21 Things to Do in Perugia, Umbria’s Picturesque Capital

As we explored the best things to do in Perugia, one thought kept crossing our minds: “Why is this place so uncrowded?!”

And, considering that we were visiting Perugia for the first time directly after the most crowded trip to Florence that we’ve ever experienced, we were very much in the mood for Perugia’s more off-the-beaten-path vibe.

As the capital city of the region of Umbria, a popular study-abroad destination, a city that’s easily accessible via train, and a destination with lots of memorable things to see and do, Perugia is an unlikely contender for a place that feels a bit off the tourist trail–but that’s another reason to love it.

Beyond its noticeable lack of crowds, Perugia feels a bit like a medieval maze in all the best ways.

Restaurants are tucked out of sight down stone alleyways, arches and staircases abound, shortcuts feel like secret passageways, and you can–in a delightful mix of modern and historic–ride an escalator down into a 16th-century fortress.

Curious about this memorable Italian city?

Here are the best things to do in Perugia, plus our firsthand tips for visiting!

The Best Things to Do in Perugia, Italy

Pay a visit to the Piazza IV Novembre.

Like most cities in Italy, seeking out the coolest things to see in Perugia starts with making your way to its main piazza.

Piazza IV Novembre is situated in the heart of Perugia’s upper town, where 5 medieval streets meet–and where the city’s Roman Forum was once located.

Today, it is flanked by the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and the imposing Palazzo dei Priori, and it is a popular starting point for walking tours of Perugia.

Piazza IV Novembre is also located at one end of Corso Pietro Vannucci, the city’s main pedestrian street, and more attractions like the Etruscan Well are located right off of it.

You’ll hear more about all of those attractions later in this blog post… but there’s no doubt that strolling up to the Fontana Maggiore in the center of Piazza IV Novembre is an auspicious way to kick off a visit to Perugia.

Ride an escalator down to an underground fortress at Rocca Paolina.

The imposing Rocca Paolina is a typical 16th-century papal fortress, all imposing walls and soaring ceilings… with a few interesting caveats.

Built as a symbol of power after the pope defeated Perugia in a war over salt taxes in 1540, the Rocca Paolina is located underground, and today, you can ride an escalator down to visit it!

Though Rocca Paolina is undoubtedly a tourist attraction in the 21st century, it’s also part of a standard route through the city that some commuters use every day to travel between Piazza Italia and Piazza Partigiani.

We love seeing the blend of historical architecture and modern life when traveling in Italy, and Rocca Paolina is the perfect example!

There is a Rocca Paolina Museum in one area, as well as exhibition areas, but much of Rocca Paolina is free to explore–just duck around a corner or two and see what treasures you find!

Seek out the best views of Perugia.

Perugia is built on a group of hills overlooking the Umbrian countryside, with views from several places that stretch as far as Assisi and beyond.

… And as a result, the number of incredible viewpoints in Perugia is quite long, and seeking them out is one of the best things to do in Perugia!

A complete list of places to enjoy views from Perugia could truly be its own blog post, so I’ll keep these descriptions as brief as I can–but each of these viewpoints is spectacular (and with the exception of the last two mentioned, free to visit).

Terrazzo del Mercato Coperto

Just a few steps through a historic gate (a recurring theme when exploring Perugia) off of Piazza Giacomo Matteotti you’ll find the rooftop of Perugia’s Covered Market.

Stroll through the indoor food stalls on either side, and you’ll arrive at the market’s spacious and remarkable terrace, which overlooks the countryside facing east.

Porta Sole

Situated at one of the highest (some sources say the highest) points in Perugia, Porta Sole offers magnificent views of the city and Umbrian countryside, all from one of the city’s oldest gates.

Giardini Carducci

Located at the southern end of Corso Pietro Vannucci, the Carducci Gardens feel more like a treed piazza than a complete garden… but the views from the edge of it are spectacular.

Medieval Aqueduct

Perugia’s medieval aqueduct is 2.5 miles long, but the portions of it that are most famous as viewpoints are conveniently located a short walk from the Duomo.

This is where you’ll find the beautiful walkway covered by a bridge that is so frequently used to advertise Perugia!

Most of the aqueduct is located underground and only able to be seen on a guided tour, but portions near the beginning and end are observable from above, and the whole route makes for a lovely walk.

Giardino del Pincetto

If you ride the escalators or elevator from Perugia’s lower town to upper town at the Pincetto Minimetro station, you’ll arrive at the beautiful Giardino del Pincetto!

Featuring east-facing views that reach to Assisi, plus gorgeous views of Perugia itself, it’s one of our favorite viewpoints in Perugia (and that’s not just because there’s also a library with a children’s section and a playground located right there, though our son definitely enjoyed that part).

San Angelo Gate

Located at the far end of Perugia’s aqueduct, the 14th-century San Angelo Gate is home not only to a lovely view of Perugia and the nearby Church of St. Michael the Archangel, but also to Perugia’s Museum of City Walls and Doors.

Sciri Tower

As the only remaining defensive medieval tower in Perugia, Sciri Tower is remarkable due to its survival since the 13th century alone.

It also offers a beautiful view of Perugia, if you can access it during its limited hours (as of the time of writing, these appear to be Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, but I can’t find an official website confirming those).

Stroll down Corso Pietro Vannucci.

Perugia’s main pedestrianized street runs a fairly short distance from Piazza IV Novembre to the Giardini Carducci.

Lined with shops and restaurants, Corso Pietro Vannucci is bustling with life and a fun stop on any Perugia itinerary.

It only takes about 10 minutes to stroll leisurely from end to end, and along the way you’ll also pass Piazza della Repubblica (home to a carousel that our son adored) and Piazza Italia where, among other things, you’ll find the escalators that descend into Rocca Paolina.

Step inside Perugia’s Cattedrale di San Lorenzo.

With soaring ceilings, beautiful frescoes, and roots in the early 14th century, Perugia’s Cathedral is beautiful and–considering that its exterior was never fully finished and work took place over several centuries–an eternal work in progress.

Free to visit, the cathedral is located right on the Piazza IV Novembre, though somewhat unusually, the front of it is located just around the corner–instead of the front, the side faces the piazza.

Be sure not to miss the striking Chapel of Saint Bernadine when visiting!

Tour the Perugia Underground.

There are a few attractions in Perugia that lie underground… but the Perugia Underground is located under the Cathedral, or the Island of St. Lawrence, and must be visited on a guided tour.

Dating to the Etruscan era, touring the Perugia Underground is an opportunity to walk through time and watch Perugia grow–from the Etruscan ruins to the Roman ones, and beyond.

Book your visit to the Perugia Underground today!

Duck into the Chiesa di Gesù.

We stumbled into Chiesa di Gesù simply because it caught our eye while wandering (a common occurrence for us in Italy), but it quickly became one of our favorite churches in Perugia!

Best known for its 3 oratories built into the shape of a tower, Chiesa di Gesù is detailed, gorgeous, quiet, and uncrowded–many of our favorite features in churches to visit.

Descend into the Etruscan Well.

It’s not everyday that you get to head inside a well that is more than 2000 years old–but in Perugia, you can!

Separate from the Perugia Underground, though very close by, you’ll find the Etruscan Well, which dates to the 3rd century BCE.

The well has been restored many times over the years, and today, your visit will take you directly into the well via a transparent bridge (and a slippery, ancient staircase).

When visiting the well, you’ll also have the option to combine your ticket with a guided tour of Palazzo Sorbello. The Sorbello family still owns the building, well included, and therefore the Etruscan Well is sometimes referred to as the Sorbello Well.

Pay a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico.

Enormous, cavernous, and with roots reaching as far back as the 14th century, the Basilica of San Domenico makes for a memorable visit when in Perugia.

We happened to visit around dusk, when the church was mostly empty except for a very small mass being performed in a side chapel, and the combined effect of the architecture, emptiness, and singing from the mass was mesmerizing.

One catch to visiting the Basilica of San Domenico? It has very limited hours, so plan ahead if you’d like to step inside!

… and for cool Etruscan artifacts, follow it up with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum.

Perugia’s National Archaeological Museum is housed right next door to the Basilica of San Domenico, in the church’s former convent.

With a focus on Etruscan objects and history, it’s a must-see for those interested in Umbria’s distant past… but be sure to bring a translation app along, as the signs are only in Italian (there was a place near the entrance where an English brochure would have been stored, but it was empty when we visited–and according to online reviews, we aren’t the only people who have found them missing).

Don’t miss either the views from the second floor or the underground Etruscan tomb exhibit while you’re there!

And, if you have a particular interest in Etruscan history, it’s worth noting that if you enjoy the National Archaeological Museum, you’ll also appreciate the Palazzone Necropolis and Volumni Hypogeum, which are located in Perugia’s suburbs.

Stroll down Via del Persico.

We stumbled across Via del Persico quite by accident, but it enchanted us immediately!

A small residential street located right in front of the Basilica di San Domenico, Via del Persico is lined with colorful homes bursting with an exceptional number of plants, and even features an enclosed bridge between buildings that you pass underneath while strolling.

When we reached the far end of the street, we found a banner from Italy’s Borgo Bello Associazione (Beautiful Village Association) honoring the street with a quote from a poem–so while we had never heard of it before it happened to catch our eye, we certainly aren’t the first to notice its beauty!

Sample local Perugian chocolates.

Perugia is famous for its chocolates, and no trip to Perugia is complete without tasting several!

You’ll find plenty of artisan chocolate shops scattered across the city, each more tempting than the last.

We enjoyed Turan Cafe near the Cathedral–if you visit, don’t forget to look up! There are beautiful frescoes on the ceiling.

For a taste of Perugia’s most famous chocolate, though, you’ll want to sample Baci Perugina (often referred to just as Baci), the definitely-not-artisan, but definitely-still-delicious chocolate brand that Perugia is most associated with.

For true chocolate lovers, you can even add a tour of the factory (complete with tastings), also known as the House of Chocolate, to your list of Perugia travel experiences!

Check out Perugia’s street art scene along Via della Viola.

Combining medieval architecture with modern art, the ever-evolving Via della Viola is a must-see for contemporary art fans visiting Perugia!

While streets or even neighborhoods given over to street art are popular in European cities (Werregarenstraat in Ghent and Metelkova in Ljubljana are two examples that stick out from our travels), Via della Viola is a bit more subtle than those.

Yes, there’s standard graffiti-style street art: big, bold, and colorful.

But there are also more three-dimensional pieces and smaller, subtle works that force you to slow down and seek out the details.

It’s a fun experience to keep your eyes peeled as you visit, and adding a stroll down Via della Viola to your list of things to do in Perugia is bound to be memorable!

Step inside the Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo.

Believed to be one of the oldest Paleo-Christian churches in all of Italy, Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo dates to between the 5th and 7th centuries and is considered to be one of the oldest churches in Perugia!

That, combined with its distinct round shape and its location near the end of the medieval aqueduct, makes the Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo one of the best places to visit in Perugia.

Explore Umbrian art inside the Palazzo dei Priori.

Tucked inside the Palazzo dei Priori, or Perugia’s City Hall, lies the memorable National Gallery of Umbria–the only state museum in Italy to be housed inside a city hall!

Focused on Italian (and primarily Umbrian, of course) art dating from the 13th to 18th centuries, the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria is the premier art museum to visit in Perugia.

Make your way over to the Abbey and Church of San Pietro.

Dating to the 10th century, the Church of San Pietro stands where the Cathedral of Perugia once did, and it towers over the city to this day.

Complete with an abbey featuring beautiful frescoes, three cloisters, and a garden, visiting the Abbey and Church of St. Peter isn’t a quick in-and-out church visit, but it is a memorable one.

The Abbazia di San Pietro, in Italian, is located a bit of a walk away from most of the top things to do in Perugia–though this being a small city, that’s still not too far.

It’ll take about 20 minutes to walk to the church and abbey from Piazza IV Novembre, and assuming you’d like to head back into the upper town on foot after visiting, you may want to use the escalators at Rocca Paolina to do so.

Stop by the Etruscan Gate.

As one of only two surviving gates in Perugia’s Etruscan walls, this arch is well worth a quick stroll to see!

The Etruscan Gate is officially named the Arch of Augustus, not because Emperor Augustus built it, but because he restored it around 40 BCE–it originally dates to the 3rd century BCE.

Head behind the altar at the Oratory of San Bernardino.

Built in 1452, the small Oratory of San Bernardino is known as the best example of Renaissance architecture in Perugia, and its facade is immediately striking.

When you enter, you will immediately notice that the interior is much plainer than the exterior… but continue through the door behind the altar, and the much grander Oratory of Saints Andrew and Bernardino awaits.

The oratory is free and quick to visit, and the exterior offers one of those fun glimpses of the melding of past and present that are so common to experience when exploring Italy.

When we visited, the grassy lawn in front of the Oratory of San Bernardino was populated with many university students relaxing and enjoying the sunny day. There was even a yoga class taking place in the shadow of the 15th-century oratory!

Where to Stay in Perugia

When visiting Perugia, we booked our stay at Hotel S. Ercolano last minute and walked away very happy with the kind front desk staff, the comfortable room, the charm of the building, and–most of all–the fact that the hotel was located on a dead-quiet street that was also within easy reach of the best things to do in Perugia.

We also loved the vintage photographs of Perugia on the walls, but were less enchanted with the lack of elevator, since we were staying several flights up with a baby (we got a good workout every day!).

If vintage charm is what you’re after, Hotel Fortuna is another wonderful choice, and for something more modern, Times Suites gets excellent reviews.

All of these hotels are located within walking distance of Perugia’s top sights, but there is another option to consider for your visit: if you’re driving to Perugia, you could also opt to stay in a more spacious, country-style hotel with grounds.

Relais dell’Olmo is a great option that fits the bill, and it also boasts a large pool!

Check rates & book your stay in Perugia today!

Sample One Day Perugia Itinerary for a Quick Visit

Want to visit Perugia during your trip to Italy, but only have one day to work with?

Don’t worry, it’s still worth the effort: even a day trip to Perugia is enough time to get a decent snapshot of the historical center!

Assuming you’re arriving in Perugia by train, we recommend immediately hopping on the Minimetrò (more on that below) and riding it to the terminus at Pincetto.

From there, take the escalators up to the Giardino del Pincetto and soak up your first epic views of Perugia and the Umbrian countryside!

After enjoying the view, head up to Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, pay a quick visit to Chiesa di Gesù, and if you can’t resist another viewpoint that’s just a few steps out of the way, the terrace of Perugia’s Covered Market.

Loop up to Piazza IV Novembre, where you can visit the Cathedral, the Etruscan Well, and potentially the National Gallery of Umbria and/or the Perugia Underground (whether you have time for this depends on how early you start and what your priorities are, but it’s possible).

After enjoying the piazza, stop by Porta Sole and then head over to the medieval aqueduct.

From there, depending on time and whether you opted to visit the museum or underground–either stroll along it until you reach the San Angelo Gate and Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo, or simply enjoy the view from the beginning of the aqueduct (this is where you’ll find the iconic bridge view).

Double back from this point, make your way to Corso Pietro Vannucci, and head over to Giardini Carducci for beautiful views.

In nearby Piazza Italia, you’ll find the escalators to Rocca Paolina. Head underground, and make your way through Rocca Paolina to Piazza Partigiani.

From Piazza Partigiani, you can either catch a bus back to the train station, or detour a few minutes to visit Basilica San Domenico and the nearby Via del Persico (keep in mind that the basilica has extremely limited hours, so this is more of a matter of timing than anything).

It’s also worth noting that Piazza Partigiani has a paid parking lot with easy access to Perugia’s historic center via the Rocca Paolina escalators, so if you do opt to rent a car and drive to Perugia, you’ll likely start your day trip from here!

Getting Around When Visiting Perugia

If you’re staying in or near Perugia’s historic center, you’ll find that the center of the city is very walkable… as long as you’re willing to hoof it up the occasional hill!

Perugia does have elevators and escalators connecting the upper and lower portions of the historic center, including but not limited to those in Rocca Paolina and those at the Pincetto Minimetrò stop.

… Which brings us to the Minimetrò, also known as the most adorable form of public transportation we’ve ever seen.

A cross between a metro system and a very relaxed funicular, the Minimetrò connects various neighborhoods to central Perugia near-effortlessly, with trains (so to speak) arriving every couple of minutes.

With one line and near-constant service during operational hours, it’s one of the simplest forms of public transit you’ll ever use.

There’s a Minimetrò stop next door to the Perugia train station that will whisk you right over to Perugia’s historic center upon arrival.

When to Visit Perugia, Italy

Like most cities in Italy, Perugia can easily be a year-round destination!

We’re personally partial to visiting Central Italy in general in the fall, as the fall weather and harvests are a delight to experience.

However, if you’re looking for a wonderful city to explore in Italy over the summer but don’t want to contend with the extreme crowds of places like Florence and Venice in the height of summer, Perugia is an excellent option (average temperatures in July, the hottest month of the year, typically reach 85°F/29.5°C).

A bigger factor than the weather when planning a trip to Perugia can be its many festivals which, depending on your travel style, could either enhance or detract from your experience!

A few notable festivals to keep in mind include the Umbria Jazz Festival in July, MusicFest Perugia in June and July, Perugia 1416 (a Medieval re-enactment festival) in June, and Eurochocolate Perugia (exactly as delicious as it sounds) in November.

FAQ for Travel to Perugia, Italy

What’s Perugia known for?

Perugia is known for its chocolates (particularly Baci, which is based there), for being the capital city of Umbria, for its medieval charm, and for its status as a university city.

What’s the best way to get to Perugia?

For most travelers, the best way to get to Perugia is by train.

Since Perugia is the capital of its region, it is extremely well-connected to other Italian cities and is located roughly 2 hours by train from Florence, or roughly 3 hours by train from Rome.

If you’re planning to take many day trips from Perugia to smaller nearby towns like Gubbio, Spello, and Cortona, or to head out to the countryside to go truffle hunting or visit Lake Trasimeno, you may prefer to rent a car for part of your trip.

Shop train tickets to Perugia today!

Where does Perugia fit into an Italy itinerary?

Sure, Perugia sounds interesting–but with limited time in Italy, where does it best fit in for you?

Thanks to its easily accessible train station, you can easily add a visit to Perugia before or after stops in Florence, Rome, Milan, or Bologna.

While all 20 regions and thousands of cities and towns in Italy are distinct, I would say that if you like Siena and Bologna and are looking for a less crowded but vaguely similar option, Perugia will likely speak to you.

(You can also day trip to Perugia from any of these cities, if that option intrigues you).

How many days should you spend in Perugia?

How many days you should spend in Perugia depends a lot on what you want to accomplish there!

If you just want to get a taste of the city, see some viewpoints, and sample a few of the top attractions, one day in Perugia (or a Perugia day trip, even) is doable.

If you’d like to see most of the main attractions in Perugia, 2-3 days give you a chance to do so.

If you want the chance to step truly off the beaten path and take some little-known day trips, you could easily stay in Perugia much longer, or even use it as an affordable base for a long trip to Italy.

Personally, we spent 4 full days (not including travel days) in Perugia on our first trip there, and left eager to come back again one day!

What are the best foods to try when visiting Perugia, Italy?

Each region of Italy boasts its own delicious and distinct food, and Umbria is no different!

In addition to its famous chocolates, Perugia is known for its truffles and porchetta–both popular in several regions of Italy, but for very good reason!

Be sure to also try torta a testo, the local flatbread often used on sandwiches, Prosciutto di Norcia, Caciotta cheese, and–if you see them on the menu–Fagiolina del Trasimeno, a type of bean grown at nearby Lake Trasimeno.

We loved the sandwiches from Antica Salumeria Granieri Amato (the 1916 on torta al testo was amazing), and we enjoyed our pasta at nearby Antica Trattoria delle Volte as well.

Want to make sure you sample the best of Perugia’s food scene? Consider adding a guided food tour like this to your list of things to do in Perugia!

Book your Perugia food tour today!

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Excited to visit Perugia… and to keep planning the rest of your trip to Italy?

We’d love to help you plan here on Our Escape Clause!

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