The city break destination has been named as the ‘best European city break that won’t break the bank’ by a travel money provider – and it’s easy to see why
Nestled in the heart of Italy’s Umbria region, Assisi is an ancient hill town steeped in history. Overlooking the town is Monte Subasio, with lush green pastures stretching out below. The town is perhaps best known for its religious significance as the birthplace of St Francis and has become a popular pilgrimage site.
However, according to a ranking by John Lewis Finance in 2024, Assisi is also a top holiday destination for tourists seeking a cultural experience without breaking the bank. The travel money provider ranked Assisi as the number one “best European city break that won’t break the bank”, beating the likes of Dubrovnik, Florence and Venice.
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“The research found that Assisi in Italy boasts the highest number of top-rated free attractions per capita, with 21 options to explore across an area with a population of just under 28,000 people,” said John Lewis Finance in its report.
Hot on its heels are Dubrovnik, Croatia, with 27 attractions and Chania, Greece, with 21, reports the Express. Visitors can spend hours simply wandering around and taking in the stunning views. For those wanting to delve deeper, Assisi offers plenty of options that won’t require you to open your wallet.
John Lewis Finance’s experts have revealed: “Known as one of the best-preserved mediaeval towns in the world, Assisi is an ideal city break destination. According to the research, top-rated free attractions include the Historic Centre, home to the captivating Basilica of St Francis, built in 1228.
“Don’t miss the chance to visit the Church of San Damiano, a short distance from Assisi and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Admission to this historic site is free, offering visitors the chance to delve into its rich heritage and importance.”
Lonely Planet has heaped praise on the town’s heart, the historic centre, calling it “pristine” and highlighting the Basilica di San Francesco as one of “Italy’s most celebrated artistic masterpieces”. The iconic basilica, which started construction in 1228, houses two churches and a crypt.
There’s no charge for individual visitors to enter, and you don’t need a ticket. But if you’re keen to uncover more about the basilica, you can grab an audio guide or join a guided tour led by a friar.
The town’s stunning surroundings mean there are loads of gorgeous walks and trails to take advantage of. And when hunger strikes, expect to find plenty of genuine trattorias and ristorantes dishing out Umbrian specialities like strangozzi all’ umbra, a local pasta made with flour, water, and salt.
Not to mention, the local wine is a real crowd-pleaser, coming straight from the vineyards scattered around the region.