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. 🛵 Want to experience Italy to the fullest? Download the Italy Insider E-Guide now! https://bit.ly/3Zom90m 📧 Newsletter Join my newsletter email list for free travel tips, hacks, and exclusive content. https://gregor-brown.kit.com/53b0eef2d7 👉Ways you can support me: ⭐Join my Patron Inner Circle https://www.patreon.com/c/gregorbrown/membership 🙋🏻Join The Global Insiders for direct travel help and free guides. https://www.patreon.com/c/gregorbrown/membership 📺Watch the next unreleased video by becoming a channel member https://www.youtube.com/@GregorBrown/join 👍 Or simply just give a thumbs up, that's free and much appreciated, too. 🙏And please subscribe for all the latest videos https://www.youtube.com/@GregorBrown?sub_confirmation=1 ✈️ My TRAVEL INSURANCE recommendation 🩺 https://bit.ly/42FeDx0 ⚙ Gear I use for travel: Plug adaptor: https://amzn.to/3HeyMAr Power strip (plug into an adaptor): https://amzn.to/3JefEVP Portable USB Charger (a must!): https://amzn.to/3kzrZcM Italian phrase book: https://amzn.to/3wynZMv Sleep eye mask: https://amzn.to/3IS7u4n Ear plugs for sleeping: https://amzn.to/3IMOUuu Toiletry Kit bag (I got the camo one): https://amzn.to/3Z2AM6B Travel Bottles for Toiletries: https://amzn.to/3xT3WZN ...or get clear refillable ones: https://amzn.to/3ktjEHU Samsonite hard shell luggage: https://amzn.to/404ZlRa Rimowa Essential Cabin Luggage: https://amzn.to/3b1v94l (If you buy using this links above, I receive a commission via the Amazon Affiliate Program.)
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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!)
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.
Why stay far out just to pay more getting in? Booking hotels miles outside the city might look cheaper upfront, but daily train tickets add up fast! For example, staying in Bologna and commuting to Florence will cost about $35/each for a round-trip in Oct. and that’s if you book 4 months in advance. I found affordable and well-located Airbnbs right in the city centers of Rome, Florence, and Venice without any trouble. Staying central is doable on a budget and definitely saves time.
Hello sir, just wanted to say that i finished my 2 week italy trip yesterday to rome, florence, siena, san gimignano, montepulciano, pienza, pisa and venice and i wanted to tell you that your videos were so so helpful in planning my trip. literally every single video i watched helped me shape my itinerary. so thank you so much.
I went to school in Padova. Beautiful city full of wonderful people, churches, markets, etc, and it's just one train stop from Venice when you want a day out. Lovely option!
Ok Gregor. My husband and I will be in Florence in May. Where are these Apertivo places with the free food?!?! Inquiring minds need to know! 😂
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.
I agree. Horse carriage riding should be illegal and banned.
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.)
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!
Thank you for your informative videos! Very helpful ❤. I totally agree with you about not going on the abusive horse drawn carriages!!
Gregor! I just returned from a week in Italy. I saw your video in which you mentioned Jeff Goldblum. Guess who I crossed paths with?! Yes! Jeff! Right across from the Pitti Palace. I took many of your suggestions. I shared the suggestion about taking a power strip on a Tuscany and Florence group along with your channel. You may have gotten an instant bump of subscribers! Keep making your videos! Looking forward to my next trip along with your recommendations!
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!
Don’t come on July and August, well that’s the only time when you can go with your kids.
Last year I've went to Rome. And I've made the mistake to get a taxi to the airport instead of going by bus. We were with a huge luggage, and asked by the app for a taxi. We payed 80 euros in the app instead the 30 euros if we asked for a taxi without the app.
I planned my whole Italy trip around David last November (the crowds were minimal) Just had to see him with my own eyes. Bought the tickets online, went at 8 am and got to sit and admire Michelangelo's Masterpiece. I thought the museum prices, The Galleria and the Uffizi are a lot cheaper than museums here in the States. Loved Florence so much, I want to back ASAP Maybe I'll run into you doing one of your videos LOL My daughter and I seemed like we went to out of the way places to eat and it wasn't too expensive. Great Video!
The One Italian Word That Will Save You a Fortune 💰/Ju9ZXd0O-YE
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...
My husband wanted a gelato after climbing the duomo in Florence. We stopped at a place on the main shopping strip and ordered without asking how much first. We were obviously taken advantage of because it ended up being 5x what we expected, but we were already served so we had to pay it. Always ask how much first if the prices aren’t posted!!! 😂💸💸💸
Per visitare Milano si può considerare di alloggiare a Vigevano. C'è una piazza Meravigliosa fatta dai Gonzaga e c'è il treno che porta a Porta Genova dove puoi prendere direttamente la M2 o Arrivare ala stazione di San Cristoforo e.prendere la M4 Il treno ci mette 30 minuti circa.