Where to Stay in Udine, my City
As you might know, the capital of Friuli is my hometown.
I was born here, attended high school, and completed the final part of my military service. Being a true Friulian, I’d like to offer you some advice and suggestions on where to stay in Udine.
Udine is small, with a historical center that resembles a little jewel box, and the major points of interest are within a few hundred meters.
For this reason, I recommend exploring it with pleasant walks that will allow you to authentically experience your visit.
Old building in Via Cortazzis
Except during peak hours, which coincide with the arrival and departure of students and commuters, Udine is not a bustling city.
Udine is welcoming, hospitable, and especially suitable for those who love slow tourism.
It should be experienced by wandering through the cobblestone alleys of the historic center, pausing to admire the architecture and decorations of buildings and ancient homes, visiting art galleries, bookstores, and historic shops.
Aperitivo at Osteria La Ciacarade
An essential experience is the ritual of the aperitivo at one of the numerous local pubs, a true institution for the Friulians.
Remember, here, a glass of wine is called a “taj di vin,” and you can accompany it with delicious tartines, bites of frittatas, tasty platters of cold cuts and mixed cheeses.
Some pubs also offer hot dishes, so you can stop for lunch or dinner. I’ve revealed my favorites in the article dedicated to where to eat and drink well in Udine.
Table of Contents
What to See in Udine in a Day
Those who reach out to me through the blog often ask for information on what to see in Udine in a day.
I usually recommend splitting the visit into two half-days and staying overnight. Those who stay in Udine can in fact fully immerse themselves in the evening atmosphere.
Piazza Matteotti (also known as Piazza San Giacomo)
In my opinion, the starting point for any visit to Udine is undoubtedly the ancient Piazza San Giacomo (now Matteotti).
It’s named this way because on the western side stands the Church of San Giacomo, dating back to 1398.
In the past, it was the site of the vegetable and flower market, making it one of the most frequented places in the city—a place that I personally adore.
Just a few dozen meters away from the Church of San Giacomo stands the ancient fish market, now transformed into an exhibition hall dedicated to the Udine photographer and artist, Tina Modotti.
Piazza della Libertà seen from the Loggia del Lionello
A little beyond Piazza San Giacomo stands the Town Hall, built in the Liberty style in the 20th century based on the design by the Friulian architect Raimondo D’Aronco. It’s possible to visit it on weekdays.
In Via Cavour, just a few steps from the Town Hall, lies Casa Cavazzini, a restored residence designed by Gae Aulenti that houses the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
A few steps away is Piazza Libertà, where the beautiful Loggia del Lionello stands, showcasing Venetian Gothic style on one side, and the Loggia and the small temple of San Giovanni on the other.
Incorporated into the Loggia of San Giovanni is the clock tower, built according to the design by Giovanni da Udine in 1527.
Next to the Loggia of San Giovanni, you’ll find Arco Bollani. Passing through it, you begin the ascent that leads to the hill where the Udine Castle stands tall.
Alongside the Loggia del Lippomano, you arrive at the Church of Santa Maria in Castello, the oldest in the city.
Climb to the Castle, with the Arco Bollani in the background
At the end of the ascent, you reach the square in front of the castle. It’s the ideal place to admire a 360° panorama of the city and witness a romantic sunset.
In the past, the structure was the residence of the Patriarch of Aquileia. Today, it houses the Museum of the Risorgimento, the Archaeological Museum, the Photography Museum, and the Gallery of Ancient Art.
Moreover, Udine is rich in religious buildings.
The most important, in my opinion, are the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata with its adjoining Baptistery (accessed from the outside, next to the bell tower), the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Graces, the Ossuary Temple for the Fallen of Italy, and the beautiful Baroque-style Manin Chapel.
One of the city’s gems is certainly the Diocesan Museum Gallerie del Tiepolo. It’s housed in the Archiepiscopal Palace, the last residence of the Patriarchs of Aquileia until 1751 when the patriarchate was suppressed.
Patriarchal Library of the Diocesan Museum
Where to Stay in Udine
Regardless of whether you’re in the city for work, study, tourism, to attend a theatrical performance, or a Udinese match, here are some ideas on where to stay in Udine.
Udine City Center
In the heart of Udine, there are several accommodations highly praised by guests, receiving very high scores in reviews.
These include suites, apartments, bed & breakfasts, and hotels that cater to the needs and budgets of visitors.
If you’re looking to be pampered and seeking something relaxing, Mercatovecchio Luxury Suites might be just what you’re looking for.
The property is situated in the heart of Udine, a stone’s throw away from the main attractions.
The rooms boast meticulous attention to design details, and some even feature a small kitchenette for added convenience.
The residence offers private parking for an additional fee.
Via Mercatovecchio, one of the most well-known streets in the historic center
As an alternative, we recommend Albergo al Vecchio Tram.
Housed in a 15th-century building, it is located next to the Ethnographic Museum of Friuli and very close to one of our favorite pub, Ai Barnabiti.
The hotel also offers private paid parking conveniently located nearby.
You can view all the accommodations available in the city, search for the best deals, and book your stay in Udine by following this link:
Regarding parking, from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM the next day, you can leave your car for free in the numerous paid blue-striped parking areas.
However, after 8:00 AM, you’ll need to pay for parking.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the city center, there are numerous multi-level paid parking lots:
– Piazza I Maggio
– Via Magrini
– Piazza Venerio
– Via Andreuzzi
– Tribunale
– Moretti
All underground parking lots in Udine offer a free time slot from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
North Udine
We consider Là Di Moret to be the top choice among the accommodations located in the northern outskirts of the city.
It’s situated at the heart of Udine’s tertiary sector, with an extensive array of market services lining via Tricesimo and via Nazionale.
This hotel, a classic four-star establishment, is built on the site that once housed an ancient pub.
It features two dining areas where the gastronomic offerings revolve around the processing of excellent local raw materials, following the principles of traditional Friulian cuisine.
If you wish to carve out moments of relaxation for both body and mind during your stay, you have access to an indoor pool and a comprehensive wellness center equipped with saunas, Turkish baths, and cold baths.
For several years now, the hotel has been accommodating Serie A football teams who come to face Udinese during the season.
The establishment also boasts a spacious private parking area. Additionally, it’s well-connected to the city center via bus number 2, with a stop located just a hundred meters away.
South Udine
Casa Stucky stands out as one of the numerous B&Bs in Udine.
The property is located in a beautiful Liberty-style building from 1913, which has been completely restored.
At the rear, there is a splendid garden where you can enjoy moments of peace and relaxation.
Even though it may not be the pinnacle in terms of scenery, the surrounding area is very tranquil, almost giving a countryside vibe.
Just a few dozen meters away, you’ll find the bus stop for bus number 1, which conveniently passes through the city’s historic center (via Mercatovecchio) during its route.
The train and bus stations can be reached with about a 10-minute walk, while the city center is approximately one kilometer away.
Tortora Room at Bed & Breakfast Casa Stucky
You can park for free on the street in front of the establishment.
The B&B is easily accessible from the Udine Sud exit of the A23 highway.
Its location is optimal for reaching some of the region’s major attractions, such as the seaside towns of Grado and Lignano Sabbiadoro, the star-shaped town of Palmanova (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the industrial-artisanal area located on the southern outskirts of the city.
Where to Stay in the Surroundings of Udine
Udine is strategically located just a few tens of kilometers as the crow flies from the borders of Slovenia and Austria.
Those passing through may consider the possibility of spending the night in the outskirts of the city.
Situated in the high Friulian plain, Udine is embraced by the beautiful hilly region just beyond the northern periphery.
Here you can find structures renovated in line with the architectural canons of Friulian rural tradition—real gems that enhance and reflect the region’s history.
I’m thinking of Cividale del Friuli, a UNESCO site for the Lombards, the Colli Orientali del Friuli, and San Daniele del Friuli, the homeland of the famous Prosciutto Crudo.
You can explore these options through the link to accommodations in Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Photo credits: The photo of the Bed & Breakfast Casa Stucky was downloaded from the structure’s website.
