Accommodation in Italy Was Cheap, But the Apartments Were Special: I Haven't Lived Anywhere Like It

Orijus, a Lithuanian traveler, discovered an unusual and budget-friendly accommodation option in Turin, Italy. He opted for unique apartments that were once offices for an Italian gas company, now converted into living spaces. The check-in process is entirely self-service, managed through an app, with no reception staff present.

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But I'll say right away – this is not a luxury home. I wanted to find accommodation that wouldn't exceed 100 euros. It turns out there are many options. You can choose from a huge list. You will find accommodation for 50-60 euros for two people. Our accommodation in this hotel cost 100 euros.

Upon entering, Orijus was struck by the luxurious, clean, and impressive appearance of the apartment. However, he clarified that it wasn't truly a high-end luxury dwelling. His goal was to find lodging under 100 euros, a surprisingly achievable target in Turin, with options available for as little as 50-60 euros for two people. His own stay cost exactly 100 euros, a price he noted would be several hundred euros in Milan.

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In Milan, the traveler notes, such apartments would cost several hundred euros.

The apartment featured a spacious sleeping area, a desk, a bathroom, a living room, and a hidden kitchen. A minor drawback was the absence of windows facing the street. Orijus highlighted the convenience of the kitchen for saving money on meals and suggested the apartments would be ideal for families or longer stays, even up to a week. He also mentioned the apartments had an inner courtyard, an amenity he hadn't encountered before in rentals.

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This place is absolutely incompatible with Turin itself, where the streets are tidy and everything is well-maintained. This is a completely different world.

In a separate part of his travels, Orijus visited a local market in Turin, which he described as a place where migrants from various countries earn a living, some officially and others through illegal trade. He contrasted this market's atmosphere with the otherwise tidy streets of Turin, calling it a "different world." He compared the market's chaotic yet affordable offerings to Lithuanian markets like Gariūnai or Kalvarijų, noting items like new clothes for as little as 2 euros and caps for 5 euros, with room for bargaining. The market also sold affordable shoes and fresh produce, with prices lower than in regular stores. Orijus also pointed out a section where everything cost just one euro, from scissors to toys.

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For us Lithuanians, there is no exoticism – it absolutely resembles Gariūnai or Kalvarijų market.