I’ve avoided Perugia in past years because it just seems like a big city hassle. We finally conquered my fears this year and I realized I couldn’t have been more wrong. It’s only about 40 minutes from the house and with a navigator and GPS it can be done!
Perugia has a fascinating past as it was first an Etruscan trading route and then an important city of merchants who were controlling the flow of trade down the Tiber River to Rome. In the medieval ages it was full of wealthy and influential families who were then conquered by the pope. As you arrive into the old city via a series of escalators from the parking lot below, you see around you what was once the original city.
It’s also a very youthful city as there is a large university in Perugia. There are great restaurants but you also notice many more vendors catering to the young crowd. There’s also some very nice shopping.
The views are outstanding. You can clearly see Assisi who was (and still is) their biggest rival for tourist dollars. I would recommend a guide if you have the time! We loved Marco.
To get there, navigate to Piazza Partigiani in Perugia. You will see a large bus station on your left and the navigation might say “you’ve arrived.” Continue to follow the parking signs past the bus station and take a left-hand turn as if you are leaving town. Immediately after making that left is the entrance into the parking garage. There are usually plenty of spaces one lower level down. Bring your parking ticket with you as you’ll pay by the escalators when you leave. Follow the signs to the escalators and go up, up, up until you reach the top.
I love this restaurant: Locanda Del Bartoccio for a creative spin on classical Italian food.
Also for very authentic food cooked by a nonna, go to Ristorante Fontanella di Porta Sole. They specialize in various soups made with unique beans and legumes from the area. Be sure to walk to the end of this street for a spectacular view.
For a cute wine bar and a limited menu featuring daily specials, head just behind the duomo to Bottega del Vino.