Things To Do
in L’Aquila
L’Aquila sits in the Apennine foothills, offering dramatic mountain scenery and a resilient urban core. The city blends medieval streets with thoughtful post‑earthquake rebuilding, creating a distinctive mix of stone grandeur and modern architecture. Its heart is anchored by the Piazza del Duomo, the Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio, and lively university life.
Expect warm Abruzzese hospitality, a sense of history, and easy access to the surrounding nature.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in L'Aquila and settle into your accommodations. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Italian pastries. Take a moment to stroll through the scenic streets and absorb the historical architecture surrounding you.
Begin your exploration with a visit to the Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio, an iconic symbol of the city. Wander through the charming streets, visiting artisan shops and local markets to get a taste of L’Aquila's culture. Make sure to have lunch at a trattoria, where you can try famous Abruzzese dishes.
As the sun sets, head to the Piazza del Duomo to admire the stunning Cathedral of L’Aquila. Enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant, where you can indulge in regional wines paired with homemade pasta. End your evening with a leisurely walk in the historic center, taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Start your day by visiting the National Museum of Abruzzo, which houses remarkable artifacts and exhibits from different eras. Take your time to appreciate the art and history that reflects the essence of L’Aquila and its region. Enjoy a late breakfast at a nearby café after your museum visit.
Continue your historical journey by exploring the Forte Spagnolo, a grand fortress that tells tales of the city's defensive past. Explore the beautiful surrounding gardens and enjoy a picnic lunch with local delicacies. Afterward, walk to the nearby Borgo di San Bernardino for its peaceful ambiance and stunning views.
Dinner takes place at a restaurant known for its traditional Abruzzese fare, where you can taste local specialties like arrosticini. After your meal, join an evening walking tour to learn about L’Aquila’s history and folklore. Conclude the night with a gelato from a local shop.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry | $2-4 |
| 🧀Local cheese or lunch dish | $8-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
| 🚆Public transit ticket (one ride) | $1-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning mountain scenery and easy access to Gran Sasso
- Rich history, architecture, and Abruzzo cuisine
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Some sites require travel outside the city center for nature trips
- "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?
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Un tavolo per due, per favore" - A table for two, please
Places to Visit in L’Aquila
Visit one of these nice places.
A central squarescape framed by the Cathedral and surrounding buildings; ideal for evening light and architectural detail.
Iconic Romanesque church with clerestory detailing and a wide exterior façade; great for sunrise shots and exterior architecture.
Historic fountain with its ornate design and water features; a classic composition subject and a popular night photo spot.
Stunning castle ruins with expansive mountain scenery and dramatic skies—perfect for landscape photography.
Panoramic overlooks across the city toward the snowy peaks; ideal for wide-angle shots and sunsets.
Food in L’Aquila
L’Aquila Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Skewered, grilled lamb bites cooked over charcoal; best sampled fresh at a osteria or standalone arrosticini stand.
Must-Try!
Square‑cut pasta strands (spaghetti-like) served with tomato, pancetta, or ragù; a regional specialty often found in trattorie.
Thin crepes rolled with ragù and cheese, typically served in a light broth or sauce; a comforting Abruzzese classic.
Agrass or aged sheep cheese from local pastures; ideal with honey, bread, or as part of antipasti.
Creamy polenta topped with mild local cheese and mushrooms; a comforting regional pairing.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market with fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and local snacks; great for sampling street food such as warm arrosticini from stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin with a polite greeting such as Buongiorno or Buonasera; a handshake is common in formal settings.
Dress modestly when visiting churches; quiet conversation and respectful behavior inside sacred spaces.
Eat slowly and share courses; wait for everyone to be served and say grazie when leaving.
Italian is the primary language; learning a few basic phrases is appreciated by locals.
Safety
Tipping in L’Aquila
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charge is not always included; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is appreciated in many restaurants, cafés, and bars, especially where service is attentive.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban areas; cash is still useful in small cafés and markets. ATMs are common in the city center.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days and blooming landscapes; great for walking historic streets and gradual ascents into the hills.
Warm days with cooler evenings in the mountains; expect occasional showers. Stay hydrated and enjoy outdoor terraces.
Crimson and gold foliage; pleasant temperatures for city strolls and nearby hikes.
Cold with possible snow in the hills; some mountain routes may be closed; warm interiors and seasonal markets are welcoming.
L’Aquila at Night
Hiking in L’Aquila
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Elevated lake platforms and forest trails with panoramic mountain views, accessible year-round with appropriate gear.
Scenic lake region with gentle to moderate trails, ideal for day hikes and photo opportunities.
Historic ruins and sweeping landscapes offering dramatic vistas for hikers and photographers.
Airports
How to reach L’Aquila by plane.
Main international gateway for the Abruzzo region; about 1.5–2 hours by car to L’Aquila, with domestic and some international connections.
Major international hub; roughly 2.5–3.5 hours drive from L’Aquila, depending on traffic and rail connections.
Low-cost and domestic flights; practical if arriving from nearby routes, about 2.5–3.5 hours by road/train to L’Aquila.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A sizable student population due to the University of L’Aquila, contributing to a vibrant daytime energy and nightlife around campus.
Families reside in both the city and nearby towns, enjoying the mix of culture, parks, and nature.
A traditional community with strong local ties and a focus on regional customs and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular across Abruzzo; local clubs and matches attract community support and family attendance.
In winter, nearby resorts in the Gran Sasso and Velino ranges attract visitors for alpine sports.
Valleys and mountain passes are favored by road cyclists and MTB enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting L’Aquila.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in most taverns and trattorie. Look for pasta dishes with tomato or mushroom ragù, grilled vegetables, polenta dishes, and cheeses. When in doubt, ask for a vegetarian pasta or a vegetable-centric antipasto.