Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Umbria, Perugia is a city brimming with history, culture, and charm. From its medieval architecture to its vibrant arts scene and delicious cuisine, Perugia offers visitors a wealth of experiences just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re exploring ancient landmarks, immersing yourself in local traditions, or indulging in culinary delights, here are the top five things to do in Perugia.
1. Explore the Historic Centre
Begin your journey in Perugia’s historic centre, a labyrinth of narrow streets, ancient buildings, and hidden piazzas that date back to the Middle Ages. Start at Piazza IV Novembre, the heart of the old town, where you’ll find iconic landmarks such as the Fontana Maggiore, a stunning medieval fountain adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
Wander through the winding streets of the centro storico, where you’ll discover historic churches, palaces, and museums at every turn. Don’t miss the chance to stroll along the Corso Vannucci, the city’s main thoroughfare, lined with shops, cafes, and gelaterias, where you can enjoy a leisurely passeggiata (stroll) like a true Perugian.
Perugia Centre, Italy
2. Visit the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria
Immerse yourself in the rich artistic heritage of Umbria at the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria, one of Italy’s most important art museums. Housed in the stunning Palazzo dei Priori, the museum showcases a superb collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.
Explore the museum’s galleries and admire masterpieces by Italian and European artists such as Perugino, Pinturicchio, and Fra Angelico. Highlights include Perugino’s iconic Madonna and Child with Saints, Raphael’s exquisite Oddi Altarpiece, and Piero della Francesca’s majestic Polyptych of Saint Anthony.
3. Discover the Perugina Chocolate Factory
Indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to the Perugina Chocolate Factory, where you can learn about the art of chocolate making and sample delicious treats straight from the source. Join a guided tour of the factory and discover the history of Perugina, one of Italy’s most famous chocolate brands, founded in Perugia in 1907.
Watch skilled chocolatiers at work as they craft exquisite chocolates and confections, and learn about the production process from bean to bar. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Perugina Museum, where you can explore interactive exhibits, vintage advertisements, and memorabilia celebrating the history of chocolate in Perugia.
4. Attend the Umbria Jazz Festival
Experience the magic of music at the Umbria Jazz Festival, one of Europe’s premier jazz festivals held annually in Perugia since 1973. Join thousands of music lovers from around the world as they gather in the city’s historic centre to enjoy performances by top international and Italian jazz artists.
From intimate club concerts to outdoor stages and open-air piazzas, the festival offers a diverse programme of events that showcase the best of contemporary jazz and related genres. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, discover new talent, and enjoy unforgettable performances against the backdrop of Perugia’s historic landmarks.
5. Taste Umbrian Cuisine at a Local Osteria
No visit to Perugia would be complete without indulging in Umbrian cuisine, which features simple yet delicious dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes. Head to a local osteria or trattoria and savour regional specialities such as porchetta (roast pork), strangozzi (handmade pasta), and torta al testo (flatbread).
Be sure to also try Perugia’s famous chocolate creations, including the iconic Baci chocolates and decadent chocolate desserts such as torta al cioccolato and gelato al cioccolato. Wash it all down with a glass of Umbrian wine, such as Sagrantino di Montefalco or Grechetto, for the perfect culinary experience.
