I spend more time in Assisi than anywhere other than Rome. I love it and recommend you spend at least two nights here, I stay here three nights with my groups. Everyone always wishes they’d spent more time in Assisi, consider that when planning your trip.
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Must sees in Assisi
Way too many people visit Assisi as a day trip. Even with only a few hours, these are the most important things for you to visit…
- The Porziuncola at Santa Maria degli Angeli
- The tomb of Saint Francis at the Basilica of Saint Francis
- The tomb of Saint Clare at the Basilica of Saint Clare
- If you are in town during the Assumption or the Immaculate Conception, you can see Mary’s Veil.
With a little more time, you should visit…
- San Damiano – the famous crucifix is actually in Santa Chiara
- The Hermitage
- Rocca Maggiore or Santa Chiara for the best sunset views
- San Rufino – where Francis and Clare, and many locals, were Baptized.
Hotels in Assisi
Assisi is best over night. I always stay at one of these two hotels, both are located just off the main piazza.
Hotel Umbra has amazing views over the valley. Paola lovingly runs the place along with her husband and her parents.
Hotel Posta is run by Paolo and has many rooms with balconies overlooking the valley.
Tour guides in Assisi
If you need a guide in Assisi, contact my friend Marco. Text/WhatsApp is best for a quick response +39 340 713 4851 or email. He spends two days with all my groups.
If you need a driver in Assisi, maybe to visit the nearby shrines like the Hermitage, Santa Maria degli Angeli, or Rivotorto, contact Paolo. Text/WhatsApp/Phone: +39 335 527 2623
Where to eat in Assisi
I love the food in Assisi. This is the real reason you need multiple nights here.
Few things in life are as pleasant as an Aperol Spritz on Piazza del Commune in the evening. If you prefer a drink with a view, many bars will give you a spritz to go, and you can sip it while watching the sunset from Santa Chiara.
For a quick piadina, kind of a flat bread sandwich, head to Piadina Biologica. Ask for the “Mountain” – named after me, this is my daily lunch when I visit. Via Giotto, 3 / Open daily from 10:30 am – 8 pm.
La Bottega Dei Sapori on the piazza has excellent porchetta, meats, cheeses, and panini, right on Piazza del Comune, 34. Also great prices on local wines and olive oils.
If you want pizza, you have two excellent options. Il Menestrello located at Via S. Gregorio, 1 and i Monaci just down the street at Via Arnaldo Fortini, 10.
I love Pallotta. This was the very first place I took my very first group in 2005 and I’ve brought every single group since, over 100 groups and thousands of happy bellies. Everything I’ve ever ordered has been perfection. This place fills quickly, you should definitely make a reservation. Vicolo della Volta Pinta, 3 / tel. 075 815 5273 / Closed on Tuesday.
Ristorante Vicoletto is a new favorite of mine. Small and hidden on an Umbrian back alley, this place has an amazing seasonal menu. Tell chef Nicola I said hello and prepare for an amazing evening of fine dining. Vicolo Buscatti, 6/A / tel. 075 813620
Medioevo is another favorite and always a huge hit with my groups. Via dell Arco dei Priori, 4 / tel. 075 813068 / Closed on Monday.
La Lanterna Ristorante Pizzeria requires a short uphill walk, but it’s worth it! Especially nice on a summer evening to sit outside. Via S. Rufino, 39 / tel. 075 816399
Shopping in Assisi
My friend Massimo Cruciani does amazing paintings on glass. I love his work. All paintings can be safely shipped to your home.
Gioielleria Assisi Jewels / Via San Francesco, 14 – A great collection of jewelry. They have some unique Tau designs.