About
Perugia is a medieval hilltop city in Umbria, in central Italy. Set high above the surrounding countryside, it is the regional capital and a place where a visit is shaped as much by its streets and views as by any single sight.
The old town rewards slow walking. Stone lanes climb and turn between palazzi, churches and small squares, and the changes in height make the city feel like a series of terraces rather than one flat centre. Many visitors plan their day around wandering rather than a fixed list of stops.
Food and chocolate
Perugia is known as the chocolate capital of Italy, and it is a fitting place to linger over a cup of hot chocolate or a bag of sweets from one of the city's confectioners. Umbrian food more broadly, from bread and olive oil to local cheeses and wine, is easy to find in the town's restaurants and markets.
Study and student life
The city is also home to a prestigious university for foreigners, which gives it a steady stream of international students. You will notice this in the cafés, language schools and evening life, and it makes Perugia an easy place to feel at home as a visitor.
Planning your visit
- Allow time for the steep climbs, and wear comfortable shoes.
- Combine the old town with a day trip into the wider Umbrian countryside.
- Check local times for shops and museums before setting out, as hours vary.
Perugia suits visitors who enjoy history, good food and an unhurried pace. It works well as a base for exploring Umbria, or as a destination in its own right.
