How Much Do Two Weeks in Italy Cost? – Full Breakdown
Looking to spend two weeks in Italy but unsure how much it will cost?
I’ve been to Italy several times now, for five nights, a week, and two weeks. I’ve also been with and without kids, so I know all the costs and budgets.
If you’re a backpacker, you can visit Italy for two weeks for as little as €1,000, excluding flights. However, the average traveller should expect to spend closer to €2,000.
I’ve just returned from my third two-week trip to Italy in ten years. For two weeks in Italy, I spent €2,650 on two adults and one toddler. The toddler is pretty cheap, so call that about €1,200 per adult for two weeks.
Accommodation in Italy
The cost of accommodation in Italy will vary dramatically depending on:
- Where in Italy you’re visiting
- The type of accommodation you’re staying in
- The accommodation star rating
- The time of year
Major cities such as Rome, Venice and Milan are popular with tourists. As such, the wide variety of accommodation often makes prices more competitive. In the off-season, you can stay in a dorm in a major Italian city for about €25 per night. Meanwhile, budget chain hotel rooms can be had for around €120.
There are fewer options in more restricted locations, such as Sorento and Portofino. Hostels are rare in these areas, and budget accommodation often sells out quickly.
Getting Around Italy
There are three types of transport you’ll want to consider on a trip to Italy:
- Getting to Italy
- Getting between Italian cities
- Getting around Italian cities
The cost of getting to Italy will vary depending on your location, so I’m not including that cost in any numbers.
Instead, we’ll focus on the two numbers I do know:
- The cost of travelling between cities
- The cost of getting around cities
Whether you’re on a budget or not, I wouldn’t recommend hiring a car for two weeks in Italy. It might be good for getting between places but driving and parking will be a nightmare once you get into the city.
Instead, Italy has a fantastic transport system, and depending on where you want to go, you could take:
- Flights
- Coaches
- Trains
Most tourists travelling between cities in Italy take the train. Trains are fast, clean, and convenient. You can buy train tickets separately or pick up an Interrail Italy pass for as little as €165.
If you’re on a shoestring budget while in Italy, consider the coaches. They take a little longer, but tickets on the likes of Flixbus can cost as little as €4.99.
When it comes to getting around Italian cities, it’ll really vary depending on where you are. In Venice, you’ll be walking and taking Vaporettos. While in Cinque Terre, you’ll be walking and taking the train.
Attractions & Entertainment in Italy
How much you spend on attractions and entertainment in Italy will depend on the type of trip. If you plan to do a lot of hiking or relax on the beach, you won’t need much.
However, you’ll need between €30 and €100 a day to visit major tourist attractions. Depending on where you’re going and how much you plan to do, a city pass may be cheaper.
City passes are offered by various companies in major cities, such as:
- Rome
- Venice
- Pisa
- Milan
These passes get you entry into several of the most popular attractions in the city for a fixed price. However, they don’t always include everything, so double-check before you buy.
Eating in Italy
One of the best things to do in Italy is eat. The country is home to some of the finest restaurants in the world and a haven for foodies.
However, delicious food can be found in Italy without spending much money. Budget backpackers could spend as little as €25 a day on food, but most travellers spend closer to €75.
During two weeks in Italy, I spent €1,390 on food for two adults and one toddler. The toddler didn’t get a meal at any restaurant, so it was about €695 per adult.
Travelling with a toddler meant we didn’t eat in restaurants every evening in Italy. Instead, a casual dinner or cooking at our apartment was often easier and helped us save money.
When it comes to eating in Italy, it’s not about what you eat but more about where you eat.
Restaurants and cafes next to big tourist attractions will charge a premium. Plus, they are often not that good. Instead, you want to look to eat where the locals eat for authentic, affordable food.
Thanks for all the good insights. We will review this again next year before our trip to Italy.