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Things to do in Italy

14 destinations in Italy, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.

Places to visit in Italy

Best time to visit Italy

When flights to each destination are cheapest.

Amalfi Coast
Fly in late October through early December or in February through late March for fares roughly 35-50% below July-August peak, when many guesthouses stay open and the coast is strikingly quiet. Tuesday and Wednesday departures consistently yield the lowest fares across all seasons.
Bologna
The cheapest months to fly to Bologna are November through early March (excluding Christmas/New Year), when round-trip fares from major US hubs can run 25-40% less than summer peaks. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) saves an additional 10-15% over weekend flights.
Cinque Terre
Fly in November through March for the lowest airfares, with savings of 35-50% compared to July-August peak season when the trails are packed and accommodation doubles in price. Mid-week departures (Tuesday-Wednesday) shave an additional 10-15% off fares year-round.
Florence
The cheapest months to fly to Florence are November through early March (excluding Christmas), when round-trip fares from major US hubs can run 30-40% below peak summer prices. Flying midweek, Tuesday or Wednesday departures, typically saves an additional $50-80 compared to weekend travel.
Lake Como
The cheapest months to fly to Lake Como are November through March (excluding Christmas/New Year), when round-trip fares from major US hubs can run 25-40% less than peak summer prices; shoulder seasons of April-May and late September-October offer a sweet spot of lower fares, fewer crowds, and still-beautiful weather.
Naples
The cheapest months to fly to Naples are November through early March (excluding Christmas week), when round-trip fares from major US hubs can run $500-750 versus $900-1,300 in peak summer, a savings of roughly 35-45%. Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) shaves an additional $50-100 off typical weekend fares.
Palermo
The cheapest months to fly to Palermo are November through February (excluding Christmas/New Year), when round-trip fares from major US hubs can run 30-40% lower than the July-August peak; shoulder season in April-May and October offers the best blend of good weather and reasonable fares.
Pisa
The cheapest months to fly to Pisa are November through February (excluding Christmas week), when fares and hotels can be 30-45% lower than the July-August peak and the crowds at the Leaning Tower are a fraction of summer levels. Flying midweek, Tuesday or Wednesday departures, typically saves an additional 10-15% over weekend flights.
Positano
The cheapest months to fly to Positano are November through March (excluding Christmas week), when round-trip fares from major US hubs can run 30-45% lower than July-August peak season. Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday departures) in shoulder season, April-May or late September-October, offers the best balance of lower fares and good weather.
Rome
January through early March is Rome's cheapest window for flights, with round-trip fares from major US hubs sometimes 35-50% below summer peak pricing. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday departure) and avoiding Italian school holiday weeks (Easter, late July-August) can shave another $100-200 off the fare.
Sicily
The cheapest months to fly to Sicily are November through early March, when round-trip fares from major US hubs can drop to $500-700 versus $900-1,400 in July-August, a savings of 30-50%. For warm weather at shoulder prices, late April-May or October hit the sweet spot with smaller crowds and pleasant 65-75°F temperatures.
Sorrento
Fly in November through March for the lowest fares, often 35-50% cheaper than June-August peak, with shoulder seasons of April-May and late September-October offering the sweet spot of mild weather and fares only 15-25% above rock bottom. Midweek departures (Tuesday-Wednesday) consistently undercut weekend prices by $50-100 per person.
Venice
The cheapest months to fly to Venice are November through early March (excluding Christmas/New Year), when round-trip fares from major US hubs drop to $500-750 versus $900-1,400 in summer peak, roughly 35-50% savings. Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) shaves another $50-100 off typical fares.
Verona
Fly to Verona in November through early March (excluding Christmas week) for the lowest fares, roughly 35-50% cheaper than the July-August opera-season peak; mid-week departures on Tuesday or Wednesday typically shave another 10-15% off any season.

Is Italy expensive?

A day on the ground for one person travelling alone, before flights: somewhere to sleep, food, something to do and getting around.

Amalfi Coast
About $62 a day on a shoestring, about $249 comfortably.
Bologna
About $47 a day on a shoestring, about $226 comfortably.
Cinque Terre
About $78 a day on a shoestring, about $275 comfortably.
Florence
About $52 a day on a shoestring, about $231 comfortably.
Lake Como
About $68 a day on a shoestring, about $285 comfortably.
Naples
About $33 a day on a shoestring, about $199 comfortably.
Palermo
About $43 a day on a shoestring, about $235 comfortably.
Pisa
About $48 a day on a shoestring, about $235 comfortably.
Positano
About $62 a day on a shoestring, about $265 comfortably.
Rome
About $50 a day on a shoestring, about $253 comfortably.
Sicily
About $41 a day on a shoestring, about $230 comfortably.
Sorrento
About $58 a day on a shoestring, about $247 comfortably.
Venice
About $66 a day on a shoestring, about $262 comfortably.
Verona
About $47 a day on a shoestring, about $241 comfortably.

Set your dates, budget and home airport on any destination below for a total that includes flights.

Free things to do in Italy

  • Amalfi Coast: Marina Grande Beach, Amalfi Public pebbly beach in the heart of Amalfi town, free to lay a towel and swim.
  • Bologna: Walk the Porticoes 38 km of UNESCO-listed covered arcades are Bologna's defining feature and free to stroll day or night.
  • Cinque Terre: Hike the Via dell'Amore (reopened sections) The legendary lovers' path offers free coastal scenery between Riomaggiore and Manarola
  • Florence: Piazzale Michelangelo Sunset The best panoramic view of Florence's skyline costs nothing but a short uphill walk.
  • Lake Como: Walk the Lungolario Promenade (Como) A beautiful lakeside walkway perfect for strolling, people-watching, and soaking in mountain-framed lake views
  • Naples: Stroll the Lungomare Naples' sweeping seafront promenade offers Vesuvius views, sea breeze, and a front-row seat to local life at zero cost.

Cheap eats in Italy

  • Bar il Mulino, Amalfi in Amalfi Coast, Fresh sfogliatella pastry and espresso at the counter Plates $3-7
  • Trattoria da Me in Bologna, Tagliatelle al ragù bolognese Plates $10-16
  • Il Pirata delle Cinque Terre (Vernazza) in Cinque Terre, Focaccia al pesto and farinata (chickpea flatbread) Plates $4-8
  • Trattoria Mario in Florence, Ribollita or pasta del giorno Plates $8-12
  • Osteria del Gallo (Como city) in Lake Como, Risotto al pesce persico (perch risotto) with local white wine Plates $12-18
  • L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples, Margherita or Marinara pizza Plates $5-7

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