Experience the Top Things to Do in Gubbio

Clinging to the slopes of Mount Ingino, Gubbio is a medieval treasure that hasn’t lost an ounce of authenticity. Stone streets climb past Gothic palaces, Roman ruins, and churches that glow at sunset, making it easy to pack your list with unforgettable things to do in Gubbio. The town is famous for the wild energy of the Corsa dei Ceri festival, its ancient Umbrian roots, and a cable car ride that whisks you high above the rooftops with sweeping valley views. Add in truffle-packed dishes, rustic wines, and a setting that feels straight out of a storybook, and you’ve got one of Umbria’s most atmospheric destinations. Wine lovers can dive even deeper with tastings at nearby wineries in Umbria, turning a trip to Gubbio into a perfect blend of flavor and history.

What are the best things to do in Gubbio?

Wander in the historic center

Walking through Gubbio’s center feels like time travel. Stone alleys twist between medieval palaces and Renaissance façades, each corner alive with stories etched into the walls. Duck into tiny workshops, grab a bite of truffle-laden bruschetta, or sip a glass of local red at a tucked-away wine bar. It’s the everyday rhythm of the town that makes exploring here so addictive.

Visit the majestic Palazzo dei Consoli

The Palazzo dei Consoli towers over Piazza Grande, its Gothic façade instantly recognizable on Gubbio’s skyline. Step inside to see the Iguvine Tablets, priceless artifacts that unlock the secrets of the ancient Umbrian language, and take in sweeping views of the valley below. Exploring this landmark is one of the unmissable things to do in Gubbio, combining history, architecture, and scenery in one stop.

Explore the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo

Climb up Mount Ingino and you’ll find the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo, a sanctuary with the best views in town and a serious dose of local pride. Inside rests the glass urn of Gubbio’s patron saint, while the massive wooden “ceri” wait patiently for their big day, the Corsa dei Ceri festival every May 15, when calm devotion flips into pure chaos and celebration. It’s history, faith, and a party all rolled into one.

Ride the panoramic Gubbio Cable Car

The funivia is unlike any cable car you’ve seen, more like a metal basket that whisks you up Monte Ingino with the wind in your face and the rooftops of Gubbio shrinking below. It’s quick, a little thrilling, and the payoff at the top is a panorama that stretches across valleys and mountains. Half the fun is the ride itself, and it’s an experience you’ll be talking about long after you’re back on solid ground.

Make a wish at Fontana dei Matti

The Fontana dei Matti isn’t just another fountain, it’s Gubbio’s invitation to let loose. Legend says if you run three laps around it, you officially earn the title of “matto,” or mad person of Gubbio. Locals even hand out certificates to prove it, so don’t be shy, take the run, embrace the madness, and leave with bragging rights no one else will have from their trip.

Discover the Cathedral of Gubbio

The Duomo of Gubbio crowns the town with late-12th-century elegance. Its rose window glows on the façade, pulling you inside to a nave lined with stained glass and Renaissance paintings that light up the space. Sacred art fills every corner, but it’s the mix of history and atmosphere that makes this cathedral a stop you don’t just look at, you feel it.

Tour the Ducal Palace

Commissioned by Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino, the Palazzo Ducale brings Renaissance grandeur right into the heart of Gubbio. Its hanging garden, elegant halls, and painted interiors showcase the refined taste of one of Italy’s most famous dukes. Exploring this palace easily ranks among the top things to do in Gubbio, offering a glimpse of art, history, and power all under one roof.

Experience Saint Ubaldo Day and Corsa dei Ceri

Saint Ubaldo Day on May 15 transforms Gubbio into pure energy. Locals race through the steep alleys carrying three massive ceri (wooden pillars), cheered on by crowds in a whirlwind of tradition, devotion, and adrenaline. It’s messy, loud, unforgettable, and easily one of the most thrilling things to do in Gubbio if your trip lines up with this wild celebration.

Catch sunset over Piazza della Signoria

Piazza della Signoria is the place to be when the sun dips low. From here, the rooftops of Gubbio glow in shades of gold, framed by grand old buildings that feel straight out of a painting. Grab a gelato, lean on the stone walls, and just soak it all in, sunset here is pure magic and one of those simple things to do in Gubbio you’ll remember long after you leave.

What are the best things to do around Gubbio?

Step into ancient entertainment

Just outside Gubbio’s historic center, the Roman Amphitheatre takes you straight back to the 1st century AD. Imagine gladiators and roaring crowds as you wander through the stone arches still standing strong after two millennia. It’s one of those things to do in Gubbio that gives your trip a pinch of drama and a lot of history, all wrapped up in a peaceful setting where you can sit, relax, and let the past feel a little more alive.

Visit Assisi

Located about 30 miles from Gubbio, Assisi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic towns in Umbria. Known worldwide as the birthplace of Saint Francis, the town’s crown jewel is the Basilica of St. Francis, where Giotto’s frescoes bring the saint’s story to life. But Assisi isn’t only about its spiritual side, you’ll love wandering its cobbled alleys, relaxing in lively piazzas, and sitting down in rustic trattorias for Umbrian comfort food paired with local wines. You can also join Assisi wine tours to taste the region’s blends in atmospheric cellars.

For more inspiration, check out our guide to Assisi things to do.

Savor tradition & terroir

19 miles from Gubbio, Cantina Blasi in Umbertide is more than just wine, it’s family history, flavor, and hillside views rolled into one. The Blasi family (whose roots here stretch back over a century) planted new vineyards and built a state-of-the-art cellar beside a wooden aging room that dates to 1742. Tasting here hits all the senses: bubbles, reds, whites, each wine reflects the soil, light, and care this place gets. Settle in on the terrace, sip something that surprises you, and enjoy wine that feels like a conversation with the land.

Wander through the streets of Perugia

Just an hour west of Gubbio, Perugia hums with a mix of ancient roots and modern buzz. This Umbrian capital is packed with Renaissance palaces, fresco-filled churches, and a lively university scene that keeps the streets full of energy. Stroll Corso Vannucci, duck into artisan cafés, or step inside the National Gallery of Umbria for a quick dose of art history. The city also knows how to celebrate, its festivals bring color and music to every corner. Foodies and wine lovers won’t want to miss exploring Perugia wineries, where local vintages pair beautifully with regional dishes.

It’s a city that deserves a spot on your list of things to do in Perugia, especially if you’re pairing it with nearby Gubbio.

Discover the contrasts of Tuscany vs Umbria

The debate of Tuscany vs Umbria is all about personality. Tuscany greets you with golden hills, Renaissance art, and buzzing piazzas, while Umbria tempts you with lush forests, stone villages, and a quieter, more rustic pace. Each has its own magic, and together they show off two very different yet equally irresistible sides of Italy.

Good to Know before visiting Gubbio