The 5 Best Things to Do In Orvieto Italy
I can honestly say that Orvieto is one of the best cities in Italy for a day trip from Rome. This is true for your first or tenth visit to Italy because the uniqueness of Orvieto can not be overstated.
When friends have come to visit us, our first recommendation for things to do, once all the major sites have been experienced, is to jump on the train for the hour ride to Orvieto for the amazing sites, architecture, foods and wines.
Orvieto is packed with gorgeous architecture, an impressive church, a charming Medieval square and more intimate experiences spread across the city.
We’ve been to Orvieto a couple of times, both by ourselves and with friends, so I thought it was the right time to put together a proper guide for anyone interested in a visit. I’ve listed the most important things to do from visiting the Duomo to descending an ancient well. Enjoy!
No Time? Here Are Our Favorite Hotels In Orvieto Italy
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Palazzo Petrvs – Click here for rates and availability
⭐️⭐️ Emme Palace Hotel & Spa – Click here for rates and availability
⭐️ Dimora Pertusa – Click here for rates and availability
Things to Do in Orvieto – My Experiences
We’ve been to Orviet a few times since moving to Rome. I first came here on an overnight stay in an effort to fleece Rome’s crowds, but more recently I’ve visited when guests stay with us, any time of the year, to show them more of the beauty they might otherwise miss staying in Rome. While I’m certainly not a local, a few more visits and I’ll definitely know my way around Orvieto blindfolded.
Whenever someone asks me where to go for a day trip from Rome, Italy, Orvieto is always first on my list and for two big reasons:
First, Orvieto is a beautiful hilltop town in Umbria that has a rich Etruscan and Medieval history. If you are looking for an easy day trip from Rome, you couldn’t pick a more enticing destination that is very convenient by train and small enough to be able to experience in a single day, but with enough sites and history to make it well worth the trip.
Second, I believe Orvieto is different enough from Rome that it won’t seem like just more of the same when you head out to this Umbrian wonder.
One of my absolute joys was descending the Saint Patrick’s Well. It might not be for everyone, but if you, like me, enjoy a little bit of the creepier sites, I’ll meet you at the bottom!
My Top Things To Do In Orvieto Italy
1. The Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta
I would recommend that anyone coming to Orvieto start with a tour of The Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. Also known as the Duomo of Orvieto, it is the central place of worship in Orvieto and the more recognizable symbol of the city.
I love how it brings together different architectural styles, including Gothic and Romanesque, with construction beginning in 1290 at the request of Pope Nicholas the IV.
Even to this day, after multiple visits, it remains one of my favorite experiences because it’s such an iconic landmark. The views, the architecture, the stained glass and the story behind it all make it for me an unforgettable experience.
Click Here: 2-Hour Cathedral and Underground Tour
2. Guided Walking Tour of Orvieto
A guided walking tour is definitely one of my favorite activities in a new city. I love the feeling of stepping back in time to the Old Town in Orvieto, which was founded by Etruscans, dominated by Romans, and celebrated by Popes over its thousands of years of history.
I think it is important to know that with this walking tour, you can also include an entrance ticket to the duomo, so it would be possible to combine both of the first two activities, if you’d like. I prefer a slower visit, so I would spread out the visit.
Click Here: Orvieto: Old Town Guided Walking Tour
3. Saint Patrick’s Well
One of my favorite and surprising sites in Orvieto is the historic Orvieto Well of Saint Patrick (il Pozzo di San Patrizio). I enjoyed it because of how unlikely it was that I would agree with anyone telling me I’m going to pay €5 to see a well. My image of a well is your standard deep hole with a bucket used for fetching water. This was something quite different, spooky, tiring and a treat for anyone looking for something a little different.
The well is open year round, with entry only allowed when it is light out. It is a bargain at €5.00, with some discounts bringing it down to €3.50.
4. Historic Tufa Cellar Visit, Wine & Food Tasting
The food and wine of Umbria are among my favorites, so I think a Wine & Food tasting in Orvieto is a requirement for first time visitors. I look for opportunities to tour ancient wine cellars and this historic tufa cellar in Orvieto is a great wine tasting experience.
They really deliver on their promises and offer a tasting of 3 delicious wines that are in harmony with their surroundings. I found them to be knowledgeable and friendly as they represent their food and wine with pride and a surprising value.
Click Here: Historic Tufa Cellar Visit, Wine & Food Tasting
5. Riding The Funicular
I would say that the funicular in Orvieto isn’t a ride as much as it is a mode of transportation. That said, I am always excited to jump onboard and take that steep ride up to the city center.
The funicular is a system used to ascend the historic center in Orvieto for a long time. Before the current funicular, which uses a modern mechanical-electric system, there was another that had a hydraulic system with a lift mechanism powered by a water counterweight.
The Orvieto funicular is open from 7:15 am to 8:30 pm and the cost of a single ride is €1.30 per person. I found the breathtaking views more than worth the price of a ticket, and I’m sure you will as well!
FAQs About What To Do Tn Orvieto
What are unique things to do in Orvieto?
For me, the uniqueness of Orvieto is focused on being a Medieval city so close to a predominantly Baroque city like Rome. Strolling around and enjoying this different type of architecture was the most enjoyable part for us. Another difference that I enjoyed, but my wife didn’t, was descending down the well of St. Patrick.
What are the best free things to do in Orvieto?
Most of the popular sites in Orvieto do have a cost associated with them, but for me and my family, strolling around the historical center of the city and enjoying the architecture was priceless.
What are the best things to do in Orvieto for kids?
My son really enjoyed the obvious delights, like gelato and the amazon foods. However, he and I both loved going down the well of St. Patrick. It was a unique experience that evoked Batman’s lair, which we both loved!
Is Orvieto worth visiting?
Yes, definitely! If I was traveling to Rome and was looking for an amazing day trip I would put Orvieto highest on my list. It’s convenient, different enough to be interesting and not typically too crowded.
Final Thoughts on the Best Orvieto Activities
If I haven’t convinced you yet, let me keep trying. Orvieto is my favorite recommendation to people looking for a day trip from Rome. If you want to stay longer than 1 day, and we have, you will not be disappointed.
Beyond the cool sites waiting for you to discover, I can’t recommend more strongly the beauty of this Etruscan and Medieval gem in nearby Umbria. Evening strolls are unmatched and the delicious gelatos and wines will make the whole family love Orvieto.
I hope this guide to the best things to do in Orvieto helps you plan your next trip and gives you a good feel for what the city has to offer.
Check Out My Other Orvieto Travel Guides
- You Will Love The Restaurants In Orvieto
- A Rome To Orvieto Day Trip For A Fantastic Experience
Check Out My Other Italy Travel Guides
- Our Italy Travel Guides Make Rome Day Trips Easy
- Our Weekend In Bari Guide For An Amazing Getaway From Rome
- A Train Trip From Rome To Venice Is A Great Experience
- Is Florence, Italy Worth Visiting On Your Next Vacation?
- Things To See In Genoa On Your Next Weekend Getaway
- A Day Trip To Naples From Rome Is Easy And Worth It
