Assisi rewards an overnight stay. The day-trippers from Rome and Florence fill the streets from 10am to 4pm; after they leave, Assisi becomes a different, much quieter place. The basilica in the late afternoon and the piazzas in the evening are entirely different experiences from the daytime.
In the medieval centre (upper Assisi)
The upper town - within the walls, close to the Basilica and the Piazza del Comune - is the most convenient base. Walking distance to everything; the atmosphere in the evening is completely different from the day.
Budget (€60–90/night): Several small guesthouses and religious guest houses (the Franciscan community runs some accommodation). Basic but clean and central.
Mid-range (€90–160/night): Boutique hotels in the medieval streets. Several converted medieval buildings with stone walls and original features. The area around the Piazza del Comune has the most options.
Top-end (€160–350/night): Hotel Fontebella (in a 17th-century palazzo with views over the valley), Nun Assisi Relais & Spa Museum (a remarkable property in a converted Roman amphitheatre with thermal pool, one of the most distinctive hotels in Italy).
In the lower town (Santa Maria degli Angeli)
The area around the basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli (containing the Porziuncula) is at the foot of the hill, 3km from the upper town. Hotels here tend to be larger and cheaper, though less atmospheric.
Budget/mid-range (€50–120/night): Good range of hotels near the train station and the basilica. Practical for pilgrims and those arriving by train.
Booking tips
Pilgrimage calendar: Assisi has specific pilgrimage periods that fill all accommodation:
- Feast of St Francis (3–4 October) - the most important annual event; book months ahead
- Calendimaggio festival (May, first week) - medieval festival with processions and competitions
- Easter and Holy Week
Outside these dates, book 2–4 weeks ahead in spring and autumn.
Religious accommodation: Several Franciscan and other religious institutions offer simple guesthouse accommodation (case religiose ospitalità). Quieter and cheaper than hotels; basic facilities. Contact the Franciscan Ministries Office directly.
Named hotel recommendations
Hotel Subasio (Via Frate Elia 2) - The most historically significant hotel in Assisi, with a terrace overlooking the Umbrian plain directly beside the Basilica. Doubles from approximately €100/night as of 2026. Charlie Chaplin and several popes have stayed here.
Nun Assisi Relais & Spa (Via Eremo delle Carceri 1a) - A five-star in a former 13th-century nunnery. Modern spa built into the ancient stone structure. Doubles from approximately €200/night. The most luxurious option in Assisi.
Hotel Sole (Corso Mazzini 35) - A family-run three-star in the centre of town, between the Basilica and Piazza del Comune. Doubles from approximately €70/night. Reliable quality at a fair price.
Hotel Ideale (Piazza Matteotti 1) - A three-star at the entrance to the old town with panoramic views from the terrace. Doubles from approximately €65/night. Good value with a strong position.
Il Palazzo (Via San Paolo 6) - A small boutique B&B in a restored medieval palazzo. Doubles from approximately €80/night. Four rooms only; personal service. Stone walls, high ceilings, and quiet lanes.
Staying in Santa Maria degli Angeli
The town at the base of the hill - where the train station is located - has cheaper accommodation than the hilltop. The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli (enclosing the tiny Porziuncola chapel where Francis founded his order) is here. Doubles from approximately €40–60/night. The bus to the hilltop runs every 20–30 minutes (approximately €1.30, 10 minutes).
When to book
Assisi fills during major religious events: Easter week, the Feast of St Francis (3-4 October), the Calendimaggio medieval festival (early May), and Christmas. Book at least a month ahead for these dates. Pilgrim groups also fill accommodation at weekends year-round. For the best availability and lowest prices, visit midweek outside religious holidays. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) have the best weather for walking between the churches and up to the Rocca. Summer is hot and crowded; winter is quiet but atmospheric, with occasional snow on the upper streets. For guided visits to the Basilica fresco cycle and walks through the medieval streets, Assisi tours are bookable in advance.
For the full range of options at each price tier, search hotels in Assisi on Booking.com.
For the full Assisi travel guide covering the Basilica di San Francesco, Giotto’s frescoes, and practical planning. For things to see - the basilica complex, Rocca Maggiore, and the Eremo delle Carceri hermitage - see things to do in Assisi. For day trips to Perugia, Orvieto, and Spello, see day trips from Assisi. For the Umbrian circuit, both Perugia and Orvieto have dedicated city guides.