Gubbio Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Gubbio with this comprehensive travel guide, including must-see attractions, food and drink recommendations, where to stay, and transportation options.


Introduction to Gubbio

Nestled in the heart of Umbria, Gubbio is one of Italy’s most charming and picturesque towns. With its winding streets, medieval architecture, and stunning views of the surrounding hills, it’s no wonder that Gubbio has become a popular destination for travelers seeking a taste of authentic Italian culture. This guide will help you make the most of your trip to Gubbio by highlighting the town’s must-see attractions, activities, and local customs.

List of Places to Visit in Gubbio

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Palazzo dei Consoli - The Palazzo dei Consoli is one of Gubbio’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 14th century, this Gothic palace now houses the city’s museum, where visitors can view a variety of artifacts, including prehistoric fossils, medieval paintings, and Renaissance sculptures.

  • Cathedral of Gubbio - Located in the heart of the town, the Cathedral of Gubbio is a fine example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. The cathedral dates back to the 12th century and features a stunning rose window, intricate frescoes, and a bell tower that offers panoramic views of the town.

Natural Attractions of Gubbio: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Cucco Regional Park - Just a short drive from Gubbio, Mount Cucco Regional Park is a paradise for nature lovers. Home to breathtaking views, pristine forests, and hiking trails, the park is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the town and enjoy some fresh air.

  • Palazzo Ducale - The Palazzo Ducale is another must-see attraction in Gubbio. This beautiful Renaissance palace is home to a variety of art exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year, and its sprawling gardens are a tranquil oasis in the heart of the town.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gubbio

With its breathtaking scenery and abundance of natural beauty, Gubbio is the perfect place for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some of the best routes in the area include:

  • The Sentiero Italia Trail - This long-distance hiking trail runs through the heart of Umbria and is a must-do for serious hikers looking to explore the region’s natural beauty.

  • Gubbio Bike Trail - This scenic bike path winds its way through the hills surrounding Gubbio and offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Gubbio: Activities and Tours

Some of the best activities and tours in Gubbio include:

  • Cooking classes - Learn to cook like an Italian with a hands-on cooking class that will teach you the secrets of traditional Umbrian cuisine.

  • Wine tasting tours - Umbria is famous for its wine, and there’s no better way to experience the region’s viniculture than with a wine tasting tour of the local vineyards.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gubbio

Day 1: Explore the historical center of Gubbio, including the Palazzo dei Consoli and the Cathedral of Gubbio.

Day 2: Take a hiking or biking tour of Mount Cucco Regional Park.

Day 3: Visit the Palazzo Ducale and its beautiful gardens.

Day 4: Take a cooking class and learn to prepare traditional Umbrian dishes.

Day 5: Take a wine tasting tour of the local vineyards.

Day 6: Explore the surrounding countryside on horseback and enjoy the stunning views.

Day 7: Take a day trip to nearby Perugia or Assisi.

Food and Drink Scene of Gubbio

Must-Try Dishes

Some of the must-try dishes in Gubbio include:

  • Tagliatelle al tartufo - Fresh tagliatelle pasta with a rich, creamy truffle sauce.

  • Strangozzi alla Spoletina - A hearty pasta dish with sausage, tomatoes, and peppers.

  • Salame di cinghiale - Wild boar salami, a local specialty.

Local Beverages

Umbria is known for its wines, particularly its Sagrantino and Montefalco varieties. Other local drinks include grappa (a type of brandy) and limoncello (a lemon liqueur).

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

Some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Gubbio include:

  • Hotel Gattapone - A boutique hotel in the heart of the town with stunning views of the surrounding hills.

  • Antica Dimora alla Rocca - A charming guesthouse located in a restored medieval building.

  • Ostello di Gubbio - A budget-friendly hostel located just outside the town’s historic center.

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

Some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home from Gubbio include:

  • Ceramics - Gubbio is known for its beautiful hand-painted ceramics, which make great souvenirs or gifts.

  • Truffles - Umbria is famous for its truffles, and you can find a variety of truffle products, including truffle oil and truffle paste, in local shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Gubbio

Gubbio is a town with a rich cultural heritage, and its residents take great pride in their local customs and traditions. Umbrian cuisine is a major part of the town’s cultural identity, and many of the town’s festivals and celebrations revolve around food and wine. Visitors should also be aware of the town’s strict dress code for churches and other religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Gubbio

The best time to visit Gubbio is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The summer months can be hot and busy, while the winter months can be chilly and rainy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gubbio

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, including truffles and Umbrian wines.

  • Take in the stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.

  • Visit the town’s historical sites and museums.

Don’t:

  • Wear shorts or revealing clothing when visiting churches or other religious sites.

  • Park in prohibited areas, as Gubbio has strict parking laws.

  • Be disrespectful of local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Gubbio

Gubbio is generally a safe town for tourists, but visitors should still take common-sense precautions, such as keeping an eye on their belongings and staying in well-lit areas at night.

Health in Gubbio

Visitors to Gubbio should have up-to-date routine vaccinations, and may want to consider additional vaccinations for hepatitis and tick-borne illnesses if they plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.

Getting to Gubbio: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Gubbio

The closest airport to Gubbio is Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport, located about 40 minutes away by car. Other regional airports, such as Rome or Florence, are also within driving distance.

Bus Stations Near Gubbio

The nearest bus station to Gubbio is in the neighboring town of Perugia, which can be accessed via public transport or taxi.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car to explore the surrounding area at their own pace, or take a private transfer to Gubbio from the airport.

How to Get Around in Gubbio

Gubbio is a small town that is best explored on foot. Visitors can also rent bikes or take a taxi to get around the town more quickly.

Where to Go Next from Gubbio: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the best nearby destinations and excursions from Gubbio include:

  • Perugia - Just a short drive from Gubbio, the charming town of Perugia is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history.

  • Assisi - Located about an hour from Gubbio, the medieval town of Assisi is famous for its religious heritage and stunning views.

Conclusion

Gubbio is a town that truly embodies the spirit of Italy, from its winding streets and historic architecture to its delicious cuisine and world-class wines. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of your trip to Gubbio and experience all that this charming town has to offer.

The Palazzo dei Consoli at Gubbio The Palazzo dei Consoli at Gubbio Medieval stained glass windows in the Duomo Medieval stained glass windows in the Duomo View of city rooftops and surrounding countryside from Piazza Pensile View of city rooftops and surrounding countryside from Piazza Pensile