Italy is incredible—but if you’re not careful, it’s also expensive. Tourists often waste hundreds of euros on mistakes that locals would never make. After living in Italy for 20 years, I’ve learned how to experience the best of this country without blowing your budget.
I break down the most common money-wasting mistakes travelers make in Italy—from renting cars you don’t need to overpaying for coffee and museum tickets. And don’t miss the simple budget hack that saved me a fortune on food here. If you’re planning a trip to Rome, Florence, Venice, or beyond, this guide will help you travel smarter and spend less—without missing the magic.
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24 Comments
The One Italian Word That Will Save You a Fortune 💰https://youtu.be/Ju9ZXd0O-YE
Wow, great tips. Can't wait for my trip in September!
Rather than Bologna (which very much deserves to be its own visit) for seeing Florence, why no staying in Pistoia or even Prato. They are a very short and cheap train ride, Pistoia is a lovely little city where you can spend time visiting gorgeous churches and palaces when you don't feel like taking the train, and honestly the food is much better than in the centre of Florence. Similarly, if you want to see Milan, a better option to stay in is Monza, or also Pavia, rather than Bergamo. (Especially since the Bergamo station is currently half closed for updates.)
When my school mates and I went to Rome years ago, we bought some bread, some cheese, some prosciutto and water. Or maybe we bought wine that I can’t remember. At that time you could go into the Roman forum and we sat in the Roman forum and I had this awesome picnic. We also went in February. Not crowded. Same for Pompeii. There was nobody there in February in Pompeii. We took the train from Pisa to Rome. We also took the train from Pisa to Naples and then took the short train to Pompeii. It was great. We were definitely definitely on a budget. I also recommend if you’re in the Florence area or if you’re in Tuscany to go to Luca and Vinci. That is a charming little town.
Hey my brother ❤you should start your own tour guide….just keep it simple… i love your content ❤hope i see you in july….stay bless and safe…
You may not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Italy. If you’re from EU, your driving licence is valid throughout the EU, including Italy.
Sempre più Italiano , bravo. Noi spendiamo meno della metà di un turista perché sappiamo come trovare i posti giusti per ogni cosa. Sia per gli alloggi o per mangiare bene a basso costo. Ci vuole esperienza per capire come muoversi, e sono felice che tu possa aiutare chi viene in Italia e venga travolto da costi esagerati e non reali.
Made an unplanned stop at Gilli last October for coffee.. decided to treat ourselves to a table. Coffee led to pastries then sandwiches. Bill with coperto was near 250 euros for 4 people. We enjoyed it but cant say i would do it again. That would buy 10 meals at our usual places for lunch! My mistake!
May I suggest two lifehacks of my own. Not to be taken for a ride in a taxi, there is FreeNow app in Europe. Perhaps doesn’t work so well in Napoli, but works great in Rome. Gives you fixed price and itinerary. The app is similar to Uber.
For Milan, we stayed around the corner from Piazzale Loreto near Stazione Centrale. 5 quick stops on direct metro line to the Duomo. Charming three star hotel beat the rundown four star near the Duomo where our friends stayed and paid almost triple this last September.
Thank you for your informative videos! Very helpful ❤. I totally agree with you about not going on the abusive horse drawn carriages!!
Another lifehack – I take advantage of bike and scooter sharing in center cities in Italy. Pricing is great for point A to point B. Slightly more than metro or bus but much less than taxi. Better than the US, where you pay 10 bucks for 45 min whether you need 45 minutes or not.
15:47 Translation? 😂
Do you get coffee to go or once inside the train?
is it worth to buy Venice pass?
Thank you Mister Brown. Another great video.
I should have embraced the fountains sooner! Haven't found a sparkling one yet 🙂
I agree. Horse carriage riding should be illegal and banned.
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Love all of your videos. You have such a nice presence and delivery of the information. I’m sooo excited to visit in October, and would love to buy you a glass of wine. Cheers!
Only summer. Other seasons are too cold for me. Trying to survive on an electric heater or central heating which is turned off during the night, I can get cold easy.
Italia is high on my bucket list. I want to take a bus tour. Then they take us to all the top places. Hopefully can get a deal in April shoulder month.
Please don’t buy bottled water at all – the water in all the ubiquitous drinking fountains is fine😊 (or buy one bottle and then refill!)
New subscriber, I love the channel Gregor, you've already educated 100 fold for my trip to motoGP in Italy at Mugello or Misano! I have no decided which circuit yet. I have not heard you discuss the Americano or Valentino Rossi either 😛
dude is luke martin and nomac your little brothers? you guys all look alike