If you are looking for a fascinating destination for an unforgettable weekend, Perugia is the place for you. This splendid Umbrian city is a true jewel of art and culture, perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in a thousand-year history and enjoy delicious local dishes. From the medieval streets that wind between historical monuments to the breathtaking views that open onto the surrounding countryside, Perugia offers a unique experience for every type of traveler. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a lover of good food or simply looking for relaxation, discover with us what to do in this enchanting corner of Italy during your stay.
Explore the medieval old town
Perugia, with its cobbled streets and historic buildings, is a true treasure chest of art and culture. Starting your adventure in the medieval historic center is a must to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this Umbrian city. Walking through its streets, you are greeted by a mix of history and contemporary liveliness.
Don't miss the opportunity to admire the imposing Palazzo dei Priori, an architectural masterpiece which hosts, in addition to the National Gallery of Umbria, also important cultural events. Continuing, let yourself be enchanted by the Fontana Maggiore, symbol of the city, surrounded by sculpted details that tell stories of a glorious past.
Squares, like Piazza IV Novembre, offer a perfect stage to enjoy an outdoor coffee while watching life go by. Don't forget to explore the lesser known alleys: here you will find artisan workshops and souvenir shops that tell the history of Perugia through their products.
To make your experience even more authentic, try to visit during one of the many local events, where tradition intertwines with modernity. It is not just a journey through time, but an immersion in the colors and flavors of a city that knows how to enchant.
Visit the National Gallery of Umbria
Immerse yourself in the art and culture of the National Gallery of Umbria, a true jewel in the heart of Perugia. Located in the charming Palazzo dei Priori, this gallery houses one of the most important collections of artwork in the region, dating from the 13th to the 18th century. Walking through the rooms, you will be fascinated by masterpieces by artists such as Pinturicchio and Perugino, Raphael's master.
Every corner of the gallery tells a story, from the magnificent frescoes to the meticulous details of the panels. Don't miss the section dedicated to contemporary art, which offers an interesting contrast with the older works. For photography lovers, the play of light filtering through the historic windows creates unique opportunities for memorable shots.
Useful information: The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, with free admission on the first Sunday of each month. Be sure to check the official website for any special events or temporary exhibitions that might enrich your visit.
A walk among the works of art is not just a visual experience, but a journey through time, where each canvas and sculpture whispers secrets of the past. Add the National Gallery of Umbria to your itinerary and enrich your weekend in Perugia with a touch of historical elegance.
Discover the Etruscan Well
Immersing yourself in the history of Perugia also means exploring its fascinating Etruscan Well, a true underground treasure that dates back to the 6th century BC. Located in Piazza Buitoni, this monument is not only an engineering feat of extraordinary beauty, but also a fascinating journey through time.
Going down the stairs leading to the well, you will find yourself surrounded by travertine walls and an atmosphere that tells stories of a distant past. With a depth of approximately 37 meters, the well is fed by a natural spring, which once provided precious water to the ancient inhabitants of the city. Don't forget to bring your camera with you: the soft lights that filter from above create suggestive plays of shadows and reflections.
During your visit, you will also be able to discover the remains of ancient Etruscan and Roman structures, which testify to the strategic importance of Perugia since ancient times. Local guides offer informative tours that will enrich your experience, revealing curiosities and legends linked to this enchanting place.
Be sure to dedicate some time to this historical wonder: the Etruscan Well is a perfect example of how history and beauty can merge, making your weekend in Perugia an unforgettable experience. Don't miss the opportunity to discover a corner of the city that tells its Etruscan soul in such a fascinating way.
Taste Perugina chocolate
Immersed in the heart of the city, Perugia is the kingdom of chocolate, and you cannot leave this enchanting corner of Umbria without having tasted the delights of historic Perugina. This city's chocolate tradition dates back over a century, and today offers a sensorial experience that enchants all palates.
Start your adventure at the Fabbrica Perugina, where you can take part in a guided tour that will take you behind the scenes of the production of the famous Bacio. You will discover the secrets of this delicacy, tasting fresh samples directly from the source. Don't forget to visit their chocolate museum, where you can immerse yourself in the history and art of cocoa processing.
If you want to bring a piece of Perugia home, go to the specialized shops, where you will find a wide range of artisanal chocolates and unique products, perfect as souvenirs or gifts. Some of the most renowned include dark chocolate bars and gourmet creations that combine local ingredients with traditional recipes.
Also, during your stay, try to align your visit with the Chocolate Festival held every year in the fall. This event transforms the streets of Perugia into a true paradise for chocolate lovers, with stands offering tastings and workshops.
Savoring Perugina chocolate is not just a gastronomic experience, but a journey into the heart of a tradition that speaks of passion and creativity.
Panoramic walk in Sant'Angelo Park
Discovering Perugia cannot be complete without a visit to Parco Sant'Angelo, a corner of tranquility and beauty immersed in the heart of the city. This park, located on a hill, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and the city skyline, making it the ideal place for a relaxing walk.
As you walk along the shaded paths, let yourself be enveloped by the scent of the ancient trees and the delicate sound of rustling leaves. Don't forget to bring a camera with you: the views that can be captured from here are simply unmissable.
Furthermore, the park is enriched by several areas equipped for picnics, where you can take a break while enjoying a packed lunch prepared with local delicacies. If you are a history lover, pay attention to the remains of the ancient Etruscan walls located near the park; a fascinating memory of a distant past.
To make your visit even more special, plan to go at sunset: the golden light that envelops the city creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for a moment of reflection or to share a chat with friends.
In summary, a walk in Sant'Angelo Park is not only an opportunity to enjoy splendid views, but also a way to connect with the history and culture of Perugia, making your weekend unforgettable.
Take part in an Umbrian cooking workshop
Immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Umbria by participating in an Umbrian cooking workshop. This experience does not only it will allow you to learn traditional culinary techniques, but also to discover the secrets of local recipes that have delighted generations.
Imagine entering a rustic kitchen, surrounded by fresh and fragrant ingredients: flour, tomatoes, olive oil and, of course, truffles. Under the guidance of an expert chef, you will have the opportunity to create typical dishes such as strangozzi with truffle or porchetta. Each step will be a journey through Umbrian gastronomic culture, enriched by anecdotes and stories that make each dish unique.
These cooking workshops take place in different locations in the historic center of Perugia, often in small taverns or farmhouses, where the atmosphere is welcoming and familiar. Don't forget to bring a notebook with you to write down culinary secrets!
Additionally, many of these courses include a tasting portion, allowing you to savor the fruits of your labor alongside local wines. An experience that will not only satisfy your palate, but will also enrich your cultural background.
To book, check available options online and make sure to reserve your place in advance; the workshops are in great demand, especially on weekends. Don't miss the opportunity to bring home a piece of Umbria on your plates!
Admire the Fontana Maggiore of Perugia
In the beating heart of Perugia, the Fontana Maggiore stands majestically, a symbol of beauty and history that tells of the medieval roots of the city. Built between 1275 and 1278, this extraordinary fountain is a masterpiece of art and engineering, decorated with intricate sculptures and symbols that celebrate the prosperity of the Perugian community.
Get closer and let yourself be enchanted by the details of its decorations: the beautiful reliefs that tell stories of mythology and the daily life of medieval citizens. It is an ideal place for taking photographs, especially at sunset, when the golden light reflects on the water, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Don't forget to sit on the surrounding benches and enjoy the view. Here, you can breathe the vibrant air of the city, while street artists and musicians enliven the square with their performances, giving a touch of liveliness to the environment.
To make your visit even more memorable, try to arrive during one of the local festivals, when the fountain becomes the hub of cultural events and celebrations. It is also the ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding streets, where you will find local craft shops and welcoming cafes.
In this corner of Perugia, the Fontana Maggiore is not just a monument: it is an experience that connects you with the history and culture of this splendid Umbrian city.
Enjoy an aperitif with a view
When talking about Perugia, we cannot ignore the importance of a good aperitif that captures the essence of the city. Imagine sipping a Spritz or a Vernaccia while the sun sets behind the Umbrian hills, painting the sky in warm and enveloping shades.
One of the ideal places to live this experience is the Terrazzo del Caffè del Teatro, overlooking the magnificent Piazza IV Novembre. Here, you can enjoy an aperitif accompanied by typical appetizers, such as chickpea omelettes or crostini with olive pâté. The view of the Fontana Maggiore and the Palazzo dei Priori will leave you breathless, making your moment even more special.
If you're looking for a more intimate atmosphere, head to Bar Giordano, a little hidden corner that offers breathtaking panoramic views from its terrace. Here, the friendly staff is ready to recommend the best local wines, such as Sagrantino di Montefalco, perfect to accompany a selection of Umbrian cured meats and cheeses.
Don't forget to also explore the small wine bars in the historic center, where you can discover artisanal labels and zero-mile products. Every sip becomes a journey through the flavors and traditions of the region, making your weekend in Perugia an unforgettable experience.
Discover the secrets of the Chocolate Festival
If you are a dessert lover, you can't miss the Perugia Chocolate Festival, an event that transforms the city into a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. Every year, during the month of October, the historic center is filled with colorful stands offering the delicacies of the famous Perugina and artisan chocolatiers from all over Italy.
Walking through the medieval streets, you will find yourself surrounded by an enveloping scent of chocolate that tantalizes your taste buds. Don't forget to take part in one of the many interactive workshops, where you can learn the secrets of chocolate making. You may also have the opportunity to create your own chocolate bar, customizing it with ingredients of your choice.
Furthermore, the festival offers live shows, music and entertainment for all ages, making the atmosphere even more festive. If you want a unique experience, book a guided tour that will take you to the historical laboratories of Perugina, where you can discover the history of this sweet symbol of Umbria.
Be sure to also taste the local specialties, such as baci di Perugia, a delight not to be missed. Conclude your visit with a sweet memory and a box of chocolates to take home, to relive the sweetness of Perugia whenever you feel like it.
Explore lesser-known alleys
Perugia, with its fascinating historic center, is a true labyrinth of alleys and streets that tell centuries-old stories. While strolling through the main squares, don't miss the opportunity to get lost in the lesser-known alleys, where the medieval atmosphere is palpable and time seems to have stopped.
Start your adventure from Via dei Priori, a fascinating example of medieval architecture, where you can admire the ancient stone houses and decorative details that make every corner unique. Continuing, you reach Via del Melo, a small road that offers breathtaking panoramic views and spectacular views of the Umbrian landscape. Here, you may come across small artisans at work, creating unique pieces to take home as souvenirs.
Don't forget to visit Piazza della Repubblica, one of the most beautiful squares in the city, but also the small hidden squares such as Piazza del Sopramuro, where you can find characteristic cafés and quiet corners for a break.
Finally, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in one of the many secret gardens scattered around the city, such as the Giardino della Rocca Paolina, an oasis of peace in the beating heart of Perugia. By exploring these hidden corners, you will have an authentic and unforgettable experience in beautiful Umbria.