Arese(Italy) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Alessandria, the top family-friendly hotel is Hotel Albergo del Sole, located just steps from the Piazza del Municipio and Church of Santa Maria. This family-run property offers spacious rooms, a free parking lot, and a children’s playroom with supervised activities. Breakfast includes local pastries and fresh fruit, perfect for starting the day.

For a more authentic experience, consider B&B Villa Rosa, a restored 19th-century farmhouse with a private garden and terrace. It’s ideal for families seeking peace and nature, just a 5-minute drive from the Museo Civico. The hosts provide baby cots and strollers upon request, making it a welcoming choice for travelers with young kids.

The city center is the best area to stay in Alessandria. It’s centrally located near the Municipal Palace, Santa Maria Church, and bustling shops and cafes. You can easily walk to the Bormida River Promenade for scenic views and evening strolls.

Public transport is excellent here—regular regional buses connect to Brescia and Milan, making it ideal for short trips. For a quieter stay, try the Villa San Michele district south of town, known for its green spaces and peaceful residential streets. However, it’s farther from attractions, so renting a car is recommended for convenience.

One must-experience event in Alessandria is the annual Festa dell'Aratro (Plow Festival) held in summer at Piazza Santa Maria, celebrating the region’s agrarian heritage. Visitors can witness traditional plowing demonstrations, taste authentic Pizzoccheri, and join hands-on workshops in pottery and weaving.

Another highlight is the Museo Civico, which houses medieval religious art and historical artifacts, including 16th-century frescoes and intricate wood carvings. Guided tours by local historians are available on weekends, offering deep insights into the city’s evolution and cultural identity.

Alessandria’s cuisine shines with Lombard specialties. Don’t miss Pizzoccheri alla Bresciana—a hearty dish made with buckwheat pasta, potatoes, cabbage, and local goat cheese, served warm with a rich herb sauce.

Try Tortelli di Zucca, pumpkin-filled ravioli topped with browned butter and walnuts, at Trattoria da Gianni, a centuries-old family-run restaurant known for its rustic charm and authentic recipes. Their secret sauce has become legendary among food lovers.

Pair your meal with a glass of locally produced Lombardia Rosso, a smooth red wine from the Brescia hills that complements the rich flavors perfectly.

Yes, Alessandria is perfect for a one-day visit, especially when coming from Brescia or Milan. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

• 09:00 Arrive and enjoy coffee and pastry at the Piazza del Municipio;
• 10:00 Visit the Museo Civico to explore history and art;
• 12:00 Lunch at Trattoria da Gianni for Pizzoccheri and Tortelli;
• 14:00 Walk along the Bormida River Promenade for scenic views;
• 16:00 Join a traditional farming workshop (summer only) or shop at the weekly market;
• 18:00 Capture sunset photos at Santa Maria Church before heading back.

Everything is within walking distance, and public transit makes travel seamless.

Alessandria offers stunning photo opportunities. The Santa Maria Church façade, with its Gothic arches and stained-glass windows, creates dramatic lighting—especially during golden hour. The fountain in Piazza Santa Maria adds a charming human element.

The Bormida River Promenade is another gem, lined with willows and cherry trees. In spring, pink petals float on the water—perfect for long-exposure shots. Bring a tripod for dreamy reflections.

Don’t miss the weekly market on Saturdays, where colorful stalls, traditional clothing, and lively street scenes offer rich storytelling potential. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full energy of this vibrant moment.

Transportation to and within Alessandria is highly convenient. From Milan Central Station, take a regional train (Regional Train) to Alessandria Railway Station—it takes about 45 minutes and costs around €5.50. The station is just 500 meters from the city center, easily accessible on foot or by bike.

If driving, use the A1 Highway then switch to SS303—clear signage leads you directly into town. Free parking is available at Piazza del Municipio Underground Garage and Santa Maria Church Parking Tower.

The city also operates a reliable public bus system, covered by the "Brescia Bus" app for real-time schedules. Ideal for visitors unfamiliar with the layout.

The peak tourist season in Alessandria runs from late spring to early autumn, especially May through September. Warm weather makes outdoor activities enjoyable.

Key events include the Plow Festival in July, the Assumption Day Celebration in August, and the Wine Festival in September, all drawing large crowds. Street decorations, fireworks, and local food stalls create a festive atmosphere.

Winter months (December–February) are quiet but offer a peaceful alternative. Visit during New Year’s for the special Mass at Santa Maria Church, experiencing the city’s spiritual traditions in a serene setting.

Must-see historical buildings in Alessandria include Santa Maria Church, built in the 14th century and blending Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its dome and bell tower dominate the skyline, while the interior features 16th-century frescoes and carved altarpieces.

The Palazzo Comunale (Municipal Palace), dating to the 18th century, boasts ornate stone facades and columns. Part of the building is open to the public, housing archives and historical maps.

Also worth visiting is the Ex Magazzini Generali, an old grain warehouse transformed into a cultural center. It hosts contemporary art exhibitions and photography shows, preserving industrial architecture with original brick walls and arched ceilings.

Nightlife in Alessandria is calm and low-key, ideal for travelers who prefer a peaceful evening. Most restaurants close by 9 PM, but a few stand out.

Trattoria da Gianni is a top choice for dinner—its backyard terrace is popular in summer, often featuring live acoustic guitar music, creating a warm, rustic ambiance.

For drinks, head to Caffè del Corso, a century-old café on Corso Italia, serving Italian liqueurs and homemade gelato. The vintage bar counter and cozy seating make it a favorite among locals.

On Friday evenings, enjoy open-air concerts in Piazza Santa Maria, hosted by the community orchestra. It’s a charming way to end the day, reflecting the town’s friendly, close-knit spirit.