Located in the heart of Italy, Umbria is bordered by Tuscany, Lazio and Marche. While this is a landlocked region, there are plenty of beautiful, shimmering lakes to discover, as well as rolling hills and wild countryside. Umbria offers a range of activities and sights that appeal to many different types of travellers. Whether you love hunting for truffles, tasting fine wine, or exploring medieval hilltop towns, Umbria has something for everyone. Lesser known than its famous neighbours, this region has much to offer. Let’s take a look at the best things to do in Umbria.

Perugia: a land of art and history

Perugia is Umbria’s largest city, with a beautifully intact Centro Storico. With winding cobbled alleyways, beautiful piazzas, and gothic architecture, this city is a real gem and a step back in time. There are many things to do in Perugia, including:

Rocca Paolina: a fascinating underground city

Explore the ancient underground ruins of this Renaissance fortress built in the 14th century. The maze of underground passageways and alleys take you back in time. The main entrance is next to Palazzo della Provincia via an escalator which takes you to the depths of the ancient city. Once there, you’ll find various exhibitions and a short film. This is widely considered one of the best places to visit in Umbria.

Corso Vannucci: shops galore!

Stroll along the main pedestrian street, filled with shops, cafés, and art galleries, and lined with former palazzos and historic buildings.

Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria: art and culture in spectacular settings

Admire works of art ranging from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, including masterpieces by Perugino. Explore room after room of fascinating artworks, including Baroque, Neoclassical, and even some contemporary pieces. 

Orvieto: a majestic town standing proudly

Sitting majestically atop volcanic stone, Orvieto is a delightful city well worth a visit. Take the funicular up to the medieval part of town and enjoy the beautiful architecture and stunning views. Let’s explore some of the top things to do in Orvieto:

Duomo di Orvieto: an outstanding cathedral

One of Italy's most beautiful cathedrals, famous for its ornate façade and frescoes by Luca Signorelli. A must-visit while in Orvieto.

Pozzo di San Patrizio (St Patrick's Well): deep and mysterious

Descend the 248 steps of this extraordinary and eerie piece of 16th-century engineering. A unique experience that you won’t soon forget.

Orvieto Underground:  dark and intriguing

Discover the network of caves and underground passages beneath the city with a guided tour that lasts about an hour.

Spello: a quintessential Italian town

This beautiful hilltop town, with streets filled with colourful flowers, is well worth a visit while in Umbria. Here are some of the best things to do in Spello:

Infiorata di Spello: a colourful spectacle

If you visit in June, don't miss this spectacular event where the streets are decorated with intricate floral compositions. A real spectacle and one not to be missed.

Villa Fidelia: relax in this poetic park

A beautiful park with gardens and a historic villa. This elegant gem is nestled into the hillside and offers guided tours around the gardens and villa.

Church of Santa Maria Maggiore: grandiosity at its best

Admire the frescoes by Pinturicchio and the 15th-century marble altar in the Baglioni Chapel. A splendid way to spend an afternoon while in Spello.

Todi: stands high and majestic above the hills

With glorious historical buildings and fantastic narrow alleyways and streets, this town perfectly combines Roman, Medieval and Renaissance architecture. Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in Todi:

Piazza del Popolo

Located in the heart of the city, this piazza is surrounded by medieval buildings such as the Duomo and Palazzo dei Priori.

Temple of Santa Maria della Consolazione

A magnificent example of Renaissance architecture with an impressive dome and a captivating history.

Funicular railway of Todi

Take the funicular railway for a panoramic view of the town and surrounding valley up to the town center. You can also walk, but the hill is rather steep, and taking the funicular makes for a pleasant and romantic journey.

Castiglione del Lago: a village overlooking a majestic lake

This village is full of history and perched overlooking the Lake Trasimeno, surrounded by medieval walls. Don’t miss the Church of Maria Maddalena as you wonder through the pretty streets and the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo. Here are a few more ideas for things to do in Castiglione del Lago:

Rocca del Leone: a Medieval fortress

Explore this Medieval fortress and enjoy spectacular views of Lake Trasimeno.

Palazzo della Corgna: culture and art

Visit this Renaissance palace with stunning frescoes by following a pleasant passageway from Rocca Del Leone. The exhibitions include a mixture of Etruscan artefacts and contemporary art.

Lake Trasimeno Boat Tour: explore the waters

Enjoy a boat trip and discover the lake's islands, such as Isola Maggiore, and the beautiful natural landscapes.

Spoleto: a journey through Medieval and Renaissance architecture

This ancient city lies to the east of Umbria, at the foothills of the Apennines, surrounded by green hills. Here are some of the most interesting things to do in Spoleto:

Duomo di Spoleto: beauty and history in one

Visit the cathedral with frescoes by Pinturicchio and the magnificent Romanesque portico.

Ponte delle Torri: a historic symbol

Admire this imposing medieval aqueduct, a symbol of the city.

Festival dei Due Mondi

If you visit in summer, don't miss this renowned international festival of music, art and culture.

The stunning region of Umbria has something to offer everyone, from pristine nature to Renaissance art. You won’t be disappointed with a trip to this fascinating region.

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