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

In Udine, recommend staying at Hotel Albergo del Sole, a family-run hotel located in the heart of the city, steps from Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral and the Piazza del Palazzo Communale. The rooms are cozy and spacious, with some featuring kitchenettes—perfect for families. The hotel offers free bicycle rentals to explore the scenic Friuli Plain. The on-site restaurant serves authentic Friulian cuisine, including slow-cooked beef stew with sauerkraut, a regional favorite. Guests praise its warm hospitality and central location.

The Old Town (Centro Storico) of Udine is the most charming area for walking. Begin at Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, then stroll along Via Roma, passing the Renaissance-style Palazzo Pretorio and the historic market site. Along the way, discover artisan leather shops, antique bookstores, and cozy cafés. In the late afternoon, golden light bathes the terracotta-colored walls, creating a quintessential Italian northern town ambiance. Stop for a glass of local white wine at a corner bench and soak in the tranquil pace of life.

Don’t miss the annual Festival della Musica Friulana, held in summer at Parco della Città, featuring traditional folk music, jazz, and classical performances by local ensembles. Additionally, the monthly Udine Craft Market takes place every first Sunday at Cathedral Square, where visitors can try making traditional Friulian embroidery or pottery under expert guidance. For history buffs, guided tours of the Udine Archaeological Museum reveal artifacts from prehistoric to Roman times, offering deep insight into the region’s rich heritage.

The Tower of the Municipality (Torre del Comune) offers the highest vantage point in Udine, providing sweeping views across the Udine Basin and the distant Julian Alps. Built in the 14th century, this historic tower now houses a small museum showcasing the city’s past. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, it’s especially magical at sunset when the sun casts long shadows over the Isonzo River and the old town. At the base, a gift shop sells limited-edition postcards of the view.

Just a 15-minute drive from Udine lies the Carso National Park (Parco Nazionale del Carso), a haven for nature lovers. Explore limestone caves, ancient forests, and rare bird habitats via trails like Sentiero delle Grotte and Punta del Muro lookout. In spring, wildflowers such as alpine irises and edelweiss bloom in abundance. Interpretive stations throughout the park offer multilingual guides, making it ideal for families seeking an educational outdoor adventure.

Trattoria al Vecchio Mulino, located in a 19th-century mill beside the Isonzo River, is renowned for its genuine Friulian cuisine. Must-try dishes include Goulash di Pollo alla Friulana, Jota (potato-tomato-bean stew), and air-dried ham marinated in extra virgin olive oil. The restaurant sources ingredients exclusively from local farms, serving only 60 guests per night—reservations required at least three days in advance. Enjoy your meal with a glass of Ribolla Gialla white wine while gazing at the riverside sunset.

The Old Town (Centro Storico) is the top choice for accommodations with charm and convenience. Narrow cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and peaceful alleyways define the neighborhood. Stay at B&B Casa del Giardino, a converted 19th-century villa with a private garden and rooftop terrace overlooking the mountains. Nearby, you’ll find supermarkets, bakeries, and cafés, while the area remains quiet at night—ideal for travelers seeking immersion in local culture without urban noise.

Couples can rent a wooden boat on Lake Revine, just outside Udine, and glide across the emerald waters, stopping at hidden rocks to enjoy a picnic of Friulian berry jam sandwiches and sparkling wine. As dusk falls, head to the ruins of San Giovanni in Monte Abbey atop a hill for breathtaking views of the city lights below. For a more intimate experience, book a fireplace-equipped apartment in the Old Town, complete with a bottle of wine and chocolate treats for a cozy, memorable evening.

The Children’s Museum of Friuli (Museo dei Bambini Friuli), located on the second floor of the Udine Municipal Library, is designed for children aged 3–12. Interactive exhibits include a farm simulation, train track play zone, sound lab, and role-playing areas that teach local history and ecology through fun. Every Saturday morning features a "Little Farmer Workshop" where kids plant tomato seedlings and participate in harvest celebrations. Admission is free, but online HopeGoo is required.

During winter, the Udine Christmas Market (Mercatino di Natale) transforms Cathedral Square into a festive wonderland for three weeks. Vendors sell handmade gingerbread, mulled wine, wool scarves, and holiday decorations. At the center, an ice sculpture exhibition displays intricate works created by local artists, often inspired by Friulian legends. Evening shows feature light projections and street performers, creating a warm, magical atmosphere. Nearby Premia Ski Resort offers beginner slopes and children’s ski lessons, making it a great family destination.