Things To Do
in Foligno

Foligno is a historic town in Umbria perched along the Topino River. Its well-preserved medieval streets, the grand Palazzo Trinci, and a lively weekly market give the city a quintessential Italian charm. The town serves as a gateway to the surrounding valleys, vineyards, and hill towns like Bevagna and Montefalco.

Friendly locals, great food, and easy day trips make Foligno a rewarding base for exploring central Italy.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Foligno
morning
:

Arrive in Foligno and take in the stunning view of the local architecture as you stroll through the city center. Grab your first Italian breakfast at a nearby café, featuring a delicious cappuccino and freshly baked cornetto. Explore the local shops and get acquainted with the charming streets adorned with historical buildings.

afternoon
:

Visit the stunning Cathedral of San Feliciano, a magnificent blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local trattoria, savoring traditional Umbrian dishes like strangozzi pasta with truffles. Spend your afternoon wandering the picturesque streets, visiting artisan shops, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant to enjoy a candlelit dinner while sampling local wines. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the city to absorb the nighttime ambiance, illuminated by soft street lights. Conclude your evening with a gelato while admiring the beautiful piazzas.

day 2
Exploring Foligno's Historic Sites
morning
:

Start your day with breakfast at a traditional café before heading to the Foligno Museum, where you can learn about the region's rich history. Explore the fascinating collections of art and artifacts, particularly focusing on the influences of the Renaissance. Afterwards, take a moment to enjoy the architecture surrounding the museum.

afternoon
:

Visit the Palazzo Trinci, a historic palace known for its stunning frescoes and beautiful garden. Enjoy lunch at a nearby bistro, trying local specialties and fresh ingredients from the region. Spend your afternoon exploring the surrounding streets filled with quaint shops and artisans, discovering local craftsmanship.

evening
:

Experience a cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Umbrian cuisine, guided by a local chef. Share a delightful meal with fellow participants, enjoying the fruits of your labor and connecting over delicious food. Wind down your evening with a stroll around the town, soaking in the lively atmosphere.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🚇One-way public transport ticket$1.5-2
🏨1 night in mid-range hotel$70-120
Coffee$2-3
🍷Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant$40-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Historic center with a compact, walkable core
  • Gateway to Umbria’s wines, hill towns, and countryside
  • Excellent local cuisine and markets
  • Relatively affordable compared with bigger Italian cities
  • Limited nightlife and big-city amenities
  • Less direct international flight access
  • Some tourist sites can be crowded during peak season
  • "Buongiorno" - Good morning
  • "Per favore" - Please
  • "Grazie" - Thank you
  • "Dov'è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Mi scusi" - Excuse me
  • "Un tavolo per due, per favore" - A table for two, please

Places to Visit in Foligno

Visit one of these nice places.

Palazzo Trinci in Piazza della Repubblica

A medieval-renaissance palace with crenellated towers and elegant arches; great for panoramas from the square.

Duomo and surrounding arcades

The cathedral and its quiet surrounding arcades offer classic townscape shots and reflective interiors.

Topino River and bridges

Riverside paths and stone bridges provide tranquil sunset and morning light opportunities.

Historic center streets

Narrow lanes, stone stairways, and pastel façades offer charming compositions in the soft morning light.

Culinary Guide

Food in Foligno

Umbrian cuisine emphasizes simple, flavorful ingredients like olive oil, legumes, truffles, and game. In Foligno you’ll find hearty pasta dishes, roasted meats, and seasonal produce in family-run trattorie and osterie.

Foligno Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Strangozzi al tartufo

Thick ribbon pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, and black truffle when in season; a quintessential Umbrian specialty.

Must-Try!

Porchetta Umbra

Slow-roasted, herb-stuffed pork with crackling; commonly shared at markets and trattorie.

Cinghiale in Umbria

Wild boar ragù served with pasta or polenta, a staple of mountain cuisine.

Torta al Testo

Soft flatbread baked on a hot surface and filled with cheese or sausage; great for a snack or light meal.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Historic Market (Foligno)

Weekly market in the historic center offering local produce, cheeses, bread, olive oil, and prepared foods.

Street Food Corners

Seasonal stalls around Piazza della Repubblica offering fried snacks and quick bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Foligno has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and dry with highs in the mid-80s to low-90s Fahrenheit (around 30°C). Winters are cool and damp, with average highs around 6-10°C and possible frost. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, with colorful countryside and variable rainfall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greet politely

A simple buongiorno or buonasera when entering shops or restaurants.

Dress modestly for churches

Conservative clothing is appreciated when visiting religious sites.

Quiet conversation in public spaces

Respect for locals in residential areas; avoid loud conversations late at night.

Safety Guide

Safety

Foligno is generally safe for travelers. Practice common-sense precautions against petty theft in crowded areas and keep valuables secure. Use reputable transport and be aware of night-time areas; emergency numbers: 112 (EU-wide).

Tipping in Foligno

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service charge is often included in larger restaurants; otherwise a 5-10% tip is appreciated for good service.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; small merchants may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming hills—perfect for walking tours in the historic center and countryside.

Summer

Hot days and warm nights; stay hydrated, plan outdoor meals in the evening, and enjoy shade and gelato.

Autumn

Harvest season with vibrant foliage in the countryside and wine festivals around Montefalco and Bevagna.

Winter

Cool and damp; city lights and markets add charm; layer up and enjoy hearty Umbrian dishes.

Nightlife Guide

Foligno at Night

Foligno offers a relaxed nightlife with cozy bars, enotecas, and occasional live music venues in the historic center. For larger club scenes, a short trip to Perugia or Assisi is easy by bus or train. Many locals enjoy a twilight stroll followed by a light evening meal. Bars typically close after midnight, with late-night gelato and pastries as common options.

Hiking in Foligno

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Monti Sibillini foothill trails

Various day hikes with scenic views and forest paths.

Montefalco and Bevagna countryside walks

Gentle trails through vineyards and olive groves with panoramic town views.

Colfiorito plateau trails

Plateau trails with meadows and lakes offering scenic viewpoints a short drive from Foligno.

Airports

How to reach Foligno by plane.

Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi – Umbria International Airport (PEG)

Closest regional airport; good connections to Rome and other Italian cities; about a 1-1.5 hour drive to Foligno.

Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA)

Major international gateway with frequent seasonal services; about 2.5-3 hours by road/train to Foligno.

Ancona Falconara Airport (AOI)

Coastal airport with some European routes; about 2-3 hours by road/train to Foligno.

Getting Around

Walkability

The historic center is very walkable, with narrow lanes and pedestrian zones. Parking can be challenging in peak times; using local buses or walking is often easier for exploring the core. Elevation changes mean some stairways and slopes, but the center is compact and navigable on foot.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Primarily aging-friendly population with family and community interests.

Students and professionals

People who work in services and in nearby towns; some commuting to Perugia and Spoleto.

Tourists

Visitors exploring Umbria’s towns, markets, and countryside.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Calcio (soccer)

Popular among locals; regional clubs and matches in nearby towns.

Cycling

Scenic routes through rolling Umbrian hills; cycling events in the region.

Tennis and hiking

Local courts and numerous trails in the surrounding countryside.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Foligno is light to moderate, with a dense historic center that favors pedestrians. Parking can be limited in the core, so plan to use public transport or park on the outskirts. Regional trains connect Foligno to Perugia, Assisi, and Spoleto; car travel is practical for day trips to smaller towns.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Foligno.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common in trattorie; ask for pasta with olive oil and local vegetables or a hearty bean dish; many places can accommodate dairy-free needs.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Italy’s public healthcare system provides universal coverage; travelers can use their European Health Insurance Card where applicable. Local clinics and pharmacies are available in Foligno, with hospital services in nearby Perugia and Spoleto for major needs. For emergencies, call 112.

Discover Italy

Read more in our Italy 2025 Travel Guide.

Italy Travel Guide