Perugia Recommendations from a Local
Looking for Perugia, Italy travel recommendations? I’ve lived in both the province and the city center for almost three years now, and can confidently say that Perugia is a must-visit for anyone touring Italy.
Rome, Venice, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast are renowned destinations, but there’s something special about Perugia, the capital of Umbria. To Italians, it’s well-known, but many foreigners discover it only after their first or second visit to Italy – a pattern I believe should change.
I have traveled to all 20 Italian regions, and Perugia still remains one of my favorite places in Italy. Everything from the food, architecture, and the music & arts scene – there’s something for everyone.
How to get to Perugia
Being in the center of Italy, Perugia is well connected via train.
Train from Rome to Perugia – tickets here
Train from Florence to Perugia – tickets here
First a quick logistical note. The Perugia city center is at the top of a hill. If you arrive by train (the station is at the bottom of the hill), I suggest you take the convenient Minimetro up to the city center. When you get off the train, navigate to platform 1 and walk left up the hill. Tickets are easily purchased at the Minimetro station. If for some reason the Minimetro isn’t available, there are several buses that will take you to the center (bus “TS” usually being the most convenient line).
Transportation in Perugia
Once you’re in the city center, most transportation can be done by foot. Those with accessibility needs should know that besides the center-of-the-center, Perugia is not wheelchair friendly.
Where to Stay in Perugia
Because Perugia is built on a hill, you’ll want to stay in or close to the city center. With the blue link below you can sort by distance from city center, rating, and price. You don’t want to end up so far from the center that you need to walk uphill for 30 minutes to get to all the attractions – trust me.
Some hotel options to consider:
These are all located in the city center (where you should be staying), and all have air conditioning.
Budget-friendly:
- Hostel: Little Italy Hostel (book here) – This is the only hostel in Perugia. It’s beautiful inside, being in a converted church, and it’s right in the city center. The staff and owner are friendly, but they keep a small team so you may be waiting a few extra minutes at reception.
- Private: Here are two options for you. Hotel Signa (book here) is on Corso Cavour, a more quiet part of Perugia full of several great cafes, restaurants, bars, and is close to the Frontone Gardens. Alternatively, for more of a homey feel, check out Prima Vista guest house, located in the same area (Corso Cavour).
🏡 Book your stay at Prima Vista Guest House Here
Mid-to-high range:
- Hotel Fortuna (book here) – Just off Corso Vanucci in the center. Be sure to get gelato at Carloni 1989 nearby.
- Times Bar & Suites (book here)
- Sangallo Palace (book here)
Luxury
- Sina Brufani (book here) is the best (if best is luxury) hotel in Perugia, and it’s where any athletes, celebrities, or otherwise seemingly important people stay when they come to Perugia.
Disclaimer: As a frequent solo traveler, I usually opt for hostels—not just for the budget-friendly prices, but also for the vibrant community experience. Because of this, my hotel recommendations may not always be based on personal stays. However, I know that many travelers prefer hotels, so I make it a point to offer thoughtful recommendations. I carefully vet each place based on online reviews and location, and I only recommend spots where I’d personally stay if my budget allowed.
What to do in Perugia
Here’s some of the main sights you need to see in Perugia.
Piazza IV Novembre is the main piazza at the end of Corso Pietro Vannucci, the main strip in the city center. Its centerpiece is Fontana Maggiore, and it’s bordered on two sides by Palazzo dei Priori and the Perugia Cathedral. Not only is it a beautiful piazza, it’s also a great place to grab a porchetta panino and sit on the stairs and chill out for a bit. You won’t be alone.
Arco Etrusco is a perfect example of Etruscan architecture on display in this pre-Roman city. Built in the 3rd century BCE, it’s one of the eight gates in the Etruscan wall of Perugia.
From Arco Etrusco, take Corso Garibaldi up to Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo, the oldest church in Perugia, and in one of the most peaceful and serene areas of the city. Nearby is the Cassero Tower at Saint Angelo Gate, which you can enter and climb to the top of for 5 €. Nearby is Il Tempio, a beyond-charming little store with tons of local Umbrian products, and a few tables if you want to do wine and small plates tastings.
From Il Tiempo, navigate towards this address, which is at the start of Via del Fagliano. Take Fagliano and eventually you’ll find the Medieval Aqueduct, and what I think is one of the prettiest parts of Perugia.
A little outside the busy city center, navigate to Abbazia di San Pietro, which will take you down the more quiet Corso Cavour. After a walk through the abbey, you can go right next door to the Gardini del Frontone. Corso Cavour is one of my favorite parts of the city because it’s quieter and has a more local feel than the main center.
Take a walk down peaceful Via Della Viola to see the open air art gallery that’s become a unique staple of the city.
From the main center, you can walk down Via dei Priori to Piazza San Francesco, out front of the Church of St. Francis. This greenspace is a popular lay-in-the-sun spot for locals, especially university students.
For those interested specifically in the food, you should definitely check out the Taste Perugia Food Tour Led by Local.
As is the case with most Italian cities, the best thing to see in Perugia is the city itself. Just walk around and take it slow.
Some scenic spots with great views are from Giardini Carducci, Belvedere alla Via delle Rupe, and Porta Sole.
Museums
Here’s two museums that are worth checking out:
Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria is the most well-known museum in Perugia, with Umbrian art on display from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period. Locals will often visit when there’s a new exhibit to see. Official website here.
Museo Archeologico Nazionale dell’ Umbria as the name suggests, is an archeological museum with a beautiful courtyard. The website is only in Italian, so I suggest just checking the hours and buying tickets in person.
If you have time for a tour, Perugia Underground (Perugia Sotterranea – official website here) is absolutely worth doing. Tours are offered in both English and Italian. It’s a great way to see the Etruscan roots of the city and better understand the history. If you’re instead looking for an underground experience that doesn’t require a ticket, check out the Rocca Paolina Renaissance fortress.
Live Music
If you want to see live music currently playing in Perugia, check out this page which I regularly keep updated, as live music schedules are always changing.
If open-mic events are your thing, Indigo Art Gallery & Cafe and Cafe Pinturicchio are both great spots.
Marla – Marla is an awesome bar / small night club that always has awesome live music and a cool vibe. Wednesday funk night is my personal favorite. It’s closed during the summer (Italians don’t like to be inside during the summer). The owner, Andreas, is from the USA and has become a fixture of Perugia, having lived there for over 15 years.
If you’re looking to see some live jazz, there’s of course the famous Umbria Jazz festival every July, which I highly recommend. Otherwise I suggest you check out a jazz jam session at Osteria Cardinali on Fridays, and La Fame on Sundays.
What and Where to Eat in Perugia
Every region of Italy has a culinary specialty. I always recommend when you go to Italy – eat the regional food. You’re not in Perugia for pizza (though if you’re having pizza withdrawals, good pizza can be found at Pizzeria Mediterranea Trearchi).
In Perugia, some of the specialties are porchetta, cinghiale (wild boar), chocolate, Umbrian wine, and black truffle. If want to learn about Umbrian food from a pro, check out the Taste Perugia Food Tour.
Restaurants
Some great restaurants where you can find traditional Perugian/Umbrian cuisine are Ristorante Il Cantinone Perugia, Locanda Del Bartoccio, and Osteria a Priori. I suggest making reservations ahead of time if you can. Some of my personal favorite Umbrian dishes are pappardelle with white wild boar ragù and stringozzi with ricotta, mushrooms, and sausage.
Casual Options
For more casual food options, you can try Testone or Caffè Dal Perugino. The latter is more of a pre-dinner spot for an aperitivo, but they also have great sandwich and tagliere (meat and cheese board) options. Want pizza by the slice? Check out Reginella or the not-yet-on-Google Maps pizza place right next to Gold Bar.
If you’re looking for something different, Pinturicchio Cafe & Kitchen specializes in American breakfast and lunch with great coffee, plus beer, wine, and spritz. It’s also a good place to study or work if needed.
Bars
Marla – mentioned previously, Marla is an awesome bar / small night club that always has awesome live music and a cool vibe.
Dempsey’s – Having the same owner as Marla, Dempsey’s small yet fun bar that’s adored by locals. It’s a great vibe and one of my favorite spots for drinks.
Elfo Pub – An awesome tucked-away bar serving drinks of all kinds, but specializing in craft beer. The staff is always fun, and the owner, Natale, knows his beer. It’s also a good place to watch a football game or see a local Italian stand-up comedy act.
Venti Vino is great you’re looking for a wine bar for a wide selection of wines beyond Umbrian wine. Located down on quiet Corso Cavour, it’s always full of locals and a great scene.
Caffè Fortebraccio is a popular local hang out spot for those who like a less-polished scene, for everything from morning coffee to late night drinks.
That’s All For Now
I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed or got value out of reading this. Please check out some of my other content like some of my recommendations pages. You can subscribe to my newsletter to stay in the loop on latest articles and travel tools, or get to know me a little better by following me on Instagram.