How to save a little Euro!

One of the hardest challenges about traveling to Italy is budgeting. How do you live "la dolce vita" to the fullest and still have euro for that second gelato of the day?

I’ve compiled some recommendations of ways you can save a little money during your trip to Italy that will hopefully give you some more room in your budget to play, eat and explore more. 

Because when in Italia...we want our prosecco, and to drink it too! ;)

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Here are some of my favorite ways I like to save a bit of money along the way when traveling in Italy…

• Panini at the Alimentari: One of the best options for a cheap lunch on the go in Italy is hiding behind the counter of the Alimentari. These small grocery stores, easily found in smaller towns and cities (or neighborhoods away from the bigger grocery stores), carry a basic selection of food goods but also stock meats, cheese and breads. For a few euro, most Alimentari will make a little sandwich for you from your choice of meat and cheeses! It’s an affordable and delicious lunch option.

 

• Buying Groceries: On the same note of Alimentari, buying food from grocery stores is a great way to save some euro. When traveling with my family (4 morning coffee drinkers) it was nice to be able to make our own Americanos and eat some yogurt and watermelon for breakfast. Or to whip up a quick caprese and melon/prosciutto plate for an easy lunch in. Or even a big batch of pasta with a bottle of wine on the patio of the Airbnb for our own Aperitivo! Buying groceries in Italy is fun, delicious and definitely worth it. 

Not a bad view from the top of the Guinigi Tower!

• Biglietto Unico: The magical words...single tickets. Aka more bang for your euro! While this isn’t an option everywhere, it’s nice to find single tickets that cover multiple sites or activities. For instance, the Duomo in Florence has a ticket for €18 that gives you entry to climb the bell tower (highly recommend), climb the dome (kinda recommend, but you need to reserve a time), visit the Baptistry, the Cathedral Museum AND Santa Reparata. The church entry is free but you still need to stand in that line. For €18 it’s a great deal! You can find similar deals in Lucca like the Guinigi Tower...if you spend a little more you’ll get a cheaper climb and a ticket to go climb the clock tower. Keep an eye out for deals like these!

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• Aperitivo: I’m not just in love with Aperitivo. It can be a great way to save some money and eat some tasty food while sipping a tasty drink in a likely lovely setting. For €5-12 depending on the location you can have a light dinner and a yummy drink for one price. WIN!

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• Bring a water bottle: Especially if you’re travelling to Florence or Rome, bring your own water bottle. Sure, buying chilled water for €1-2 doesn’t seem like much but it can add up and just creates more trash that the locals will have to deal with. So either bring your own (I have a canvas one that collapses flat when empty) or buy ONE bottle and just keep refilling it. In Rome there are DOZENS of fresh flowing cold water fountains all over the city (and it’s delicious). In Florence there’s a free fountain along the side of the Palazzo Vecchio that pumps out free cold water and free FRIZZY WATER! (aka...my love)

• Pack light: A great way to save some cash from the get-go is only bringing a carry on suitcase! Many airlines don’t charge for carry on suitcases (so long as they’re within the weight limits). I try to only bring a carry on and I pack a collapsible duffle for the return flight in case I do any shopping during my travels. Then I only pay for one checked bag only on the flight home! Plus, having  lighter luggage will make hauling your suitcase onto trains and up stairs SO much easier!

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• Bring good walking shoes: This is a multi-faceted suggestion but hear me out. Investing in a good pair of shoes and breaking them in before you leave (not new heels or new strappy sandals) will save you money. Your feet will be comfy so you can walk all day and save money on NOT taking public transportation or taxis! Plus, I just really love walking and getting to know a city by wandering around and getting lost. 

Have any of your own suggestions for saving money in Italy? Leave a comment below to share!