Travel Guide to Perugia

What to See, Do, and Experience

Best Time to Visit

April - June, September - October, July (Umbria Jazz Festival)

Must-See

Piazza IV Novembre & Fontana Maggiore, Palazzo dei Priori & Galleria Nazionale, Rocca Paolina, Perugina Chocolate House

Perfect For

History & Art, Food & Wine, Festival & Events

At the very heart of Umbria lies Perugia, the region’s lively capital and one of Italy’s most fascinating hilltop cities.

Famous for its medieval architecture, vibrant university life, and rich cultural heritage, Perugia combines history with a youthful, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Walking through its winding streets means stepping into centuries of art and architecture - from Etruscan walls to Renaissance palaces. At the same time, cafés, jazz bars, and international festivals give the city a modern and dynamic soul.

Thanks to its central position, Perugia is not only an essential stop for culture seekers but also an excellent base for exploring Umbria, making it a perfect day trip from Rome and even a convenient destination for nearby Tuscany, with Siena, Cortona, Chiusi, and many other Tuscan gems just a short drive away.

History & Culture

Perugia’s history goes back to the Etruscans, whose massive city walls and gates - like the Porta Marzia and Arco Etrusco - still stand today.

During the Middle Ages, the city flourished as a powerful commune, with rival noble families shaping its streets and towers. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Perugia became an artistic hub, home to painters such as Perugino (teacher of Raphael).

Today, its cultural identity thrives thanks to the University for Foreigners and the University of Perugia, which attract thousands of Italian and international students, giving the city a vibrant and youthful energy. On weekends, especially Friday and Saturday nights, the historic center - particularly Piazza IV Novembre - fills with students and young people, making Perugia one of Umbria’s liveliest towns after dark.

What to see

The city’s main square, Piazza IV Novembre, is the perfect starting point, with the magnificent Fontana Maggiore, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and the imposing Palazzo dei Priori, home to the National Gallery of Umbria.

Don’t miss the Etruscan Well, an underground engineering marvel, and the Rocca Paolina, a fortress built by Pope Paul III whose underground passages can still be explored.

For panoramic views, walk along the Carducci Gardens or the ancient city walls. Lesser-known gems include the Oratory of San Bernardino with its colorful façade and the quiet Church of San Domenico, housing important artworks.

Nature & Surroundings

Though urban, Perugia is surrounded by lush Umbrian landscapes. Just outside the city, rolling hills dotted with olive groves and vineyards invite visitors to explore by bike or car.

The nearby Lake Trasimeno is perfect for day trips, offering beaches, boat rides, and island visits. For those who enjoy hiking, the Monte Tezio Regional Park and Monte Subasio (near Assisi) provide scenic trails and wide-open views of the valley.

Another gem nearby is Solomeo, the village revived by fashion entrepreneur Brunello Cucinelli, where culture, architecture, and craftsmanship blend beautifully.

Thanks to its central location, Perugia is also an excellent base for exploring Tuscany - with Siena, Cortona, and Chiusi all within easy reach.

Typical Food

Perugia is a paradise for food lovers. Known worldwide for its Baci Perugina chocolates, the city has a strong tradition of sweets, celebrated each October during the Eurochocolate Festival.

Traditional Umbrian dishes are also at the forefront: umbricelli pasta with truffle, wild boar stews, and torta al testo stuffed with cured meats. For an authentic and budget-friendly local experience, try Testone, a casual spot beloved by locals where you can taste Umbrian specialities at a low price.

Olive oil from the nearby hills is excellent, and wine lovers can enjoy tastings of Sagrantino di Montefalco and Colli Perugini DOC wines (we recommend visiting the local winery, Cantina Goretti, for this experience).

Events & Traditions

Perugia hosts some of Italy’s most famous cultural events. The Umbria Jazz Festival, held every July, attracts world-class artists and thousands of visitors.

In October, the city becomes the capital of chocolate with Eurochocolate, filling its streets with stands, tastings, and workshops. Another highlight of the summer is L’Umbria che Spacca, a popular indie and rock music festival held in the Giardini del Frontone, with live concerts every night.

Alongside these, the city is animated year-round by historical reenactments, seasonal food fairs, and a buzzing student nightlife that makes Perugia both culturally rich and youthful.

Where to stay in Perugia

As Umbria’s capital, Perugia offers a wide range of accommodations. Inside the historic center, boutique hotels and stylish apartments allow visitors to experience the city’s medieval charm up close.

Just outside, agriturismi and countryside villas provide a quieter stay surrounded by nature, yet remain only minutes from the city. Thanks to its strategic position, Perugia is also a convenient base not only for exploring other Umbrian gems like Assisi, Gubbio, and Lake Trasimeno, but also nearby Tuscan treasures such as Siena and Cortona.

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How to get there

Perugia is well connected by both road and rail. The city has its own airport, Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport, with flights to major European hubs.

Trains connect Perugia to Rome, Florence, and other Umbrian towns such as Assisi, Trasimeno Lake, Spello, and Spoleto.

By car, the E45 highway provides fast access to Assisi (20 minutes), Lake Trasimeno (30 minutes), and Todi (40 minutes).

Within the city, escalators and the MiniMetro system make it easy to navigate the steep terrain of the historic center.