10:00

Piazza del Plebiscito and historic center

Start in the square also known as Piazza del Papa, the heart of the center and a convenient point for finding your way through the alleys. Spend about 40 minutes in the square and nearby streets, admiring the historic facades and the statue of Clement XII; the outdoor visit is free.

Wear comfortable shoes: the center includes uphill sections and uneven paving.

10:50

National Archaeological Museum of the Marche

Walk to Palazzo Ferretti in about 10–15 minutes and allow 75–90 minutes for the collections, with finds from prehistory to the Roman age and evidence of Picene civilization. Plan roughly 5–10 € for admission, checking the fee, opening hours, and availability before your visit.

Hours may change and the museum may have closing days: check the official calendar.

12:30

Lunch in the historic center

Head back toward the central streets for a break of about an hour. You can look for a place serving Marche cuisine and try vincisgrassi, olive all’ascolana, or Adriatic fish; budget around 15–25 € per person for a simple meal.

At lunchtime, some restaurants offer a set menu of the day, often more affordable.

14:00

Cathedral of San Ciriaco

Head up toward Colle Guasco: from the center, the walk takes about 20–25 minutes and is uphill; alternatively, consider a city bus and a short final walk. Allow about an hour for the cathedral, the Romanesque-Gothic façade, the interior, and the viewpoint over the harbor; admission to the church is generally free, while any special visits may have separate costs.

Respect the times of religious services and the dress code required to enter the church.

15:30

Arch of Trajan and the port area

Head down toward the old port in about 20–25 minutes on foot, or take the bus to reduce the descent. The Roman arch, overlooking the port area, can be visited from the outside and takes about 30 minutes; admission is free, and the setting lets you observe up close the historic relationship between the city and the sea.

Check for any access restrictions related to port operations.

16:15

Mole Vanvitelliana

Continue on foot along the port for about 15–20 minutes to the Mole, an 18th-century pentagonal complex designed by Luigi Vanvitelli. Spend 45–60 minutes exploring the accessible areas and any exhibitions on show; entry may be free or paid, roughly 0–10 € depending on the exhibition.

The exhibition schedule and opening hours are not always the same: check what is open on the day of your visit.

19:00

Dinner between the port and the center

Return toward the center with a walk of about 20–25 minutes or by city bus, then choose a trattoria or a seafood restaurant. For a full dinner, allow roughly 25–40 € per person, depending on the menu and drinks.

If you want to dine near the port, book in advance during busier periods.