Dreaming of backpacking through Italy? You’re not alone. Italy has always been a popular destination for backpackers, and for good reason. From its rich history and stunning architecture to its delicious cuisine and vibrant culture, Italy offers a little something for everyone. So for your plans of backpacking Italy, we will provide you with a general idea so you can make the most of your adventure. A few suggestions, budgeting tips, and of course the convenience of buying a travel eSIM to stay connected while exploring Rome, Florence, Venice and the Italian picturesque countryside, will help you plan the perfect backpacking trip.
Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for the adventure of a lifetime, Italy has it all. Get ready to pack your bags and visit the wonders of this incredible country with Orange eSIM Holidays and its incredible eSIM plans for Italy.
Contents / Contenidos
Your budget: Accommodation, Transportation, Food and Dining, and Connectivity
Accommodation
Italy is an excellent destination to visit for backpackers. The average cost of hostel rooms ranges from €27 to €40 a night. The price of a private room increases to about €50 to €100 but you’ll get free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities. Camping grounds usually cost just around €20. A budget 2-star hotel might cost around €80 and you’ll have access to basic amenities like Wi-Fi, TV, AC and the occasional included breakfast. If you visit during peak season, the city’s accommodations in Rome, Venice or Florence will surely cost you more, so try to stay in alternative locations or in a less concurred city.
Transportation
Transportation expenses can get quite high on a trip to Italy. Train tickets between Italian cities may cost you between €9 and €49 depending on the city of origin and the distance to the destination city. If you can find alternative means of transportation like ride-sharing with BlaBlaCar or low-cost bus companies like Itabus you might end up saving some money. To these costs, add the costs of transportation inside cities. Bus fares usually cost around €1-€3, and city-passes for just one day cost around €9. To move around Italian cities, consider renting a bicycle or walking for a budget friendly experience.
Food and dining
Food and dining is where you can make some cuts in your budget. Quick bites like pizza slices or panini might help you save a ton of money on your trip. Ranging from €3-€8 these are the most budget-friendly options that you can get for food in Italy. Of course, you can indulge in some pasta or pizza dishes in a proper restaurant, but get ready to pay from €10 to €20 for that luxury. If you’re thinking of cooking your own meals, groceries will cost you just around €50-€60 per week.
Connectivity with an eSIM
By using a travel eSIM in Italy you’ll get cost-saving advantages by avoiding international roaming fees and the convenience of staying connected without the need to purchase a local SIM card and you’ll avoid expensive and uncertain roaming fees. Stay connected while using travel apps, maps and translation widgets to maximize your backpacking experience. The flexibility in data usage will allow you to manage your data consumption more efficiently and adjust your plan as needed without restrictions during the time you’re spending in Italy. With Orange eSIM Holidays you’ll get all of this at an excellent price, but more on this later.
For a full budget experience, prepare around €20 daily, but if you want to travel while enjoying the wonderful Italian cuisine, then be ready to spend around €40 or €50 on food.
Daily average
Depending on your travel style, your average daily budget can vary a lot. A backpacker’s budget would be around €60 daily on the low end (stay in the cheapest shared hostels, cook your own meals, use the cheapest transportation methods and take advantage of free attractions and tours) and €140 daily on a mid-level budget (Private rooms, eating out, train tickets…). Remember that’s always best to spend some time preparing your expenses before your trip so you can focus on your experience once you’re already in Italy.
Top Backpacking Destinations in Italy
Iconic cities: Rome, Florence or Venice
Italy offers some of the most iconic cities for backpackers to see, including Rome, Florence, and Venice. The city of Rome is home to ancient ruins and historical landmarks, while Florence boasts Renaissance art and architecture. Venice, known for its picturesque canals and bridges, offers a unique backpacking experience in the city. Try to stay at least one day in any of these cities to get the best historical background for your visit to Italy. Maybe allocate some time to visit Vatican City and see the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Charming coastal towns: Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast
The charming coastal towns of Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast offer breathtaking views, stunning beaches and vibrant local culture, making them ideal for backpackers seeking unforgettable experiences in Italy. With their unique landscapes and historic charm, Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast provide the best places to stay and immerse yourself in the beauty of Italy’s coastline while enjoying the freedom and flexibility of traveling with just your backpack. The best time to visit this region is during the summer season, but get ready to find crowds of travelers and vacationers since it is a very popular holiday destination.
Off-the-beaten-path regions: Tuscany, Umbria
The less known regions of Tuscany and Umbria offer an alternative experience perfect for those seeking a different way of visiting Italy.
Tuscany, with its picturesque landscapes, historic hilltop towns, and renowned wines, is a perfect destination for backpackers seeking authentic Italian experiences. The city of Siena, or the medieval city of Arezzo, are excellent places to visit in the region.
Umbria boasts charming medieval villages, lush nature, and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those looking to see a more tranquil and less crowded side of Italy. The city of Peruggia or the beautiful city of Terni are well worth a one-day visit. Both Tuscany and Umbria provide diverse outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and local cuisines. You’ll experience an enriching backpacking adventure exploring the beauty of central Italy.
What’s the best eSIM for Italy?
Orange eSIM Holidays offers the best eSIM you can find for Italy. With this travel eSIM you’ll get 30GB of data for just €25 to use for 15 days anywhere in Europe (European Union, Norway and Liechtenstein). You will also get 100 minutes of voice calls so you can stay connected with your loved ones while abroad. You can find more information about this eSIM here.
Orange eSIM Holidays offers other eSIM cards with 28 days of validity for longer stays, with 11GB, 16GB and 22GB, all of them with a price per GB around €0.90 and different voice call allowances. Check out all the Italy eSIMs here.
These are perfect eSIM plans to get on your next backpacking trip through Italy, since they offer more than enough data for your connectivity needs while traversing the country providing you with the perfect amount of GB for an exciting but safe trip.
Tips for Maximizing Your Italy Backpacking Experience
We can help you fulfill your plans by offering a few extra tips that will help you keep your budget controlled while in Italy.
Skip the bread in Italian restaurants
While delicious, Italian bread offered in many restaurants isn’t free. You can decline the bread and save a few euros from the bill.
Ask for tap water
When drinking water at any bar or restaurant, you should just ask for tap water since it is safe to drink. This is the best way to save on expensive bottled water.
Take advantage of Free Tours
Most Italian cities have Free Walking Tours that cover all the landmarks. Use them for the best first contact with the city and take advantage of this opportunity to meet other fellow travelers.
Visit a tourism office
Try to get a city tourist card in a tourism office. This way you can find the best free or discounted plans for city attractions, restaurants or even transportation.
Get a travel eSIM
A travel eSIM will provide you with an extra layer of safety by ensuring internet access without incurring in roaming expenses. Think of it as a safety net for your trip. With a travel eSIM, you can use travel apps to get essential information and services conveniently. You can easily reach out and keep your loved ones updated on your travels, and you can navigate Italy’s streets and attractions with ease by relying on online maps, made accessible through your travel eSIM’s data connection.
Conclusion
Backpacking Italy can be a rewarding and accessible experience for travelers of all ages. By just following these simple guidelines and tips, you can make the most of your visit while staying within budget. By making your plans with enough time in advance, staying flexible, and embracing the local culture, you can create lasting memories while exploring this beautiful country.
By using a travel eSIM like Orange eSIM Holidays, you’ll make sure that you have access to local mobile networks and easily navigate, communicate, and access essential information without the hassle of purchasing and swapping physical SIM cards. With this eSIM, you will enhance your backpacking experience in Italy by making sure you stay connected to make the most of your journey. You can check if your device is eSIM compatible by searching for it in this list.
Buy Orange eSIM Holidays for the best travel eSIM for Italy, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure through Italy. Buon viaggio!
Buy the best eSIM for Italy
FAQ about Italy
What are the best months to visit Italy?
Shoulder seasons in Italy is both springtime and the end of summer (October and November). It is the best time to visit Italy, especially because the prices are affordable, the weather is perfect and there aren’t too many visitors. If you’re looking for the perfect backpacking experience in Italy, try to travel during this period.
Is Italy a tourist friendly country?
Italy is a tourist-friendly country with a rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine. Italy’s efficient transportation system makes it easy for visitors to explore the country, and the hospitality of the locals adds to the overall experience. However, travelers must be careful with common scams and pick-pocketing in popular tourist areas and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Italy.
How can I buy a travel eSIM?
To purchase a travel eSIM, you need to access the website of the carrier with the best offer for you. After following the checkout process, you’ll receive an email with a QR code and instructions on how to activate your recently purchase eSIM. By scanning the QR code, you’ll have an eSIM ready to be activated on your mobile phone.
What are the most expensive destinations in Italy?
Capri, the Amalfi coast, lake Como and lake Maggiore are some of the most expensive areas of Italy. With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and being among the most renown landscapes for travelers, these are quite expensive destinations, so try to avoid staying in any of them. Cities like Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome are also popular tourist destinations where some prices can be quite high.