Corso Alfieri is Asti's main street which crosses with arcaded Piazza Alfieri, the center of town where the annual Palio (annual horse race since 1275 w/ medieval costume and colorful flag parade of sbandieratori) and Festival delle Sagre (food and wine stands)  takes place. Corso Alfieri street is lined with lovely stores, high-end boutiques, cafe's, gelaterie  and there are also several restaurants and night clubs/lounges in the surrounding area and alleys behind main street.  I have always been a fan of Bar Cocchi, Asti's historical cafe' and restaurant which serves the best hot chocolate ever and Bar Ligure is also a great alternative. Asti is famous for its local Piedmontese cuisine and for its annual wine festival that takes place every year in September (la Douja D'Or) -regional wine tastings are available from early evening till midnight in  centro storico (meaning "old town") and piazzas ("squares").