Spending a Day in Alessandria

An underrated city

Even though Alessandria is one of the larger cities in Piedmont, hardly anyone talks about it. In our opinion, that should change. It may not be the most beautiful city in the region, but it remains one of the most authentic.

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Coffee, the honest way

We suggest arriving in the morning and starting with coffee and a cornetto at one of the following cafés.

• Jolly Bar sits under the arcades, right by the market, and could not be more genuine. It is crowded and lively, with locals rushing in for a quick coffee and an even quicker chat. This is not a place to linger. It is a place to step, briefly, into the real rhythm of Italian life.
• Caffetteria Europa, also under the arcades, invites you into the shade with beautiful wood panelling at the bar, an old fashioned feel, and warm company.
• For something a little more polished, take a seat at Casa Signorelli under the sun umbrellas at white tablecloths and a beautifully gleaming bar. It is our chicest recommendation, and just as lovely for an afternoon aperitivo.

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Where the morning comes alive

On Saturday, Monday and Thursday mornings, the town's traditional market fills the largest piazza in the city. It is crowded and full of locals searching for food, accessories, or even cleaning tools. This is not a typical farmers' market. It is, in truth, almost everything else.

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Shopping between local and trendy

After coffee, take a tour through the market and go shopping. Alessandria offers one of the best mixes we know: big names such as Zara and Mango standing alongside small, locally owned stores.

Do not miss the original Borsalino store on the main street. The staff are wonderfully welcoming, and even a look inside is worthwhile, with old mirrors and wood panelled walls that carry more than a century of history.