Visit Udine Italy: A Hidden Gem You Can’t Miss

Visit Udine and let this under-the-radar beauty in Friuli-Venezia Giulia charm you with its mix of Venetian flair, Alpine breezes, and ridiculously good wine. Friuli wineries hit a whole new level here, think crisp Friulano poured in sunlit piazzas while locals debate prosciutto like it’s politics. Between fresco-hunting in old palaces and lazy lunches that turn into dinners, Udine is a feel-good kind of city. It’s got art, food, and just enough buzz to keep things interesting without ever feeling hectic. So come for the wine, stay for the vibes, and don’t be surprised if you start planning your return before dessert.

Visit Udine Italy, and the best things to do

Wander at Piazza della Libertà

No visit to Udine is complete without a stroll through Piazza della Libertà, aka the piazza that makes all other piazzas feel a little underdressed. With its pink-and-white striped Loggia del Lionello and the oh-so-photo-ready Loggia di San Giovanni, this spot is peak Venetian flair with a Friulian twist. It’s like Venice and the Alps had a stylish baby, and it decided to wear marble columns and clock towers.

Visit the Castle of Udine

Perched atop one of Udine’s rare hills, the Castello di Udine serves up the kind of view that makes you want to linger. From up here, the rooftops of the city roll out toward the Alps like a postcard you wish you’d sent. Inside, the castle isn’t just a pretty face, it hosts the city’s main museum collection, with frescoes, artworks, and enough Italian charm to fill your camera roll. It’s part culture stop, part scenic lookout, and 100% worth the climb.

Explore the Duomo di Udine

The majestic Duomo, or Cathedral of Udine, blends Romanesque and Gothic styles. Nearby, the intimate Museo del Duomo displays an exquisite collection of religious art, intricately connected to the region’s spiritual and artistic legacy, including Giovanni Battista Tiepolo’s masterpieces.

Sample local flavors

Start with frico, a golden, cheesy, potato-packed dream, then move on to cjarsons, the sweet-and-savory pasta pockets you didn’t know you needed. Add in silky Montasio cheese and melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto di San Daniele, and you’ve got a feast worth the trip alone. Grab a seat at a cozy trattoria and let your taste buds do the sightseeing.

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Unwind at Piazza Matteotti

Piazza Giacomo Matteotti might just be Udine’s prettiest hangout. Lined with colorful cafés and surrounded by medieval buildings, it’s the kind of place where you grab a spritz, sit by a fountain, and suddenly feel like you’ve been living in Italy your whole life. Charming, relaxed, and full of local vibes, it’s a must for soaking up the city’s easygoing rhythm.

Tour the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie

Just steps from Udine’s center, these two peaceful churches offer a quiet break from sightseeing, and a dose of soul-soothing beauty. Santa Maria Annunziata stands out for its serene atmosphere and delicate artworks, including moving depictions of Mary, mother of Jesus.

Walk to Parco Moretti

Craving a nature break? Parco Moretti is Udine’s urban oasis, green, breezy, and just the right amount of calm after a morning of sightseeing. This spacious park is perfect for a lazy picnic under the trees, a quiet stroll, or letting the kids burn off some energy on the playground. Locals love it for jogs, dog walks, and warm summer evenings, and you’ll see why as soon as you step in.

Enjoy golden hour at the heart of the city

As golden hour rolls in, make your way back to the heart of Udine for a sunset coffee or a chilled glass of Prosecco. As the sky softens, the silhouettes of the loggias glow, and the historic façades bathe in warm amber light. It’s the kind of moment that makes you linger just a little longer. This glowing finale is the perfect way to wrap up your Udine adventure, with timeless beauty, good sips, and that quiet Italian magic that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Visit Udine Italy and the best things to do around

Discover Cividale del Friuli

Just 12 miles east of Udine (about a 21-minute drive if you’re not stopping every five minutes for a photo), Cividale del Friuli is the kind of small town that packs a punch. Think stone bridges with devilish legends, medieval vibes, and just enough Roman and Lombard history to make your brain feel fancy. Founded by none other than Julius Caesar (yes, that one), it’s full of quirky museums, ancient cathedrals, and fresco-covered nooks you didn’t know you needed. Perfect for a half-day escape with a side of art, arches, and maybe a gelato or two.

Don’t miss the opportunity to complete your itinerary with our latest guide and visit Cividale del Friuli!

Explore Friuli’s wine region

Tucked into the peaceful countryside near Remanzacco, this small family-run winery is all about great wine and laid-back vibes. With just a few hectares of vines and a lot of heart, they produce crisp whites like Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon, plus smooth reds like Refosco. Come for a relaxed tasting with local cheese and San Daniele ham, stay for the views and the friendly welcome. It’s the kind of place where wine feels simple, real, and exactly how it should be.

Unwind with a glass in the Hills

Looking for a relaxing wine experience near Udine? This beautiful hilltop winery is part of a restored castle estate where great views meet even better wines. You’ll taste local favorites like Friulano and Refosco, learn about the region’s winemaking traditions, and enjoy the peaceful charm of the countryside. With cozy rooms, homemade food, and a glass always in hand, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay just a little longer.

Visit San Daniele del Friuli

Just 18 miles northwest of Udine (a breezy 30-minute train ride or drive), San Daniele del Friuli is the kind of place that makes food lovers weak in the knees. This hilltop town is world-famous for its melt-in-your-mouth Prosciutto di San Daniele, think Parma ham’s cooler cousin. Grab a seat at a trattoria, order a plate of frico and Montasio cheese, and let the flavors do the talking. Between bites, wander past pretty piazzas, visit the cathedral, and soak in the relaxed Friulian charm.

Drive to the city of Aquileia

Just 34 miles south of Udine, Aquileia is like stepping into a time machine, Roman edition. Once one of the biggest cities in ancient Italy, it now charms visitors with sprawling ruins, intricate floor mosaics, and the jaw-dropping Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. Wander through the old forum, peek into frescoed crypts, and feel the centuries unfold beneath your feet. If you’re looking to visit Aquileia, this UNESCO gem is one of the best places to explore near Udine, perfect for history lovers and curious travelers alike.

Good to Know before visiting Udine, Italy