The Best Things to Do in Assisi:
Slow Travel in the Spirit of St. Francis

When I was a child, my family used to attend a small Franciscan church. I still remember those quiet Sunday mornings, sitting on those hard old wooden pews, hearing stories about St. Francis during Sunday school. Even then, something about him touched me deeply—his gentleness, his love for nature, and the simple beauty of his life.

This was long before the internet, before travel blogs and Instagram reels; I imagined the world of St. Francis through the faded drawings in church books and the vivid theater of a child’s mind. I pictured olive trees tumbling down soft hills, golden-stone villages glowing in the sun, and quiet paths winding through a kind of earthly paradise. For me, Assisi became something like a personal Eden.

But for many years, it lived only in my imagination.

I didn’t visit Assisi until my early twenties. By then, I was both excited and nervous. What if the real place couldn’t live up to the dream? What if the Assisi I’d carried with me for so long would be lost the moment I set foot there?

So… was I disappointed?

Not for a second. If anything, it was more beautiful, more moving, and more alive than I ever dared hope. The golden-pink stone of the houses glowed in the Umbrian sun, and everywhere I turned there were flower boxes overflowing with geraniums, views of rolling hills that seemed to go on forever, and that special stillness that only places in Italy seem to have.

Things to Do in Assisi

Of course, the Basilica of St. Francis is the heart of the town and a must-visit. The lower basilica, with its quiet chapels and beautiful frescoes, is where you truly feel the humility and spirit of Francis. The upper basilica is brighter and more vibrant, with the famous Giotto frescoes that bring his story to life. Standing there, looking at scenes I’d seen in books as a child, I felt a lump in my throat.

Wander slowly through the town’s medieval streets. Assisi isn’t a place to rush. Each little piazza has something special—a fountain where locals stop to chat, a tiny café that serves the creamiest cappuccino, or a bakery with windows fogged up from trays of warm pastries.

San Rufino Cathedral

San Rufino often gets overlooked, but it’s one of my favorite places in Assisi. It’s quieter than the big basilicas, yet full of history—this is where both St. Francis and St. Clare were baptized. Step inside and you’ll find a peaceful, Romanesque interior that feels almost frozen in time. Out in the square, life unfolds slowly—kids playing, locals chatting, and cafés perfect for a morning cappuccino. It’s a lovely spot to pause and take in the rhythm of daily Assisi life.

Cathedral of San Rufino

Another favorite spot is the Basilica of St. Clare, home to the tomb of St. Clare, one of Francis’s closest companions. Her story is every bit as inspiring as his, and stepping inside feels like a meeting with history and faith all at once.

If you have the time (and I really recommend you make the time), take a gentle walk or short drive up to Eremo delle Carceri, the hermitage where Francis retreated to pray in solitude. Nestled in the forested slopes of Monte Subasio, it feels almost frozen in time. The silence there is profound—you can hear birdsong, rustling leaves, and, if you close your eyes, perhaps even an echo of Francis himself.

Rocca Maggiore

For something a little different, visit the Rocca Maggiore, the medieval fortress that looms over Assisi. The views from the top are breathtaking—you’ll see the whole valley spread out below, dotted with olive groves and vineyards.

It’s a bit of a climb to get there, but the walk takes you through quiet backstreets and past old stone houses that feel far removed from the bustle around the basilicas. Once inside, you can wander along the ancient walls, climb the towers, and imagine the battles and sieges that once played out here. Maria and I always bring a picnic—there’s nowhere better to sit and soak in Assisi’s magic.

Foodies will adore Assisi too. This part of Umbria is known for its simple but deeply flavorful cuisine—truffle pasta, wild boar ragù, and of course, local olive oil that tastes like no olive oil you'll have tasted before. It is the best olive oil in the world.

A glass of Sagrantino wine from nearby Montefalco is the perfect companion to most local dishes.

For a sweet treat, stop at one of the town’s pasticcerie for rocciata, a local pastry filled with apples, nuts, and spices, a bit like a rustic strudel.

Dolce heaven in Assisi

Don’t miss the chance to try torta al testo, a traditional Umbrian flatbread often stuffed with prosciutto, pecorino, or grilled vegetables—it’s perfect for a quick lunch while wandering Assisi’s cobbled lanes. 

Maria and I love ending the day with a gelato in Piazza del Comune, sitting on the stone steps as the sky turns pink and the bells ring out across the valley—it’s pure Italian magic.

Shopping in Assisi

souvenirs in Assisi

Shopping in Assisi is a joy, especially if you love authentic, local treasures. Wander the cobbled streets, and you’ll find tiny artisan shops selling handmade ceramics, olive wood carvings, and religious icons—many featuring Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian tech-savvy teen known as the “millennial saint.” You'll find plenty of places to pick up Umbrian specialties too—bottles of golden olive oil, jars of truffle sauce, and delicious local wines to take home.

There are also a lot of crossbows and medieval weapons on sale in the souvenir shops for some reason. I asked a shop owner why they sell so many ancient weapons of war when they seem to go against everything Saint Frances stood for. He told me that the reason is because the tourists love them. 

My tip? Visit the little family-run stores off the main streets—those are where you’ll find the real gems. The main streets are great for fridge magnets and the more typical souvenirs.

Slow Down and Stay a While

What makes Assisi so special isn’t just the monuments or the history—it’s the feeling you get when you’re there. You find yourself walking more slowly, lingering over meals, and breathing a little deeper.

I remember one late afternoon, sitting with Maria on the steps of Piazza del Comune, sharing a gelato as the sky turned pink. The square buzzed with locals, who were all dressed in medieval costumes as they practiced for an upcoming festival, a minstrel band played medieval music, and for a while, time seemed to stand still. Well, it seemed to have gone back six centuries

That’s the magic of Assisi—it reminds you of what really matters. Whether you’re religious or not, there’s a sense of peace here that’s hard to put into words.

Where to Stay in Assisi

If you want to be right in the heart of the old town, look for accommodation near Piazza del Comune—you’ll wake up to the sound of church bells and step straight out onto medieval streets. Right on the piazza is Hotel Il Palazzo. It’s a charming boutique hotel tucked into Assisi’s medieval streets, just steps from the main sights. The rooms blend old-world character with modern comfort, and you can walk everywhere—perfect for soaking up the evening magic when the day-trippers have gone.

Maria and I once stayed in a little converted farmhouse just a 10-minute drive away, where the owner made the best homemade jam I’ve ever tasted. It felt like staying with family—those are the kinds of experiences that stay with you forever. It is called Agriturismo Le Mandrie di San Paolo. Set among olive groves and rolling hills, it offers incredible views of Assisi perched on the hillside. Breakfasts are made with local honey, jams, and olive oil produced on-site—it feels like a little slice of Umbrian countryside heaven, yet it’s only a short drive into town.

Why You Should Go

Assisi is the perfect place to combine history, faith, nature, and Italian charm. It isn’t a place you visit just to tick boxes—it’s a place you feel. Walk in the footsteps of St. Francis, sit quietly in a sunlit piazza, and let the rhythm of this little Umbrian town seep into your soul.

If you’re planning a trip to Italy and want to experience something authentic, meaningful, and unforgettable, Assisi deserves a spot on your list.

When you visit, come open-hearted—and let Assisi touch you. You might arrive with expectations built from childhood stories, but you’ll leave with something deeper: a quiet grace that stays with you long after you’ve headed home. Assisi isn't a trip; it is a beginning.

Getting to Assisi

Getting to Assisi is easier than you might think. If you’re flying in, the closest airport is Perugia (Sant’Egidio), only about 20 minutes away by car. Florence, Rome, and Pisa airports are also options if you don’t mind a scenic train journey.

By train, Assisi is well connected. The Assisi railway station is actually in the lower town (Santa Maria degli Angeli), about 3 miles from the historic center. From there, you can take a short bus or taxi ride up to the old town.

Driving is another great option, especially if you plan to explore more of Umbria. There are several car parks just outside the old town, as cars aren’t allowed in the center (thank goodness—it keeps Assisi peaceful and lovely to stroll).

How Far Is Assisi from Rome?

Assisi is about 130 km (80 miles) from Rome by train, or roughly 160 km (100 miles) by road.

• By train—Direct trains take around 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes. The station is in Santa Maria degli Angeli, about 3–5 km below the old town. From there, a quick bus or taxi will get you to the center.
• By car—The scenic drive takes just over 2 hours, with winding roads through the Umbrian countryside.
• By bus—There are also direct buses that take about 3 hours.