Aosta Travel Guide

Visit Aosta for its scenic views, outdoor adventures, museums & historical places, and local cuisine. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide!


A Comprehensive Tour Guide to Aosta, Italy

Aosta, a city located amidst the mountains of the Aosta Valley of Northwest Italy, is a perfect destination for people who love nature and history. Founded by the Romans over 2200 years ago, its cobbled streets and Gothic buildings are a perfect symbol of the city’s storied past and its rich culture. You can immerse yourself in the local culture, discover the region’s Roman ruins and medieval castles, indulge in local cuisine, and marvel at the scenic views of the Italian Alps.

List of Places to Visit in Aosta

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums, and Historical Places

The city is a hub of museums, monuments, and historical places, providing a sneak peek into its Roman and medieval past. One of the most popular attractions is the Archaeological Museum which displays a wide range of Roman artifacts discovered at various excavation sites throughout the Aosta Valley. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is another must-visit attraction in the city, displaying Romanesque architecture and religious artifacts from the 4th century.

Natural Attractions of Aosta: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Aosta is surrounded by scenic views, parks, and nature reserves—it’s no wonder that it’s a famous destination for hikers, mountain climbers, and bikers. The mountains surrounding the city offer picturesque views of the Alps. You can explore the Alpine Botanic Garden, hike up Mount Emilius, or go skiing in the Alps.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Aosta

To truly experience the beauty of Aosta, go for a hike or bike ride through it. The city has numerous hiking and biking trails, like the Dora Baltea River Trail and the Sentiero S5 which connects Aosta to the nearby Valtournanche. These routes offer picturesque views of the mountain ranges and the incredibly well-preserved historic sites in the city.

Best Things to Do in Aosta: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of things to do in Aosta. You could join a guided tour of the city’s historical sites or pick up a bike and explore the city at your own pace. You could also go on a wine-tasting tour in one of the valley’s vineyards or try your hand at cooking a local dish—you might even learn how to make pasta from scratch.

Week-Long Itinerary for Aosta

To make the most of your time in Aosta, we have created a 7-day itinerary. You can check out the full itinerary in the table below.

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Arch of Augustus and the Roman Theater
Day 2 Hike up Mount Emilius
Day 3 Explore the ruins of an ancient Roman city in the nearby town of Saint-Vincent
Day 4 Visit the Gran Paradiso National Park
Day 5 Take a wine-tasting tour in a nearby vineyard
Day 6 Go skiing in the nearby Alps
Day 7 Try your hand at cooking a local dish

Food and Drink Scene of Aosta

Must-Try Dishes

The city of Aosta is famous for its hearty Italian cuisine. The traditional dishes, like Pasta Valdostana, Seuppa à la Vapelenentse, and Carbonada are a must-try. You should also try the local cured meats, like Jambon de Bosses and Motsetta, and the local cheeses like Fontina and Beaufort.

Local Beverages

One of the most popular local beverages in Aosta is the Valdostan wine, which has won several national and international awards. The nearby vineyards produce a variety of wines like Chardonnay, Gamay, and Pinot Noir. You should also try the local spirits like Genepy and Meyen Blanc, which are both aromatic and refreshing.

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

Aosta has a wide range of accommodations for travelers, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses. Some of the top-rated hotels are Hotel Milleluci, QC Terme Montebianco, and Hôtel de la Ville. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, check out Albergo Antico Borgo, Mountain Lodge Luxury Chalet, or Hostel Milleluci.

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

If you want to bring a piece of Aosta back home with you, you should consider getting local products like Fontina Cheese, Lardo di Torgnon, and Jambon de Bosses. You can also find handmade Alpine-inspired souvenirs like wooden carvings, ceramic figurines, and handwoven blankets.

Local Culture and Customs of Aosta

The people of Aosta are proud of their heritage, and their culture and customs reflect that. The city also hosts numerous annual festivals and events that showcase its regional traditions, such as the Fiera di Sant’Orso and Carnival of Saint-Vincent. Some of the most common customs in the city include the love for wine, cheese, and traditional recipes.

Best Time to Visit Aosta

The best time to visit Aosta is between June and September. The weather is mild and pleasant during these months, and the city is in full bloom. The colorful autumn foliage during the months of September and October is also worth seeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Aosta

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine
  • Hike or Bike around the city
  • Visit the Gran Paradiso National Park

Don’t:

  • Leave without trying the local cheese and wine
  • Leave your trash on the hiking trails
  • Disrespect the local culture

Safety and Health

Safety in Aosta

Aosta is a fairly safe city, but like any other tourist destination, you should take precautions like not carrying valuables in plain sight and being careful at night. It’s also essential to keep in mind the risks of hiking in the mountains, so follow safety guidelines and respect the impact on both you and the environment.

Health in Aosta

The healthcare system in Aosta is excellent, ensuring access to an excellent standard of care. You should also remember to stay well hydrated and protected with appropriate clothing and sunscreen while going on outdoor adventures.

Getting to Aosta: Transportation Options and Logistics

Aosta is well-connected to the rest of Italy with multiple transportation options:

Airports Near Aosta

The nearest airport to Aosta is the Turin International Airport, which is about 68 miles from the city center.

Bus Stations Near Aosta

The city is connected with several major bus networks in Italy, like Flixbus and Terravision.

Other Options

If you prefer having a car at your disposal, renting a car from a major airport or the city center is an ideal option.

How to Get Around in Aosta

Aosta is a city best explored on foot, but you can also use public transportation like buses and trains.

Where to Go Next from Aosta: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The Aosta Valley itself has plenty of attractions to offer, but you can also discover nearby destinations like Turin, Florence, and Rome. You can also go on excursions in the surrounding mountainous areas, such as the Mont Blanc Express or The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

Conclusion

Aosta, with its rich culture, stunning mountain ranges, and delicious cuisine is a traveler’s paradise. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or a foodie, there’s no shortage of activities that cater to everyone. With this comprehensive guide, planning your trip to Aosta won’t be a daunting task anymore. So, pack your bags and discover Aosta, Italy’s hidden gem.

View of Aosta and its natural surroundings from Sarre, in the hills about 5 1/2 km to the west View of Aosta and its natural surroundings from Sarre, in the hills about 5 1/2 km to the west Roman ruins Roman ruins Fontina cheese Fontina cheese Aosta's town hall (Hotel de Ville) Aosta's town hall (Hotel de Ville)