Udine like a local: 10 things to do

They call it the Venice of the mainland for a good reason. More than one. Elegant loggias, palaces inlaid with mullioned windows, beautiful porticoes, water courses crisscrossing the city: every detail seems like a reminder of the long bond that once bound Udine to La Serenissima. 

Today, this lovely city in Friuli is a centre on a human scale with an international vocation that makes it modern and attentive to change, though proud of its traditions and regional influence. 

Here is what to do in Udine like a Local. 

Ask a citizen to show you the most beautiful street in his city, and he will probably direct you to this one, the oldest and busiest of all. Discovering this storied corner will be an excellent way to visit Udine like a local because it definitely is the city's heart. 

The central Via Mercatovecchio stands out for the charm of its tall, narrow buildings, the liveliness that crosses it every day, and the long history that has trampled its pavement (which, by the way, got a makeover in 2020). 

Come here for a shopping session, strolling under its arcades and photographing the details that stand out on the building façades. One in particular? Casa Sabbadini, at number 24. In addition to a fresco depicting Jupiter between the first-floor windows, it still features the rings used in the past to affix the finish line pole during the city's Palio.  

While in Udine like a local you can't miss a gentle pause in the green areas around the city centre. Whether you want to take a walk, go for a jog, jot down some travel notes or consult Visit Italy for ideas and inspiration, you'll find plenty of parks ideal for a pleasant diversion from the urban tour. 

Then, after visiting the Patriarchal Palace and admiring Tiepolo's famous frescoes, head to the nearby Ricasoli Garden for a moment of relaxation among exotic plants and friendly swans.

Cosy and secluded, the recently restored Torso gardens in Via del Sale are a small delight to relax for a few minutes. 

Not far from the Ossuary Temple, a monumental tribute to the memory of those who fell in the war, you'll find the large Moretti Park and, at the foot of the castle, a garden with a very unusual shape— Piazza Primo Maggio, with small sunburst paths leading to the central fountain. 

The delightful gardens of Palazzo Morpurgo, in the heart of the historic centre, are beautiful when blooming blossoms colour the flowerbeds around the nymph statue. 

Where? In Piazza XX Settembre, on Saturday mornings. The Udinesi frequent the market around the square to buy local products, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables. You'll love it for its warm and dynamic atmosphere.

Full of kiosks and people intent on chatting and closing deals, the mercato is located in a pedestrian area long used as a car park. After some renovation, this historic space returned to serve as a market like in the 19th century, when it was known as 'marčhât dai grans'. 

Looking around, you'll notice exquisite buildings such as the 19th-century Antivari-Kechler palace and the Casa Veneziana, the only house in town with an original floral Gothic façade.

This elegant 15th-century dwelling, a former property of the Montegnacco family, used to be located in Via Rialto, a street famous for being Udine's first Venetian nucleus. After the demolition in 1910, it was rebuilt in the 1920s in Piazza XX Settembre. 

Udine sees the passage of peculiar small waterways that embellish the landscape and give it a picturesque feel: le rogge. These artificial canals lead the Torre river's waters to Udine and Cividale. 

In the past, this characteristic architectural heritage was fundamental to the development of the city and the economy of the area it helped to enrich. Visually, too: the water flowing through the buildings and streets of the historic centre creates a romantic and original atmosphere.

Some sections are particularly eye-catching, such as the glimpses in Vicolo Molin Nascosto, Via Zanon, Via Giuseppe Verdi, Piazza Patriarcato or Borgo Mercatovecchio. Bear in mind that the torrent route is not limited to the city boundaries. For example, you'll find a gentle itinerary through the Friulian nature in the Passeggiata delle Roggia, a striking trail for hikers and bikers that starts from Via Molin Nuovo and lead to the town of Reana del Rojale.

A meeting place where you can share a good glass of wine with friends before lunch or dinner. Friuli is a land with a rich wine-growing tradition, with ten DOC and four DOCG areas. 

To experience Udine like a local, stop at an osteria, and savour the Friuli tradition in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. This is the temple par excellence where the ritual of the tajut is a must for the people of Udine.

There is plenty of rustic and cheerful places in the city centre. The atmosphere is the same year after year, even in the most trendy taverns: no frills, just substance. Almost as if to symbolise the link with tradition, you'll often find an old domestic fireplace, 'il fogolâr', in the centre of the room. Some osterie keep lovely ones in plain sight: admire them as the host guide you on fantastic drinking adventures. 

Chiusaforte, a small town in the province of Udine, offers a beautiful trail through the woods that is truly a sight to behold during autumn. The track is adorned with warm shades of red and gold, creating a picturesque view. Venturing further, you'll come across 13 waterfalls, each more mesmerizing than the last.

Dip yourself in the foliage magic and enjoy the spectacular waterfalls that follow one another just outside the town.

One of the most captivating is the so-called Fontanone di Goriuda. It cascades into a small lake below, creating a stunning light and water display. You can even walk behind it and take in a breathtaking view of the valley.

Casa Cavazzini offers a diverse collection of over 4,000 pieces, including paintings, prints, and sculptures from the 19th century to the present. The display boasts works by renowned artists like De Chirico, Carrà, Guttuso, Chagall, Picasso, de Kooning, and Lichtenstein. 

If you're planning to visit Udine, check out this beautifully renovated building designed by Gae Aulenti and home to the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. 

The permanent collections are housed on the first and second floors, while the ground floor hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

Casa Cavazzini is a fascinating historical edifice that has been a part of Udine's landscape for centuries and a former property of the Collombatti family. In the early 20th century, the new owner, Dante Cavezzini, turned the building into a textile shop. Later, architect Ermes Midena was commissioned to renovate the first floor's flat, which visitors can now visit and explore, complete with period furnishings.