Simple Ways to Save on Your Trip to Italy - Caleb Omotunde

Caleb Omotunde

Book early and consider shoulder seasons

It’s no surprise that summer is the busiest tourist season in Italy. If you want to book one of our favorite cheapo hotels, make sure to book as early as possible. For even better rates (and fewer crowds!), visit in the spring or fall. For the absolute best deals, take your Italian holiday in winter. Christmas in Italy is a treat, and Rome is especially beautiful this time of year and never gets too cold.

On the other hand, there are a few advantages to going to Italy’s big cities in the heat of August. Throngs of Italians go on vacation, so even though there may be still plenty of tourists in Rome, Florence, and Venice, the crowds can be a little thinner and the hotel rates take a tumble

Sleep small and central

Large chain hotels are among the most expensive accommodation options in Italy. These familiar brands usually come with lots of perks — and a very high price. Luckily for budget travelers, Italy is full of affordable hotels and pensions (family-run guesthouses) that not only offer low rates but also plenty of charm and character. Take advantage of these boutique hotels, family-run pensions, and even religious accommodations like convents to get the best deals.

Also, make sure to double-check the location of the hotel before you book. You may find a hotel or bed and breakfast that offers a great rate, but if it is so far away from the sites, you might end up spending all of that money you saved on extra taxis at night

Eat big lunches and save on dinner

Want to know a tasty little secret about saving in Italy? Eat your bigger meals early in the day. Most Italian restaurants serve dinner-size portions at lunchtime for far cheaper than you’ll pay for the same thing in the evening. And then you can lighten up for dinner, going with a picnic (see #9 below) or just grabbing a tasty panini.

But not matter what time of day you decide to eat, know that affordable options are always out there waiting for you. Just choose wisely, and, if possible, get outside the main tourist zone where unscrupulous restauranteurs will happily charge you double the price for a warmed up plate of microwaved pasta. Look for the locals and try to sniff out the gems, like these affordable eateries near the Spanish Steps.

 Don’t fall for every tourist activity

Some things that seem “quintessentially Italian” can also be a “quintessential tourist rip-off”. These come in all shapes and sizes. Some favorites:

• A big meal at one of the restaurants lining Rome’s Piazza Navona? Hmmm — better pick wisely, as most will overcharge you for the view.

• A Roman walking tour with someone dressed as a gladiator? It might be a funny and kitschy experience, but the tour will probably be better with a regular guide.

• Being shuttled down Venice’s Grand Canal in a gondola by a singing gondolier? That’ll be at least $100 for a 40-minute ride. Take a water bus (Vaporetto) instead, and save heaps of money. Venice is beautiful from any kind of boat.

Having said that, if you want to dine on the Piazza, pose with a gladiator, or shell out serious cash for a gondola ride, go for it, and have fun! Just know that there are cheaper options that can be just as much fun.

Caleb Omotunde