Assisi Travel Guide

Explore the stunning Assisi, Italy with this comprehensive travel guide featuring places to visit, things to do, food to try, and tips for a safe trip.


Introduction to Assisi

Assisi is a stunning city located in the Umbria region in Central Italy. Famous for its religious significance, the city is home to numerous churches, abbeys, and basilicas, including the birthplace of St. Francis. Assisi is also known for its stunning views, olive groves, vineyards, and fantastic cuisine. This guide will provide an overview of the top places to visit, things to do, food to try, and tips to ensure a safe and memorable trip.

List of Places to Visit in Assisi

Assisi is filled with cultural and natural attractions that will satisfy any traveler. Here are some of the top places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Basilica di San Francesco
  • Basilica di Santa Chiara
  • Duomo di San Rufino
  • Rocca Maggiore
  • Eremo delle Carceri

Natural Attractions of Assisi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Monte Subasio
  • Parco del Monte Subasio
  • Bosco di San Francesco
  • La Rocca dei Fumaioli
  • Sorgente del Clitunno

Hiking/Biking Routes of Assisi

Assisi offers some of the most beautiful hikes and biking routes in Italy. Some of the best routes include:

  • Sentiero Francescano della Pace
  • Giro del Monte Subasio
  • I tre Laghi

Best Things to Do in Assisi: Activities and Tours

Assisi offers a range of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the most popular:

  • Wine Tasting Tours
  • Cooking Classes
  • Vespa Tours
  • Hot Air Balloon Rides
  • Segway Tours

Week-Long Itinerary for Assisi

For visitors spending a week in Assisi, here’s an ideal itinerary:

Day Activities
1 Explore the historic center
2 Visit the Basilica di San Francesco and related sites
3 Take a cooking class or wine tasting tour
4 Hike or bike the Monte Subasio trails
5 Visit the Rocca Maggiore and the Duomo di San Rufino
6 Take an excursion to nearby Perugia
7 Visit Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Porziuncola

Food and Drink Scene of Assisi

Assisi is known for its fantastic cuisine, which is centered around local ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pasta e Ceci
  • Porchetta
  • Pappardelle al Cinghiale
  • Strangozzi
  • Torte al Testo

Local Beverages

  • Sagrantino di Montefalco
  • Grechetto
  • Umbria Rosso
  • Vin Santo
  • Limoncello

Where to Stay in Assisi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Assisi offers a range of accommodations for visitors. Here are some of the best options across different budgets:

  • Hotel Subasio
  • Giotto Hotel & Spa
  • Hotel Fontebella
  • Ostello Victor Center
  • Assisi Home

What to Buy in Assisi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Assisi offers a range of unique souvenirs and local products to bring back home. Here are some of the best options:

  • Handmade items from artisans such as ceramics and jewelry
  • Local olive oil and wine
  • Products made by monks and nuns such as liquor, honey, and religious artifacts

Local Culture and Customs of Assisi

Assisi’s culture is heavily influenced by religion and tradition. Visitors should dress conservatively when entering churches and other religious sites. Moreover, public displays of affection are discouraged.

Best Time to Visit Assisi

The best time to visit Assisi is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Assisi

To make your trip to Assisi enjoyable, here are some do’s and don’ts:

Do:

  • Visit the Basilica di San Francesco and other religious sites
  • Explore the historic center of Assisi
  • Try the local cuisine and wine
  • Go hiking or biking in the Monte Subasio Nature Reserve

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing when visiting religious sites
  • Touch or take pictures of religious artifacts and artwork
  • Engage in public displays of affection
  • Ignore traffic safety rules

Safety and Health

Assisi is a relatively safe city, and visitors are unlikely to face major safety concerns. However, visitors should take general safety precautions such as staying aware of their surroundings and safeguarding valuables.

Safety in Assisi

  • Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas
  • Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unlit areas
  • Be mindful of traffic when walking on roads

Health in Assisi

Visitors should have comprehensive travel insurance and take standard precautions such as getting the necessary vaccinations. In Assisi, visitors should also be cautious when drinking tap water, as it can be hard in some areas.

Getting to Assisi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Assisi is easy to access by a range of transportation methods. Here are some of the best options:

Airports Near Assisi

  • Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi - Umbria International Airport
  • Rome Fiumicino Airport
  • Florence Airport

Bus Stations Near Assisi

  • Perugia Bus Station
  • Santa Maria degli Angeli Train Station
  • Spoleto Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train from Rome, Florence or Milan
  • Rent a car

How to Get Around in Assisi

Assisi is a small city, and most places are easily accessible on foot. Visitors can rent bikes or scooters to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Assisi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Assisi is an excellent starting point for exploring other nearby destinations. Here are some recommendations:

  • Perugia
  • Spello
  • Gubbio
  • Lake Trasimeno
  • Spoleto

Conclusion

Assisi is a truly special city, full of history, culture, and stunning sights. Whether you visit for a few days or a week, there is plenty to see and do that will leave a lasting impression. Plan your trip carefully, follow safety precautions, and get ready to experience one of Italy’s most magical cities.

Saint Francis' Basilica, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site Saint Francis' Basilica, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site Rocca Maggiore Rocca Maggiore Piazza del Comune: Santa Maria sopra Minerva Piazza del Comune: Santa Maria sopra Minerva