How expensive is it to eat, drink out etc in Italy?

Question

Thinking of going on holiday to Lake Garda this year, first holiday abroad for many years, never been to Italy before just wondering how expensive it is to eat, drink out etc there compared to the UK. Also when would be the best time to visit when the weather is warm but it's not too overcrowded and busy? Thanks!!

Answer 1

Cost depends on where and what you eat. You can eat here very reasonably if you avoid the tourist places. Generally, food and drink is cheaper here than in the UK for equivalent meals. Check the prices and choices on menus to find something in your budget range. Around Lake Garda, there are a lot of good restaurants that feature fish from the lake. One thing to watch for is that some prices may be listed per etto (100 g). The fish are weighed whole - a large fish can be pretty expensive. You don't need to avoid this, just don't pick a huge fish.

Some others have mentioned that's it's more expensive to sit outside to eat. That's not really true. It's more expensive if you sit for a coffee or a drink than if you stand at the bar. The reason is that if you sit, you pay for table service. There's also the coperto (cover charge) for the dishes, utensils, and linen. The places we go for lunch charge more the meal if you get cloth napkins rather than paper. In Venice, you would also pay an additional charge for the musicians if they're playing while you're sitting at one of the places in Piazza Marco.

The best times for Lake Garda are just before or after the peak tourist season - May and September. It will be warm, less expensive, the boats are running, and the lake is not so crowded. If you're here in September, you might consider a day trip to Trento for the Palio there http://www.amicitta.com/pagpalio.htm or to Marostica for the living chess match (every other year - next one is 2008) http://www.marosticascacchi.it/a_2_EN_9_... Verona is also easily accessible from Lake Garda by train or bus.

Answer 2

To eat......at bar or fast food about 6 - 7 euro

from a restourant if you take a birra plus pizza and cofee you spend about 15 euro, if you take not a pizza but some aliments you can spend 20 - 30 euro

Answer 3

its very expensive in italy, wine is cheaper then water, if you want to sit outside its costs. so stick to Wine, sit inside!

you should be ok ;)

Answer 4

Hi.

i'm italian girl and often I come to Egland.

Generally England is more expensive then Italy,but in Italy there are some city very very expensive...for istance: Milan,Rome,Florence,Venice..

Lake Garda isn't very expensive ;)

The best time to visit Italy is the spring (April-May).

Answer 5

italy is cheaper than UK i think, but if u go to lake of garda, in summer, u ll find millions of violet german people, prices are high and really, too germans...

Answer 6

It's not that expensive, just watch out and don't go in a thouristhic restaurant, there you wouldn't taste the real Italian food.

Answer 7

The UK is more expensive but when it comes to Italy, it depends on what you buy. The exchange rate is crazy like you get less than half your money ;(  so make sure you don't buy what you don't really need.   Yes it is busy with tourists but that was during the summer -- when I went --.  BECAREFUL OF PICKPOCKETS: a guy got his wollet stolen on my tour so I suggest you go with a group for your safety -- guided professionals Traflaga --.

Answer 8

On the whole, Italy is perhaps slightly cheaper than the UK, but it depends where you go. Somewhere like Lake Garda is a real tourist trap and will tend to be a lot more expensive than smaller towns in the south of the country.

I would avoid Garda in the Summer months as it will be PACKED. Try May or September when it should still be warm, but there will be far less people about.

Answer 9

Its not too bad lol

Answer 10

Compared to the UK, Italy is not that expensive.  ÃƒÂ¢Ã‚‚¬8 for a decent pizza.  And that's in Venice.  There are specialist restaurants where you have to keep your wits about you.  Anything with fresh truffle, tartuffo.  It's weighed then grated onto your dish and then weighed again and the charge calculated.  It's at least €15 per gram.  A lot of fish restaurants quote a price that is not the dish cost.  It's per 100g of fish......

When in doubt ask...

Answer 11

i thought it was too expensive for the tiny portions

Answer 12

Hi, I'm from Italy and I live in Brescia, about 20 minutes far from Desenzano that is by the lake of Garda.

Life here is cheaper than in UK, but it depends on your choices.

For example if you eat in a restaurant by the lake, you usually pay  more because you "pay" also the sight-seen... But you can eat in a pizzeria or in other restaurants... then you can find many places where you can have a good and cheap sandwich ...

There are lots of shopping centre and so on ... they're always useful! ;)

You can find a good weather from March.

I'm leaving on 16 January to go to live in London and I can assure you that here life is cheaper!

One suggestion: go to Gardaland! it's the biggest amusement park in Italy.

Answer 13

I've never been to England, but Italy (I'm italian) is not very expensive, I heard less than Great Britain. Don't worry about that and enjoy the vacation!

P.S.: things like the one who says wine is cheaper than water is not true!!!!

Answer 14

I went to Rome a couple of years ago June is a good time to go.  It was expensive to get there but the food and drink were really reasonable.  Meal for two, salads and pizzas, bottle of water, bottle of wine, fresh fruit for dessert- came to about £17.00. Food is sold all over the place, and is delicious!!  If you sit outside to eat or drink they do charge you more for it!  A coffee drunk inside a bar is about 60 pence, outside it was about £2.50!

Answer 15

The currency in Italy is now the euro,so there a no problems with exchange rates, As with most countries prices in popular tourist spots are high. this applies in Rome, Venice, Pisa, and similar places including the Lakes, Secret is to avoid the most touristy places. Watch where the locals dine, read outside menu's before committing. I was in Garda and surrounding areas last year, a wonderful place, and whilst obeying those simple rules I found little difference in Italian and UK prices, you will find the locals are very friendly. but in popular attractions watch your valuables. otherwise have a great time,

Answer 16

Quite good value in some places, depends where you go.

Check out menus outside the restaurants but be warned, they do harrass you into making a decision there and then so be brave and walk around.

Avoid school holiday times as that'll be the busiest. Best time for weather is May - August, that's when it's rather warm/hot.