and_sites\"><\/span><b>Carry your I.D. with you to museums and sites<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s no standard discount across Italian museums and sights. But if you&#8217;re thinking about how to save money in Italy, you definitely have to carry your I.D. (and ideally student card) with you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At most places, though, including the Colosseum and Uffizi gallery, if you\u2019re an E.U. citizen, you can get a discount if you\u2019re over 65 years old or under 25 or 26, and children under 18 are free.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always make sure you have your E.U. identity card or passport with you to prove your eligibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But even if you\u2019re not European, you still might be eligible for a discount. Do you teach, or study, architecture, conservation, literature, or art history?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It varies from place to place, but many sites in Italy, including Florence\u2019s Uffizi and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accademia.firenze.it\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accademia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, allow you free entrance. Generally you need a \u201ccertificate of enrollment for the current academic year,\u201d in English, to prove your status. A letter also seems to work fine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re a student, but not in those fields, and not European? Bring your university I.D. with you anyway.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.museivaticani.va\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vatican museums<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> give you a discount, from \u20ac15 down to \u20ac8, with a student I.D. Other sites and museums might give you the student discount (even one that\u2019s sometimes officially only for E.U. citizens) if you have an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.isic.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ISIC card<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with you.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_16783\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16783\" class=\"wp-image-16783 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/7-Rome_Pristine-Sistine-2x3-0017.jpg\" alt=\"Belvedere Torso in the Vatican Museums\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-16783\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Belvedere Torso in the Vatican Museums<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Walk_and_take_public_transportation%E2%80%94smartly\"><\/span><b>Walk and take public transportation\u2014smartly<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As in any city, cabs in Italy can be expensive. Whenever you can, walk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Italy\u2019s cities are incredibly walkable, and often, the only way you can get to a particular site is on foot, anyway!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But don\u2019t be afraid of public transportation, either. It\u2019s a cheap way to go and there are other perks if you need to take more than one: In Rome, for example, you can ride various buses around <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">get one metro ride for 75 minutes for the same price.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to get around Venice by boat? It may be a bit expensive unless you\u2019re taking the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/venice-six-tips-to-know-before-you-go\"><em>vaporetto<\/em><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There often are also \u201ctourist cards\u201d you can get for public transport in Italy\u2019s big cities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Rome, you can get an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atac.roma.it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">unlimited metro, bus and tram card<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for 24 hours or for three days that will likely be cheaper than purchasing single tickets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Venice, there are a number of options; the prices depend on the season. In the \u201cmiddle\/high season,\u201d for example, a 72-hour pass for unlimited water buses can cost twice its \u201clow season\u201d price.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>How to save on transportation in Italy:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Walk whenever possible\u2014most historic centers are compact.<\/li>\n<li>Use multi-day public transport passes to save on single fares.<\/li>\n<li>Compare the cost and convenience of tourist cards before purchasing.<\/li>\n<li>In Venice, opt for the vaporetto (water bus) instead of a pricey gondola ride.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_20858\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20858\" class=\"wp-image-20858 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/henri-picot-2asODsQ-4Pg-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"how to save money in Italy? Take the vaporetto\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/henri-picot-2asODsQ-4Pg-unsplash.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/henri-picot-2asODsQ-4Pg-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20858\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">How to save money in Italy? Take the <em>vaporetto<\/em>, it may not be as romantic as a gondola, but it&#8217;ll certainly be much cheaper. Photo credit: Henri Picot<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Again, just remember to think it through. Calculate how many times you\u2019ll need to take the boat to make that 72-hour Venice pass, for example, \u201cworth it.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And remember: in all Italian cities, you might end up walking more, and taking transport less, than you\u2019d think, so always weigh your options. Yes! Even in Venice.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consider_discount_cards_but_always_do_the_math\"><\/span><b>Consider discount cards, but always do the math<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re thinking about how to save money in Italy, you\u2019re definitely thinking about all the museums, churches and sights you want to visit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rome, Venice, and Florence each have a version of cards that allow you free or reduced-price entrance into a number of museums and sights. But whether they\u2019re worth it depends on what you plan to do. Here\u2019s a quick rundown for Rome, Florence and Venice.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Save_money_in_Rome\"><\/span><b>Save money in Rome<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can purchase a <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.romapass.it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roma Pass<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for 48 or 72 hours. It includes all bus, tram and metro transportation, gives you a free entrance to the first two sites you visit, and offers discounts on the others. It also allows you to \u201cskip the line\u201d at sights like the Colosseum. Are you in Rome for just a couple days? \u00a0You can book the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/rome-in-a-day-tour\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rome in a Day Tour<\/a> <strong>and cover way more than you&#8217;d be able to do in a day.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since they\u2019re not technically in Rome, the Vatican museums are not included. Sites that are included are the Colosseum\/forum\/Palatine (all one archaeological site that will take you quite some time to see), the Capitoline museums, Castel Sant\u2019Angelo, and the Galleria Borghese (here, though, you still have to book in advance).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discounts generally aren\u2019t huge, but a couple euros per ticket, so do the math before you jump on the Roma Pass and make sure to maximize the time visiting as many sights as possible during those two or three days.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>You may also save time and money by skipping the line and booking complete tours like<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/vatican-tours\/complete-vatican-tour\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Complete Vatican Tour with Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel &amp; St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_22595\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22595\" class=\"wp-image-22595 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Walks_Vatican_St-Peters-Top-to-Bottom-0170.jpg\" alt=\"Various people standing inside St Peter's Basilica listening to a tour guide.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Walks_Vatican_St-Peters-Top-to-Bottom-0170.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Walks_Vatican_St-Peters-Top-to-Bottom-0170-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22595\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">St Peters Basilica<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Save_money_in_Florence\"><\/span><b>Save money in Florence<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firenzecard.it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firenze Card<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can only be purchased for 72 hours, so make sure that you have at least three full days to spend. You can also extend it with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firenzecard Restart<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for an extra 48 hours, if you\u2019re staying five days in the city.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It includes all bus and tram transportation, plus entrance to most of Florence\u2019s major museums, including the Accademia, Uffizi, Bargello, Boboli Gardens, and Palazzo Vecchio.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with the Roma Pass, it allows you to skip any line without worrying about booking in advance\u2014a good option if you haven\u2019t booked for the Accademia and Uffizi as it\u2019ll definitely save you a lot of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once again, make sure that you plan to spend at least those initial 72 hours visiting some of these sights to make the best out of it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>If you don&#8217;t book in advance, and even if you do, queues in Florence can be quite time-consuming. You can book a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/florence-tours\/florence-tours-full-day\/\">Full Day Walking Tour<\/a> and save both time and money, or skip the line with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/florence-tours\/florence-walking-tour-david\/\">Best of Florence Walking Tour<\/a> that includes a visit to the Duomo and Michelangelo&#8217;s David.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_17731\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-17731\" class=\"wp-image-17731 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Walks_Florence-in-a-Day-WEB-0012_web.jpg\" alt=\"Guide in front of the Florence Duomo explaining to guests about the cathedral\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Walks_Florence-in-a-Day-WEB-0012_web.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Walks_Florence-in-a-Day-WEB-0012_web-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-17731\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Trust us, there is plenty to see in Florence, and many places you&#8217;ll want to visit in detail.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Save_money_in_Venice\"><\/span><b>Save money in Venice<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veneziaunica.it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Venezia Unica<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the City Pass for the City of Venice. It\u2019s an all-in-one pass that allows you to organize your visit to Venice by booking in advance a series of tourist attractions and cultural events, also including public transportation tickets.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have multiple deals available depending on what is included, so we strongly suggest that you plan in advance and select what you plan to do during your stay in the city. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you buy over 30 days in advance, you get special discounts and best deals in the City Pass and some museums, but also on the transfer tickets from Marco Polo Airport.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prices may change according to whether it\u2019s high\/low season, so you have to choose your date in the calendar first. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, if anyone in your group is aged 14-29, consider the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veneziaunica.it\/en\/content\/rolling-venice\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rolling Venice Card<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It lasts for a year, and with that card, you can get a discounted \u201c3 day youth pass\u201d to get unlimited use of public transport on all urban lines. It also gives discounts to various sites around the city, so make sure to check the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veneziaunica.it\/en\/content\/venezia-unica-extra-benefits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">whole list of benefits<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_17588\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-17588\" class=\"wp-image-17588 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/120-Venice_Alone-in-St-Marks-and-Doges-High-Res-0097.jpg\" alt=\"Doge's Palace courtyard in Venice with group of visitors after dark\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-17588\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Booking passes and tours early is how to save money in Italy and also to avoid queues and get unique experiences.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_Budget_Travel_in_Italy\"><\/span>FAQ: Budget Travel in Italy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>How can I find affordable accommodation in Italy?<\/strong><br \/>\nLook beyond hotels in tourist centers. Try staying in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Family-run guesthouses (pensione)<\/li>\n<li>Agriturismos (farm stays)<\/li>\n<li>Hostels or budget B&amp;Bs<\/li>\n<li>Short-term apartment rentals outside main tourist areas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What are some ways to save money on food while traveling in Italy?<\/strong><br \/>\nSaving on meals doesn\u2019t mean missing out. Consider:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Eating at local trattorias or osterias, which often offer lunch specials.<\/li>\n<li>Shopping at fresh markets for picnic supplies.<\/li>\n<li>Drinking coffee at the bar, not a table, to avoid surcharges.<\/li>\n<li>Filling your water bottle at public fountains\u2014Italy\u2019s tap water is safe and tasty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Are there free things to do in Italy\u2019s major cities?<\/strong><br \/>\nAbsolutely! Some great options include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Visiting many of Italy\u2019s churches, which feature incredible art and are often free.<\/li>\n<li>Strolling city parks and piazzas.<\/li>\n<li>Exploring local neighborhoods and open-air markets.<\/li>\n<li>Attending free festivals or outdoor concerts, especially in summer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Do I need to book trains and intercity travel in advance for the best prices?<\/strong><br \/>\nBooking high-speed train tickets (like Frecciarossa or Italo) in advance can save you a significant amount. Regional trains don\u2019t usually require advance booking and prices are fixed, but early reservations on long-distance routes can lead to big savings.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Optimize_Your_Budget_Without_Missing_Out\"><\/span>Optimize Your Budget Without Missing Out<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Traveling on a budget in Italy doesn\u2019t mean missing out on the experiences you\u2019ve dreamed of. With Walks of Italy, you get the most value for your money\u2014our tours offer\u00a0<strong><em>skip-the-line<\/em>\u00a0access <\/strong>to major sites, deep insights from expert guides, and authentic local experiences that go beyond the guidebooks. It\u2019s the best way to make every euro count, whether you\u2019re exploring the Colosseum at night, uncovering the secrets of the Vatican, or wandering the streets of Florence with a local expert.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking to make the most of your Italy trip without overspending,<strong> be sure to check out our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/\">budget-friendly tours<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0designed for savvy travelers. And for even more savings,<strong> sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive discounts<\/strong> and travel tips straight to your inbox. <strong>Just\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/tag\/news-updates\">click here to subscribe<\/a>\u00a0and start planning your authentic (and affordable) Italian adventure today!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Update Notice: This post was updated on April 30, 2025.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re planning a trip on a budget, you\u2019ll definitely want to dive into our how to save money in Italy guide, as we discover the best ways to get off the beaten track and enjoy the best sites in Italy like a local. At Walks of Italy, we know that stretching your travel budget [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":20802,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[220,64,65,18,219,136],"ppma_author":[155],"class_list":["post-1476","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-tips","tag-budget-tips","tag-florence","tag-act-like-a-local","tag-rome","tag-save-money","tag-venice"],"authors":[{"term_id":155,"user_id":3,"is_guest":0,"slug":"walksofitaly","display_name":"Walks of Italy","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9f4cd4dd0c5ab4b4bae57f3500298e23?s=96&d=mm&r=g","user_url":"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog","last_name":"of Italy","first_name":"Walks","job_title":"","description":"Walks began life as the passion project of two guys with one simple mission: To share their love for, and knowledge of, the city of Rome. Since then, Walks has grown into a team of over 100 ground staff and at any time up to 600 guides, operating across 13 of the world\u2019s most exciting cities (and counting!)\r\n\r\nToday we provide some of the most exclusive and beautifully designed small group tours in the industry through Italy-based Walks of Italy and around the world at Walks, where we offer special access to some of the world\u2019s most iconic landmarks and attractions as well as unique cultural experiences."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1476"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1476"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1476\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23241,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1476\/revisions\/23241"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20802"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1476"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1476"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1476"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=1476"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}