Cuneo is one of those towns that surprise anyone who gives it a stop: set on a long wedge-shaped plateau between two rivers, with the Maritime Alps as a backdrop, it’s elegant, orderly and still far from mass tourism. Its distinctive feature are the kilometres of arcades that run through the centre, under which you can stroll, shop and stop in the cafés, sheltered from sun and rain. Here you’ll find where to stay best, with the small addresses we choose one by one, never by hearsay.
It’s also a town growing fast in tourism — its province is among the most dynamic in Piedmont — thanks above all to its strategic position: Cuneo is the “gateway to the valleys” of the west and the natural hub towards the Langhe, Mondovì, the mountains and, across the border, the Riviera and France. So let’s look at where it’s best to sleep in town.
The old town: sleeping among the arcades
The heart of Cuneo is its arcaded axis, which from Piazza Galimberti — one of the largest and finest squares in Piedmont — runs down Via Roma into the maze of the old town, among palaces, shops and venues. It’s all on foot: here you’ll find the restaurants to taste Cuneo cooking and the pastry shops of the famous “cuneesi al rhum”, the chocolates that are the town’s symbol. Staying in the centre means living Cuneo in the evening, when the arcades light up, and having the station and the connections within a walk. It’s the choice we recommend for a first time. The addresses we choose among the arcades:
B&B Contrada dei Giardini
A bed and breakfast in the heart of Cuneo, with free bicycles, a generous breakfast and rooms with a balcony and air conditioning. The location lets you get around the centre and the arcades on foot, and explore the surroundings by bike. Well-kept and welcoming. Ideal for a town break with everything conveniently within reach.
Cuneo Hotel
A three-star in the old heart of Cuneo, with air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi and a buffet breakfast, a short walk from restaurants and the station. The convenience of a well-placed hotel for those arriving by train or moving around a lot. The services of a hotel with the location of a central B&B. Great for a practical stop in town.
B&B Il Girasole
A family-run bed and breakfast in the heart of Cuneo, with air-conditioned rooms, a terrace, free bicycles and private parking included — a precious bonus in the town centre. The warmth of family management and the convenience of getting around on foot or by bike. Perfect for a couple or a family after quiet and a central position.
MY BED affittacamere
A guest house in the centre of Cuneo, with air-conditioned rooms, a private bathroom and town views, a stone’s throw from the arcades and the town’s life. The simple, handy formula for those who want an essential but well-placed base, all on foot. Great value for position on a short visit or a work stay.
All the small hotels in Cuneo →
At the gates of the town, in the green
Those who prefer quiet and greenery, or who arrive by car and want parking and a garden, can choose one of the places just outside the centre: a few minutes away, they stay handy for the town but offer calm and, often, a view of the mountains that surround Cuneo. The ideal solution for families and for those using the town as a base for the valleys:
B&B Belelì Daramba
A family-run bed and breakfast with a garden, free private parking and well-kept rooms, the ideal choice for those after quiet while staying close to the town. The warm welcome of a home and the convenience of the car on the doorstep, ready to set off exploring the valleys. Perfect for a relaxed stay away from the traffic.
B&B La barca ant al prà
A family-run bed and breakfast at the gates of Cuneo, with a garden, mountain views and air-conditioned rooms with a private terrace or balcony. The calm of the countryside with the town a few minutes away and the Alps before your eyes. Pets welcome and parking available. Ideal for those after peace, space and nature.
When to go
Spring and summer
The best times for the town and the valleys: mild weather for strolling under the arcades and for excursions in the mountains, long days and clear skies over the Alps. In summer Cuneo, slightly elevated, is cooler than the plain, and in July the town lights up with “Cuneo Illuminata”, the traditional light show in the old town.
Autumn
The season of flavours: it’s the time of mushrooms, chestnuts and markets, with the Langhe and their truffles a stone’s throw away. The colours of the valley woods and good Cuneo food make autumn a perfect time for a quiet escape, combining town and territory.
Winter
Cuneo becomes the launch base for the valleys’ snow and for Limone Piemonte, reachable in a short time. The town is quiet and prices are gentler, with the arcades sheltering you from the cold and the cosy atmosphere of winter days. A handy support base for those skiing on a day trip.
Getting here
Cuneo is well connected by train: it’s on the lines from Turin and on the scenic Cuneo–Ventimiglia railway, which descends towards the Riviera through the valleys. By car you arrive on the A33 Asti–Cuneo motorway, while Cuneo-Levaldigi airport and Turin-Caselle are the references for those flying.
The town is also the hub towards France and the Riviera through the Tenda pass: it’s worth checking the state of the tunnel in advance, though, as it can be subject to works and reduced hours. For the full picture on roads, trains and getting around the region: how to get to Piedmont. From Cuneo you easily reach the snow of Limone Piemonte, the baroque of Mondovì and the vineyards of the Langhe.
This guide is part of our grand tour of the region: discover all the destinations and areas in Where to Stay in Piedmont.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we’re asked most often about where to stay in Cuneo.
Which is the best area to stay in Cuneo?
The old town, along the arcaded axis between Piazza Galimberti and Via Roma: everything is on foot, with restaurants, shops and the station within a walk. Those after more quiet, parking and a garden can choose a place just outside the centre, handy especially for those arriving by car and using the town as a base for the valleys.
Is Cuneo a good base for visiting the valleys and the Langhe?
Yes, it’s an excellent base: it’s the “gateway to the valleys” of the west and a handy hub towards the Langhe, Mondovì, the mountains and the snow of Limone Piemonte. With a car you quickly reach very different destinations, which makes Cuneo perfect for a touring stay in the Cuneo area.
What is there to see in Cuneo?
The old town with its long arcades, the great Piazza Galimberti, the elegant churches and palaces, and the pastry shops of the famous “cuneesi al rhum”. In July the town lights up with “Cuneo Illuminata”. It’s a walkable town, ideal to experience on foot between a coffee under the arcades and a good dinner.
How do you get to Cuneo?
By train on the lines from Turin and on the Cuneo–Ventimiglia railway towards the Riviera; by car on the A33 Asti–Cuneo motorway. The reference airports are Cuneo-Levaldigi and Turin-Caselle. For France and the Riviera there’s the Tenda pass, whose state and hours are worth checking in advance.
Is Cuneo suited to a winter visit?
Yes: the town is quiet and the arcades shelter you from the cold, and above all it’s a handy base for skiing in the valleys and at Limone Piemonte, reachable in a short time. Many choose to sleep in town, where prices are gentler, and head up to the snow on a day trip.
