Assisi, Italy Travel Guide: 14 Best Things to Do + Helpful Tips
Whether you’re a devout Catholic or not, Assisi is an unmissable destination in Central Italy.
I recently road-tripped around the verdant, enchanting, and off-beat region of Umbria to many historic villages and vineyards. But beyond grand churches, medieval city walls, cobblestone streets, and stories of Saint Francis, I wasn’t sure what Assisi would have in store…
It’s safe to say, though, Assisi blew me away from the moment I arrived.
From Assisi’s incredible ancient history (which dates back to 1000 B.C.!), medieval artworks, and unbelievably beautiful religious sites, to its traditional trattorias, endless olive groves, and organic wineries, Assisi quickly became one of my favorite destinations in Central Italy.
Plus, since Assisi is nestled into the slope of Mount Subasio, the views of the Umbrian Valley below are unmatched!
Planning to spend one or two days in Assisi, Italy? In this Assisi travel guide, you’ll find all the best things to do in Assisi – along with the best places to stay, can’t-miss restaurants and wineries, transportation details, and other must-know tips!
14 Best Things to Do in Assisi, Italy
1. Go on a Historical Walking Tour
Without a doubt, the best thing to do in Assisi is this Small Group Tour of Assisi and St. Francis Basilica.
I couldn’t believe how much we learned, and how many UNESCO World Heritage Sites we saw, in just 2.5 hours!
To begin, our guide led us down charming, flower-lined backstreets, until we reached the well-hidden Roman Amphitheater. We meandered into the heart of the village – past countless gelaterias, trattorias, souvenir shops, and antique galleries – to visit the beautiful Cathedral of San Rufino.
Next, we stopped by the Basilica of Saint Clare, took in the gorgeous Umbrian Valley views, and gazed up at the 14th-century Rocca Maggiore Fortress. We visited the bustling main square, La Piazza del Comune, and saw the ancient Roman Temple of Minerva.
And finally, we explored the stunning Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi…
All the while, our guide told us the stories behind Assisi’s ancient sites, artistic highlights, and religious treasures, as well as the lives and selfless acts of St. Francis and St. Clare.
I highly recommend booking this Small Group Tour of Assisi and St. Francis Basilica! However, if you’re traveling with a group (or prefer a private tour), book this Private Walking Tour of Assisi instead.
Click here to book your Small Group Tour of Assisi and St. Francis Basilica.
2. Tour the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
If you’ve spent time in Italy, then you might not be too enthusiastic about visiting church after church after church… But the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is another story entirely.
As one of Italy’s most important pilgrimage destinations, the Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi houses patron Saint Francis’s crypt and countless precious artworks by greats like Giotto, Pietro Lorenzetti, Cimabue, and Simone Martini. It’s magnificent, rivaling even the cathedral in Siena.
The glistening, white façade hides two basilicas: the Upper Basilica and the Lower Basilica.
You’ll start in the Lower Basilica, where you’ll access the crypt, walk through the papal altar, and pass Giotto’s timeless work, before climbing up to the Upper Basilica, featuring cross-vaulted ceilings full of midnight blue hues and golden stars. The frescoes, marble sculptures, decorative details, and ancient relics throughout are staggeringly beautiful.
Sadly, photos aren’t allowed inside so I don’t have any to share!
MADDY’S NOTE: If you don’t visit the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi with a guide, you’ll miss the fascinating stories behind the church, St. Francis, and the artworks. I went on this Small Group Tour of Assisi and St. Francis Basilica and highly recommend it; our guide was fantastic. Click here to book it!
3. Visit the Basilica of St. Clare
You also have to visit the Basilica of St. Claire while you’re in Assisi! (Your Small Group Tour of Assisi will bring you here!)
The Basilica of St. Clare (Basilica di Santa Chiara) was originally built beside the Chapel of San Giorgio, the first burial place of both Saint Clare and Saint Francis.
Two years after Clare’s passing, the current basilica and wider complex began construction, which now houses St. Clare’s tomb, the original Chapel of San Giorgio featuring the Byzantine-style San Damiano Cross, and the Cross of Mother Benedetta. It’s also the home church of a 20,000-strong global group of nuns called the Poor Clares.
This church’s façade is impressive, with bands of white and rose-colored stone quarried from Mount Subasio. It’s easy to admire from the Piazza Santa Chiara – which also boasts an equally gorgeous panoramic view of the valley below!
Sadly, photos aren’t allowed inside so I don’t have any to share!
MADDY’S NOTE: This church closes mid-day for the sisters’ siesta! It’s open from 6:30 AM to 12 PM and 2 to 6 PM. Book this Small Group Tour of Assisi so you can visit with an expert guide.
4. Savor Traditional Umbrian Cuisine (With a View!)
I’m not exaggerating when I say that our lunch at La Terrazze di Properzio was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had across Italy! Picture this…
- A magical view overlooking the lush Umbrian countryside on a sunny day.
- An artisanal antipasto platter featuring eggplant bruschetta, fresh buffalo mozzarella, local hard cheeses, grilled vegetables, truffle croquettes, local cold cuts, and more.
- A perfectly chilled, delicious bottle of natural grechetto bianco from a local biodynamic winery called Di Filippo.
- And a plate of handmade Umbricelli pasta with a white rabbit ragú sauce, artichokes, and 30-month Parmigiano Reggiano.
I’ll remember this traditional Umbrian meal (and the warm hospitality!) for years. It was heaven.
Do yourself a favor and reserve a balcony-side table for lunch in advance (around 1:15 PM, right after your Small Group Tour of Assisi and St. Francis Basilica ends).
5. Visit The Cathedral of San Rufino
While in Assisi, the San Rufino Cathedral, also known as Assisi Cathedral, is a must-see. No doubt, you’ll come here with your guide on the Small Group Tour of Assisi!
This cathedral is very significant to the Franciscan Order since both Saint Francis and Saint Clare were baptized here.
Inside the cathedral, you’ll see the crypt, the Assisi Diocesan Museum, frescoes by Giotto, and some really cool ancient books. You should also climb up the bell tower for amazing views over Assisi and the surrounding countryside!
6. Go Wine-Tasting at a Local, Organic Winery
I booked this “Winemaker for a Day” Tour at an Organic Winery just 10 minutes from Assisi and it was a lovely experience. (And great value, too!)
At this beautiful family-run winery, we enjoyed a guided tasting of seven different organic wines (and homemade olive oil and balsamic vinegar!) – out on a lovely patio, with fantastic views of the vineyards and the Umbrian Valley below.
Throughout the wine tasting, local cold cuts and cheeses, homemade jams, bruschetta, and desserts kept appearing… “The more you eat, the more you can eat!” the host told me. I love her philosophy.
After the tasting, we toured the winery and cellar to learn all about organic wine-making processes. Our host was a true wine expert – and incredibly warm and welcoming, too.
You can easily hail a 10-minute taxi from Assisi to the winery, and back, or go in your rental car.
Click here to book your “Winemaker for a Day” Tour of an Organic Winery! No doubt, it’s one of the best things to do in Assisi!
8. See the Anfiteatro Romano
You could easily walk by the ancient Roman Amphitheater and not even notice it…
Dating back to the 1st century, the main arena once hosted 17,000 spectators. But now, the amphitheater is filled with, and surrounded by, charming private homes; so there’s not too much to see beyond the perimeter walls…
However, if you love history and want to explore a hidden monument in complete peace, it’s worth a stop. Especially if you’re on your way to the Fortress of Rocca Maggiore!
9. Explore the Fortress of Rocca Maggiore
A 10-minute walk up the hill from downtown Assisi, this castle complex fortified the town for 800 years. It was abandoned in the 1500s until the unification of Italy that began in 1861. It has since been restored.
You can walk around the complex and take in the sweeping views from atop the medieval towers. The entrance fee costs €8 and helps fund the ongoing renovations.
10. Go Hot Air Ballooning
Umbria is one of the greenest and most enchanting regions in Italy. And I can’t imagine a more memorable, celebratory way to see it than by a hot air balloon!
During this tour, you’ll see Assisi, and neighboring Spello and Perugia, from the sky, followed by nibbles and wine-tasting at a local winery. Talk about a magical morning.
11. Marvel at the Roman Temple of Minerva
In the Piazza del Comune, the façade of the Temple of Minerva (Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva) will catch your eye! This Catholic church was built within an ancient Roman temple after a request from the sixteenth-century Pope Paul III.
Through the eras, it was a humble living quarters, a prison, council buildings, a temple, and it’s now a church full of colorful 19th-century frescoes.
Entry is free, though there’s a small fee to visit the archaeological museum underneath. Marveling at the ancient columns out front is the best part anyway!
12. Stop by the Chiesa Nuova
As you stroll down Assisi’s main street, Corso Giuseppe Mazzini, make sure to stop off at the Chiesa Nuova di San Francesco Convertito. King Philip III of Spain ordered the construction of this 17th-century Baroque church on the site of St. Francis’s family home and presumed birthplace. It’s small but beautiful with plenty of frescoes and ornate details inside.
This church is open daily from 8 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 to 7:15 PM.
13. Explore Santa Maria degli Angeli
The frazione, or small village, of Santa Maria degli Angeli is where St. Francis founded his order. It’s situated about three miles away from Assisi, in the valley below, near the train station.
Known to locals as the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, this grand and unique church dates back to the 9th century. It encloses the most sacred Franciscan site in Assisi: the Portiuncula. This historic chapel is adorned with beautiful stained-glass windows, frescoes, and a giant gold statue above the front entrance.
14. Walk to San Damiano Church
This discreet church has a long history! Dating back to 1030 as a Benedictine priory, it’s an important Franciscan church holding UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
It’s best to visit after the Basilica di Santa Chiara – from there, it’s a 15-minute walk down the hill into the suburbs. With unique artwork, beautiful gardens, an internal courtyard, and gorgeous hues of cream and brown from the locally quarried rocks, this site is worth a visit.
Where to Stay in Assisi
Assisi is nestled into the slope of Mount Subasio, featuring incredible views of the lush Umbrian Valley below. Whether you want to stay at a quaint hotel in the village or have a true Umbrian experience at an agriturismo (farmstay) in the valley below, you can’t go wrong…
Best Hotels in Assisi
Best Agriturismo Resorts (Farmstays) near Assisi
Let’s be real. Staying at a luxe, peaceful agriturismo, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, eating traditional nonna-style food, is what you really need from an Italian vacation…
- Incantico “Eco Resort”: Escape the hustle and bustle with this gorgeous farm stay 20-minute drive from downtown Assisi. With sprawling gardens, sweeping countryside views, a swimming pool, and delicious food options, what more could you ask for? Click here to book it!
- La Tavola Dei Cavalieri: Set within an organic citrus grove and farm a short drive from Assisi, this beautiful stone farmhouse’s buffet breakfast operates on a zero-mile policy. Plus, they provide in-house cooking classes and tours of the wine cellar and brewery… Go on! Click here to book it!
HOT TIP: This is the website I use to find the best deals on hotels in Italy and beyond! If you’re visiting Assisi during peak seasons (June through August or during holidays like Easter or Christmas), book well in advance!
How to Get to Assisi
Flying into Assisi
San Francesco d’Assisi Airport – or Perugia Airport (PEG) – serves domestic and international travelers – and it’s only a fifteen-minute drive from Assisi! Upon arrival, pick up your rental car or take a taxi for about €35.
Taking the Train to Assisi
You can access directly Assisi via trains from Rome (~2 hours), Florence (~2 hours), and many destinations across Umbria. Book your ticket in advance via Trenitalia for the best deal.
Assisi’s main train station, Assisi Stazione, is located in the village of Santa Maria degli Angeli, about 3.5 miles from downtown Assisi; from there, you can catch a taxi or the C bus line to town.
Self-Driving to Assisi
On my recent trip to Umbria, we rented a car and visited destinations including Assisi, Spello, Spoleto, and Gubbio. With a plan for parking, driving yourself is a great option!
We started with 3 days in Florence, took many day trips from Florence, and road-tripped around Tuscany. Finally, we made it to Umbria. But San Francesco d’Assisi Airport is the best place to pick up a rental car locally.
Looking for road-trip inspiration? Consider road-tripping to Florence, after following my Rome itinerary, or vice versa. Along the way, you can check out gems like Spello, Spoleto, Perugia, Cortona, Montepulciano, Siena, and San Gimignano, among many others!
READ MORE: Spello, Italy: Travel Guide to Umbria’s Most Charming Town
Helpful Tips for Driving & Parking in Assisi
- This is my favorite website for finding deals on rental cars in Italy and beyond!
- Most Italian cities and towns have posted “ZTL” zones, that are closed to all non-residential drivers when “attiva” (active). If you enter an active ZTL zone, you will receive a big fine in the mail! Google Maps does not warn you about these restricted streets, so stick to the outskirts of Assisi, steering clear of the downtown areas.
- When visiting Assisi, this paid parking garage is a convenient place to park. Best of all, the walking tour I recommend begins here!
- When in doubt, search for “parcheggio” in Google Maps to find a parking lot.
- I recommend staying at an agriturismo outside of Assisi for complimentary, stress-free overnight parking.
- To drive in Italy, you should have an international driver’s license. Hefty fines apply if not; trust me, I’m speaking from personal experience!
- I recommend installing an e-sim on your phone, so you have affordable cell data! This is invaluable for using Google Maps and researching on the go.
Getting Around Assisi
Assisi itself is super walkable! But if you want to day trip to Spello, other towns, and nearby vineyards, you have a few options. Either self-drive with your rental car, call Radio Taxi Assisi or Taxi Assisi to pre-book a taxi, take the bus (here is the current bus schedule!), or take the train (book tickets via Trenitalia).
Must-Know Tips for Assisi
- You must dress conservatively to visit religious sites in Assisi. No shorts, hats, low-cut shirts, or bare shoulders are allowed!
- Ladies, wearing a long, flowy skirt or sundress and a lightweight scarf/shawl (to cover your shoulders) is perfectly acceptable for sweltering summer days!
- Note that many Assisi attractions – including the Basilica of St. Clare – close for a few hours during lunchtime. Plan accordingly to avoid disappointment!
Assisi, Italy Travel Guide: FAQs
Assisi is one of the most popular towns to visit in the province of Perugia, located in the wider region of Umbria, in Central Italy. Assisi is nestled into the side of Mount Subasio, situated about halfway between Rome and Florence.
Assisi is absolutely worth visiting – whether you’re a devout Catholic on a pilgrimage, or not! You could easily spend two full days here, discovering the history of the ancient Umbrians and Romans, stories of Saint Francis and Saint Clare, and the amazing local food and wine. Not to mention, from its perch on Mount Subasio, Assisi’s panoramic views of the Umbrian Valley below are incredible!
The ancient town of Assisi is full of stunning churches linked to Saint Francis and Saint Clare, featuring timeless artworks by great Italian artists like Giotto. The quaint cobblestone streets, lined with centuries-old stone homes, overflowing flowerpots, antique shops, and traditional trattorias, make Assisi as charming as any other Italian village. Meanwhile, unforgettable wine-tasting and truffle-hunting experiences await just beyond the medieval city walls.
Assisi is not part of Tuscany, though the border of Tuscany is very close. Assisi is in the province of Perugia, in the wider region of Umbria. Popular towns like Montepulciano and Cortona in Southern Tuscany are roughly one hour from Assisi.
You can wear shorts and open-shoulder clothing in the village of Assisi, but you won’t be allowed to enter religious sites.
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