Unforgettable Things to Do in Perugia: Explore the Heart of Italy

Perugia doesn’t just sit on a hill, it owns it, with stone streets that twist up to piazzas buzzing with life, Gothic spires piercing the sky, and trattorias tempting you in at every corner. This is a city that feels alive, yet full of history at every turn. There are endless things to do in Perugia, from losing track of time in its medieval alleys to catching sunset views that stretch across all of Umbria. And if wine is your love language, you’re in the right place: the city is surrounded by some of the best wineries in Umbria, where tastings often feel more like family gatherings than tourist stops. Perugia is that perfect mix of culture, flavor, and atmosphere!

What are the best things to do in Perugia?

Wander at Piazza IV Novembre

Piazza IV Novembre is the beating heart of Perugia, a square that pulls you in with its history and atmosphere. The 13th-century Fontana Maggiore sits at its center, carved with scenes that still stop people in their tracks. On one side rises the Palazzo dei Priori, on the other the cathedral, both standing tall as reminders of the city’s power. It’s not just a square, it’s the perfect stage to kick off your Perugia adventure: people-watching, snapping photos, or simply soaking up the rhythm of the city.

Visit the Perugia Cathedral

The city’s grand Cathedral of San Lorenzo rises above Piazza IV Novembre, its simple façade hiding a Gothic interior filled with treasures, from ornate chapels to artworks honoring St. Francis of Assisi. Stepping inside is one of the essential things to do in Perugia, offering both a quiet escape from the busy square and a glimpse into the city’s spiritual heart.

Explore Rocca Paolina Fortress

Built in the 1500s by Pope Paul III, the Rocca Paolina is less fortress, more time machine. Step onto the escalators and suddenly you’re gliding through vaulted tunnels and crumbling walls that once held Perugia under papal control. Today it’s part shortcut, part underground museum, a place where you can literally walk through layers of history while making your way across the city.

Marvel at Etruscan Well (Pozzo Etrusco)

The Etruscan Well takes you straight into Perugia’s ancient past. Carved out in the 3rd century BC, this underground wonder shows just how advanced the Etruscans were at engineering. Walk down into the cool, dim passages and you’ll see the massive stonework that once kept the city supplied with water.

Explore the historic centre of Perugia

The historic centre is a maze of cobbled alleys, arches, and tucked-away courtyards wrapped by ancient city walls. Medieval towers rise above artisan shops, and the daily rhythm of local life spills out onto the streets. Exploring this old town is one of the essential things to do in Perugia, a chance to wander through one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval centers.

What are the best things to do around Perugia?

Dive into hidden territory

Set just 10 minutes from Perugia, Goretti is a family winery with personality in every corner. The Goretti family welcomes you inside the old tower, where tastings are served in rooms that overlook parkland and vineyards, and stories about vines and terroir are told like legends. Try a tasting with food pairing (their cooking class with Nonna Marcella’s recipes is a standout), then wander the estate and feel the calm of the countryside. It’s wine with warmth, place, and lots of heart.

Sip sustainably at a hillside family vineyard

Set in Sant’Enea above the Tiber Valley, Chiorri is an organic, family-run vineyard where sun, soil, and small-batch care show in every glass. You’ll wander through vines that dry warmly in the afternoon light, visit the cellar to see sustainable pruning and harvest practices, and taste both whites and reds that carry quiet Umbria in their flavor. It’s a place to slow down, connect with nature, and let the land tell its story.

Visit the sacred city of Assisi

Around 30 minutes from Perugia, Assisi is one of those towns that stays with you long after you leave. Birthplace of Saint Francis, it’s a place where spirituality and art come together, most famously inside the Basilica of Saint Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site decorated with Giotto and Cimabue’s frescoes. Beyond the basilica, the medieval streets and quiet piazzas invite you to slow down and soak in the atmosphere. And if you’re looking to pair history with flavor, local Assisi wine tours make the perfect addition to your visit.

Explore the best Assisi things to do for a journey through art, faith, and Umbrian flavors.

Taste panorama & peace among Umbrian vines

Set in the hills above Marsciano, Tenuta dei Mori is a boutique, family-run estate where organic vineyards stretch out toward the horizon. The panoramic terrace makes every tasting unforgettable, pairing stunning views with elegant wines crafted from both local and international varietals. Sip slowly under the afternoon sun, wander through the vines, and let the quiet atmosphere remind you why Umbrian wine country feels so special.

Relax by Lake Trasimeno’s gentle shores

Less than 40 minutes from Perugia, Lake Trasimeno feels like a deep breath of fresh air after the city. Olive groves and vineyards roll down to the water, where villages like Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno serve up lake views that make you want to linger all afternoon. You can hop on a boat to explore the islands, join a truffle hunt in the nearby hills, or just settle in with classic Umbrian dishes by the shore.

Wander through Gubbio’s Medieval heart

About an hour northeast of Perugia, Gubbio is a medieval time capsule where stone alleys climb steeply toward Gothic palaces and dramatic views. Highlights include the 14th-century Palazzo dei Consoli and the funivia ride up Mount Ingino for sweeping panoramas. Exploring these gems is among the most rewarding things to do in Gubbio Italy, especially if you love history served with a side of breathtaking scenery.

Good to Know before visiting Perugia