Location: Perugia
Top Things to do in Perugia
What to do and see in Perugia, Umbria: The Best Free Things to do
This picturesque Umbrian city has a history that spans many eras. The city wall and arch are Etruscan; the sixth-century Sant'Angelo church was built atop a Roman temple; the town's cathedral is both Gothic and Renaissance. If you have a sweet tooth, visit the famous Perugina chocolate factory; if you have a full set of sweet teeth, visit during the Eurochocolate festival, held in October, when the entire town reportedly smells of chocolate.
Restaurants in Perugia
1. Museo-Laboratorio di Tessitura a Mano Giuditta Brozzetti
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 344 reviews
Monday to Friday: 9:00 -13:00. Afternoons, Saturday and Sunday also available by appointment. The exclusive workshop is located in the fascinating, deconsecrated Romanesque church of San Francesco delle Donne.
2. Fondazione Marini Clarelli Santi - Casa Museo degli Oddi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 144 reviews
The Palazzo degli Oddi, then Clarelli Marini, today House Museum is located in the heart of the city of Perugia in the area where there were already in the medieval era homes of the family, in one of the five most important streets leading to the main square. The palace was built around the middle of the sixteenth century and was inhabited until the middle of nineteenh century. The last owner, the Marchioness Barbara Marini Clarelli, painter, restorer and expert in local history, for testamentary disposition wanted it to be set up a foundation that would combine his name with that of her beloved husband, the famous art historian Francesco Santi in such a way that the Palace could be made accessible and could become a place of study for the history of degli Oddi family, one of the oldest Italian nobility that significantly had a significant influence on the history of Perugia during the Middle Ages. Today the House Museum still bears historical furnishings.
3. Piazza IV Novembre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,046 reviews
This is the artistic center of Perugia that features beautiful reliefs carved in the 13 century, a stunning gothic cathedral and the superb Italian medieval palace, the Palazzo Priori, which houses the National Art Gallery of Umbria.
Reviewed By CleverCat
Piazza IV Novembre is not to be missed during a visit to historic Perugia. The piazza is flanked by historical buildings like the city's Duomo and the Palazzo Priori which go back centuries. The beautiful Fontana Maggiore sits in the middle of the square. It is such a pretty fountain with so much detail - be sure to check it out. People love to sit on the steps of the Duomo and chat and people watch. This is a great location to meet friends and soak in the city, especially at night when everything is lit up.
4. Basilica di San Pietro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 414 reviews
Founded in the 10th century and rebuilt in 1463, this grand Gothic cathedral is a worthwhile stop when visiting Perugia.
Reviewed By 58philipp - Herentals, Belgium
Very rich decoration - for sure worth a visit with some explanation. History meets religion. Especially the ceiling is well-done> Impressive historic large painting.
5. Arco Etrusco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 279 reviews
Reviewed By antoniofU1702OZ - Perugia, Italy
A massive ancient arch leading up to the very center of the city, a beautiful sight and a must-see when you are in Perugia. The Etruscans and Romans knew what they were doing.
6. Duomo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 570 reviews
Reviewed By 82manuelal - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Nice architecture of the 14 century, thid Duomo San Lorenzo merit a visit; inside nice paintings like in most Duomos in Italy.
7. Fontana Maggiore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 812 reviews
Reviewed By robertsU2695AA
designed in the 1200's this fountain sits in the center of the old town. the detailed sculptures which make up the perimeter of the fountain are fascinating to look at, as each set represents a month of the year, as well as various aspects of life and culture as it was in those times. Definitely worth the time to see.
8. City Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 963 reviews
Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, United States
Perugia’s ancient walled hilltop city is a delight to explore. It’s relatively compact although there are some steep up/down sections that may prove challenging. There are churches, museums, old palaces, a Roman aqueduct (part of which can be walked), beautiful buildings dating back many hundreds of years, an Estrucan well, an international university, a fabulous subterranean city, restaurants, cafes and much more. Simply wandering the narrow cobbled lanes are the best way to explore and enjoy the ancient atmosphere. Behind some of the buildings located on Piazza Matteotti are public terraces that offer sweeping views of the Umbrian countryside. The best part...no crowds! Just locals and students going about their daily routines. An authentic slice of life in Umbria.
9. Rocca Paolina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,082 reviews
Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, United States
What a wonderful surprise this underground city turned out to be. I accessed via the escalators adjacent to Provincia di Perugia (government building) in Piazza Italia. It felt like traveling from the 21st century back 2000 years. I explored all of the tunnels and rooms, admired some art that adorned the spaces here, visited a small museum (focused on earthquakes in the region), saw the remains of an ancient church and marveled at the fact that an entire city was built atop this sprawling subterranean world. From Rocca Paolina two sets of escalators can be reached - one heading up to Piazza Italia and one heading down towards Piazza Partigiani. There are other entry/exit points to nearby streets as well including Porta Marzia. Please note, the floors are uneven and can be slippery in places. Lightning isn’t the brightest (to be expected). Unfortunately I did not see any handicap accessibility. Entry is free.
