Udine is best explored at an unhurried pace. The railway station is just a ten to fifteen-minute walk from the historic centre, and you quickly realise the city is tailor-made for walking everywhere. A car is of little use here, particularly because of the extensive ZTL areas restricting access to the urban core. It is far better to leave your vehicle in the car parks on the fringes of the historic perimeter, particularly in the parking bays around Piazza Primo Maggio, and then continue on foot towards the piazzas and historic palazzi.
Planning a weekend in Udine between April and June, or in September and October, treats you to lovely weather. Spring and early autumn are the finest seasons to make the most of the outdoor café tables across the main squares and to explore the green trails outside town, such as the Ippovia del Cormor. During these months, the temperatures are ideal for spending most of the day outdoors.
Staying close to the centre makes getting around remarkably simple. Places like B&B Hotel Udine sit around a ten-minute walk from the pedestrianised area, offering a very convenient base for your walks. The compact layout makes logistics straightforward, allowing you to fit the itinerary into two rewarding days without having to rely on long public transport journeys.
How to plan 48 hours in the city
Day 1 — From the historic centre to art galleries
Morning
The natural starting point for exploring the historic centre is Piazza della Libertà e Loggia del Lionello. Often described as the most beautiful Venetian-style piazza on the mainland, it is best admired in the morning light. The view is dominated by the white and pink marble of the Loggia and the silhouette of the Torre dell'Orologio. From here stretches Via Mercatovecchio, a historic, fully paved street connecting the main squares, lined with noble palazzi and elegant historic shops. Walking through this area leads you to the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunziata (Duomo di Udine). This 13th-century sacred building features a majestic Baroque interior housing works by Torretti and altarpieces by Tiepolo in the Cappella dei Santi Ermacora e Fortunato. Come lunchtime, Mezza Libbra Udine is a handy spot for an informal bite. Set right in the historic centre, it offers quick meals for those wanting to eat well before heading back out to explore.
Afternoon
The afternoon focuses on art and collections. Casa Cavazzini - Museo d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea is an elegant restored palazzo in the city centre. It houses medieval frescoes alongside 20th-century collections, including works by the Basaldella brothers; visiting its galleries works best in the afternoon. A short distance away stands the Museo Diocesano e Gallerie del Tiepolo (Palazzo Patriarcale), the historic 18th-century residence of the patriarchs. Here you can admire collections of wooden sculptures and the famous frescoes painted by Tiepolo, displayed along the Scalone d'onore and in the Galleria degli ospiti. Allow about one to two hours, keeping in mind that it is closed on Mondays. Afterwards, head to the nearby Chiesa di San Francesco. One of the city's oldest religious complexes, set just steps from the foot of the castle hill, it is now deconsecrated and used for temporary events and art exhibitions.
Evening
In the late afternoon, the crowds head to Piazza San Giacomo (Piazza Matteotti), the city's open-air drawing room. The square is framed by Renaissance porticoes, the church of San Giacomo, and a central fountain. This is the ideal moment to embrace the local ritual of the tajut, the traditional pre-dinner glass of wine, at a time when the piazza fills with residents. For dinner, stay in the historic centre at Trattoria Ai Frati, set inside a historic palazzo dating back to 1291. The kitchen focuses on traditional Friulian cooking, serving frico with polenta, musetto with brovada, and varied risotti. If visiting over the weekend, booking your table well in advance is essential.
Day 2 — The castle hill and riverside parks
Morning
Day two starts with a walk up to the Castello di Udine e Musei Civici, the city's hilltop landmark. Its rooms host the Museo Archeologico and the Museo del Risorgimento, alongside the Galleria d'Arte Antica; allow about half a day to explore it all properly. To avoid walking up the hill, take the handy panoramic lift from Vicolo Sottomonte, or catch the free shuttle bus that runs on public holidays. After coming down from the hill, head into the side streets for lunch at Osteria Al Canarino, one of Udine's oldest dining institutions. The atmosphere is down-to-earth and unpretentious, with tables filling up for frico, slices of polenta, daily specials, and glasses of house wine.
Afternoon
Make your way to the Borgo Grazzano district to visit the Museo Etnografico del Friuli (Palazzo Giacomelli). The museum focuses entirely on the folk culture, costumes, and crafts that define Friulian heritage; plan for an average visit of around an hour and a half. Leaving the denser urban core behind, head towards Udine Nord and the Martignacco area to stroll through Parco del Cormôr. This expansive area is a riverside reserve on the edge of the city, offering easy trails and relaxing walks. The Ippovia della Valle del Cormor also begins here, running northwards.
Evening
To conclude your itinerary in Udine, head towards the edge of the centre in Borgo Gemona for dinner. Osteria Alla Ghiacciaia boasts a panoramic terrace overlooking the waters of the city's roggia canal. It is an ideal setting for sharing assorted platters of Friulian cured meats and rounding off your weekend with classic regional pasta and soup dishes.
Practical tips for your trip
- Driving in the historic centre is impractical due to the ZTL zones: your best option is to park on the edge of the old quarter, using the ample spaces around Piazza Primo Maggio, and explore on foot.
- If you plan to visit multiple exhibitions, consider the 48-hour FVGcard for €30: the pass gives free admission to Casa Cavazzini, the Museo Diocesano, and the Musei Civici del Castello, and includes local public transport.
- To save your legs the walk up to the Castello di Udine e Musei Civici, use the panoramic lift in Vicolo Sottomonte, or hop on the free shuttle bus running on Sundays and public holidays.
- Aperitivo hour in the central squares is lively and popular. At weekends, booking tables at osterie and trattorie well ahead is essential to avoid long waits or missing out entirely.
Where to stay
A property housed within a historic building in the heart of Udine.
View on Booking →A contemporary hotel close to Piazza Primo Maggio, less than ten minutes' walk from the historic centre.
View on Booking →A 15th-century palazzo offering guest rooms just a short distance from the city's railway station.
View on Booking →