Aosta

Travel Guide
Aosta
Set amid the Alps, this former Roman settlement is famous for its ancient ruins, medieval art, winter markets and access to superb ski resorts.

With its atmospheric old town, galleries, museums and ski centers, Aosta offers a mix of attractions for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. It sits at the heart of the Aosta Valley, encompassed by magnificent Alpine peaks such as the Grand Combin, Mont Vélan and Monte Emilius. Romans founded the town in 25 B.C. at a strategic point where the principal roads to France and Switzerland converge.

Start your visit in the walled historic center, home to a range of Roman ruins. Discover elegant palaces, hidden courtyards and grandiose piazzas as you stroll around cobblestone streets. Get an overview of the town’s early beginnings at the Regional Archaeology Museum.

Cross the 1st-century Roman Bridge and walk through the Arch of Augustus. Admire the Porta Praetoria, the one-time entrance to the Roman city. Gaze up at imposing towers, including Fromage Tower and Balivi Tower. Explore the colonnaded cryptoporticus of the Roman Forum, located beneath Piazza Giovanni.

Marvel at the Gothic decorations of the 4th-century Aosta Cathedral. Afterwards, browse displays of art from the 1400s to 1900s at the Cathedral Treasure Museum. Visit the entrancing cloisters of Chiesa di Sant’Orso.

If visiting in the summer months then be sure to catch an open-air performance at the Roman Theatre. In January and December the town’s biggest fairs take place. Try local delicacies at the Marché Vert Noel Christmas market and shop for handicrafts at the centuries-old Santa’Orsa Fair. Appreciate the town’s infectious charm at pavement cafés that frame the many squares.

For mountain adventures, ride the Aosta-Pila Gondola from the town center to Pila ski area. Bike and hike in summer, ski and snowboard in winter and enjoy breathtaking views all year round. Other nearby resorts include Breuil-Cervinia, Champuloc and Courmayeur.

Aosta is less than a 2-hour drive from Milan, Turin and Geneva, Switzerland. Whether in the sun-drenched summer or snow-covered winter, Aosta is an ideal base for exploring the Aosta Valley and the world-famous Mont Blanc.

Hotel Duca D'Aosta
Hotel Duca D'Aosta
4 out of 5
Piazza Narbonne 8, Aosta, AO
The price is ¥17,015 per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
¥17,015
¥19,127 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Aosta. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (339 reviews)
"When I booked the hotel at Expedia I paid a supplement for breakfast, but when I checked in I was told that breakfast was not included and had to pay extra for it."

Reviewed on Nov 14, 2024

Hotel Duca D'Aosta
HB Aosta Hotel & Balcony SPA
HB Aosta Hotel & Balcony SPA
3 out of 5
Via Malherbes 18, Aosta, AO
The price is ¥17,168 per night from Nov 18 to Nov 19
¥17,168
¥19,131 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 18 - Nov 19
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Aosta. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Nuovababette Theatre and La Maison de la Fontina ...
9/10 Wonderful! (319 reviews)
"Loved the breakfast, really great options, above and beyond. Staff courteous and helpful without being overly warm and welcoming. The hot tub/spa is 25 euros per person for 2 hours, honestly this is way too expensive and not clear on hotel listing. The room was spacious with a good view and amenities, ..."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2024

HB Aosta Hotel & Balcony SPA
Omama Hotel
Omama Hotel
4 out of 5
Via Torino 14, Aosta
The price is ¥14,579 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
¥14,579
¥16,861 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Aosta. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and onsite spa services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (179 reviews)
"Very comfortable, great bathroom."

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2024

Omama Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Accommodation a stone's throw from the historic center and  ski resort of Pila
Accommodation a stone's throw from the historic center and ski resort of Pila
Aosta
Book a stay at this family-friendly apartment in Aosta. Enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Arch of Augustus and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
Enjoyable area to visit
"We failed to ask if the apartment had an elevator and air conditioning and it had neither! The fans provided were excellent though and were very good at night when we left the doors open and the temps dropped. Parking was easy and free. All we needed inside was provided. Another wine glass would ..."

Reviewed on Aug 31, 2024

Accommodation a stone's throw from the historic center and ski resort of Pila
Pretty rustic a few km from Aosta
Pretty rustic a few km from Aosta
Aosta
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Aosta. Enjoy patios and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Rifugio Arbolle and Nuovababette Theatre ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Great little house.
"We found to to be ideally located for us, nice little village 5 mins from Aosta."

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2020

Pretty rustic a few km from Aosta
Residence Courmaison
Residence Courmaison
3 out of 5
Route Mont Blanc 26, Palleusieux, Pre-Saint-Didier, AO
Stay at this 3-star ski residence in Pre-Saint-Didier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free ski shuttle. Popular attractions Pre-Saint-Didier Spa and Totem ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
"I loved the place. Very clean, organized. The people running it were very accommodating and helpful. The view was spectacular. I am definitely going to go back."

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2023

Residence Courmaison
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Aosta

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
5
" "5 - Excellent 62.5%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 12.5%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We wish we had more time in the area.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great place , impressed with this autonomous area. Good higways, clean , wifi all over the area and people educated