Skip Rome and Venice: Cheap Places to Go in Italy That Are Even Better

Why Italy’s Most Famous Cities Aren’t Always the Best Choice

Everyone dreams of visiting Rome and Venice at least once. They’re the postcard-perfect icons of Italy—ancient ruins, gondola rides, stunning architecture. But here’s the problem: they’re also some of the most expensive and overcrowded places in the country.

I learned this the hard way the first time I visited Rome. I expected charming piazzas and quiet walks past ancient ruins, but instead, I spent half my time in lines and the other half overpaying for everything. Want a coffee? That’ll be €4–€5 if you sit down. A decent hotel? At least €100 a night, even in low season. By the time I had paid for Colosseum entry, Vatican tickets, and a few meals, I had burned through my daily budget before dinner.

Venice wasn’t much better. The canals were beautiful, but so were the ridiculous prices. A gondola ride? €80 for 30 minutes. A plate of mediocre pasta? €15–€20—double what it costs in smaller Italian towns. And if you visit in the summer? You’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of other tourists, all fighting for the same overpriced views.

The reality is, Rome and Venice aren’t the best places to experience authentic Italy—especially if you’re on a budget. The good news? There are plenty of cheap places to go in Italy that are just as beautiful, if not better.

Instead of spending a fortune in tourist-packed cities, you can visit destinations where you’ll get stunning coastal views without Amalfi Coast prices, eat incredible food for €5, and explore charming medieval streets that aren’t overrun with selfie sticks.

This guide is all about those places—the cheap places to go in Italy where your money stretches further, the food is better, and the crowds are smaller.

Let’s break down what makes a destination “better” than Rome or Venice—and where to go instead.

What Makes a Destination “Better” Than Rome or Venice?

It’s easy to assume that Italy’s most famous cities must also be the best places to visit. But if you’ve ever tried to enjoy the Colosseum while dodging selfie sticks or paid €20 for a plate of pasta in Venice that tastes like it came from a microwave, you already know that popularity doesn’t always mean quality.

So what actually makes a destination better than Rome or Venice—especially if you’re looking for cheap places to go in Italy?

1. Lower Prices for Everything (Where €50 a Day is Realistic)

In many parts of Italy, you can still stay in a beautiful guesthouse, eat incredible food, and explore freely without spending a fortune. The problem? Those places aren’t Rome and Venice.

A budget-friendly traveler in a less touristy city can get a charming B&B for €30 a night, enjoy a full meal with wine for €10, and visit historical sites without paying €25 entrance fees. Meanwhile, in Venice, you’re lucky if you can find a hostel dorm bed for that price.

In the right places, €50 a day in Italy isn’t just possible—it’s comfortable.

2. Fewer Tourists, More Local Culture

Walk through central Rome or Venice in peak season, and you’ll notice something: you hear more English than Italian. These cities are so flooded with tourists that they barely feel like Italy anymore.

Now imagine strolling through Bologna, Perugia, or Lecce, where locals still outnumber tourists, café prices haven’t been jacked up to “tourist rates,” and you don’t need to fight for a table at a trattoria.

The best part? When a town doesn’t rely on tourists, it doesn’t overcharge them either.

3. Just as Much History, But Without the Overpriced Entry Fees

People visit Rome for its history and ancient ruins—but Italy is filled with cities that have just as much history without the €25 entrance fees and hour-long lines.

Why pay €16 to squeeze through the crowds at the Colosseum when you could explore the Roman amphitheater in Lecce for free? Why spend €12 on a ticket to Florence’s Duomo when you can walk into the cathedrals in Bologna, Genoa, or Palermo for nothing?

Italy is a country where history is everywhere—you just need to know where to look.

4. Incredible Food for Half the Price

The truth about Rome and Venice? A lot of the food is overpriced and mediocre. The more touristy a city, the more you’ll find pre-made, mass-produced “Italian” meals designed for visitors—not locals.

In the right places, though, you can eat like a king for €5.

Instead of overpaying for bad carbonara in a touristy Roman restaurant, imagine sitting in a Bologna trattoria, enjoying a plate of handmade tortellini al ragù for €7—prepared the same way it has been for generations. Instead of getting charged €5 for a tiny espresso in Venice’s Piazza San Marco, you could be in Naples, standing at a café bar, sipping one of the best espressos of your life for €1.

5. Breathtaking Views Without the Crowds

One of the biggest reasons people go to Venice? The canals. But what if I told you there’s an equally stunning canal-filled city in Italy that isn’t packed with tourists and overpriced gondolas?

Bologna has canals hidden right in the city, but no one talks about them. Lecce has golden Baroque streets that glow at sunset, but it’s not overrun like Florence. Tropea sits on a cliff overlooking some of Italy’s best beaches, but it’s half the price of the Amalfi Coast.

Italy is full of places that offer the same (or better) views as its most famous cities—but without the hassle.

The Best Cheap Places to Go in Italy That Are Even Better Than Rome & Venice

If you skip the tourist-packed hotspots, you’ll find that Italy is full of stunning destinations where your money stretches further, the food is better, and the crowds are smaller. Whether you want seaside views, medieval streets, or incredible regional food, there are plenty of cheap places to go in Italy that offer everything Rome and Venice do—without the hassle.

Here are some of the best budget-friendly destinations in Italy that give you a better experience for less.

Coastal Towns That Are Just as Beautiful as the Amalfi Coast (Without the Price Tag)

Bari & Polignano a Mare (Puglia)

If you’re dreaming of coastal views, whitewashed streets, and crystal-clear waters, but don’t want to pay Amalfi Coast prices, Puglia is the answer. Bari, the region’s capital, has an authentic, old-world charm, affordable seafood, and a buzzing local culture that hasn’t been ruined by mass tourism. Just a short train ride away, Polignano a Mare is one of the most stunning coastal towns in Italy, perched on limestone cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Unlike Positano, where a small hotel room costs €300+ a night, you can find budget guesthouses in Bari for €40–€60 per night and enjoy a full seafood meal for under €15.

Tropea (Calabria)

This might be Italy’s most underrated beach town. Tropea sits on dramatic cliffs above turquoise waters, looking like something straight out of a postcard—but without the Amalfi Coast crowds or prices. The beaches here are free, the local food (especially the famous red onions and ‘nduja sausage) is dirt cheap, and the views are just as breathtaking as anywhere in southern Italy.

Sicily (Cefalù & Trapani)

Sicily is one of the best budget destinations in Italy, and its coastal towns like Cefalù and Trapani offer everything you’d want from an Italian beach trip—stunning landscapes, historic charm, and incredible seafood—at half the cost of touristy beach towns in mainland Italy.

While Cinque Terre has tourist-packed trails and €100 hotel rooms, Cefalù lets you explore medieval streets, lounge on the beach, and eat fresh cannoli for a fraction of the price.

Cheaper Cities With More Culture and Better Food

Bologna

If you want history, architecture, and food that blows Rome’s out of the water, Bologna is the place. It’s Italy’s culinary capital, famous for tortellini, ragù (real Bolognese sauce), and mortadella, and yet it remains surprisingly affordable.

While Florence is flooded with tourists and overpriced restaurants, Bologna is a student city—meaning cheap eats, cheap aperitivo, and a lively but local atmosphere. You can eat like royalty for €10–€15 per meal, and guesthouses in the city center cost half of what they do in Rome.

Genoa

Venice gets all the fame for being a historic port city, but Genoa is just as stunning—and much cheaper. Wandering through its narrow medieval alleys (caruggi), eating fresh pesto Genovese, and taking in the seafront views costs next to nothing.

Hotels and food are far more affordable than in northern tourist hubs like Milan and Venice, and the city’s gritty, authentic vibe makes it feel more like a hidden gem than a tourist attraction.

Lecce

If Florence is too expensive, Lecce is the perfect alternative. Known as the “Florence of the South,” this small city in Puglia is filled with Baroque architecture, charming piazzas, and some of Italy’s best street food.

Unlike Florence, where entry to the Duomo costs €12, Lecce’s stunning churches and historic sites are either free or just a few euros. You can also find delicious, budget-friendly street food like rustico (flaky pastry stuffed with mozzarella and tomato) for just €2.

Nature & Countryside Destinations That Are Cheaper Than Tuscany

The Dolomites (South Tyrol)

Italy’s Alps are beautiful but expensive. Instead of paying €150+ a night in the posh ski resorts of Courmayeur or Cortina d’Ampezzo, head to the cheaper mountain towns in the Dolomites, like Ortisei or Castelrotto.

Public hiking trails mean you can enjoy the stunning landscapes for free, and local rifugios (mountain lodges) serve hearty, affordable meals with unbeatable views.

The Marche Region

Tuscany is breathtaking, but it’s also one of the most overpriced regions in Italy. For rolling green hills, medieval villages, and incredible wine—without the inflated prices—head to Le Marche.

The countryside here looks just like Tuscany, but the crowds are nonexistent, and the prices for accommodation and food are significantly lower.

Matera (Basilicata)

If you want a completely unique experience, Matera is a must. This ancient city is carved into limestone caves, making it one of the most surreal places in Italy.

Hotels inside the cave dwellings used to be expensive, but now, budget travelers can find charming B&Bs for €40–€60 per night. Wandering through the stone streets, visiting cave churches, and watching the sunset over the canyon costs nothing—but feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Overpriced Tourist Traps to Avoid (If You Want to Save Money in Italy)

Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, but let’s be honest—not every famous spot is worth the hype. Some places are so overpriced, overcrowded, and commercialized that they end up feeling more like a tourist theme park than an authentic Italian experience.

If you’re looking for cheap places to go in Italy, avoiding these overpriced destinations will save you money, time, and frustration.

Venice: A Postcard That Costs Too Much

Venice is breathtaking, but it’s also one of the most expensive and tourist-saturated cities in Italy. Prices here aren’t just high—they’re ridiculous.

Want a simple coffee in Piazza San Marco? Expect to pay €5–€10, just to sit down. A gondola ride? €80 for 30 minutes. Even budget hotels charge double what you’d pay in other Italian cities.

The worst part? It doesn’t even feel like a real city anymore. With cruise ships dumping thousands of tourists onto its narrow streets daily, Venice has become more of an Instagram backdrop than a livable place.

If you want canals, stunning architecture, and a more authentic experience, head to Genoa or Bologna instead. You’ll get historic streets, a rich maritime culture, and canal views that don’t cost a fortune.

Rome’s Tourist Zones: Beautiful, But Designed to Drain Your Wallet

Rome is full of must-see landmarks, but it’s also full of tourist traps waiting to overcharge you.

The Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Pantheon are spectacular, but entrance fees add up fast—€16 here, €25 there, and before you know it, you’ve spent €100 just on sightseeing.

And don’t even think about eating near the big attractions. The moment you sit down at a restaurant in Piazza Navona or near the Trevi Fountain, you’re paying double (or triple) what the food is actually worth.

Rome is still worth visiting, but if you want to save money, avoid eating in tourist-heavy areas and explore cheaper, less-visited neighborhoods like Testaccio, Trastevere, or San Lorenzo, where the food is better and the prices are fair.

Florence in Peak Season: Too Many People, Too High Prices

Florence is one of Italy’s most culturally rich cities, but visiting in high season feels like walking through an overcrowded museum—except you’re paying to be there.

Hotel prices skyrocket, restaurants double their menu prices, and attractions charge steep entrance fees. If you’re on a budget, spending €12 just to climb the Duomo or €25 for the Uffizi Gallery might not be worth it when there are cheaper and just-as-stunning alternatives.

If you love Renaissance architecture, Bologna or Lecce offer similar beauty with fewer crowds and lower prices. If you’re interested in art, Turin and Milan have incredible museums that aren’t as overrun with tourists.

The Amalfi Coast: Stunning Views, Ridiculous Costs

The Amalfi Coast is breathtaking, but it’s also one of the most expensive areas in Italy. Hotels, food, transportation—everything here is marked up for tourists.

A basic hotel room? €200+ per night.
A meal at a casual restaurant? €25+ per person.
A taxi between towns? Easily €50 or more.

Even getting there is expensive. Unlike other coastal regions with cheap trains and buses, the Amalfi Coast is difficult to reach without pricey ferries, private drivers, or painfully slow local buses.

If you want stunning coastal views without the ridiculous prices, head to Tropea, Bari, or Sicily instead. You’ll get the same turquoise waters, incredible food, and charming villages—at half the cost.

Cinque Terre: Beautiful, But Not Budget-Friendly

Cinque Terre is a dreamy collection of colorful seaside villages, but it’s no longer the budget-friendly gem it used to be.

Years ago, backpackers could visit on a tight budget. Now? Even hostels charge €50+ per night, and food is overpriced. The region’s famous hiking trails used to be free, but now, many require a paid trekking pass (€7.50–€14.50 per day).

Instead of paying €100+ per night for a hotel in Vernazza, stay in La Spezia or Levanto, where accommodations are half the price, and you can still access the villages easily.

Or, for a cheaper alternative with the same stunning coastline, consider Polignano a Mare in Puglia or Cefalù in Sicily.

How to Travel Italy on a Budget

Italy has a reputation for being expensive, but the truth is, you don’t need a massive budget to have an unforgettable trip. If you know where to go and how to travel smart, you can explore stunning cities, eat incredible food, and soak in Italy’s beauty without constantly checking your bank balance.

When I first visited, I made every classic mistake—paying €25 for a mediocre plate of pasta in Rome, getting ripped off by taxis, and spending way too much on last-minute hotel bookings. But after spending more time in Italy, I figured out how to do it better and cheaper. The key? Knowing where to save and where to spend.

One of the biggest money-savers is choosing regional trains instead of high-speed ones. A ticket from Rome to Florence on a Frecciarossa train might cost €50, but if you take a regional train, you can pay less than half of that. Sure, it takes a little longer, but with views of rolling Tuscan hills and charming countryside villages along the way, it’s not a bad trade-off.

Accommodation is another area where budget travelers can easily overspend. Hotels in places like Rome and Venice are outrageously expensive, especially in peak season. But Italy is full of family-run guesthouses and agriturismos (farm stays) that are not only cheaper but often come with homemade breakfasts and a more personal experience. In some areas, you can rent a room in a small town for the price of a hostel dorm in Florence. Booking in advance helps, too—last-minute reservations in tourist hotspots can double the cost of a stay.

Food is where people often make the biggest budgeting mistakes. Walk into a restaurant near the Colosseum or Venice’s Piazza San Marco, and you’re already paying twice what a meal should cost. The better option? Eat where Italians eat. Small trattorias in less touristy neighborhoods serve up handmade pasta for a fraction of the price, and aperitivo bars in cities like Milan and Bologna offer drinks that come with a spread of free snacks—sometimes even a full buffet. If you’re traveling through Italy on a budget, an aperitivo can easily double as dinner.

Another unnecessary expense? Taxis. In Italy, taxis are overpriced, and many drivers refuse to use meters, meaning tourists almost always overpay. Public transport is not only cheaper, but it’s also reliable and easy to use. In most cities, you can get anywhere you need to go by metro, tram, or bus for just a couple of euros. But honestly, one of the best ways to save money is simply walking. Italy’s historic centers are made for strolling, and some of the best experiences come from wandering without a strict itinerary.

Entrance fees for attractions can add up quickly, but Italy is full of free things to see and do. Many of the country’s most beautiful churches and cathedrals don’t charge admission, and public piazzas—like Piazza del Campo in Siena or Piazza Maggiore in Bologna—are stunning places to soak up the atmosphere without spending a cent. If you plan on visiting museums and major attractions, some cities offer combined passes that make entry significantly cheaper. Rome, for example, has a city pass that includes the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and unlimited public transport for less than what you’d pay for each ticket separately.

Timing your visit wisely can also make a huge difference in costs. Summer in Italy is brutal—not just because of the heat, but because prices skyrocket. Visiting in the spring or early autumn means you’ll find cheaper flights, lower hotel rates, and fewer crowds at major sites. It also means you won’t be stuck waiting in long lines in 90-degree heat.

Even small habits can help stretch your budget. Ordering coffee at the counter instead of sitting at a table can save you a few euros each time, as many cafés charge extra for table service. And if you’re in Rome, Florence, or Milan, skip buying bottled water—public fountains offer clean, drinkable water for free. It may seem like a small savings, but over the course of a trip, those little things add up.

Conclusion

Italy’s most famous cities come with high prices, endless crowds, and too many tourist traps. Meanwhile, the country is full of cheaper, less crowded destinations that offer better food, stunning views, and a more authentic experience.

In places like Bologna, Lecce, and Tropea, you can enjoy charming streets, incredible meals, and breathtaking scenery—all for a fraction of the cost. Instead of spending €50 on a gondola ride in Venice, you could cover an entire day’s expenses in a more budget-friendly city.

If you want a more affordable, more enjoyable Italian trip, skip the overhyped hotspots and explore the places that truly make Italy special.