13-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Italy
Backpacking through Italy doesn't have to cost a fortune. By swapping expensive sit-down restaurants for 'pizza al taglio' (pizza by the slice) and choosing local regional trains over high-speed lines, you can witness the cradle of Western civilization on a shoestring budget. This route takes you from the ancient ruins of Rome to the fashion-forward streets of Milan, all while keeping your daily spend around $37.
This itinerary is designed for the high-energy traveler who enjoys the social atmosphere of hostels and the thrill of exploring historic cobblestone streets on foot. You will utilize Italy's extensive public transit network and discover that the country's most beautiful features—its piazzas, fountains, and cathedrals—are often completely free to enjoy.
Day 1: Rome, Italy - Arrival & Ancient Wonders
Arrive at Rome Termini
Touch down at Fiumicino Airport and take the Terravision bus to the city center, a much cheaper alternative to the express train. Check into your hostel near the station to save on local transit costs.
The Pantheon
Walk to the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved Ancient Roman buildings. While there is a small entry fee, the view from the Piazza della Rotonda is free and spectacular.
Trevi Fountain
Toss a coin into the world's most famous fountain. It costs nothing to admire the Baroque masterpiece, though it's best visited at dusk when the crowds thin out slightly.
Dinner at a Pizza al Taglio
Find a local 're di Roma' style pizza shop where you pay by weight. It's the ultimate Roman budget meal—delicious, filling, and under 5 Euros.
Day 2: Rome, Italy - The Eternal City Walk
Colosseum & Roman Forum (Exterior)
Walk the perimeter of the Colosseum and the Via dei Fori Imperiali. You can see the vast majority of the ruins from the street level without paying for an entry ticket.
Piazza Venezia & Altare della Patria
Climb the steps of the 'Wedding Cake' building for a free panoramic view of the Roman Forum from above.
Largo di Torre Argentina
Visit the sunken ruins where Julius Caesar was assassinated, now famously known as a sanctuary for Rome's stray cat population.
Piazza Navona
Enjoy the street performers and Bernini’s fountains in this iconic oval-shaped square. It’s the perfect place for people-watching with a 2-Euro gelato.
Day 3: Rome, Italy - Vatican & Trastevere
St. Peter's Square & Basilica
Entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica is free. Arrive early to beat the massive security lines. Marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà without spending a cent.
Borgo Passetto Walk
Walk from the Vatican toward Castel Sant'Angelo along the river Tiber. The bridge (Ponte Sant'Angelo) is lined with stunning angel sculptures and offers great photo ops.
Gianicolo Hill
Hike up the Janiculum Hill for the absolute best free view of the entire Roman skyline. It is a favorite spot for local students and budget travelers.
Evening in Trastevere
Cross the river to Rome's most bohemian neighborhood. Grab a 'Trapizzino' (a pizza cone) and sit on the steps of the Piazza di Santa Maria to soak in the atmosphere.
Day 4: Florence, Italy - To the Renaissance Capital
Bus to Florence
Take a long-distance bus like FlixBus from Roma Tiburtina. It is often half the price of the train and offers free Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Check-in & San Lorenzo Market
Drop your bags and head to the Mercato Centrale. Browse the leather stalls outside and grab a cheap, authentic lampredotto sandwich inside the food hall.
Florence Duomo (Exterior)
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a marvel of green, pink, and white marble. Admiring the facade and Brunelleschi's Dome from the square is free.
Ponte Vecchio
Walk across the oldest bridge in Florence. While the gold shops are pricey, the view of the Arno river at sunset is a classic budget-friendly experience.
Day 5: Florence, Italy - Art & Panoramic Views
Loggia dei Lanzi
Visit the open-air sculpture gallery in Piazza della Signoria. You can see masterpieces like Cellini's Perseus for free without entering the Uffizi Gallery.
Lunch at All'Antico Vinaio
Join the queue for the world's most famous panini. It’s huge, cheap, and can easily be split between two people for a budget win.
The Rose Garden
Located just below Piazzale Michelangelo, this garden offers a peaceful, free retreat with stunning views of the city towers.
Piazzale Michelangelo Sunset
The ultimate Florence ritual. Bring a bottle of supermarket wine and some snacks to watch the sun set over the city alongside hundreds of other travelers.
Day 6: Florence, Italy - Pisa Day Trip
Train to Pisa
Take a regional train from Florence SMN. Tickets are fixed price and very affordable. The journey takes about an hour.
Leaning Tower & Piazza dei Miracoli
Admire the famous leaning tower and the cathedral. Taking photos with the tower from the grass is free and mandatory for every first-timer.
Pisa Riverside Walk
Walk along the Arno River in Pisa, which is much quieter and more local than the Florence side. Visit the tiny, Gothic Santa Maria della Spina church.
Return to Florence
Head back to Florence and enjoy a cheap 'aperitivo' in the Oltrarno district, where your drink price includes a small buffet of snacks.
Day 7: Bologna, Italy - The Red City
Train to Bologna
A short 35-minute high-speed train or a 1.5-hour regional train will bring you to Italy's culinary capital. Regional is the budget choice here.
Piazza Maggiore & Neptune Fountain
Explore the heart of the city. Visit the Basilica of San Petronio, one of the largest churches in the world, which is free to enter.
The Two Towers
Gaze up at the Asinelli and Garisenda towers. While climbing them costs a few Euros, seeing these medieval skyscrapers from the base is free.
Quadrilatero Food Market
Explore the narrow medieval streets filled with deli shops. Grab some local mortadella and bread for a high-quality, low-cost picnic dinner.
Day 8: Bologna, Italy - Porticos & Peaks
Portico di San Luca Hike
Walk under the world's longest portico (nearly 4km of covered walkway) that leads up the hill to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca.
San Luca Sanctuary
The sanctuary at the top offers incredible views of the Apennine Mountains. The walk itself is a great workout and completely free.
Seven Churches (Santo Stefano)
Visit the 'Sette Chiese' complex, a unique maze of interconnected religious edifices that reflect different centuries of Bologna’s history.
Student District Dinner
Head to the university quarter (Via del Pratello) for the cheapest beer and pasta in the city, popular with the massive local student population.
Day 9: Venice, Italy - The Floating City
Regional Train to Venice
Take the train to Venezia Santa Lucia station. Ensure you exit at 'Santa Lucia' and not 'Mestre' to arrive directly on the island.
Grand Canal Walk
Avoid the expensive gondolas and Vaporetto (water bus) for now. Cross the Rialto Bridge and explore the labyrinth of Venice on foot.
St. Mark's Square
Feed the pigeons (metaphorically—it's actually banned!) and admire the Byzantine architecture of St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace from the square.
Cicchetti Crawl in Cannaregio
Do as the locals do: go for 'Cicchetti' (Venetian tapas). Small bites cost 1.50 - 3 Euros each. It’s the cheapest way to eat in Venice.
Day 10: Venice, Italy - Hidden Calles & Islands
Libreria Acqua Alta
Visit 'the most beautiful bookstore in the world.' It features books in bathtubs and gondolas to protect them from flooding. Free to enter.
Traghetto Crossing
Want a gondola experience for pennies? Find a 'Traghetto' point. These are large gondolas that ferry people across the Grand Canal for just 2 Euros.
Explore Castello District
Walk to the far east of the island. It’s much quieter, more green, and you’ll find the Arsenale (the old shipyard) which is very photogenic.
Zattere Waterfront
Enjoy a gelato from 'Da Nico' and walk along the Zattere promenade facing the Giudecca island for a beautiful evening breeze.
Day 11: Milan, Italy - Fashion & Finance
Train to Milan
Depart Venice for Milan Centrale. This is Italy's most impressive train station—take a moment to admire the massive fascist-era architecture.
Duomo di Milano
The white marble cathedral is the heart of the city. While the roof costs money, the interior and the exterior details are worth seeing for any budget.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Walk through the world's oldest shopping mall. Spin your heel on the bull's testicles on the floor for good luck—it’s a free and quirky tradition.
Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)
The castle grounds and the surrounding Sempione Park are free to enter. It's a great spot for a budget-friendly afternoon walk.
Day 12: Milan, Italy - Modernity & Navigli
Brera District
Window shop in Milan’s most artistic neighborhood. The narrow streets are full of galleries and charming cafes that cost nothing to look at.
Porta Nuova & Bosco Verticale
See the 'Vertical Forest' towers. Milan’s modern business district shows a completely different, futuristic side of Italy.
Cimitero Monumentale
It sounds strange, but this 'open-air museum' cemetery is one of Milan's most beautiful and free attractions, featuring incredible sculptures.
Navigli Canal Aperitivo
Head to the Navigli district. For the price of one cocktail (around 10-12 Euros), most bars offer a massive buffet that serves as a full dinner.
Day 13: Milan, Italy - Final Morning & Departure
Last Minute Souvenirs
Visit a local Esselunga or Conad supermarket to buy authentic pasta, pesto, and chocolates to take home at local prices rather than tourist shop prices.
Piazza Gae Aulenti
Have a final espresso in this modern square before heading to the airport. It's a great spot to reflect on your 13-day journey.
Airport Shuttle
Take the Malpensa Express or the cheaper shuttle bus from Centrale station back to the airport for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Italy
For budget travelers, the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October are ideal. The weather is pleasant for walking, and prices for hostels are lower than the peak summer months of July and August. Avoid August if possible, as it is both the hottest month and when many locals go on holiday, meaning some cheaper local shops might be closed.
Currency & Money
Italy uses the Euro (€). While credit cards are widely accepted in cities, carrying some cash is essential for small purchases like a 1-Euro espresso or street food. Tipping is not mandatory or expected in Italy, as a 'coperto' (cover charge) is often added to your bill in sit-down restaurants. For the best exchange rates, use an ATM (Bancomat) rather than currency exchange booths.
Getting Around Italy
The best way to travel between cities is via the extensive rail network. Trenitalia's 'Regionale' trains are the most budget-friendly, though they take longer than the high-speed 'Frecciarossa'. For even lower prices, FlixBus and Itabus offer intercity routes that can be booked for as little as 5 Euros if you plan ahead. Within cities, walking is your best friend, though Milan and Rome have efficient metro systems for longer distances.
