One-Day Itinerary For Aosta, Italy

After spending a day in Alba, I looked on a map and saw just how close I was to Italy’s least explored region: Valle d’Aosta. With a three-hour commute, including two trains and a bus ride, I could be in the region’s capital, Aosta, to properly explore. The rest is history. I knew VERY little about visiting Aosta prior to my spontaneous visit, and since I had crammed it into my schedule last minute, I didn’t even have a full 24 hours there when all was said and done. Luckily, Aosta is super small despite being the capital of the region, so one day turned out to be plenty! So, without further ado, here’s how to spend one day in Aosta, Italy.

Why Aosta? Aosta is the epitome of off-the-beaten path Italy. Not only is it the capital of Italy’s least visited region, Valle d’Aosta, but it has a nice mesh of fairytale vibes with its old historic architecture, unique regional dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in the country, all enwrapped in that warm Italian hospitality.

Start with a cornetto and cafe at Limonet

A local had recommended I check out Limonet, a small cafe/bar located just on the outskirts of town. Never one to ignore a local’s advice, I did just that, and it really made me want to stay a while! I grabbed a pistachio croissant (cornetto al pistacchio) and a double espresso for a total of a little under 4 euro. I sipped my coffee and watched locals come in and out, some even drinking liquor despite the early morning hours. I realized I had found a true local’s watering hotel, and it made me want to stay a while–but I was on limited time, so off I went.

• Limonet is located at Fraz, Frazione Pont Suaz, 162, 11020 Charvensod AO, Italy

Get lost walking around town (and check out the popular sights)

The best part about Aosta was simply walking around. As mentioned, the city is small, so just through aimless wandering, you’re bound to run into some of the city’s top attractions. For the most popular spots to visit, check out:

• The Roman Theatre
• Aosta Cathedral
• Criptoportico Forense

But truly, the best Aosta has to offer is in its views. The small city is completely surrounded by mountains, and every turn you take, it feels like walking into a new postcard. Those constant views of Mont Blanc certainly don’t hurt.

Head to Porta Pretoria

Proving Aosta is truly a nature lover’s dream (despite being a city), Porta Prestoria was built in 25 BC and is some nice evidence of just how historic this city is. Take in the nearby gushing blue waters for a truly picturesque moment.

Swap lunch for a food tour

With only one day to explore the region, why not get the most out of your time by joining a food tour? I personally LOVE food tours and take them frequently all around the world. They’re a great way to fuel your belly and brain, as most not only include a nice sampling of local bites, but plenty of history, too.

• Book a guided food tour of Aosta here.
• Alternatively, book a cooking class and eat food at a local’s home here.

Aperitivo in the city center

Aosta is closely situated to both France and Switzerland, and because of this, you’ll find plenty of French translations on signs, menus, and more. But, don’t get it twisted–you’re still in Italy, so it’s aperitivo time. Aosta’s city center is small, but in typical Italian fashion, it’s full of outdoor bars and cafes where you can sit outside (or inside if it’s winter) and sip a spritz while enjoying some small snacks.

Grab a traditional Valle d’Aostan dinner

Italy is anything but one-dimensional when it comes to food, and Aosta is further proving that theory to be true. You’re in the mountains, so hearty mountain food reigns here. Think beef, veal, even goat, and a lot of stews. What Aosta is most known for is Fontina PDO cheese–and if you only had time to eat one thing while in town (which I would hope isn’t true, and you have time to eat more), Fontina should be it. I had Fontina Griglia, aka a giant brick of grilled Fontina, and I’m still thinking about it months after visiting!

Here are some good restaurants to get a proper local meal:

• Osteria La Vache Folle (note–this is the most popular restaurant in town; I tried to go here and they were fully booked on a Monday; so reservations are highly recommended)
• Trattoria Praetoria
• Osteria dell’Oca
• Le Ferme Gourmande

Optional: Where to stay

I stayed at Hotel Miage, which I LOVED thanks to the views from my own private balcony (plus, it was only 55 euro for the night). However, it was a little outside of the city center and almost a 20-minute walk from the train/bus station and the central area, so if you’re looking for something closer to the action, I would not recommend this place.

Next time, despite the scenic views of Mont Blanc from my room, I would choose to stay somewhere more in the heart of the city. here are some good options:

• HB Aosta Hotel & Balcony Spa
• Duca D’Aosta Hotel
• OMAMA Hotel

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