If there’s one town in the beautiful Umbria region of Italy that we think is an absolute must-visit, it’s Assisi. The town stands out from its neighbors, full of incredible UNESCO-approved Franciscan monuments, beautiful works of art, and picturesque streets. When we drove up to it with the sun shining on the warm stone of the houses, we were speechless. Discover all the best things to do in Assisi, Italy, in our complete guide.
Things to do in Assisi
We’ve been to the cute, ancient town of Assisi twice! It lies 20 minutes from Umbria’s capital, Perugia, and is the birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi (one of Italy’s patron saints). This makes it an important pilgrimage site and home to some incredible buildings and festivals.
1. St. Francis Basilica
A trip to Assisi wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the St. Francis Basilica, a grand building that is unusually constructed out of two churches on top of one another. It’s the main thing to do in town and has one of the most mind-blowing interiors we’ve ever seen!
As we strolled through the town’s main street, Via San Francesco, we instantly saw the impressive building. We especially loved the brightly colored frescoes and stained-glass windows inside.
Did you know? The building’s foundation was laid two days after St. Francis was canonized. His remains lie buried in a tomb under the church (which you can also visit).
Entrance fee & Opening times: The lower basilica is open from 6 AM – 7 PM in the summer and closes at 6 PM in the winter. The upper basilica is open from 8:30 AM – 7 PM and closes at 6 PM in the winter. Entrance to the Basilica is free. See availability for a tour of St. Francis
2. Explore the Streets of Assisi
After seeing the Basilica, we took a small tuk-tuk tour through the narrow little streets of Assisi. We explored its squares, enjoying a delicious gelato or refreshing drink while soaking up the beautiful atmosphere.
- The Temple of Minerva: the oldest building in town (first century BC). You’ll recognize it by its stout columns on the outside.
- Torre del Popolo: climb to the top to be rewarded with views over the town and its lush surroundings. We booked a slot in advance 5 EUR/5.5 USD), as only 20 people can climb the tower each hour.
- Relax at a cafe, there are many lining the square. We love a delicious coffee or gelato on a sunny terrace!
Piazza del Comune also sees a number of events and festivals throughout the year, including the popular Calendimaggio festival in May. During these days, locals dress in medieval costumes and reenact life in Assisi from that era.
Roman Forum
Located just a few steps from the buzzing Piazza del Comune lie the excavations of an ancient Roman Forum. Visitors often miss this hidden gem, so it’s a great escape!
We spent about 30 minutes here. Entrance costs 5 EUR (5.5 USD), and the forum is open daily from 10 AM – 5.30 PM.
4. Assisi Hot Air Balloon Ride
A hot air balloon ride is one of the most extraordinary things we did in Assisi! Wake up for sunrise, and float over green fields, vineyards, and charming cities like Assisi and Perugia. It’s a magical way to gain a bird’s-eye view of Umbria’s landscapes.
5. Cathedral of San Rufino
While the Basilica is the biggest eye-catcher of Assisi, we think the town’s cathedral is also worth a visit. The facade as well as the artwork and frescoes on the inside are beautiful.
It lies in the heart of Assisi’s historic center and is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the town’s streets. This is also supposedly where Italy’s patron saints, Francis and Clare, as well as the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, were baptized.
We saw that this walking tour of Assisi’s greatest sites stops here, too!
6. Basilica di Santa Chiara
The Basilica di Santa Chiara (or Basilica of St. Clare) is another incredible church and one of the best things to do in Assisi. This Gothic building stands at the edge of the historic town, with views over the lush Umbrian countryside. Entrance: Free, 6.30 AM – 12 PM, 2 – 6 PM.
7. Oratory of San Francesco Piccolino
About halfway up the street from Basilica di Santa Chiara, between busy little cafes and souvenir shops, a small passageway leads to St. Francis’ oratory. The saint was born in this small chapel, which was just a stable in the Middle Ages.
Take a peek inside when you stroll through this beautiful neighborhood, passing the decorated archway as you go. Here’s the location.
From here, we had some of the best views over Assisi and the surrounding countryside from atop the fortress’s ramparts and tower. On a clear day, you can even see Perugia and Spello in the distance. Best time to visit: Around sunset, when the St. Francis Basilica colors in a beautiful orange light.
Tip: There’s also a small museum here. The fortress is open from 10 AM – 8.30 PM, and guided tours are available.
9. Assisi Viewpoint + Horses
After we explored everything in town, we drove to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Assisi and the rest of Umbria. It’s one of the best views in the region! We can imagine that the sunset here is magical, turning Assisi’s limestone buildings a soft orange.
Best of all, there are also lots of wild horses roaming free here (though they’re not always here). The location: Here’s the viewpoint.
Tip: On our way down from the viewpoint, we stopped at the village of Collepino. There used to be a medieval castle here, plus there are more great valley views!
10. Join a Winery Tour
Just like Tuscany, Umbria has fantastic wine! While driving through the landscapes, we passed many beautiful vineyards covering the hills. Stop in the countryside to visit a winery for an excellent tour. It’s really nice to bask in the sun while walking among cypress trees and lush wine country.
We visited Lungarotti in Torgiano (they also have another winery in Montefalco), which is one of the most impressive wineries we’ve ever seen! Here, you’ll learn how grape turns into delicious wine.
Lungarotti is the producer of the best red wine in Italy (2016), making this experience and tasting one of the best things to do in Assisi.
11. Visit the Carceri Hermitage
The Carceri Hermitage lies high in the mountains above Assisi, where St. Francis meditated. Tucked between the green trees, this stone complex is made up of a few small chapels, a cloister, and St. Francis’s cave. It lies away from the town, making it a beautiful place to escape to.
We saw the complex’s stone bridge and passed the yellow-colored houses. The views from the site are incredible! Getting there: Drive up a narrow road for 10 minutes or hike up for an hour.
12. Basilica of Santa Maria Degli Angeli
Just outside of Assisi lies Santa Maria Degli Angeli, a little town with a grand basilica. We learned it’s one of the largest churches in Italy, renowned for its rich frescoes painted by some of the country’s most famous artists.
Inside, you’ll find beautiful artwork. Take some time to admire all the details, including the little chapel (Porziuncola Museum) and the austere rooms of the friars (monks). This is also where Saints Francis and Clare founded their Orders. Entrance: Free/museum has a small fee.
13. Day Trips to Neighboring Towns
Umbria has many beautiful towns and historic cities in its lush valleys. That’s also why we think traveling through Italy by car is one of the most rewarding experiences. This way, you can visit hidden gems that lie further out in the countryside.
We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
You’ll find:
- Incredible architecture (like colorful houses!) and excellent historical sites.
- Beautiful viewpoints due to its location atop a hill.
- Bustling restaurants where you can try regional delicacies.
Spello
Another beautiful hilltop town in Umbria is Spello. This gorgeous stone town is known as the ‘town of flowers’ and is famous throughout the country.
We visited just for a morning, walking through the cobblestone streets and seeing the climbing flowers on each house. These fragrant decorations give the town a fun, bright atmosphere.
Rasiglia
Rasiglia is too cute! This storybook stone village is at the foot of the beautiful Apennine mountains, surrounded by green woodlands. It’s most famous for its small rivers, canals, and waterfalls that gently flow through the medieval town. It’s even nicknamed ‘Venice of Umbria’.
Read everything about Rasiglia in Italy.
The village is tiny; there are only about 50 houses here. We visited for an hour during the week (weekends are busy with local visitors).
Must-read: The best things to do in Venice, Italy
Best Cafes and Restaurants in Assisi
Umbria is known for its delicious cuisine, and Assisi is an amazing place to try some of the best local specialties. From porchetta and truffles to thick pasta and versatile stews, the food here is full of flavor. Pair it together with a glass of local wine and an incredible view!
Some of our favorite restaurants and cafes in Assisi are:
- Taverna dei Consoli
- Ristorante Pizzeria Monaci
- Chiosco Vamos
- La Piazette delle Erbe
- Il Baccanale
- La Terrazze di Properzio
- Trattoria Spadini
- Ristorante La Selva
Want to learn more about Umbrian flavors and how to make the region’s best meals? Join a cooking class in Assisi!
How to Visit Assisi, Italy
The closest airport to Assisi (only 20 kilometers away) is Perugia airport, with connections to different European destinations. Alternatively, you can fly to a larger airport like Rome or Florence and take the train (about 2 hours) or a rental car to Assisi, Italy.
Getting Around
Lots of the things to do in Assisi are relatively close to one another, so you can explore on foot. Traveling by car? We parked ours here, just outside the historic center. (This is another option)
If you’re thinking of visiting one of the neighboring towns or a vineyard, you can easily travel by rental car, public transport, or by joining a tour.
We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Where to Stay
We explored Assisi twice, each time for just a day. However, it’s worth staying here to see how the town lights up at night. There are lots of cute guesthouses in the center, or you can choose a beautiful agriturismo (farm stay) in the surrounding countryside.
How Many Days in Assisi?
We spent a full day in Assisi, and that’s what we would recommend. It gives you plenty of time to explore all the sights in the center, stroll the streets, and try different restaurants. Stay one more day if you’d like to discover the surrounding highlights, such as the churches, lush vineyards, and neighboring towns.
Best Time to Visit Assisi
Both times we’ve been here have been in the shoulder seasons: April/May (choose May if you want to see the Calendimaggio festival) or September/October. Fewer people visit then, but you still have plenty of sunshine to enjoy the fantastic landscapes of Umbria!
- Peak season: Summer months. Especially August, when Italians are on holiday.
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