7 Tuscany Towns in Italy You must Visit: The Complete Guide
- Lili
- Feb 23
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 21
Tuscany is one of Italy's most enchanting destinations, famous for its historic cities, renowned vineyards, and breathtaking landscapes. If you're planning a trip to this magical part of Italy, this complete guide will introduce you to the 7 must-visit cities in Tuscany, with essential tips to make your experience unforgettable!
Florence: The Birthplace of the Renaissance Tuscan
Florence is the capital of Tuscany and undoubtedly one of the most cultural cities in the world. It is the perfect place to start your journey, offering a unique combination of art, history, and architecture.
What to Do in Florence:
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore: Don't miss the famous Brunelleschi's Dome.
Uffizi Gallery: An art gallery featuring some of the most renowned works by artists like Sandro Botticelli and Leonardo Da Vinci.
Ponte Vecchio: A medieval bridge filled with charming jewelry shops.
Piazzale Michelangelo: For an incredible panoramic view of Florence, especially at sunset!
Golden Tip: If you want to see an even more enchanting Florence, climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo. You'll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the city, especially at sunset.
👉 Loved Florence? Leave a comment and share your tips or experiences in the city! Visit our blog to discover even must-see attractions in Florence.
Pisa: Beyond the Leaning Tower
Pisa is world-famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, an unmissable attraction, but the city offers much more than that! A perfect combination of medieval architecture and Italian charm.
Top Attractions in Pisa:
Piazza dei Miracoli: Where you'll find the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery, an impressive architectural complex.
Borgo Stretto: One of Pisa's most traditional streets, full of charming cafés and charming boutiques.
✨ Golden Tip: Don't just take the classic photo pretending to hold up the tower! Explore the city and uncover its hidden gems.
🚶♂️ Have you been to Pisa? Tell us in the comments what you liked most about the city!
Siena: The Magic of the Palio
Siena is an incredible medieval city, famous for the Palio, a traditional horse race. The city is full of history and beauty.
What to See in Siena:
Piazza del Campo: One of Italy's most beautiful squares, where the famous Palio di Siena takes place.
Siena Cathedral: A stunning Gothic church with an impressive interior. Its richly decorated interior is breathtaking, making it one of the most remarkable churches you'll ever see.
Civic Museum of Siena: Learn more about the history of the Palio and the city.
Golden Tip: If you're in town during the Palio, don't miss the chance to watch the race!
🔹 Want to know more about Siena? Visit out our blog for more tips on exploring the city.
San Gimignano: The Medieval Manhattan
San Gimignano is known as the "Medieval Manhattan" due to its famous medieval towers and its unique atmosphere that transports you back in time. The city is a charming place with well-preserved architecture and breathtaking views.
What to Do in San Gimignano:
Torre Grossa: Climb the tallest tower for an amazing panoramic view of the city.
Piazza della Cisterna: A charming square surrounded by medieval towers.
Gelato: Taste the gelato, considered one of the best in Italy!
✨ Golden Tip: Don't miss trying San Gimignano's famous gelato! It's world-renowned for its quality!
🍦 Have you tried San Gimignano's gelato? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Lucca: The Walled City
Lucca is a charming city known for its Renaissance walls and vibrant cultural scene. It's a peaceful and picturesque place, ideal for walking or biking.
What to See in Lucca:
Lucca Walls: Walk or bike along the well-preserved walls and enjoy stunning views.
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro: Explore an ancient Roman amphitheater turned into a square.
Guinigi Tower: A medieval tower with a garden on top, offering an incredible panoramic view of the city.
Golden Tip: If you love music, the Lucca Summer Festival is unmissable, featuring big names from the global music scene. Plus, Lucca is the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini, and visitors can enjoy unforgettable recitals at San Giovanni Church.
🎶 🎶 Want to know more about Lucca? Read more about this charming city on our blog to make the most of your visit!
Arezzo: The City of Jewels
Arezzo is a city that blends tradition and modernity, with a strong heritage in goldsmithing and a rich artistic history.
What to See in Arezzo:
Church of San Francesco: Famous for its stunning frescoes by Piero della Francesca.
Piazza Grande: A charming place surrounded by medieval buildings and antique markets.
Museum of Contemporary Art and Gold: Discover the history of goldsmithing in Arezzo.
Golden Tip: If you love antiques, Arezzo's antique market is one of the most important in Italy.
💎 Have you bought a piece of jewelry in Arezzo? Share your experience in the comments!
Val d'Orcia: A Movie-Like Scenery
Val d'Orcia is the Tuscany of postcards, with its rolling golden hills and vineyards as far as the eye can see. It's a paradise of breathtaking landscapes and picturesque villages. Among its most famous towns are Montalcino and Montepulciano, perfect getaways for wine lovers
Top Attractions in Val d'Orcia:
Montalcino: Famous for Brunello di Montalcino wine, considered one of the best wines in the world.
Montepulciano: Known for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a medieval town with spectacular views.
Bagno Vignoni: If you're looking for a moment of relaxation, Bagno Vignoni is a thermal town with soothing hot springs.
Golden Tip: If you're a wine lover, don't miss the chance to go wine tasting experience at one of the region's wineries!
🍷 What's your favorite Tuscan wine? Click here to find the best wineries in Val d'Orcia and book your visit!
Travel Tips for Exploring Tuscany
Best Time to Visit Tuscany
Tuscany is charming all year round, but spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are undoubtedly the best seasons to enjoy the region. During these periods, the weather is mild, the landscapes are stunning, and the wineries are in full swing, providing incredible experiences. Summer, on the other hand, is hot and perfect for those who love festivals, though it is also the busiest season. Winter, although colder, has its own unique charm, with fewer tourists.
How to Explore Tuscany
The best way to explore Tuscany is by car, as the winding roads offer breathtaking views of the rolling hills and vineyards, making for an unforgettable journey surrounded by sunflower fields, cypress trees, and golden landscapes. If you prefer, you can use public transportation, as many cities are well-connected by trains and buses from Florence.
Tuscan Cuisine: Must-Try Dishes
Tuscan cuisine is one of the region's greatest charms! Be sure to try typical dishes such as:
Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A grilled beef steak, typical of Florence.
Pappardelle al Cinghiale: Fresh pasta with wild boar sauce.
Ribollita: A hearty vegetable and bean soup, very popular in winter.
And, of course, Tuscany's wines are a highlight on their own, with Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino standing out as must-try options.
Plan Your Trip to Tuscany
Now that you know the 7 must-visit cities in Tuscany, it's time to plan your trip! Tuscany is a dream destination, perfect for exploring medieval cities, tasting award-winning wines, and marveling at cinematic landscapes. Whether strolling through Florence, discovering Montalcino's vineyards, or admiring historic architecture, every moment will be unforgettable.
🔹 Extra Tip: Book your accommodation and car rental in advance to enjoy every second without worries.
Enjoy this journey full of culture, history, and gastronomy. Have you already visited Tuscany, or are you planning this incredible experience? Share your questions, tips, or the place you most want to visit in the comments! If you've explored the region, tell us about your experience and inspire other travelers! ✨👇
If you love Italy, check out our travel guide to Rome, Milan, and other amazing destinations. Come explore and browse through our blog!
I'm Lili, I live in Lucca, Tuscany, and my friend Wendy lives in Belgium. Our blog is written with care and based on our travel experiences, which we share here with you. The best way to support us in continuing to provide free, ad-free travel tips is by using the links in this article to make your bookings. This way, you help us keep creating content for you! 🌍✈️ |
Also, read about Thailand, Wendy's second home. She shares everything you need to know about the country. |
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