8 Italian Cities That Are Cheaper (and Prettier) Than Rome
Perfect for photographers and wanderers seeking off-the-beaten-path treasures
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I’ll never forget my first espresso in Rome. I paid nearly €5 for it at a tourist trap near the Trevi Fountain, sipping it while jostled by crowds. It was… fine. But it wasn’t the Italy I’d dreamed of. It wasn’t until I ventured beyond the capital that I discovered the true heart of the country—places where the espresso costs a euro, the piazzas are filled with chatting locals, and the beauty isn’t hidden behind a wall of selfie sticks.
Don’t get me wrong, Rome is magnificent. But Italy is so much more than its most famous capital. It’s a tapestry of incredible Italian cities and towns, many of which offer a more authentic, more affordable, and often more strikingly beautiful experience. If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Italy without the overwhelming crowds and prices, this list is for you. These are the best cities to visit in Italy where your euro stretches further and your memories will be even richer.
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Table of contents
8Bologna: La Grassa, La Dotta, La Rossa
Bologna is the cool, sophisticated older sibling to Rome’s extravagant superstar. It doesn’t shout about its wonders; it quietly lets you discover them. Nicknamed “La Grassa” (The Fat) for its incredible food, “La Dotta” (The Learned) for its ancient university, and “La Rossa” (The Red) for its terracotta rooftops and medieval brick buildings, Bologna is a city of three irresistible personalities.
Why it’s cheaper (and prettier) than Rome:
While Rome caters to tourists, Bologna caters to students and locals. This means the food scene is authentically spectacular without the inflated prices. The historic center, with its 40km of arcaded streets, is a beautiful, unified architectural marvel that feels lived-in and genuine, not like an open-air museum.
My personal experience:
My best memory was stumbling upon Osteria dell’Orsa during the aperitivo hour.
For the price of a €7 Aperol Spritz, I had access to a massive buffet of pasta, meats, and snacks—a full dinner. Afterwards, I joined the vibrant crowd of students spilling out into the Piazza Santo Stefano. It felt electric and real.
- 🍝 Don’t miss: The authentic Tagliatelle al Ragù (the real Bolognese sauce), tortellini in brodo, and a mortadella sandwich from a market stall.
- 📅 Best time to visit: Spring or Fall. The summer can be hot and humid under the porticoes.
- 💡 Something unique: Climb the 498 steps of the Asinelli Tower for a breathtaking view of the sea of red rooftops.
All you need for Bologna travel
Find great hotels and exciting tours to make the most of your trip to this beautiful Italian city.
Exploring the endless porticoes calls for comfortable shoes. I lived in these classic leather walking loafers which were both stylish and comfortable enough for miles of walking.
7Lecce: The Florence of the south
Tucked in the heel of Italy’s boot in the Puglia region, Lecce is a Baroque masterpiece carved from soft, honey-colored limestone. The sunlight here seems to set the entire city ablaze in a warm, golden glow. The craftsmanship on the churches and buildings is so intricate and overflowing that it feels like the stone itself is melting.
Why it’s cheaper (and prettier) than Rome:
Puglia, in general, is significantly more affordable than Rome. Lecce is a gateway to the Salento peninsula’s stunning beaches, offering culture and coast.
While stunning, its beauty is more intricate and concentrated than Rome’s sprawling grandeur, making it feel like discovering a secret jewel box.
My personal experience:
I got lost in the maze of the historic center every single day and was happy to do so. One evening, I sat on the steps of the Basilica di Santa Croce just as the sun hit its facade. The level of detail was mind-boggling. I must have sat there for an hour, just tracing the figures and patterns with my eyes.
- 🍝 Don’t miss: Pasticciotto Leccese (a sweet pastry filled with custard) for breakfast, and orecchiette pasta (little ears) with tomato sauce or ricotta forte.
- 📅 Best time to visit: May-June or September-October. July and August are extremely hot and crowded with Italian vacationers.
- 💡 Something unique: Take a short trip to the coast to swim in the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea and see the famous trulli houses in nearby Alberobello.
All you need for Lecce travel
Discover top hotels and unique tours to make your visit to this charming Italian city unforgettable.
The limestone streets gleam in the sun, so good sunglasses are a must. I always carry my polarized classic aviator sunglasses to cut the glare and see the true colors of the city.
6Perugia: The hilltop heart of Umbria
Perugia is the proud, historic capital of the green heart of Italy, Umbria. This mighty hilltop city is a fascinating mix of Etruscan, medieval, and modern layers. You can literally ride escalators through an ancient fortress (Rocca Paolina) to get from the modern lower town to the breathtaking historic center above. It’s one of the best places to stay in Italy for exploring the surrounding countryside.
Why it’s cheaper (and prettier) than Rome:
As the capital of Umbria (often called “Tuscany’s cheaper cousin”), Perugia offers a similar rolling-hills-and-medieval-towns vibe without the premium price tag. The views from its ramparts over the Umbrian valleys are arguably more dramatic than any single view in Rome.
My personal experience:
I was there during the world-famous EuroChocolate festival. The entire main street, Corso Vannucci, was lined with chocolate artisans. The air smelled like cocoa. I ate more chocolate in one day than I thought humanly possible, all for a fraction of what fancy tours would cost.
- 🍝 Don’t miss: Umbrian cured meats, black truffle pasta, and the famous Baci Perugina chocolates—right from the source!
- 📅 Best time to visit: November for the EuroChocolate festival (check exact dates each year), or late spring for perfect weather and wildflowers.
- 💡 Something unique: Explore the Rocca Paolina, a subterranean city-within-a-city. It’s eerily beautiful and completely free to walk through.
Plan your perfect Perugia getaway
Find top hotels and exciting tours to make the most of your visit to this historic Italian city.
Umbria is lush and green, making it a haven for mosquitoes in the warmer months. A good, natural insect repellent is essential for enjoying those evening passeggiatas. I use this DEET-free insect repellent bracelets that are effective and convenient.
5Turin: The royal capital of the north
Turin is elegant, mysterious, and utterly sophisticated. As the former capital of Italy and the home of the royal Savoy family, it’s full of grand boulevards, majestic palaces, and world-class museums. It’s the birthplace of the Slow Food movement, vermouth, and that iconic Fiat 500. It feels more like a French or Austrian city than a stereotypically chaotic Italian one.
Why it’s cheaper (and prettier) than Rome:
Turin is a wealthy industrial city, not solely reliant on tourism, which keeps prices reasonable. Its beauty is different from Rome’s—it’s orderly, symmetrical, and draped in a slight fog that gives it a cinematic, atmospheric quality. The views of the Alps from the city are a stunning backdrop Rome can’t match.
My personal experience:
I spent a rainy afternoon museum-hopping between the incredible Egyptian Museum (the second largest in the world after Cairo’s) and the mesmerizing Cinema Museum housed in the Mole Antonelliana. Taking the elevator to the top of the Mole and seeing the Alps appear through the clouds was pure magic.
- 🍝 Don’t miss: Aperitivo in one of the historic cafes like Al Bicerin (try their namesake coffee-chocolate drink), agnolotti pasta, and anything with the precious white truffle from nearby Alba.
- 📅 Best time to visit: Fall is perfect for truffle season and foggy atmosphere. Summer is less humid than in other Italian cities.
- 💡 Something unique: Go on a hunt for the city’s “magic” spots, like the gates of the Palazzo Madama where devilish statues are said to confound visitors.
Uncover the charm of Turin
Book your stay and explore guided tours to fully experience the elegance and history of this northern Italian gem.
The weather in Turin can be unpredictable. A stylish, compact umbrella is a lifesaver for looking chic while staying dry. I never travel without this automatic open travel umbrella.
4Verona: More than just a balcony
Yes, Verona has Juliet’s balcony (which is charming, if crowded). But to reduce this city to just that is a travesty. Verona is a perfectly preserved Roman and medieval city nestled in a bend of the Adige River. It’s wealthy, clean, and impossibly romantic. The first time you see the colossal Roman Arena presiding over the Piazza Bra, you’ll be stunned.
Why it’s cheaper (and prettier) than Rome:
Verona is in the wealthy north, but it’s smaller and more manageable than Rome. Its Roman ruins, like the Arena, are in better condition and still used for world-class opera performances. The setting on the river, with bridges and hillside castles, gives it a storybook quality that feels more intimate than Rome’s epic scale.
My personal experience:
I splurged on a ticket to see Aida in the Roman Arena. As the sun set and the opera began, with the ancient stone arches illuminated by candlelight, I had tears in my eyes. It was the single most powerful artistic experience I’ve had in Italy. You don’t have to see an opera—just walking around the arena at night is magical.
- 🍝 Don’t miss: Horse meat pasta (pastissada de caval), risotto all’Amarone (made with the local wine), and Valpolicella wine from the nearby vineyards.
- 📅 Best time to visit: June-August for the opera festival, or April-May for lovely spring weather.
- 💡 Something unique: Cross the Ponte Pietra for a postcard-perfect view of the old city and climb up to Castel San Pietro for the best panorama.
Best places to stay and explore in Verona
Book hotels and tours to discover Shakespeare’s city, its ancient arena, and charming streets filled with history.
A night at the opera, even in summer, can get chilly. I always pack a large lightweight pashmina scarf that works as a blanket, a wrap, and an accessory.
3Genoa: The gritty maritime marvel
Genoa is not a city that tries to please you. It’s a rough-around-the-edges, working port city with a proud, gritty soul. But peel back the layers, and you’ll find a place of staggering beauty and history. It has one of the largest and most fascinating medieval centers in Europe—a labyrinth of narrow alleyways (caruggi) that suddenly open up into magnificent noble palaces.
Why it’s cheaper (and prettier) than Rome:
Genoa is arguably the biggest bargain on this list. It’s a genuine, non-touristy city. Its medieval center is larger and more maze-like than Rome’s, offering a true sense of discovery. The juxtaposition of the dirty port with the opulent Palazzi dei Rolli palaces is a unique beauty Rome doesn’t have.
My personal experience:
I decided to get purposefully lost in the caruggi. I turned a corner and found myself in a tiny piazza with a fountain, surrounded by laundry hanging from lines above. I smelled pesto (Genoa is its birthplace) from a hidden restaurant and followed my nose to the best lunch of my trip—a trofie al pesto for €10.
- 🍝 Don’t miss: Pesto alla Genovese on trofie pasta, fried squid from a friggitoria, and focaccia—which is far superior here than anywhere else in the world.
- 📅 Best time to visit: Spring or Fall. The humid summer heat can be intense in the narrow alleyways.
- 💡 Something unique: Visit the Staglieno Cemetery, an open-air museum of spectacularly elaborate sculptures that is both eerie and profoundly beautiful.
Hotels and tours in Genoa, Italy
Find top hotels and exciting tours to explore Genoa’s historic streets, beautiful harbor, and rich culture.
The port area and some parts of the old town can be a bit shady at night. A secure, anti-theft bag is a smart choice for peace of mind. I use this anti-theft crossbody bag that has RFID blocking and slash-proof straps.
2Trieste: The melancholy beauty on the sea
Trieste doesn’t feel Italian. Perched on a sliver of land between the Adriatic Sea and Slovenia, it has a haunting, Mitteleuropean soul. It was the main port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and that Hapsburg elegance is everywhere—in the grand cafes, the neoclassical architecture, and the intellectual, slightly melancholy air. It’s one of the most unique places to go in Italy.
Why it’s cheaper (and prettier) than Rome:
Its location away from the main tourist trail keeps prices down. Its beauty is intellectual and atmospheric. The seafront, with its waves crashing against the white stone buildings, is a dramatic and romantic scene that rivals anything in Rome. The coffee culture here is the best in Italy.
My personal experience:
I followed in the footsteps of writer James Joyce and spent an afternoon writing in the historic Caffè San Marco, a literary institution since 1914. The vibe was serene and intellectual. Later, I walked out to the Molo Audace pier at sunset and watched the sun dip below the horizon, lighting up the Miramare Castle in the distance. It was breathtakingly peaceful.
- 🍝 Don’t miss: Coffee at a historic café, buffet restaurants serving boiled pork and horseradish (a local tradition), and Eastern European-influenced dishes like goulash.
- 📅 Best time to visit: Summer to enjoy the Bora wind (a famous local phenomenon) and the seaside vibe.
- 💡 Something unique: Take a short bus ride to the stunning Miramare Castle, a fairytale castle built on a cliff overlooking the sea.
Best hotels and tours in Trieste
Find the best hotels and tours to explore Trieste’s elegant squares, picturesque waterfront, and vibrant history.
The famous Bora wind can be fierce! A sleek, wind-resistant jacket will keep you comfortable while exploring. This packable windbreaker women’s is perfect for Trieste’s unpredictable weather.
1Palermo: The chaotic capital of Sicily
Palermo is beautiful, but it’s a chaotic, crumbling, exhilarating kind of beautiful. It’s a city where Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences crash together in a glorious mess. The street markets are loud, the traffic is insane, and the history is palpable on every corner. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s one of the most vibrant and unforgettable Italian cities you will ever visit.
Why it’s cheaper (and prettier) than Rome:
Sicily is one of the most affordable regions in Italy. Palermo’s beauty is raw, authentic, and unpolished. The mix of architectural styles creates a visual feast that is completely unique in the world. The street food culture is not only incredibly cheap but also some of the best places to visit in Italy for a true taste of local life.
My personal experience:
I dove headfirst into the Ballarò market. The shouts of vendors, the smell of grilled spleen (pani ca meusa), and the vibrant piles of spices and olives were overwhelming in the best way. I ate arancina after arancina (fried rice balls) for less than €2 each, each one more delicious than the last. It was a full-sensory immersion.
- 🍝 Don’t miss: Street food! Arancine, pani ca meusa (spleen sandwich), sfincione (Sicilian pizza), and cannoli filled right in front of you.
- 📅 Best time to visit: April-June or September-October. July and August are scorchingly hot.
- 💡 Something unique: Visit the Palatine Chapel inside the Norman Palace. The Byzantine mosaics are so dazzlingly detailed and golden that they make you gasp.
Your guide to hotels and tours in Palermo
Find top hotels and tours to explore Palermo’s historic streets, markets, and stunning Sicilian architecture.
The markets are bustling and the streets are often messy. I recommend comfortable, closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. These machine washable walking shoes were a lifesaver for exploring Palermo’s vibrant chaos.
General comparison
What makes these Italian cities so special is how they redefine Italian beauty. It’s not just about iconic ruins and Renaissance art. It’s the golden Baroque of Lecce, the orderly elegance of Turin, the maritime grit of Genoa, the haunting mystery of Trieste, and the vibrant chaos of Palermo. Each offers a distinct flavor of Italy, often with a deeper connection to local culture and history than the whirlwind experience of Rome. They prove that the best cities to visit in Italy are often the ones where life continues uninterrupted by mass tourism.
Global personal experience
Traveling to these eight cities completely reshaped my understanding of Italy. I learned that the soul of the country isn’t found in the most crowded piazza, but in a noisy osteria in Bologna, a quiet café in Trieste, or a bustling market in Palermo. I spent less money but gained richer experiences: chatting with a barista, getting lost without a map, and tasting hyper-regional dishes I’d never find in Rome. It made me a more confident and curious traveler, eager to find the authentic heartbeat of a place.
Final recommendations for your trip
Planning a trip around these places to visit in Italy is exciting. Here’s my advice:
- Focus on a region: Italy is long. Don’t try to see Turin and Palermo in one trip. Group cities by region: e.g., Bologna + Verona; or Lecce + Palermo; Turin + Genoa.
- Travel by train: Italy’s rail network is excellent for connecting northern and central cities. For the south and Sicily, you might need to combine trains with regional flights or ferries.
- Embrace the aperitivo: This is the ultimate budget travel hack in northern Italian cities. A €8 drink often comes with access to a lavish buffet of snacks, effectively covering your dinner.
- Book city hotels: For these smaller cities, staying right in the historic center is affordable and allows you to soak in the atmosphere morning and night. Look for boutique hotels in palazzos.
- Rent a car for the south: To truly explore Puglia, Umbria, or Sicily beyond the main cities, a rental car is essential for reaching hilltop towns, beaches, and agriturismos.
Italy is a country of endless depth. While Rome is a magnificent starting point, the true magic lies in exploring the diverse and stunning Italian cities that offer a more intimate, affordable, and often more genuine experience. From the foodie paradise of Bologna to the Baroque beauty of Lecce and the chaotic charm of Palermo, these must see places in Italy promise an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with a deeper love for Il Bel Paese. So step off the well-trodden path—your own Italian masterpiece awaits.
What city do you want to visit first? Please leave your comments below about what you think and about your own travel experiences.