Italy

Rome's Trastevere neighborhood wins for first-timers — cobblestone streets, family-run trattorias, and you can walk to the Vatican in 20 minutes. Skip the tourist traps near the Colosseum and book something around Piazza di Santa Maria. Florence? Stay in Oltrarno, south of the Arno River. You'll pay €20 less per night and eat at places like Trattoria Santo Spirito where locals actually go. Venice gets tricky because everywhere's expensive, but Cannaregio offers canal views without San Marco prices. Look for places near the Rialto Market — you'll wake up to vendors setting up fresh seafood at dawn. In the Amalfi Coast, Positano photographs beautifully but empties your wallet fast. Amalfi town itself gives you the same dramatic coastline for half the price. And here's an insider move: stay in Ravello for dinner views that'll make you forget about the tourist crowds below. Milan works differently — the city center around Duomo costs a fortune, but the Navigli district puts you near the best aperitivo bars and costs 30% less.