Things To Do
in Ascoli Piceno
Located at coordinates 42.85, 13.5833, Ascoli Piceno is a medieval hill town in the Marche region known for its white travertine architecture and expansive Renaissance squares. Its car-free historic center invites visitors to wander arcaded lanes and climb a tower for city views. The heart of the city is Piazza del Popolo, framed by the cathedral and noble palazzi, with streets echoing centuries of Roman and medieval history.
The town is famous for its artisanal crafts, olive production, and a welcoming pace that makes it ideal for slow travel.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Ascoli Piceno and settle into your accommodation. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, trying traditional pastries like 'Olive all'Ascolana'. After breakfast, take a stroll through the charming streets to get a feel for the city's history and architectural beauty.
Indulge in a delicious lunch at a trattoria featuring local specialties, such as 'Vincisgrassi'. Post-lunch, visit the majestic Piazza del Popolo, where you can marvel at the stunning buildings that surround it, including the beautiful Palazzo dei Capitani. Don't miss the historical blend of Roman and medieval architecture in this vibrant square.
As dusk falls, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a restaurant with outdoor seating, allowing you to soak in the lively atmosphere. After your meal, take a nighttime stroll through the streets, where the city lights add a magical touch to the ancient buildings. Conclude your evening at a local gelateria, sampling artisanal gelato.
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Saint Emidio Cathedral, exploring its fascinating artwork and rich history. Afterward, enjoy breakfast at a nearby café, sampling local cheeses and cured meats. Wander through the quaint streets, absorbing the town's culture and history.
For lunch, try the famous 'Maccheroni alla chitarra' in a family-run restaurant. Spend your afternoon visiting the Museo Archeologico, home to artifacts from the Roman and Picene periods, providing insight into the region's history. Explore the gardens and park nearby, which offers a serene atmosphere.
Enjoy dinner at a pizzeria known for its wood-fired pizzas, enjoying the lively local ambiance. After dinner, catch a performance at the Teatro Ventidio Basso if there's an event scheduled, experiencing the local arts scene. Spend your evening with a glass of local wine at a quiet wine bar.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍝Three-course dinner for two | $40-60 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🏨Hotel (mid-range) per night | $80-150 |
| 🚌Public transport day pass | $4-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and architecture
- Stunning Renaissance square and travertine streets
- Walkable historic center with charming arcades
- Delicious local dishes like olive all'ascolana
- Safe and compact town ideal for slow travel
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Can be hilly with many stairs in the old town
- Some services more limited outside peak season
- Public transport options are modest compared to larger cities
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Dove si trova..." - Where is...
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Mi scusi" - Excuse me
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Un tavolo per due, per favore" - A table for two, please
- "Il conto, per favore" - The bill, please
- "Non capisco" - I don’t understand
Places to Visit in Ascoli Piceno
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic square framed by colonnades, perfect for sunrise light and people-watching scenes.
A Renaissance loggia on the square, excellent for architectural compositions and candid street photography.
Face of the cathedral with opportunities for exterior and interior shots featuring stained glass and arcs.
Gate and surrounding walls offer moody, historic viewpoints and texture-rich frames.
Elevated vantage points along historic lanes for panoramic views of the town and valley.
Food in Ascoli Piceno
Ascoli Piceno Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fried stuffed olives filled with a seasoned meat mixture, a signature bite of Ascoli Piceno.
Must-Try!
A rich, multigenerational lasagna variant from the region, layered with ragù, bechamel, and mushrooms.
A soft, spiced cured sausage typical of Marche, often enjoyed with bread or antipasto platters.
Creamy polenta served with sautéed mushrooms; a comforting, seasonal pairing in cooler months.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekly market where locals buy fresh produce, cheeses, and regional specialties; a great place to sample street foods and observe daily life.
Casual stalls and small eatery windows offering quick bites like fried snacks and local snacks, ideal for a casual lunch.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with Buongiorno or Buonasera. A handshake is common; in churches, dress modestly and be mindful of quiet interiors.
Safety
Tipping in Ascoli Piceno
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is often included; if not, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated for good service.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; carry some cash for markets and small shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days and bright sun; stay hydrated, wear a hat, and enjoy evenings in the shaded squares.
Pleasant temperatures with harvests and wine events; great for outdoor photography and markets.
Cool with a chance of rain; enjoy museums and cozy eateries; festive lights in December.
Mild temperatures and blooming streets; ideal for walking tours and outdoor photography.
Ascoli Piceno at Night
Hiking in Ascoli Piceno
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hiking with hillside views above Ascoli and surrounding olive groves.
A drive away, offering extensive trails and dramatic scenery including valleys, ridges, and lakes.
Airports
How to reach Ascoli Piceno by plane.
About 90-120 minutes by car or train from Ascoli; international and domestic flights.
Approximately 2-2.5 hours by car; international and regional flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families, retirees, and students in a safe, relaxed town environment.
Cultural travelers attracted by art, architecture, and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular sport in Marche with local clubs and occasional matches at nearby venues.
Active residents and visitors enjoy running along tree-lined avenues and light cycling in the surrounding countryside.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ascoli Piceno.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Ascoli Piceno offers vegetable-forward dishes, pasta with tomato-based sauces, risottos, and cheese-based plates. When dining, ask for meat-free options and confirm that broths or sauces are meat-free; many places can adapt dishes to vegetarian needs.