This guide illuminates you on a hidden gem in Umbria, a town that is definitely worth visiting, and forms the perfect location to base yourself in the region! The town being discussed in this guide is the charming hilltop town of Todi! Located in the heart of Umbria, this medieval town is approximately 2 hours north of Rome or 2 hours south of Florence. Perched atop a hill, Todi has everything you could want from an Italian town in the region.. incredible views, old world charm, a gorgeous main square, excellent restaurants, and it is located within close proximity to many of the other Umbrian must see destinations. This guide will cover off our recommendations from a 3 night stay, but it is by no means exhaustive. Stay tuned (subscribe) for our detailed Umbrian road trip guide to help you plan your itinerary as well!
When Ky mentioned to many in Australia that he was visiting a town called Todi, he was treated to quizzical looks and confusion.. no one had heard of this town. In fact, prior to some detailed research, Ky hadn’t either. The beautiful thing about this.. the lack of awareness for Todi (and Umbria as a whole) means it is hardly touched by the chaos of tourism that swamps many parts of Italy (including the nearby Tuscany). Infact, such is the beauty and charm, mixed with the relative lack of tourists, we’d happily call Todi a hidden gem of Italy!
A few recommendations for your visit to Todi – Umbria:
Enjoy the atmosphere in Todi’s gorgeous main square – Piazza Del Popolo
One of the things that attracted Ky to visit Todi was the photos he saw online of the main square. Piazza Del Popolo is picturesque, has enough bars and cafes to have a vibe, and it is the perfect place to sit and take it all in. You can’t miss this when you visit, all roads lead to the main square!
Enjoy Todi’s stunning viewpoints!
The nature of Todi being a hilltop town means that you will be treated to a plethora of exceptional views. Winding streets open up to views, climb a set of stairs and look back.. more views, and there’s a strong chance that your accommodation may even have a terrace with views. Enjoy getting lost in the winding streets and discovering the views for yourself. We have listed a few of our favourite view points below:
Great view points in Todi:
Some of these are streets, some of these are panoramic locations, and all are worth checking out.
- Via III de Firenzoula – a narrow alley with a view
- Via San Lorenzo – another street with a great view
- Venduta su Massa Martana Plazza – another top view spot in the heart of town
- Punta Panoramico at Giardini Oberdan – one of the main view points in the town
- Giardini De Bastione – another great view from a garden / square
- Via Teatro Antico – another street with a view worth taking in.
Enjoy the excellent foodie scene in Todi
Umbria as a whole had incredible Italian food, and Todi was a prime example of this. Home to a range of great options, from a budget friendly hamburger and panini shop to Michelin star restaurants.. there’s amazing options. We didn’t try everything, so there’s many we missed. Here’s a few good options to get you started:
- Il Grottino: This tiny little hamburger and panini shop is run by a lovely couple. It’s a must visit! With a multitude of options below 10 euros (Ky had a 5 euro hamburger which was amazing!), house vino in large casks, and a great vibe. It’s a ‘do not miss’ in Todi!.
- Enoteca Oberdan: Looking for a tiny little restaurant (about 3-5 tables total) with handwritten, seasonal menus? This place is worth visiting, even if you just have a vino in the cosy space. Don’t expect fast service (there’s only 2 staff working the restaurant), but enjoy the atmosphere and the food. Book in advance as you’ll find it hard to get a spot at peak dinner time.
- Diges Pizza: Craving Pizza? Who isn’t in Italy. This is a little pizzeria worth checking out.
- Looking for something nice? Try Vineria San Fortunato or Osteria Valle. While we didn’t visit either of these, the reviews, and atmosphere, and the menus looked exceptional.
Coffee, pastries and Ice cream in Todi?
- Try the main square – Piazza del Popolo: Yes, it might not be the cheapest (still cheap by Italy standards), but you’ll sit in the square with great views and a vibe.
- Bar Pianegiani: A cute square and a fountain serving excellent ice cream, coffee and pastries.
- Tazza D’oro: This is a popular little spot, often full with locals.
- Factory: A well rated coffee spot that sits on the edge of town.
A few considerations for your visit to Todi:
- Parking in Todi: Like many of the small towns in Italy, the historical centre is a ‘ZTL Zone’, meaning only locals can drive and park there. Be aware if you drive in you might be subject to fines. It is best to park on the edge of the town and walk in. Our recommendation would be to park at Viale Montecristo, where there is free parking (and it’s close to our top recommendation for where to stay – see below).
- Todi has a fair bit of elevation: Be aware that like many of the hilltop towns in Umbria, Todi has a fair degree of elevation, so bring your walking shoes. For those who are mobility impaired, you can get a lift up from the back of the town, but if you can, we encourage you to wander the hilly streets to enjoy the vibe and the views.
- Todi has a ‘sleepy town feel’: While it is busy on weekends when the locals come to church and eat out, don’t expect the vibe of a big Italian city. This is one of the things we loved about Todi, however if you’re wanting a busy town, or a party vibe.. Todi might not be for you.
- Todi is budget friendly: Yes, you read that right! Todi was definitely cheaper than Tuscany, and up to 30-50% cheaper than many places in Rome or Tuscany. You will get good value here.
- Enjoy the hospitality scene! As detailed above, Todi has an incredible hospitality scene! Make sure to enjoy the restaurants and the cuisine.
- Todi is well placed as a base to explore Umbria! Located in the “heart” of Umbria, Todi is close to many key locations like Marmore Falls, Spoletto, Montefalco, Assisi, Narni, Orvieto and more!
Where to stay in Todi?
Don’t expect too many options, as it’s only a small town. Our key recommendation would be to stay inside the historic town, and even something 1-2kms away might be at the bottom of the hill and a long way from the action. We have listed a few great options below.
- Monastero SS. Annuziata: An old monastery with one of the most spectacular dining halls for breakfast. Well located, friendly hosts, and decent price.
- Santa Maria apartments: Well located in the heart of Todi’s old town.
- Casa di Gio: A whole apartment right near the main square.
So should you visit Todi for your Umbrian road trip? Absolutely! It’s a must visit, at least for a day trip, if not as a base to explore Umbria!
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