Things To Do
in Perugia
Perugia is a dramatic hill town perched above the Tiber Valley, famed for its medieval core and sweeping views. It is home to a prestigious university that brings a lively student energy to historic streets and cafés. The city blends Etruscan roots with Renaissance splendor, evident in its art, architecture and well-preserved fortifications.
In Perugia, you’ll find a compact, walkable center where you can easily savor Umbrian cuisine, explore ancient courtyards and enjoy panoramic overlooks.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and rich Italian coffee. Afterward, stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, taking in the stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Be sure to visit the iconic Piazza IV Novembre, where you can admire the beautiful Fontana Maggiore.
After a delightful morning, head to the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria to explore a rich collection of Umbrian art. Enjoy lunch at a nearby trattoria, sampling traditional dishes like torta al testo or strangozzi. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the 14th-century Palazzo dei Priori, learning about the fascinating history of Perugia.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a rooftop bar with spectacular views of the city. Enjoy a glass of local Sagrantino wine while watching the evening lights illuminate the historic buildings. Conclude your day with a delicious dinner at a local osteria, trying homemade pasta paired with regional sauces.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation, fueling up for a day of wine exploration. Join a guided wine tour that takes you through the scenic vineyards surrounding Perugia, where you’ll learn about the region’s winemaking traditions. Stop at a local vineyard for a guided tasting of their signature wines, including the renowned Sagrantino.
After tasting exquisite wines, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a vineyard where you can pair local cuisine with the wines you just sampled. Continue your wine journey by visiting more vineyards, each offering unique wines and picturesque views of the rolling hills. Engage with winemakers who share their passion and stories about their craft.
Return to Perugia and unwind at a traditional wine bar, reflecting on your wine-filled day. Sample a few more local wines by the glass, accompanied by a selection of regional cheeses and meats. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant known for its farm-to-table approach, highlighting local ingredients.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🥗Lunch for 2 at a mid-range restaurant | $40-60 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $3-5 |
| 🚌One-way ticket on public transport | $1.50-2.50 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $90-170 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Historical architecture and panoramic views
- Excellent cuisine and wine culture
- Compact city center, easy to explore on foot
- Hilly terrain can be challenging for those with mobility issues
- Limited large-city nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Some areas can be crowded during university events
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning / Hello (formal)
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Dov'è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Perugia
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic medieval fountain in Piazza IV Novembre with intricate bas-relief stonework.
Underground passages and fortress with sweeping views of Perugia from elevated viewpoints.
Grand medieval gate framing Corso Vannucci's pastel facades.
Scenic river views and city panoramas from a hillside overlook.
Food in Perugia
Perugia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thick, handmade pasta tossed with black truffle and pecorino; a seasonal specialty in Perugia.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked wild boar stew with tomatoes, garlic and herbs; often served with polenta or bread.
A flat, stuffed bread baked on a hot griddle; commonly filled with cheese or sausage.
Herb-roasted pork, thinly sliced and enjoyed in sandwiches or as a main dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily market with fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats and regional snacks near the heart of the old town.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake is common; address people with Signore/Signora unless invited to use first names.
Dress modestly inside churches; speak softly and be respectful in sacred spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Perugia
Ensure a smooth experience
In Italy, service is often included (servizio). If not, a tip of 5-10% is customary in restaurants; in bars or cafes, rounding up is common but not mandatory.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is handy for markets and small establishments; contactless payments are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming vegetation; great for walking tours and outdoor café seating.
Hot days; plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening and stay hydrated during daytime excursions.
Harvest season with colorful foliage and truffle-friendly menus; pleasant temperatures for day trips.
Cool and occasionally chilly with chances of light rain or snow; festive markets and cozy dinners in town.
Perugia at Night
Hiking in Perugia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Pleasant hillside trails with panoramic views over Perugia and the valley.
Flat to rolling trails around Lake Trasimeno; great for cycling and scenic lake views.
Airports
How to reach Perugia by plane.
Small regional airport about 12-25 miles from Perugia; most travelers connect via Rome or Florence or train.
Florence's Amerigo Vespucci airport; serves many international flights; approx. 2-3 hour drive/train to Perugia.
Major international hub about 2-3 hours by train or car, with frequent connections to Perugia via rail.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant student population due to the university; fosters a lively, youthful culture.
Long-standing residents of the Umbrian hills with strong regional traditions.
Day-trippers and cultural tourists attracted by medieval architecture and chocolate heritage.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region with local clubs and matches at the stadium; watch or join a casual game.
Local leagues and university teams; informal courts in city neighborhoods.
Hills and countryside around Perugia are popular for road cycling and gravel rides.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Perugia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Plenty of vegetarian options exist through fresh vegetables, pasta with tomato sauce, cheeses and olive oil; ask for simple vegetable-based sauces if needed.