Things To Do
in Alessandria

Small stuffed pasta typical of Piedmont, often served with butter and sage or a meat ragù; you'll find them in most traditional trattorie and osterie.

Must-Try!

A warm anchovy‑garlic dip for raw and cooked vegetables — a communal, rustic dish found in older, traditional restaurants and during special events.

Slow‑cooked beef in Barolo wine or mixed boiled meats served with various sauces; hearty Piedmont classics available at family restaurants.

Hazelnut chocolates and desserts reflecting nearby Langhe ingredients; buy at local pasticcerie or specialty shops.

The covered market and weekly outdoor market are great for fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats and seasonal specialties; try local salumi, cheeses and focaccia‑style street snacks.

Small sandwich shops (paninoteche) serve quick platters and hearty panini with porchetta or local cold cuts; perfect for a casual lunch.

Use polite greetings (Buongiorno/Buonasera) when entering shops or meeting people; a handshake is standard for first encounters, while friends may exchange two cheek kisses.

Dress modestly when visiting churches (shoulders and knees covered) and avoid beachwear in town; smart casual attire is normal for dining out.

Wait to be seated in restaurants, keep hands visible on the table, and it is polite to say 'Buon appetito' before eating. Don't expect overly loud displays — Italians value lingering meals.

Many businesses close midday for a riposo (especially outside larger cities) and in August — plan accordingly and be patient.

Service is often included (servizio) or a cover charge (coperto) appears on bills; leave small change, round up, or add 5–10% for exceptional service in restaurants. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory.

Cash is widely accepted for small purchases; most restaurants, shops and hotels accept major credit/debit cards and contactless payments. Carry some euros for markets, smaller cafes and in rural areas; ATMs are common.

Mild temperatures, blooming countryside and fewer crowds — ideal for vineyard walks and outdoor sightseeing; pack a light jacket for occasional rain.

Warm to hot afternoons (July–August) with humidity; evenings are pleasant for dining al fresco. Expect some shops to close for August holidays and smaller tourist crowds in the city.

Harvest time in the vineyards and truffle season bring festivals and food events; cooler temperatures and colorful hills make it a great time to visit.

Chilly, damp and sometimes foggy winters with occasional frost or light snow; indoor museum visits and hearty cuisine are highlights — bring warm layers.

A protected regional park east of Alessandria offering wooded trails, waterfalls and varied terrain — good for day hikes and nature photography.

Countless marked rural paths and gravel roads through vineyard landscapes and hilltop villages; ideal for short hikes and long walks with panoramic views.

Gentle riverside trails along the Tanaro and nearby stretches of the Po offer flat, accessible walks and birdwatching opportunities close to the city.

A bit further east, the Tortona hills provide mixed trails, woodlands and rural scenery for hikers seeking quieter, less frequented paths.

About 70–90 km northwest of Alessandria (around 1–1.5 hours by car); regional flights and connections to Italy and Europe; reachable by car or combined rail+bus connections.

Major international airport roughly 90–110 km to the northeast (about 1–1.5 hours by car depending on traffic); good rail and shuttle connections via Milan.

Approximately 90–100 km south toward the Ligurian coast (around 1.5 hours by car); useful for coastal travel and some international flights.

Closer to central Milan and domestic flights; reachable by car or public transport with onward rail connections to Alessandria.