Udine is located in Italy's north-eastern corner and is one of those wonderfully authentic cities that often fly under the radar. Expect handsome Venetian squares and a laid-back pace of life, all nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic. It's a proper local hub rather than a tourist trap, a place with a distinct character all of its own.
What is Udine known for?
It isn't one of Italy's blockbuster cities, and that's precisely its charm. The city is best known for its distinctly Venetian feel; you'll see the influence of its powerful former neighbour everywhere, from the architecture of its main square, Piazza della Libertà, to the elegant loggias dotted around the historic centre.
Beyond its looks, Udine's main claim to fame is the 18th-century artist Giambattista Tiepolo, who left some of his most brilliant frescoes here. But really, the city is known for its wonderful, easy-going atmosphere. Its heart beats in its beautiful piazzas, which are always filled with locals meeting for a coffee or a traditional glass of wine, a tajut. It has a truly authentic and sociable character that gives you a proper taste of life in the Friuli region.
Top things to do in Udine
The best part about Udine is that its historic centre is incredibly compact, so you can easily get around on foot and see the main sights in a day. It’s perfect for exploring between matches or if you just have a short amount of time. Here are the absolute highlights you should get stuck into.
Admire Piazza della Libertà
This is the city's historic heart and is often called "the most beautiful Venetian square on the mainland,". On one side, you have the elegant, white-and-pink-striped Loggia del Lionello, a Venetian-Gothic public building. Facing it is the Torre dell’Orologio, a clock tower with two figures that strike the bell.
Explore Udine Castle
From Piazza della Libertà, you can’t miss the archway that leads up a gentle slope to Udine's castle. The castle itself now houses the city's museums, including an art gallery with works by Tiepolo and Caravaggio. But the real reward is the fantastic panoramic view you get from the top of the hill. You can see right across the city's rooftops to the Alps in the distance on a clear day.
Visit Udine’s Duomo and Oratorio della Purità
Just a short stroll from the main squares, you'll find the Duomo, Udine’s cathedral. From the outside, it’s a big, imposing brick building, but inside it’s full of grand Baroque art and sculpture. The real treasure, though, is right next door in the Oratorio della Purità. Pop your head in to see the incredible ceiling and wall frescoes by Tiepolo.
People-watch in Piazza San Giacomo
While Piazza della Libertà is the main square in Udine, Piazza San Giacomo (also known as Piazza Matteotti) is its living room. It’s a beautiful, wide-open square lined with colourful, historic buildings and it's where you’ll find locals catching up over coffee or an evening aperitivo.
What to do in Udine for a day
If you only have a day to spare, you can still get a fantastic feel for Udine. The city is made for walking, so a simple route through the old town will take you past all the main sights. A good plan is to start your morning in Piazza della Libertà to take in all the Venetian architecture. From there, make your way up to the castle, enjoy the incredible views across the city and mountains. Next, wander back down and head for the Duomo and the Oratorio della Purità to see the Tiepolo frescoes. The best way to round off your day is by finding a traditional osteria around the lively Piazza San Giacomo. Here you can do as the locals do and enjoy a late afternoon tajut, a small glass of local wine, to finish off a perfect day of exploring.
What food is Udine famous for?
The food in this part of Italy is unique and something you really have to try. The cuisine of the Friuli region is quite distinct from the rest of the country, with influences from its Austrian and Slovenian neighbours. The most famous product is undoubtedly the melt-in-the-mouth Prosciutto di San Daniele, a sweet, delicate cured ham.
Another absolute must-try is frico, a satisfying dish of fried Montasio cheese, which can be served either crispy or soft with potatoes and onions. You’ll also find lots of hearty dishes like gnocchi, polenta, or a typical pasta dish from Northern Italy. For wine, the region is celebrated for its crisp, aromatic white wines from areas like the Collio. The best place to sample all of this is in a traditional osteria, a rustic kind of tavern where you can order a glass of wine and some small plates of local specialities.
Other things to do around Udine
Once you've seen the main sights, there are still plenty of other things to keep you busy, whether you have specific interests or a bit more time to explore the surrounding area.
Find local treasures at the Udine market
You'll find it in Piazza XX Settembre and the surrounding streets on certain days of the week. It’s a colourful affair where you can browse stalls selling everything from fresh regional produce and local cheeses to clothes and antiques.
Things to do in Udine with kids
The large grassy area in front of the castle is the perfect spot for them to run around and let off some steam with a great view for the adults. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, housed in Casa Cavazzini, sometimes puts on family-friendly workshops. And of course, you can't go wrong with the simple pleasure of grabbing a scoop of authentic gelato from one of the city's excellent gelaterias.
Plan day trips to see things near Udine
Udine is a fantastic base for exploring the wider Friuli region, which is full of historic gems.
Another great option is Palmanova, a unique fortress town built by the Venetians in the shape of a perfect nine-pointed star. You can walk along its massive defensive walls and explore a town plan unlike any other.
A very popular and easy trip is to Cividale del Friuli, a beautiful town just a short train ride away. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its fascinating Lombard history and the dramatic Devil's Bridge.
Living in Udine
If you find yourself charmed by the city's relaxed pace and beautiful streets, you might even start wondering what it would be like to live in Northern Italy. Udine is well-regarded in Italy for its high quality of life, safety, and manageable size, offering a more tranquil alternative to the country's larger, more hectic cities.
For those curious about living in Udine, the city offers a range of property options, from apartments in the historic centre to family homes in the quieter suburbs. You can find plenty of houses and flats for sale in Udine city, as well as attractive property for sale in the wider Udine province if you fancy more space.
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