Where to stay in Assisi: areas, accommodation and practical tips

Assisi: spirituality and beauty among the Umbrian hills

Assisi is a city you approach with very high spiritual and cultural expectations, and it always exceeds them. Perched on Monte Subasio, with pink stone that glows at sunset and the Basilica of Saint Francis visible from across the valley, it offers a unique experience. Your choice of area depends on the type of trip: pilgrimage, culture or relaxation in the Umbrian countryside.

Best areas to stay

Old Town (within the walls)

Assisi's heart stretches from the Basilica of Saint Francis to the west and the Rocca Maggiore above. Piazza del Comune with the Temple of Minerva is the central point. Hotels in restored convents, B&Bs in medieval houses and charming hotels along Via San Francesco.

• Pros: mystic atmosphere, monuments walkable, valley panoramas
• Cons: ZTL, suitcases uphill, limited parking (Mojano, Matteotti)
• Average budget: €80-160 per night

Basilica of Saint Francis area

The area around the Upper and Lower Basilica, with the green lawn in front. Historic hotels and pilgrim guesthouses. Perfect for those wanting to start the day in the Basilica before the tour buses arrive.

• Pros: proximity to the Basilica, extraordinary sunset views, contemplative atmosphere
• Cons: peripheral compared to centre, fewer restaurants
• Average budget: €70-130 per night

Santa Maria degli Angeli (the plain)

The modern town at Assisi's feet, developed around the Basilica housing the Porziuncola. Modern hotels, easy parking, train station. A practical base for those with a car visiting Umbria.

• Pros: parking, station, low prices, supermarkets
• Cons: no medieval charm, need to go up to Assisi (bus every 20 min)
• Average budget: €50-90 per night

Surrounding countryside (towards Spello, Bevagna)

Farmhouses among olive trees and vineyards on the Subasio hills. Rural Umbria in its purest form: breakfast with torta al testo, fresh olive oil and views of hilltop villages. 10-20 minutes from Assisi.

• Pros: absolute peace, Umbrian cuisine, pool, landscape
• Cons: car essential
• Average budget: €70-140 per night

Eremo delle Carceri area and Monte Subasio

For contemplative spirits: a few isolated properties on the mountain above Assisi. The Franciscan hermitage is reachable on foot from the centre in an hour along a forest path.

Accommodation types

• **Hotels in convents and monasteries**: the most authentic experience, often with internal cloisters and silence
• **B&Bs in the old town**: in restored medieval houses, breakfast with Umbrian produce
• **Pilgrim hotels**: simple and welcoming at accessible prices
• **Hillside farmhouses**: among olives and vines, home cooking and tranquillity
• **Modern hotels in Santa Maria degli Angeli**: functional with full services
• **Religious hospitality houses**: run by religious orders, open to all, minimal prices

Budget tips

Assisi has moderate prices compared to Italy's major art cities. Peaks occur at Easter, 4 October (Feast of Saint Francis), August and spring weekends. In winter prices drop considerably and the city has a quiet, intimate charm.

Money-saving tricks

• Santa Maria degli Angeli costs 30-40% less than the old town
• Religious houses offer rooms from €35-50 (cleanliness and silence guaranteed)
• November-February: halved prices and intimate atmosphere
• Farmhouses with half-board are a bargain: excellent cuisine included

Best area for each traveller

• **Pilgrim**: Basilica of Saint Francis area or religious house
• **Romantic couple**: Old Town, sunset walk towards the Rocca
• **Family with children**: Santa Maria degli Angeli, practicality and space
• **Nature lover**: Countryside towards Spello, trails and farmhouses
• **Contemplative**: Eremo delle Carceri, silence and forest
• **Umbria base**: Santa Maria degli Angeli, station and convenient car access

Getting around Assisi and surroundings

The old town is ZTL: leave the car in car parks (Mojano below the Basilica, Matteotti near Piazza del Comune). Bus C connects Santa Maria degli Angeli to the centre every 20 minutes. The train station (Foligno-Terontola line) is at Santa Maria degli Angeli. From there Perugia is 25 min, Spello 10 min, Rome 2 hours. The centre is walkable (up and down).

Read more

• What to see in Assisi in 2 days
• Where to eat in Assisi
• How to get to Assisi