The capital of the Umbria region, Perugia is known for the famous Perugina confectionery company but not only that, in fact it is one of the most famous art cities in Italy and lends itself well to being visited with the family.
One gets lost in the beauty of the city, strolling through its narrow streets and stopping for a treat in one of the many pastry shops or tasting the typical torta al testo, a flat, low, unleavened flatbread filled with cold cuts and vegetables.
Although the center of Perugia is easy to visit with children, getting there can be a bit strenuous since it is perched on a hill at an altitude of 450 meters above sea level, so in addition to things to see and do, below you will find the best directions for getting to Perugia with children.
How to get to Perugia: car parking, escalators, elevator, minimetro
Most of Perugia’s historic center is ZTL zone so, if you arrive by car, the best way to avoid incurring bans and fines is to leave it in the large parking lots at the foot of the city and then take the escalators or elevator, which are completely free.
☛ Parking in Piazza Partigiani (1.50€/h) and then 5 flights of escalators that go inside the Rocca Paolina.
☛ Covered Market parking lot and then elevator that goes to a terrace where you can admire a fabulous view. The exit is in Piazza Matteotti, right in the historic center. This is the best way if you have a stroller.
☛ Parking at Pian di Massiano (free) and then Minimetrò – the light rail – arriving at Pincetto. Hours are: Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 9:20 p.m., Sundays and holidays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The cost for a single ride is €1.50. Suitable if you want to save a little something and if you have a little more time to spend in town.
What to see in Perugia with children
Once in the historic center, the first stop to make is to walk down Via Vannucci, the street of bars and stores, and arrive in Piazza IV Novembre where the Fontana Maggiore, one of the entrances to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Palazzo dei Priori, home to the National Gallery of Umbria, are located.
After that, you turn into Piazza Cavallotti, admiring the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and head toward the Etruscan Arch, taking a look at the 13th-century Aqueduct on the left.
You then continue to the north end of the city to admire the Temple of St. Michael the Archangel, and, on the way back to Piazza IV Novembre, you can make a quick stop at the playground inside Sant’Angelo Park and go down to the Etruscan Well (the ticket costs €4.00 and can be done directly on site).
Take Via Vannucci again to finally visit the Rocca Paolina, an imposing papal fortress overlooking the Etruscan city, used today as an exhibition center.
If interested in a guided walking tour, there are good local guides who will take you around the city in 1h30 minutes. You can take a look here.
What to do in Perugia with children
To stay on the theme, you can visit the Perugia Chocolate House. Inside the Perugina Historical Museum you can admire the centuries-old history of the famous brand and taste the products. In addition, both children and adults, can participate in the Chocolate School Courses that must be booked in advance. For all information, you can look at the official website.
Also absolutely worth a visit is the Città della Domenica wildlife amusement park, which remains 2 kilometers from the center of Perugia, in a scenic location. Within its 45 hectares, you can find many animals, fairy-tale installations, children’s games, a reptile house, and much more. Continue reading
What to do in Perugia: annual must-see events
Perugia is a vibrant city that each year hosts the Umbria Jazz, an international jazz festival that livens up its center, in July, and Eurochocolate, Europe’s largest chocolate festival, in October.
Where to sleep in Perugia with children
If you love chocolate, you cannot miss a stay at the Chocohotel in Perugia, an entirely chocolate-themed hotel that offers a truly exceptional breakfast! I talk about it in this article.
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