How to have a budget vacation in Italy
While Italy is ideal for a vacation splurge, the Mediterranean country can also make for a very affordable vacation, too. Depending on where you go and what you do, you could drop some serious cash, or have a relatively budget vacation if you do your homework. From using your stash of points to picking the right destinations to visiting during a specific season, follow the below tips to have an incredible vacation in Italy without breaking the bank.
Use your points
Marriott has more than 60 hotel properties in Italy from Category 2 AC properties to luxurious Category 8 St Regis hotels. Hilton has around 20 hotels and Hyatt has more than 50 properties. IHG and Radisson also have a presence in the country. This gives you numerous options from budget to luxury to use your points. If you don't have hotel points, remember, you can transfer points from programs like Amex Membership Rewards to hotel partners like Marriott, Hilton and Radisson.
Or book a rental
Apartments or home rentals are often a fraction of the cost of hotels. Plus, they're ideal for families or groups traveling together. Not only can rentals cost less, but they can also save you money on dining out, assuming they come equipped with a kitchen, barbecue grill or coffeemaker. And, a trip to an Italian grocery shop is almost as exciting as a meal out. The pasta section alone is positively overwhelming and I won't even start on the spices, cheese or gelato aisles.
Rentals often come with additional amenities like a washing machine and you may end up with hotel-like extras such as a pool or balcony, too. If you choose a rental in a more local neighborhood, even if you do eat out, you may end up spending less than you would if staying in a hotel in a more touristy area of town.
Related: 7 underrated regions in Italy with the best food and wine
Stay in local neighborhoods
If you do decide to hit a big city or popular tourist spot, consider a less touristy neighborhood. For example, Trastevere in Rome is popular among tourists and locals alike for dining but has become pricier over the years. But Testaccio, the neighborhood next door, is now up-and-coming. It was once a bit run down, but now, you can find some excellent budget cuisine options and enjoy exploring and shopping at the Mercato di Testaccio.
Likewise, in Florence, lodging on the other side of the Arno river in the Oltrano neighborhood is often significantly cheaper. As mentioned above, if you can't find hotels in these more local areas, a home rental will save you money.
Visit in the shoulder or low season
Italy has three main seasons for visitors:
- Low season: November to March (except Christmas/New Year's);
- Shoulder season: April to early June, mid-September to October; and
- High Season: mid-June to mid-September.
While these dates can slightly vary by region or island, generally, winter is low season (besides Christmas) in Italy. You still might end up with plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures in November or February though, especially if you visit southern Italy.
The calculations are easy: prices are highest when destinations are at their busiest in high season. You're likely to score better hotel prices, off-peak reward flights/flight deals in shoulder or low-season. Plus, you'll encounter fewer tourists and fewer crowds.
Related: These are the best times to visit Italy
Ask for, well, everything
The Italians are warm and friendly, and it never hurts to ask. Make sure to stay reasonable and respectful while asking for whatever it is you're hoping to get. I've ended up with hotel room upgrades in Milan, discounts on long-term scooter rentals and five-for-the-price-of-four used Italian books in Naples, money off city tours in Rome and two-for-one windsurf classes in Sardinia. All these things saved me money and I got them by kindly asking.
TPG U.K. Travel Editor Hayley Coyle was able to BYOB onto an expensive beach club in Sicily just by asking while on her honeymoon to avoid purchasing overpriced wine. So if you want something that will save you money, just ask for it and hope for the best. Just stay honest with your asks (don't get crazy) and make sure to smile.
Get off-the-beaten-path
Get a taste of a more local and authentic culture by visiting some destinations that are lesser-known. This will also save you money and help you avoid tourist traps and price gouging. Obviously, we would never discourage you from visiting epic spots such as Rome, Florence or Capri, but below are some alternatives to popular spots that are less busy. While you can find budget and splurge options (and everything in between in any city) consider these alternatives if you're traveling on a budget:
- Turin instead of Florence for wine and cuisine;
- Naples instead of Rome for a more local cityscape;
- Cinque Terre instead of Amalfi for fewer crowds but just-as-epic cliffside sea views (Cinque Terre is still busy, but slightly less so than Amalfi);
- Southern Italy versus northern Italy for more authentic Italian vibes and cheaper prices;
- Lake Iseo instead of Lake Como for more locals and lower prices;
- Herculaneum instead of Pompeii for less crowded ancient ruins;
- Ischia instead of Capri (this island is where Italians vacation); or
- Milan instead of Venice -- did you know Milan's Navigli district also has canals?
And don't forget, there are plenty of gorgeous Italian villages, stunning islands or one of these hidden gems for a vacation, too.
Related: Vacation on one of Italy's many gorgeous islands
Use these dining tricks
- Don't dine in the most famous square of the city. You'll be overcharged and the food won't be tasty either.
- Take your coffee at the bar. This is the cheapest place to throw back your espresso shot. You'll be charged more to sit down indoors and even more to sip it on the terrace outside.
- Take advantage of aperitivo hour. This is usually a specific two-hour time period between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. where you pay to order a drink (like an Aperol Spritz or Campari) and are allowed to take snacks from a buffet of Italian delights. As most Italians don't eat dinner until 9 p.m., this is a way to fill restaurants and bars earlier on -- a sort of Italian-style happy hour. If you play your cards right you may just be full from the snacks and not need to order much (read: spend a lot) for dinner. The aperitivo is most common in northern Italy (especially Milan) but it's worth asking around for aperitivo spots anywhere in Italy.
Related: 7 beautiful destinations in Italy to visit in autumn
Take advantage of sharing
If you're worried your broken Italian will ensure you end up overcharged by a scamming taxi driver, there are always rideshare apps like Uber available in certain parts of Italy. Or, using an app like eCooltra, you can ride an electric motorbike through the streets of Rome or Milan. Catch a ride from someone driving a Vespa in Rome or Florence using the Scooterino app if you'd prefer to simply ride and not drive. There are also many apps, such as Lime, which allow you to rent electric scooters in cities like Rome or Turin.
Electric bike-sharing is also an option in many spots. It's really never been cheaper or easier to get around with so many different options. Just be careful if you plan to operate a motorcycle, scooter, bike or any other moving vehicle in Italy. The rules of the road are different, so stay as alert as possible and wear a helmet when necessary.
Bottom line
Italy is the perfect vacation destination for anyone, whether you're a luxury traveler, budget backpacker or anything in between. With easy hacks like visiting during low season, considering a more local neighborhood for your accommodation and taking advantage of scooter sharing and aperitivo hour, you can have that dream trip in Italy without overspending.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.