One of the best parts of studying in Italy is traveling. Here are the top student-friendly weekend trips across the country.
Italy isn’t just a classroom — it’s an open-air museum, a culinary paradise, and a cultural playground. For students studying in Italy, the weekends are golden opportunities to explore. Thanks to the country’s compact geography and extensive train network, you can cross entire regions in a matter of hours. Whether you’re based in Florence, Rome, Milan, or Bologna, these weekend trips offer an incredible mix of art, history, food, and fun — all on a student budget.
Why Weekend Trips Matter
Living in Italy gives you the chance to see the country the way locals do — slowly, with intention, and through experience.
Weekend trips are perfect for unwinding after classes, discovering hidden gems, and connecting with fellow students. Many Italian universities even plan academic schedules with long weekends in mind, making it easy to fit short adventures into your semester.
Budget and Transportation Tips
Before diving into destinations, here are some essentials:
- Trains: Use Trenitalia or Italo for cheap, fast travel. Book early for regional discounts.
- Buses: FlixBus, MarinoBus, and Itabus connect nearly every city affordably.
- Accommodation: Hostels like Ostello Bello, YellowSquare, and Combo offer student-friendly stays.
- Student Discounts: Always carry your student ID — museums, ferries, and even restaurants may offer reductions.
- Food Tip: Eat where locals do — away from tourist zones, you’ll find better food at half the price.
Now, let’s explore the best weekend escapes.
1. Venice — The Floating City
Venice is one of those places that feels unreal until you see it in person. A maze of canals, bridges, and ancient palazzi, it’s perfect for a two- or three-day visit.
What to Do
- St. Mark’s Square & Basilica: The heart of Venice. Climb the Campanile for panoramic views.
- Doge’s Palace: Step into the grandeur of the Venetian Republic.
- Rialto Bridge & Market: Iconic spots for shopping and photography.
- Murano & Burano: Take a ferry to these colorful islands — one famous for glassmaking, the other for lace.
- Get Lost: Venice rewards wandering. Skip the map and let the canals lead you.
Student Tip
Avoid restaurants near Piazza San Marco — they’re overpriced. Instead, grab a cicchetti platter (Venetian tapas) and a spritz in the Cannaregio district.
Budget Range
- Accommodation: €25–€40 per night
- Food: €15–€25 per day
- Transport: €20–€40 round-trip train from Florence or Milan
2. Cinque Terre — Coastal Paradise
Cinque Terre is a dreamlike chain of five fishing villages perched along the Ligurian coast. Each town — Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore — has its own personality.
What to Do
- Hike the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro): Connects all five towns with scenic sea views.
- Swim in Manarola: Jump from rocks into turquoise water.
- Eat Focaccia and Pesto: Liguria is the birthplace of both.
- Sunset in Riomaggiore: The pastel houses glow gold in the evening light.
Student Tip
Stay in La Spezia — it’s cheaper, and trains run every 15–20 minutes into Cinque Terre. Pack snacks for the hikes to save money.
Budget Range
- Accommodation: €20–€35 per night
- Food: €10–€20 per day
- Transport: €15–€30 regional train pass
3. Naples & Pompeii — History and Pizza
Naples is chaos and charm rolled into one. It’s loud, gritty, alive — and home to the world’s best pizza. A short train ride away lies Pompeii, the ancient city frozen in time by Mount Vesuvius.
What to Do
- Eat Pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele: The most famous Margherita in the world.
- Visit the National Archaeological Museum: Home to artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum.
- Pompeii Ruins: Spend half a day walking the streets of ancient Rome’s best-preserved city.
- Climb Vesuvius: Take a shuttle from Pompeii and hike the crater rim.
- Explore Naples Underground: See the tunnels and aqueducts that run beneath the city.
Student Tip
Buy a Campania Artecard — it gives discounts on museums and unlimited transport within Naples, Pompeii, and Sorrento.
Budget Range
- Accommodation: €20–€30 per night
- Food: €10–€25 per day
- Transport: €40–€60 round-trip train from Rome or Florence
4. Milan — Style Meets Substance
Milan is Italy’s modern face — sleek, stylish, and bursting with creativity. It’s not just about fashion; Milan also has world-class art, history, and nightlife.
What to Do
- Duomo di Milano: Climb to the rooftop terraces for panoramic city views.
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: One of the world’s oldest shopping malls.
- The Last Supper: Book in advance to see Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece.
- Navigli District: Trendy canals lined with bars, cafés, and music venues.
- Brera District: The city’s bohemian heart — art galleries and aperitivo culture.
Student Tip
Visit during Milan Fashion Week (February or September) for free exhibitions and pop-up events. Aperitivo hours (6–8 PM) include free food with your drink — perfect for students.
Budget Range
- Accommodation: €30–€45 per night
- Food: €20–€30 per day
- Transport: €20–€40 round-trip from Bologna or Turin
5. Sicily — Adventure and Authenticity
Sicily feels like another world. The largest island in the Mediterranean, it’s a mix of ancient ruins, volcanoes, beaches, and unforgettable cuisine. Plan a long weekend or a four-day trip to do it justice.
What to Do
- Palermo: Street markets, Norman architecture, and incredible food.
- Mount Etna: Europe’s most active volcano — hike or take a guided jeep tour.
- Taormina: Breathtaking hilltop town overlooking the sea and the ancient Greek theatre.
- Cefalù: Relax on golden beaches and climb La Rocca for a panoramic view.
- Valley of the Temples (Agrigento): One of the best-preserved ancient Greek sites outside Greece.
Student Tip
Fly into Palermo or Catania with budget airlines like Ryanair or Wizz Air. Public buses connect most towns, but renting a scooter can make exploring easier.
Budget Range
- Accommodation: €25–€40 per night
- Food: €15–€30 per day
- Transport: €50–€80 (including flight)
6. Florence — The Artistic Heart of Italy
If you’re not already studying here, Florence deserves a weekend trip of its own. It’s the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to some of the most important art and architecture in the world.
What to Do
- Uffizi Gallery: See works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and da Vinci.
- Duomo & Brunelleschi’s Dome: Climb to the top for sweeping city views.
- Ponte Vecchio: Walk the iconic bridge lined with jewelers.
- Piazzale Michelangelo: The best sunset view in Tuscany.
- Local Markets: Mercato Centrale is a must for cheap eats and souvenirs.
Student Tip
Buy a Firenze Card for multi-day access to museums. Visit churches like Santa Croce — many are free and filled with masterpieces.
7. Rome — The Eternal Weekend
Even if you’re studying in Rome, dedicate a full weekend to exploring it as a traveler. It’s impossible to see everything in one trip, but you can experience the highlights.
What to Do
- Colosseum & Roman Forum: Walk through ancient history.
- Vatican City: Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
- Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps: Classic photo spots.
- Trastevere: The student-friendly neighborhood full of nightlife and charm.
- Villa Borghese: A peaceful park perfect for picnics.
Student Tip
Book tickets online to skip long queues. Many attractions offer reduced youth tickets under 25.
8. Lake Como — Nature Meets Glamour
Just an hour from Milan, Lake Como is Italy’s postcard-perfect escape. Framed by mountains and dotted with villas, it’s ideal for a relaxed, scenic weekend.
What to Do
- Como Town: Walk the lakeside promenade and ride the funicular for panoramic views.
- Bellagio & Varenna: Ferry between these stunning lakeside villages.
- Villa del Balbianello: A famous filming location from Star Wars and James Bond.
- Swim or Kayak: Rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the lake up close.
Student Tip
Trains from Milan to Como cost around €5–€10. Buy groceries and picnic by the water to save money — the views are free and unbeatable.
9. Bologna — Italy’s Student Capital
Bologna is vibrant, intellectual, and full of life. It’s home to Europe’s oldest university and one of Italy’s best food scenes.
What to Do
- Piazza Maggiore: The city’s lively main square.
- Two Towers (Due Torri): Climb Asinelli Tower for panoramic views.
- Porticos: Walk the world’s longest covered arcade to the Sanctuary of San Luca.
- Eat Everything: Try tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo, and mortadella.
- Nightlife: Join students in Via del Pratello for cheap drinks and lively bars.
Student Tip
Many museums are free for university students. Bologna is also a central hub — you can easily reach Florence, Venice, or Milan from here.
Bonus: Quick Escapes Within Regions
If you don’t have time for a full weekend, try day trips within your region:
- From Florence: Siena, Pisa, or Lucca.
- From Rome: Tivoli, Orvieto, or Ostia Antica.
- From Milan: Bergamo or Pavia.
- From Naples: Sorrento, Capri, or Amalfi.
Even a single day outside your city can feel like a mini-vacation.
Planning the Perfect Weekend
Step-by-Step Strategy
- Pick a Focus: Art, food, nature, or nightlife — choose one theme per trip.
- Book Early: Budget tickets sell fast, especially on Friday afternoons.
- Pack Smart: Travel light — trains and hostels often lack large luggage space.
- Learn Key Phrases: A few Italian words go a long way with locals.
- Stay Flexible: Italy runs on “tempo lento” — things may not always go as planned.
Average Weekend Budget (Per Person)
| Category | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Train/Bus | 30–60 |
| Lodging | 50–100 |
| Food | 40–60 |
| Activities | 20–40 |
| Total | 140–260 |
Final Thoughts
Studying in Italy isn’t just about earning credits — it’s about living history. Every weekend can be an adventure through centuries of art, landscapes, and flavors. You’ll come back from each trip with a fuller heart, new friends, and a deeper appreciation for Italian culture.
So pack your backpack, grab your student card, and start exploring. Italy is small enough to see in pieces, but vast enough to surprise you every time.
Buon viaggio!