Things To Do
in Asti
Asti is a historic Piedmontese city known for its medieval towers, grand palazzi, and world-class wines. Set along the Tanaro River, it serves as a gateway to the Monferrato hills and their renowned Barbera and Moscato d'Asti. Wanderable historic center with narrow lanes, elegant squares, and lively markets.
Seasonal festivals, trattorie, and enotecas invite visitors to deeply experience Piedmontese culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a quaint café in Piazza Alfieri, enjoying a fresh pastry and coffee. Afterward, stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, marveling at the medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss visiting the stunning Cattedrale di Asti, where you can appreciate its intricate design and rich history.
For lunch, savor traditional Piedmontese cuisine at a local trattoria, indulging in dishes like agnolotti and bagna cauda. Post-lunch, visit the Palazzo Mazzetti, where you can explore its impressive art collection and learn about the region's history. As you wander the streets, stop by artisanal shops offering local wines and delicacies for a truly immersive experience.
As evening falls, find a cozy wine bar to sample Asti’s renowned sparkling wines, such as Asti Spumante. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a restaurant featuring seasonal ingredients, perhaps accompanied by live local music. Take a post-dinner stroll through the illuminated streets, soaking in the enchanting nighttime ambiance.
After breakfast, head out to the picturesque vineyards surrounding Asti, starting your day with a guided tour of a local winery. Learn about the unique grape varieties and the winemaking process as you wander through the lush vineyards. Enjoy a tasting session, savoring the rich flavors of Barbera and Moscato wines.
For lunch, indulge in a picnic among the vines with local cheeses, cured meats, and fresh bread, all paired with the estate's wines. Afterward, visit another family-run vineyard to explore their cellars and sample more exquisite wines. Engage with the winemakers, gaining insights into their passion and techniques.
Return to Asti for dinner at a rustic osteria, where the menu highlights local specialties such as truffles and risotto. Enjoy the warm, inviting atmosphere as you share stories with fellow diners over a glass of wine. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk through the town, relishing the tranquility of the evening.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍝Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (espresso) | $2-3 |
| 🚌One-way public transit ticket | $1.5-2 |
| 🧃Bottle of water (0.5L) | $1-2 |
| 🍷Glass of local wine | $5-9 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent wine and food scene
- Compact historic center easy to explore on foot
- Access to the Monferrato hills and vineyards
- Not as bustling as bigger Italian cities
- Limited nightlife for those seeking energetic club scenes
- Train connections to remote towns can be infrequent
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Mi scusi" - Excuse me
- "Dov'è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Asti
Visit one of these nice places.
A 12th-century tower offering panoramic views over Asti's historic center and rolling surrounding hills.
Iconic square framed by historic palazzi and the statue of the poet Vittorio Alfieri; ideal for wide-angle city shots.
A Romanesque-Gothic façade with intricate details; great for exterior photography and interior light play.
Arcaded streets and a neoclassical palace provide elegant backdrops for street photography.
Food in Asti
Asti Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Small stuffed pasta folded with meat filling, typically served with butter and sage or ragù, best enjoyed in rustic trattorie.
Must-Try!
Silky egg noodles tossed with shaved truffle and butter—seasonal and widely beloved in Piedmont.
Chilled veal slices with a creamy tuna sauce, a classic antipasto found in many Piedmontese restaurants.
Beef braised in Barolo wine and aromatics, a rich centerpiece for a hearty Piedmontese meal.
A chocolate and amaretti dessert custard, a staple sweet in local pastry shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Covered market offering fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats, and regional specialties from morning to early afternoon.
Seasonal stalls and small bites around the historic center—perfect for a casual taste of local snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera'; use formal address until invited to be informal.
Keep hands visible; wait for everyone to be served before starting; say 'Grazie' when paying.
Dress modestly and speak softly inside religious sites.
Be reasonably on time for reservations; slight lateness is tolerated but not expected.
Safety
Tipping in Asti
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charge is sometimes included; if not, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated in nicer restaurants.
Cash is widely accepted, but cards and contactless payments are common in most venues.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes make walking tours and markets particularly pleasant.
Warm and dry; stay hydrated and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon; evenings offer vibrant dining and wine-tasting scenes.
Harvest season in Monferrato; grape picking, wine festivals, and colorful vineyard scenery.
Cool and cozy; Christmas markets and hearty Piedmontese dishes provide warmth and charm.
Asti at Night
Hiking in Asti
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
An interconnected network of gentle to moderate trails through vineyards and villages with panoramic viewpoints.
Rural paths around the abbey with cultural points of interest; moderate difficulty.
Airports
How to reach Asti by plane.
Major international airport about an hour from Asti, with rail and road connections.
Coastal airport roughly two hours by car or train; serves many international flights.
Large international hub about 1.5–2.5 hours by train or car; frequent connections worldwide.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-standing families and seasonal workers in wine and hospitality.
University students and apprentices exploring wine, culinary, and cultural programs.
Visitors drawn by wine, food, and history from Italy and abroad.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Locals enjoy watching and playing soccer; regional clubs host matches in nearby towns.
Road cycling is popular in the Monferrato hills with scenic routes through vineyards.
Public and private courts available for season play.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Asti.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many pasta and risotto dishes can be prepared without meat. Look for vegetarian options or request 'senza carne' (no meat) and 'vegetariano' on menus.