{"id":40009,"date":"2019-12-02T06:05:15","date_gmt":"2019-12-02T14:05:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=40009"},"modified":"2025-08-15T06:17:38","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T13:17:38","slug":"udine-italy-3-day-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/udine-italy-3-day-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"UDINE, ITALY: A 3-DAY ITINERARY"},"content":{"rendered":"

Italy\u2019s best-kept secret is the pint-sized university city of Udine, with its regal architecture and unique way of life. One of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region\u2019s two main cities, Udine prides itself on its stunning surroundings, Slavic-inspired culture, and warm, welcoming locals. If you\u2019re looking to break away from Italy\u2019s better-known tourist traps, then Udine should be your first port of call.<\/p>\n

Located mere kilometers from the Slovenian border, and only short car journeys away from both Austria and Croatia, this town is a melting pot of diversity, drawing influences from the range of European countries which surround it.<\/p>\n

With its own language \u2013 its roots more Slavic than Romantic \u2013 and cuisine as varied as its changeable landscape, this is not Italy as you know it. Being in the very heart of the region makes Udine a perfect stopping point for anyone passing through, and is almost equidistant from the Adriatic Sea and the Dolomite mountains.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve crafted the perfect itinerary of the best way to spend 3 days in Udine, from local watering holes to traditional dinner spots!<\/p>\n

\"Caffe<\/p>\n

DAY 1<\/h2>\n

HAVE BREAKFAST IN PIAZZA SAN GIACOMO<\/h3>\n

This wide, open square forms the heart of Udine\u2019s city centre. Framed by colourful, Venetian-style buildings, with rustic cobbles and a crisp, white church, Piazza San Giacomo<\/a> is the perfect place to kick off your tour around town.<\/p>\n

Often home to a number of events and community gatherings, you\u2019ll always find life in this square. Settle yourself at any one of the numerous cafes which face onto the square and order a coffee and a pastry \u2013 anyone with a sweet tooth should make sure to try a jam-filled croissant (or \u2018brioche alla marmellata<\/em>\u2019).<\/p>\n

\"Piazza<\/p>\n

WALK UP TO THE CASTLE<\/h3>\n

From Piazza San Giacomo, the delicate castle turret is visible, and only a short walk away. Climbing up towards the castle<\/a> \u2013 which is perched on a hilltop above the city \u2013 is beautiful in itself; as you walk through the archway, you\u2019ll follow the gentle curve of the elegant Porticato del Lippomano.<\/p>\n

The lawn in front of the castle will give you a 360-degree view of Udine, with the hazy, almost pastel-coloured mountains lurking in the background on a clear day. Entry to the castle\u2019s 5 museums is \u20ac5, or \u20ac2.50 for 14-18-year-olds and university students, and includes sections about the Italian unification, ancient art, photography and archaeology.<\/p>\n

TRY A PIADINA @ ITALIAN SECRET <\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t be intimidated by the fancy name; a piadina<\/em> is actually just a warm wrap. But at Piazza San Giacomo\u2019s Italian Secret<\/a>, they\u2019re the perfect lunchtime snack.<\/p>\n

Choose from a range of fillings, such as mozzarella, rocket and cotto<\/em> (ham). These delicious sandwiches are served with crisps and \u2018salsa rossa<\/em>\u2019, which is essentially a sweet mayonnaise-style dipping sauce. You\u2019ve never had a wrap quite like it!<\/p>\n

EXPLORE THE PIAZZA DELLA LIBERT\u00c0<\/h3>\n

The most jaw-droppingly beautiful part of the city, the Piazza della Libert\u00e0<\/a> is composed of two extremely unique and wonderfully elegant buildings: the Loggia del Lionello, and the Porticato di San Giovanni.<\/p>\n

Both heavily influenced by the city\u2019s Venetian roots, the blue and white clock tower of the Porticato is said to reflect that of the San Marco cathedral in Venice itself. The two buildings are architecturally astounding from every angle; particularly the Loggia del Lionello, whose marble columns cast light and shadow across the glittering tiles, framing the looming castle perfectly.<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/strong> The square was also one of the main filming locations for a Mika music video.<\/p>\n

\"Piazza<\/p>\n

TRY THE PIZZA @ PEPERINO<\/h3>\n

Infamous among locals for its delicious, fluffy Neapolitan pizzas, no trip to Udine is complete without a visit to Peperino<\/a>.<\/p>\n

With a huge range of toppings, and its modern, friendly atmosphere, you\u2019ll never be disappointed by a meal in Peperino. If your appetite is particularly ample, then try their \u2018W\u00fcrstel e patatine\u2019 pizza \u2013 a pizza with sausage and French fries on top, particular to this area of Italy.<\/p>\n

\"Pizza<\/p>\n

DAY 2<\/h2>\n

HAVE COFFEE NEAR THE CATHEDRAL<\/h3>\n

Whilst the coffee at absolutely any bar is guaranteed to be creamy, strong and downright delicious, Adoro Caff\u00e8<\/a> is one of the best.<\/p>\n

With an outside seating area looking out over Udine\u2019s rustic cathedral, this caf\u00e9 is the perfect spot to enjoy a quick breakfast. If you choose to sit inside, the interior is sleek, white, and inviting, with a large glass cabinet encasing their mouth-watering pastry selection.<\/p>\n

\"Coffee<\/p>\n

GO SHOPPING @ GALLERIA BARDELLI<\/h3>\n

This tiny yet modern shopping centre wouldn\u2019t look out of place in the fashion capital of Milan. Galleria Bardelli<\/a> is one of few malls within the city centre and is home to a number of high-street stores, including Flying Tiger, Zara, H&M, and everyone\u2019s most sought-after European make-up store, Sephora. There is also a bookstore for any avid readers.<\/p>\n

Walking through the shopping centre, and out towards Via Poscolle will lead you across a tiny stream and onto a shaded square. Browse the overflowing flower stall, or simply grab a coffee at one of the many cafes.<\/p>\n

EAT A TRADITIONAL FRIULIAN LUNCH @ OSTERIA AL VECCHIO STALLO<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re an adventurous foodie, then you can\u2019t miss out on sampling some of the unique Friulian cuisine. In Udine, the best place to do this is at Osteria Al Vecchio Stallo<\/a>.Tucked away in a cobbled side street, this locally-recommended restaurant is known city-wide for its extremely traditional dishes, and its cosy, chalet-inspired interior. With red and white checked tablecloths and an extensive wine list, too, this is the perfect place to fuel up for the day ahead.<\/p>\n

Renowned for its hearty cuisine, no trip to Friuli is complete until you\u2019ve tried some of their infamous frico<\/em>: fried Montasio cheese with potatoes. Originally created to keep you warm during the harsh winter months, this dish is a speciality here. Try also their pumpkin gnocchi, or their orzotto<\/em>.<\/p>\n

WANDER THROUGH PARCO MORETTI<\/h3>\n

Approaching this modern, well-kept green space, you will be greeted first by Udine\u2019s imposing Parrocchia di San Nicol\u00f2: an enormous church built to honour the fallen soldiers of WWI. But behind this is Parco Moretti<\/a>, a large expanse of greenery loved by Udine residents.<\/p>\n

This park is the perfect place to relax or to go for a run. With children\u2019s play areas, winding pathways to follow, and even a bar, you can easily while away hours in the tranquillity of this place.<\/p>\n

HAVE AN APERITIVO @ CAFF\u00c8 DEI LIBRI<\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s face it: after a huge, traditional lunch, you probably won\u2019t be hungry come dinner time. The best solution? Snacks and Spritz at Caff\u00e8 dei Libri.<\/p>\n

By day, this is a popular place for students to study, surrounded by shelves and shelves of books from all genres; but, by night, the place livens up, offering also live music sessions and an outside seating area. With everything from antipasti platters to full-blown meals, the Caff\u00e8 dei Libri<\/a> is the best place to start an evening in Udine.<\/p>\n

DRINK COCKTAILS @ GLASS<\/h3>\n

Another well-loved student hangout is Glass: a cocktail bar renowned for its vast outdoor seating area and detailed cocktail menu. This is the ideal place to try a refreshing Spritz Hugo \u2013 a North-Italian cocktail, made from elderflower syrup, prosecco, soda water, and mint. Glass also hosts regular DJ sets.<\/p>\n

DAY 3<\/h2>\n

SEE A FILM @ VISIONARIO CINEMA<\/h3>\n

In keeping with the city\u2019s reputation of being the \u2018England of Italy\u2019, it\u2019s likely to rain at least once while you\u2019re in Udine. So where better to wait out the downpour than an old-fashioned cinema?<\/p>\n

With regular showings in English, the Visionario is a unique cinematic experience. Check out their weekly viewing list<\/a>, which also includes movies at their sister cinema, the Cinema Centrale.<\/p>\n

\"Woman<\/p>\n

TRY THE PROSCIUTTO SANDWICHES @ OSTERIA PIERIMORTADELE <\/h3>\n

Being so close to the home of San Daniele ham, it is no wonder that this tiny osteria<\/em> ‘Pierimortadele<\/a>‘ specialises in fresh prosciutto sandwiches.<\/p>\n

A typically Friulian bar, which proudly displays its history and heritage through a series of old photographs on the wall, a glass of wine here will only set you back \u20ac1. If you\u2019re feeling daring, try ordering a \u2018taj di neri\u2019<\/em> at the bar \u2013 a glass of red wine, in the local language, \u2018friulano\u2019<\/em>!<\/p>\n

WINDOW SHOP IN VIA MERCATOVECCHIO<\/h3>\n

Recognised by its elegant pastel houses and marble, pillar-clad walkways, Via Mercatovecchio<\/a> is one of the most picturesque in the city.<\/p>\n

Leading you towards the beautiful Piazza della Libert\u00e0, punctuated by the Loggia del Lionello, this street is known mainly for its range of high-end shops and swanky bars. Whether you\u2019re looking for jewelry and watches or shoes and bags, Via Mercatovecchio will have you covered.<\/p>\n

HAVE DINNER @ ENOTECA ARS BIBENDI <\/h3>\n

Although more famous for its prosciutto, Friuli produces also a huge variety of delicious wines and cheeses. One of the best places in town to sample these locally-sourced antipasti is Enoteca Ars Bibendi<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Located in the quiet, quaint Via Paolo Sarpi, this wine bar offers a range of mouth-watering antipasti boards to suit all tastes. Settle yourself at the barrel-turned-table in the street outside, and choose from one of their many wines to accompany your final meal in Udine.<\/p>\n

\"Osteria<\/p>\n

GO FOR DRINKS @ CANTINETTA DEL BORGO <\/h3>\n

To the untrained eye, the passageway between the buildings next to the enoteca seemingly leads nowhere. But, for locals, the Borgo Mercatovecchio actually leads to one of the city\u2019s best bars: the aptly-named Cantinetta del Borgo<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Another student favourite, this bar will have you dancing until the early hours, and is the perfect place to meet new people. With its reasonably-priced drinks and large outdoor area, this bar makes a wonderful swansong to your time in Udine.<\/p>\n

\"Cantinetta<\/p>\n

GETTING TO UDINE<\/h2>\n

Getting to Udine is actually easier than it may initially seem. If you\u2019re flying, there are three main airports nearby: Trieste Airport<\/a>, Venice Treviso<\/a>, and Venice Marco-Polo<\/a> (although the only international flights that operate in and out of Trieste Airport go to London, Munich and Valencia). From each of these, there are easy train and bus routes to Udine.<\/p>\n

From Venice Marco-Polo, take the shuttle bus to Venezia Mestre station, where there is a direct 1h30 train to Udine. From Venice Treviso, take the bus to Treviso Centrale station, where you can catch another direct train to Udine, which lasts roughly 1h20.<\/p>\n

Being relatively close to both Venice and Trieste, it is fairly straightforward to get to Udine by train from a number of different European countries, including Munich, Vienna, and Ljubljana.<\/p>\n

\"Udine,<\/p>\n

Udine is a wonderful Italian city off the beaten track, and I hope this 3 day itinerary has given you some ideas of how to spend your time visiting the city!<\/p>\n

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We hope that this article has helped inspire you to visit Udine, Italy. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below. <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Go to our<\/i><\/b> Contribute<\/i><\/b><\/a> page for guidelines and to submit your article.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

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Our Top Places To Stay in Udine, Italy<\/a><\/em><\/h4>\n