Budget-Friendly 10-Day Itinerary Through Paris, Netherlands, and Italy

Day 1: Explore Paris

Paris, France on May 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien

Start your day with an affordable yet delicious organic breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, known for its fresh baked breads and pastries.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

Explore the artistic district of Montmartre and visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica offering panoramic views of Paris. Free entry to the basilica.
EUR0, 2h

11:30am

Walk through the Latin Quarter

Stroll through the vibrant Latin Quarter, enjoy street art and bookshops, soaking in the Parisian culture.
EUR0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at L’As du Fallafel

Enjoy a famous, budget-friendly falafel sandwich in the Marais district. Open daily until 11pm.
EUR7, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Louvre Museum - Free Entry on Sundays

Explore the vast art collections, including the Mona Lisa. As May 10 is a Saturday, entry fee is applicable; budget accordingly.
EUR17, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Bouillon Pigalle

Dine at a classic Parisian bouillon serving traditional French dishes at very affordable prices, perfect for budget travelers.
EUR15, 1h30m

Day 2: Paris to Amsterdam

Paris, France to Amsterdam, Netherlands on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Oberkampf

Have a relaxed breakfast with pastries and coffee in this cozy café known for budget-friendly options.
EUR7, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel by train from Paris to Amsterdam

Take a direct Thalys high-speed train to Amsterdam. Book in advance for budget fares, journey approximately 3h20m.
EUR35, 3h20m

12:00pm

Check into budget hostel in Amsterdam

Choose a centrally located budget hostel to maximize sightseeing and minimize transport costs.
EUR25, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at FEBO

Experience Dutch fast food with an iconic vending machine restaurant serving affordable snacks like kroketten.
EUR5, 0h45m

2:00pm

Visit Rijksmuseum Gardens and Free Public Areas

Explore the gardens and surroundings of Rijksmuseum for free. Entry to museum costs extra but can be skipped to save budget.
EUR0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk along the canals and visit Jordaan District

Enjoy the picturesque canals, small boutiques, and local vibe of one of Amsterdam’s most charming neighborhoods.
EUR0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Foodhallen

Indulge in an affordable dinner at this indoor food market offering a variety of budget-friendly international cuisines.
EUR15, 1h30m

Day 3: Amsterdam Exploration

Amsterdam, Netherlands on May 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Stach Food

Grab a quick and affordable breakfast including sandwiches and coffee at Stach, open from 8am.
EUR6, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Anne Frank House

Pre-book tickets online for this powerful and historic museum. Opens at 9am. Expect a 1.5-hour visit.
EUR14, 1.5h

11:30am

Rent a bike and explore Vondelpark

Rent a bike for around 7 euros and enjoy a leisurely ride through Amsterdam’s largest city park.
EUR7, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Vlaams Friteshuis

Enjoy traditional Dutch fries with various sauces at a legendary and inexpensive spot.
EUR5, 0h45m

3:00pm

Visit free art exhibitions at the Stedelijk Museum’s public area

Discover contemporary art without the ticket price by exploring the museum’s public spaces and outdoor exhibits.
EUR0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Stroll through De Pijp neighborhood

Explore this lively area full of cafes, street art, and markets, perfect for people watching and evening coffee.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bazar Amsterdam

Enjoy a variety of North African and Middle Eastern dishes in a colorful, budget-friendly setting.
EUR15, 1h30m

Day 4: Amsterdam to Rome

Amsterdam, Netherlands to Rome, Italy on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Pancakes Amsterdam

Try Dutch pancakes at this affordable eatery with open hours from 8am; arrive early to beat the crowd.
EUR8, 0h45m

8:30am

Fly to Rome with budget airline

Book a budget flight early morning to Rome, approximately 2h30m flight duration, to maximize time in Italy.
EUR40, 2h30m

12:00pm

Check into budget hostel in central Rome

Stay centrally for easy walking access to key attractions and affordable transport options.
EUR25, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pizzeria Ai Marmi

Enjoy authentic Roman pizza at reasonable prices in this popular pizzeria open until late evening.
EUR10, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Colosseum exterior and Roman Forum grounds

Walk around the iconic Roman landmarks and admire from outside; entry to interior costs extra and can be skipped to save budget.
EUR0, 2h

5:00pm

Walk to Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps

Explore these must-see landmarks for free, best experienced in the leisurely afternoon hours.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Da Felice

Budget-friendly traditional Italian cuisine with homemade pasta in a lively neighborhood setting.
EUR15, 1h30m

Day 5: Rome Historical Sites

Rome, Italy on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Greco

A historic café offering budget-friendly pastries and coffee to start your day near the Spanish Steps.
EUR7, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica

Pre-book tickets to Vatican Museums to avoid lines, including Sistine Chapel; Basilica entry is free. Opens 9am.
EUR17, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pizzarium

Grab delicious and affordable Roman-style pizza by the slice near Vatican City, open until 7pm.
EUR8, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Trastevere neighborhood

Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, local markets, and affordable cafés in this charming district.
EUR0, 3h

5:30pm

Relax at Villa Farnesina’s gardens

Visit the gardens for a quiet and inexpensive nature break in the city. Open daily, small entrance fee applies.
EUR6, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria da Zi Umberto

Traditional Roman osteria with generous portions and budget prices, perfect to end your day.
EUR15, 1h30m

Day 6: Rome to Florence

Rome, Italy to Florence, Italy on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Panella

Enjoy fresh baked goods and coffee at this famed bakery open from 7:30am in Rome.
EUR6, 0h45m

8:30am

Travel by train to Florence

Take a budget high-speed train to Florence, approximately 1h30m journey.
EUR25, 1h30m

10:30am

Check into budget accommodation in Florence city center

Select a hostel or budget hotel near Florence’s key sites to save on transportation.
EUR30, 0h30m

11:00am

Visit Piazza del Duomo

Admire Florence’s cathedral and exterior architecture, which is free to explore, while entry inside is ticketed.
EUR0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at All’ Antico Vinaio

Savor some famous Tuscan sandwiches at this iconic yet affordable spot, great for a quick meal.
EUR7, 0h45m

2:00pm

Walk along Ponte Vecchio and explore artisan shops

Experience the historic bridge and browse unique artisan jewelry and crafts with no admission cost.
EUR0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Boboli Gardens (free on first Sunday of the month)

Check the date; if free, enter the grounds to enjoy expansive gardens and views over Florence.
EUR10, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Nerone

Enjoy authentic Tuscan cuisine at a modest price point, popular with locals and tourists alike.
EUR15, 1h30m

Day 7: Florence to Venice

Florence, Italy to Venice, Italy on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Start early with excellent coffee and budget-friendly pastries close to the city center.
EUR8, 0h45m

8:30am

Train travel to Venice

Ride a budget train to Venice, about a 2-hour journey, book early for the best deals.
EUR25, 2h

11:00am

Check into budget accommodation in Venice

Choose a hostel or guesthouse in Mestre or central Venice for affordable lodging.
EUR30, 0h30m

11:30am

Walk to St. Mark’s Square and Basilica

Explore the stunning square and enter St. Mark’s Basilica for free to see its beautiful interior mosaics.
EUR0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Rossopomodoro

Enjoy budget Italian pizza and pasta near St. Mark’s Square with fresh southern ingredients.
EUR12, 1h

2:30pm

Ride a vaporetto (public waterbus) on Grand Canal

Purchase a 24-hour vaporetto pass to economically experience Venice’s iconic waterways and hop on/off at various stops.
EUR20, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Rialto Market and Bridge

Explore the outdoor market and walk on the famous Rialto Bridge, prime for photos and free to access.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Dal Moro’s Fresh Pasta To Go

Grab affordable, delicious pasta served fresh to-go, ideal for a budget meal in Venice.
EUR8, 0h45m

Day 8: Venice Leisure Day

Venice, Italy on May 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Farini

Try Venetian pastries and coffee at this well-reviewed bakery with accessible prices.
EUR6, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Enjoy modern art in this affordable museum on the Grand Canal, open 10am-6pm.
EUR15, 2h

11:45am

Walk around Dorsoduro district

Explore this quieter, artsy neighborhood with free galleries, small shops, and canals.
EUR0, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Antico Forno

Try Venetian style pizza and focaccia at budget-friendly prices in this local bakery.
EUR7, 0h45m

2:30pm

Relax at Giardini della Biennale

Visit these public gardens, a peaceful green space hosting outdoor art and performances with no fee.
EUR0, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Castello neighborhood

Discover a less touristy area filled with local life, shops, and hidden gems on foot.
EUR0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Alla Madonna

Traditional Venetian seafood and pasta dishes offered at reasonable prices in a rustic setting.
EUR20, 1h30m

Day 9: Venice to Milan

Venice, Italy to Milan, Italy on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Rosa Salva

Enjoy classic Italian pastries with coffee to start your day early in Venice.
EUR7, 0h45m

8:30am

Train to Milan

Take a budget train from Venice to Milan, roughly 2h30m journey; book early for savings.
EUR25, 2h30m

11:00am

Check into affordable accommodation in Milan

Choose budget lodging close to Milan’s main attractions to save on transportation costs.
EUR30, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Taste famous and affordable Italian panzerotti (fried dough pockets) near the Duomo.
EUR5, 0h45m

1:00pm

Visit Milan Cathedral (Duomo) and rooftop (budget permitting)

Entry inside the cathedral is free; rooftop has a fee but offers stunning views for a small cost.
EUR0, 1h30m

2:30pm

Walk in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Piazza della Scala

Enjoy window shopping in Milan’s famous arcade and visit the square famous for opera and historic cafes.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Sforza Castle grounds

Explore the castle’s park and outdoor areas for free; museums inside have entrance fees.
EUR0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Casa Tua Osteria

Enjoy traditional Milanese dishes at a reasonable price, perfect for a relaxing final dinner.
EUR18, 1h30m

Day 10: Milan Departure Day

Milan, Italy on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pavé

Indulge in delicious yet affordable pastries and coffee at a beloved Milanese bakery.
EUR7, 0h45m

9:00am

Stroll in Brera District

Spend your last morning exploring the artistic and charming Brera neighborhood with galleries and local shops.
EUR0, 2h

11:30am

Light lunch at Panificio Pattini

Grab some takeaway sandwiches or focaccia before heading to the airport or next destination.
EUR6, 0h45m