In northwest Italy, the region of Piedmont is a dream for wine and food lovers. Rolling hills covered in vineyards, world-class wines like Barolo and Barbaresco, and the famous Alba white truffle make it one of Italy’s most celebrated destinations. Choosing the best town to stay in Piedmont is key, it shapes how you’ll experience the region, from wineries and tastings to markets and countryside views. Many travelers pick Alba, known for its truffle fair and lively food scene, while others prefer smaller hill towns like La Morra, Neive, or Serralunga d’Alba, each surrounded by the vineyards of the Langhe. These towns are perfect starting points for Piedmont wine tours, local dining, and exploring the area’s deep culinary traditions. If your ideal trip includes quiet villages, panoramic views, and unforgettable bottles of wine, this guide will help you decide where to stay in Piedmont.
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What is the best town to stay in Piedmont Italy?
Explore the historic Alba
At the center of Alba, Piazza Duomo sets the scene with its medieval towers, buzzing cafés, and views stretching toward the Langhe hills. The square is also home to the Michelin three-starred Restaurant Piazza Duomo, a bucket-list spot for anyone serious about food and wine. If you’re visiting in autumn, don’t miss the Alba White Truffle Fair (October to November), when the town transforms into Italy’s truffle capital with tastings, markets, and truffle hunts. Between events, stop by an Alba winery to taste Barolo or Barbaresco right where they’re made.
Want the full picture of this foodie hub? Check out our guide on the best things to do in Alba and make sure your trip hits all the highlights.
Visit Grinzane Cavour
Step into one of Piedmont’s most iconic wine villages. Just minutes from Alba, Grinzane Cavour is crowned by its 13th-century castle, once home to Count Camillo Benso di Cavour, a central figure in Italy’s unification. Today, the castle hosts the Regional Enoteca of Piedmont, where you can taste wines from all over the region and dive into local winemaking culture. Add in the sweeping views of the Langhe vineyards, especially at sunset, and you’ve got one of the most memorable stops for both wine lovers and history fans. If you’re looking for the best town to stay in Piedmont Italy, Grinzane Cavour is a strong contender thanks to its mix of history, wine, and unforgettable scenery.
Dive in the charm of Cuneo
Tucked between the Alps and the Langhe hills, Cuneo is a lively provincial capital with a wide piazza, arcaded streets, and mountain views on the horizon. The town is known for its pastries (don’t miss the cuneesi al rum chocolates) and as a gateway to outdoor adventures in the nearby valleys. It’s a balanced stop if you want both culture and easy access to nature.
Discover our latest guide to the best things to do in Cuneo Italy and make the most of your visit.
Drink in the views from La Morra
La Morra, one of the most scenic hill towns in the Langhe. Sitting high above the Barolo vineyards, La Morra offers sweeping panoramas that stretch across rolling hills and, on clear days, all the way to the Alps. The town itself is relaxed, with wine bars, small trattorias, and plenty of spots to sample Barolo straight from local producers. Climb up to the Belvedere viewpoint for the ultimate photo stop, it’s one of the best ways to take in the landscape that makes Piedmont famous.
Taste Barolo in Barolo village
Barolo may be small, but its name carries global weight thanks to the “King of Wines.” The village itself is postcard-perfect, with cobbled streets, historic tasting rooms, and enotecas dedicated to showcasing local vintages. At the heart of town, the castle houses the WiMu Wine Museum, a creative and interactive way to dive into the history and culture of Barolo. Add a stop at a local cellar or join one of the many Barolo wine tours, and you’ll see why this little town sits at the center of Piedmont’s wine world.
Want to go deeper? A trip through the Barolo wine region is the ultimate way to taste and explore the heart of Italy’s most iconic reds.
Stroll through Neive’s cobblestone streets
One of the most beautiful villages in Piedmont, Neive is all about narrow alleys, historic houses, and a relaxed wine-country vibe. Known especially for its whites like Arneis and Moscato, the town is full of intimate tasting rooms where local producers welcome you in for a glass. If you’re planning to visit Neive Italy, expect a slower pace, great wine, and plenty of small-town charm.
Step back in time in Saluzzo
Once the capital of a small medieval marquisate, Saluzzo feels like an open-air museum. Its historic center climbs a hillside with cobbled lanes, Renaissance palaces, and Gothic churches. The Castiglia Castle now houses museums, while the town itself has a slow, timeless rhythm that pairs well with exploring local trattorias and artisan shops. Visit Saluzzo Italy and uncover the best for your Italian escape.
Take a scenic day trip to Turin
Italy’s first capital, Turin, is an elegant city less than two hours from Alba. Known for its grand boulevards, historic cafés, and top museums, it makes a sophisticated day trip while still keeping you in the heart of Piedmont. Beyond culture and shopping, you can also join Turin wine tours, which connect the city to the surrounding vineyards and give you a taste of the region’s reds and whites without leaving town.
Want to plan the perfect stop here? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Turin.
Discover Alessandria’s urban edge
In southern Piedmont, Alessandria mixes history with a modern urban vibe. The star-shaped Cittadella of Alessandria, one of Europe’s largest military fortresses, is the town’s main landmark and a must for history lovers. Beyond that, Alessandria offers lively cafés, shopping streets, and a strategic location between Turin, Milan, and Genoa. If you’re planning your itinerary, don’t miss our guide to the things to do in Alessandria Italy. And if you’re searching for the best town to stay in Piedmont, Alessandria makes a practical base to explore both wine country and nearby cities.
Enjoy wine tastings in Barbaresco
Barbaresco is more than a name on a label, it’s a small wine village with a big reputation. Home to some of Piedmont’s most prestigious reds, the town is the perfect place to dive deeper into Nebbiolo. The Enoteca Regionale del Barbaresco, set inside a former church, offers guided tastings that showcase the area’s best bottles. For an even richer experience, join a Barbaresco wine tour and explore the vineyards and cellars that make this village legendary among wine lovers.
Savor the flavors of Gavi
In southern Piedmont, close to the Ligurian border, Gavi is a town best known for its crisp white wine made from the Cortese grape. The historic center has a laid-back vibe with narrow streets, old churches, and the striking Forte di Gavi, a fortress that has guarded the region for centuries. Stop into a local enoteca to taste the town’s signature DOCG wine, perfectly paired with seafood or local cheeses.
Want to see it for yourself? Plan your trip and visit Gavi Italy for the perfect mix of wine, history, and small-town charm.
Good to know before visiting Piedmont
What is the most beautiful town in Piedmont?
Piedmont is home to many stunning towns, but Barolo and Orta San Giulio are often considered among the most beautiful. Barolo, nestled in the Langhe wine region, is famous for its rolling vineyards, historic wine cellars, and panoramic views. Orta San Giulio is a charming lakeside village on Lake Orta, known for its romantic alleys, baroque architecture, and the picturesque island of San Giulio.
What is the best town to stay in Piedmont?
The best town to stay in depends on your interests, but Alba is a top choice for food and wine lovers. It’s the heart of the Langhe region, close to vineyards and famous for truffles. Other great options include Turin for a vibrant city experience with museums and architecture, and Stresa for lakeside charm on Lake Maggiore with great access to the Borromean Islands.
What are the best hotels to stay in Piedmont?
Here are some top-rated accommodations across the region:
- Relais San Maurizio (Santo Stefano Belbo) – A luxurious 5-star hotel set in a former monastery, ideal for wine region escapes.
- Grand Hotel Sitea (Turin) – A historic hotel in Turin’s city center offering elegant comfort and excellent service.
- MiaClara Relais (Alba) – Vineyard views while relaxing on the shared terrace and taste wines of a nearby winery at the on site cellar.
- L’Aromatorio (Neive) – located in the historical center of Neive, the land of 4 wines.
Is Piedmont worth visiting?
Absolutely. Piedmont is a hidden gem that combines world-renowned cuisine, award-winning wines (like Barolo and Barbaresco), and diverse landscapes from lakes and mountains to sunny vineyards. With fewer crowds than Tuscany, it’s ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Italian experience.
What is the difference between Piedmont and Piemonte?
There is no difference in meaning, “Piemonte” is the Italian name, while “Piedmont” is the English translation. Both refer to the same region in the northwestern corner of Italy, bordered by France and Switzerland, known for its culinary excellence, scenic beauty, and historical towns.
What are the best villages to visit in Piedmont, Italy?
Some of the most picturesque villages include:
- Neive – A medieval hamlet in the Langhe, part of “Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages” association.
- Chianale – A remote alpine village known for its stone houses and peaceful atmosphere.
- Candelo – Home to a rare medieval ‘ricetto’, a fortified granary village.
- Vogogna – Located in Ossola Valley with a fairytale-like castle and charming old town.
What is there to see in Piedmont?
Piedmont offers a rich variety of attractions:
- The Royal Palace of Venaria Reale – A UNESCO-listed baroque palace near Turin.
- Wine landscapes of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato – Another UNESCO site celebrated for wine production.
- Lake Maggiore and Borromean Islands – Perfect for lake lovers and garden enthusiasts.
- Turin – The region’s capital, filled with museums, history, and architecture.
- Alps and Gran Paradiso National Park – Ideal for hiking and nature lovers.
What are the best restaurants in Piedmont?
Piedmont is renowned as the birthplace of the Slow Food movement. Here are must-visit restaurants:
- Piazza Duomo (Alba) – A 3 Michelin-starred restaurant offering a contemporary take on local flavors.La Ciau del Tornavento (Treiso) – Known for its panoramic views and extensive wine cellar.Locanda del Pilone (Alba) – Offers refined Piedmontese cuisine in a romantic setting.Trattoria della Posta (Monforte d’Alba) – A classic choice for traditional dishes like tajarin and brasato al Barolo.
What is the main town in Piedmont?
Turin (Torino) is the capital and largest city of Piedmont. Renowned for its elegant architecture, historical cafés, world-class museums like the Egyptian Museum, and chocolate and vermouth industries, it’s a cultural and culinary hub that offers a balance of cosmopolitan flair and local tradition.