Gifu City is the capital of Gifu Prefecture. Gifu Castle (Inabayama Castle) is built on the top of Mount Kinka, offering a panoramic view of the city and the Nagara River. The traditional cormorant fishing on the Nagara River (summer) is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Gifu Park and the Kinka Ropeway are popular attractions. Ōgaki Castle is a historic site.

The local cuisine is famous for Gifu ramen, eel rice, Hida beef sushi, chestnut rice, and pickles, each with a unique flavour.