Hotels in Udine

Udine is the quiet capital of Friuli in Italy's far north-east, closer to Slovenia and Austria than to the tourist trail. It has a genuinely lovely Venetian-era centre — Piazza Libertà, a hilltop castle, arcaded streets — plus Tiepolo frescoes and an osteria culture built on Friulano white wine and frico.

Italy rugby internationals in the Nations Championship are staged at the Stadio Friuli (Bluenergy Stadium), Udinese's ground about three kilometres north-west of the centre. The city is small and walkable, so stay anywhere in or near the historic centre; hotel stock is modest, and international match weekends can absorb most of it, so book early rather than counting on late deals.