Things To Do
in Asti
Asti is a charming Piedmontese city known for its sparkling Moscato wine and medieval towers. It sits along the Tanaro River in the Monferrato wine region, where cobbled lanes, arcaded streets, and Baroque churches frame a relaxing, walkable center. The city blends culinary traditions of Piedmont with a welcoming, slow-paced atmosphere ideal for day trips to nearby vineyards.
Asti serves as a perfect base for exploring both the town’s history and the surrounding wine country.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a quaint café in Piazza Alfieri, enjoying a fresh pastry and coffee. Afterward, stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, marveling at the medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss visiting the stunning Cattedrale di Asti, where you can appreciate its intricate design and rich history.
For lunch, savor traditional Piedmontese cuisine at a local trattoria, indulging in dishes like agnolotti and bagna cauda. Post-lunch, visit the Palazzo Mazzetti, where you can explore its impressive art collection and learn about the region's history. As you wander the streets, stop by artisanal shops offering local wines and delicacies for a truly immersive experience.
As evening falls, find a cozy wine bar to sample Asti’s renowned sparkling wines, such as Asti Spumante. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a restaurant featuring seasonal ingredients, perhaps accompanied by live local music. Take a post-dinner stroll through the illuminated streets, soaking in the enchanting nighttime ambiance.
After breakfast, head out to the picturesque vineyards surrounding Asti, starting your day with a guided tour of a local winery. Learn about the unique grape varieties and the winemaking process as you wander through the lush vineyards. Enjoy a tasting session, savoring the rich flavors of Barbera and Moscato wines.
For lunch, indulge in a picnic among the vines with local cheeses, cured meats, and fresh bread, all paired with the estate's wines. Afterward, visit another family-run vineyard to explore their cellars and sample more exquisite wines. Engage with the winemakers, gaining insights into their passion and techniques.
Return to Asti for dinner at a rustic osteria, where the menu highlights local specialties such as truffles and risotto. Enjoy the warm, inviting atmosphere as you share stories with fellow diners over a glass of wine. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk through the town, relishing the tranquility of the evening.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🧀Groceries (weekly average) | $30-60 |
| 🚌Public transport (weekly pass) | $15-25 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $90-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful historic center with arcades and Romanesque churches
- Excellent Piedmontese cuisine and wines (Asti Moscato d'Asti)
- Compact city perfect for walking
- Proximity to Monferrato hills for day trips
- Friendly locals and relaxed pace
- Can be crowded during Palio and harvest seasons
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Some sites are seasonal or have limited hours in winter
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning/Hello
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Dove è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Il conto, per favore" - The check, please
Places to Visit in Asti
Visit one of these nice places.
A medieval tower offering panoramic views over Asti and the surrounding hills, especially striking at sunset.
Gothic cathedral with an ornate façade and serene interiors—great for architectural photography.
Iconic square framed by arcaded alleys and Renaissance facades—ideal for street and people photography.
Vineyard-covered hills and sandstone towers yield dramatic landscape shots, particularly at golden hour.
Food in Asti
Asti Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Small stuffed pasta, typically filled with meat and served with butter and sage or a meat sauce, a staple of Piedmontese eateries.
Must-Try!
Thin egg pasta tossed with butter, sometimes finished with white truffle when in season, a beloved local delicacy.
Veal sliced thin and topped with a creamy tuna sauce, a classic antipasto in Piedmont.
Beef braised slowly in Barolo wine until tender, a quintessential celebratory dish.
A warm anchovy-garlic dip served with raw vegetables and bread for dipping.
A rich chocolate and almond dessert with a delicate, custard-like texture.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A covered market in the city center offering fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and regional specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with buongiorno or buonasera when entering shops; a handshake or light kiss on both cheeks among friends is common.
Dress modestly when visiting churches; shoulders covered and voices kept respectful inside.
Keep your hands visible on the table and wait for everyone to be served before starting.
Safety
Tipping in Asti
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are not mandatory in Italy; rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated in restaurants.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; small shops may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with sun and humidity; stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and enjoy the cooler evenings for strolls and alfresco dining.
Harvest season with colorful foliage and wine festivals; expect lively streets and markets, especially around Palio events.
Cool to chilly with occasional fog; shorter daylight hours but cozy cafés and festive markets provide warmth.
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; ideal for walking tours, winery visits, and photography.
Asti at Night
Hiking in Asti
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hiking among sandstone towers and vineyards in the Monferrato hills; moderate difficulty with scenic views.
Gentle to moderate hikes through rolling vineyards and quaint villages; ideal for a day trip from Asti.
Airports
How to reach Asti by plane.
Main airport serving the region; about 1-1.5 hours by car or train to Asti.
Larger international airport; longer transfer to Asti.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mostly Italian families and professionals; a smaller student presence; wine tourism brings international visitors especially in harvest season.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Italy; local matches can be enjoyed at nearby stadiums and bars with match broadcasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Asti.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Piedmontese dishes can be adapted; seek risotti, tajarin with mushrooms, and vegetables.