Hello! A group of 8 will be staying in Perugia in mid September and we're wondering what's best to do. Any suggestions? We're open to just about anything.
Thanks!

The number one attraction in Perugia, IMO, is the National Gallery of Umbria, Italy's most undersung great art museum.

Shopping and eating are very good.

A walk around the ramparts of the town walls provides spectacular views.

Day trip to Assisi. While there walk out to the Eremo di San Francesco.

The TI there has a free map of 3 different walking tours through the old sections of town. I recommend doing at least one of them to see beyond the Corso Vannucci. Oh, I also agree that eating is a great thing to do in Perugia! A day trip to Assisi's also worth while if you have the time.

Assisi sounds great. Can you travel by rail or do you suggest a car?
Thanks, Vicki

Assisi is a great day trip and a car is a great way to do it because you get to enjoy the beautiful Umbrian countryside. A second post will get you more details regarding the train. We had a car so I'm unsure but be aware that the train station is not all the way to Assisi but ends down below the historic part which you'll want to visit. After the train, a cab or bus will still be needed.

There are several walled villages that are fun to explore. If you have time, your host can help you locate them.

As has been mentioned, this is a great area for food and not to be overlooked are many fine Umbrian wines. If wine is an area of interest to you, at Torgiano there is a museum of Umbrian wine that you might investigate.

I did it by bus from Perugia and it was easy, but I can't recall how long it took.

I do remember that I was glad I didn't get off at the first stop in Assisi, the main church at the bottom of the hill. I stayed on until the top of the town and then spent the day walking downhill.

We stayed not too far from Perugia this summer but didn't have a chance to really visit the city. We did go to Assisi which is a good place to visit. I'd recommend a car if you can because you can really see things off the beaten path that way. Gubbio is very nice (northeast of Perugia) and a town called Deruta if you like ceramics. It is absolutely amazing. If you go to Deruta, go to Geribi (they have a store in the old town on the hill and one in the newer part of town down the hill). This was the best place for ceramics.

Ditto the art museum, which if you do it BEFORE going to Assisi, will enrich your understanding of what you are seeing there triplefold. Also, be sure to take in the other artistic treasures lining the Corso Vanuccci, which will show what an enormous commercial power Perugia was (and what St. Francis was rebelling against).

AND:

Two things you must not fail to do are to (a) join the evening walk on the Corso Vanucci beginning at about 5pm and (b) take the escalators that go up and down and through the historic city walls.

Also: Hang out as often as you dare at Sandri's, one of Italy's most marvelous cafe/pastry shop on the Corso Vanucci. It all tastes as good as it looks.

And so much more:

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/umbria/perugia.htm

You are all WONDERFUL! Thanks so much for giving me insight to a place I knew nothing about...