Summary
The central Italian region of Tuscany is one of the most picturesque landscapes in all of Europe. Sitting high on the travel agendas of cultured individuals from around the globe, Tuscany boasts a wealth of traditional towns and charming villages to discover.
Tuscany is a cultural treasure in every aspect. From art and architecture to gourmet cuisine and fine wines, Tuscany presents an array of delights awaiting every visitor. Major cities like Florence and Lucca frequently rank highly on the itineraries of travelers planning their journeys to Tuscany, yet there exists a myriad of lesser-known destinations within the region that offer a myriad of wonders to explore. The hillside towns and villages, such as Montepulciano and Pienza, present opportunities for travelers to experience Tuscany in its most authentic form.
Diverse in its offerings, many travelers opt to spend several days in each of the primary destinations within Tuscany.
Let us explore where to stay in Tuscany.
Florence
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is situated in the northeastern part of the region. This city radiates charm and romance, housing numerous masterpieces within its borders. At the Galleria dell’Accademia, visitors can marvel at Michelangelo’s renowned sculpture, ‘David’. Furthermore, at the Uffizi Gallery, travelers can appreciate artworks by Botticelli and da Vinci. For art aficionados, Florence ranks as one of the premier destinations in Europe.
Beyond its artistic offerings, Florence is rich in exceptional architecture. Among the city’s most iconic structures is the Duomo, a domed cathedral characterized by its terracotta tiled roof. This architectural marvel is adorned with elements designed by Brunelleschi and Giotto.
Florence serves as an ideal base for travelers seeking genuine Italian experiences, making it a prime location to stay in Tuscany.
Suitable For: Art Enthusiasts, Active Explorers, Architecture Buffs, Aspiring Historians, Urban Adventurers, Couples, Culture Seekers, Families, Gastronomy Lovers, Shoppers, Quick Travelers, Road Trippers
Neighborhood Highlights: Florence Cathedral, Galleria dell’Accademia, Uffizi Gallery, The Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Boboli Gardens, Santa Croce, Florence Baptistery, Santa Maria Novella, Bargello, Basilica di San Lorenzo, Medici Chapel, Museo Galileo, Leonardo da Vinci Museum, Ospedale degli Innocenti
Recommended Accommodations:
Hotel Brunelleschi – Hotel Brunelleschi is an excellent hotel located within a renovated Byzantine tower and medieval church, offering breathtaking views of Florence Cathedral from many of its rooms. Each room is equipped with modern design elements, a laptop safe, and a work desk.
Hotel Spadai – Hotel Spadai is a delightful hotel situated in the very heart of Florence, mere steps from Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. Providing a boutique atmosphere and superb amenities, it ranks among the top hotels in the city. Complimentary drinks from the minibar in each room enhance the guest experience.
Hotel Santa Maria Novella – This cozy accommodation boasts a four-star rating. Many rooms offer views of the nearby basilica, while guests enjoy complimentary access to the sauna and fitness area. Each room includes a minibar and free Wi-Fi.
Lucca
The city of Lucca is another historical treasure of Tuscany, idyllically located along the banks of the Serchio River. Renowned for its exceptionally preserved Renaissance city walls, Lucca offers a photogenic and romantic setting. The city is structured around its historical center, with Piazza dell’Anfiteatro at its core.
The cobblestone streets contribute to Lucca’s old-world allure, complemented by its Renaissance architecture. There is an abundance of activities to enjoy within the city. Notable sites include the Gothic Lucca Cathedral and its adjacent museum, as well as the remarkable San Michele in Foro church dating back to the 1100s.
A unique landmark in Lucca is the Guinigi Tower, a medieval structure crowned by holm-oak trees.
Suitable For: Art Enthusiasts, Active Explorers, Architecture Buffs, Aspiring Historians, Urban Adventurers, Couples, Culture Seekers, Families, Gastronomy Lovers, Shoppers, Quick Travelers
Neighborhood Highlights: Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, Guinigi Tower, Lucca Cathedral, San Michele in Foro, Basilica of San Frediano, Lake Massaciuccoli, Palazzo Pfanner, Puccini’s Birth Home, Ponte della Maddalena, Pisa Charterhouse, Villa Torrigiani, Museum of Villa Mansi, Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa
Recommended Accommodations:
Best Western Grand Hotel – A superb accommodation option, the Best Western Grand Hotel provides a uniform yet comfortable experience, with rooms featuring ensuite bathrooms, Wi-Fi access, and flat-screen TVs. Free parking is available on-site.
Eurostars Toscana – This exceptional hotel located in central Lucca offers remarkable service and competitive room rates, appealing to guests with its fitness center, sauna, and complimentary access to a Turkish bath.
Albergo Celide – Albergo Celide is a stylish hotel in a prime location in Lucca, providing a chic atmosphere. Each room includes air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, minibars, complimentary toiletries, and free Wi-Fi, along with free parking availability.
Arezzo
Situated in the eastern region of Tuscany is the beautiful city of Arezzo. This remarkable commune is steeped in rich history. Arezzo is another essential destination in Tuscany for art lovers. Within the Arezzo Cathedral, located on a hilltop, travelers can view a fresco of Mary Magdalene by Piero Della Francesca from the 15th Century. Additionally, at the iconic Basilica di San Domenico, art enthusiasts can appreciate the exquisite ‘Crucifix’ crafted by Cimabue. Arezzo is a paradise for art lovers.
Despite suffering considerable destruction during World War II, significant historical buildings have been preserved, allowing exploration of the city’s rich heritage. Among these is the renowned Church of San Francesco, an unmissable site for any visitor to Arezzo.
Suitable For: Art Enthusiasts, Active Explorers, Architecture Buffs, Aspiring Historians, Couples, Culture Seekers, Families, Gastronomy Lovers, Seasoned Travelers, Shoppers, Adventurous Travelers
Neighborhood Highlights: Arezzo Cathedral, Basilica di San Domenico, Church of San Francesco, Piazza Grande, Medicean Fortress, Roman Amphitheater, Santa Maria della Pieve, State Museum of Medieval and Modern Art, Fraternità of Laici Palace, Abbey of Santa Flora and Lucilla, Monument of Francesco Petrarca
Recommended Accommodations:
Hotel Continentale – Conveniently located just a five-minute stroll from the Basilica of San Francesco, Hotel Continentale has undergone recent refurbishments, blending modern amenities with classical design elements. Guests can enjoy coffee on the outdoor terrace.
B&B 52cento – This contemporary hotel possesses a boutique ambiance right in the center of Arezzo, providing free Wi-Fi access and nearby parking. Family-friendly and cozy double rooms are available, and breakfast is included in the accommodation rate.
Vogue Hotel Arezzo – An ideal option for guests desiring spacious accommodations, Vogue Hotel Arezzo features generously sized rooms with private ensuite bathrooms and complimentary toiletries, as well as plush towels.
Siena
Siena, located at the heart of Tuscany, is often quieter compared to the bustling Florence. The city is characterized by its fan-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo, which houses the gothic-style town hall, Palazzo Pubblico. This grand structure features a notable 14th Century tower offering sweeping views of Siena’s beautiful landscape.
Piazza del Campo is central to Siena, feeding into the 17 neighborhoods that together form the city. The historic center of Siena is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its medieval charm.
While Piazza del Campo should not be overlooked during a visit, there are other noteworthy landmarks worth incorporating into your itinerary. Santa Maria Della Scala, once a civic hostel, is now a museum exhibiting stunning frescoes from celebrated artists.
Suitable For: Art Enthusiasts, Active Explorers, Architecture Buffs, Aspiring Historians, Couples, Culture Seekers, Families, Gastronomy Lovers, Seasoned Travelers, Shoppers.
Neighborhood Highlights: Piazza del Campo, Siena Historic Centre, Siena Cathedral, Palazzo Pubblico, Torre del Mangia, Santa Maria della Scala, Basilica of San Domenico, Fonte Gaia, Pinacoteca Nazionale, Civic Museum, Palazzo Salimbeni, Piccolomini Library, Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Palazzo Chigi-Saracini, Fontebranda
Recommended Accommodations:
NH Hotel Siena – A modern hotel located in Piazza la Lizza, NH Hotel Siena offers minimalist rooms with sleek design. The breakfast buffet provides a remarkable spread, ensuring a satisfying start to the day.
Hotel Italia – Hotel Italia is a charming establishment known for its impressive breakfast buffet catering to various dietary needs. The welcoming staff possesses extensive knowledge of the city and is eager to share their insights with guests.
Palazzo Ravizza – Nestled in a historical building adorned with elegant 1920’s decor, Palazzo Ravizza exudes charm and character, offering a serene escape with a private garden and picturesque views of the Tuscan countryside.
San Gimignano
San Gimignano stands out as one of Tuscany’s lesser-visited destinations. While cities like Florence, Lucca, and Siena draw the majority of tourists, the hill towns often remain overlooked. San Gimignano, with its stunning architecture, is one of the most charming hill towns in Tuscany.
This fortified town is encircled by walls that were constructed in the 13th Century. The town’s focal point is Piazza della Cisterna, a triangular square bordered by medieval townhouses. The skyline of San Gimignano is punctuated by its famous towers, the most iconic being the Torre Grossa.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Gimignano has received significant investment to preserve its historical allure.
San Gimignano is home to a range of splendid restaurants offering traditional Tuscan cuisine, with Cum Quibus Ristorante and Ristorante San Martino 26 receiving outstanding reviews.
Suitable For: Art Enthusiasts, Active Explorers, Architecture Buffs, Aspiring Historians, Couples, Culture Seekers, Families, Gastronomy Lovers, Seasoned Travelers, Adventurous Travelers.
Neighborhood Highlights: Piazza della Cisterna, Palazzo Comunale, Torre Grossa, Piazza del Duomo, Collegiate Church of San Gimignano, Cum Quibus Ristorante, Ristorante San Martino 26, Sant’Agostino Church, Museo della Tortura, Rocca di Montestaffoli, Torre del Diavolo, Museo d’Arte Sacra, Arco dei Becci
Recommended Accommodations:
Villasanpaolo – Conveniently located just a five-minute drive from the heart of San Gimignano, Villasanpaolo is nestled amid olive groves, providing an authentic Italian atmosphere. The in-house restaurant, Lampolla, serves a variety of exceptional Italian and Tuscan dishes.
Agriturismo Mormoraia – Positioned just outside the town center, Agriturismo Mormoraia features an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and Turkish bath, with traditional Tuscan design throughout. Guests enjoy an extensive complimentary breakfast buffet.
Hotel La Collegiata – Set within a 16th Century convent, Hotel La Collegiata provides an exceptional stay with period design features and high levels of comfort, including a swimming pool and ample grounds for leisurely strolls.
Pitigliano
Pitigliano is a small Tuscan hill town often visited briefly as part of a day trip around Tuscany. This is unfortunate, as Pitigliano is rich in old-world charm and deserves more than a fleeting visit.
Often regarded as one of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets, Pitigliano remains relatively unknown among first-time tourists to Italy. Many of its structures have been hewn from volcanic stone, and the town has roots tracing back to the Bronze Age, surviving the turmoil of World War II. This quaint town is steeped in history and resilience.
Located just an hour from the coast, Pitigliano presents an excellent option for road trippers seeking an authentic Italian experience away from the tourist crowds. In contrast to Florence and Lucca, where driving may prove challenging, exploring Pitigliano and its surroundings by car is an appealing choice.
Suitable For: Art Enthusiasts, Active Explorers, Architecture Buffs, Aspiring Historians, Couples, Culture Seekers, Families, Gastronomy Lovers, Seasoned Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Road Trippers.
Neighborhood Highlights: Medici Aqueduct, Lake Mezzano, Museum of Palazzo Orsini, Via Cava, Le Vie Cave, Fortress Orsini, Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, City Gates, Piazza Becherini
Recommended Accommodations:
La Casa Degli Archi – A highly recommended hotel in Pitigliano, La Casa Degli Archi offers luxurious yet homely accommodations in the heart of the town. Beautiful rooms are equipped with spa baths, complimentary toiletries, and cozy seating areas. On-site parking is provided.
Affittacamere La Magic Torre – Situated at the center of historic Pitigliano, this accommodation features LCD TVs with cable channels and seating areas with generous ensuite bathrooms, all inside a charming period building adorned with wooden beams.
Le Camere Del Ceccottino – Located in a great area of Pitigliano, the staff at Le Camere Del Ceccottino are known for their warm hospitality, ensuring guests have a comfortable stay. Rooms are simple yet inviting, featuring comfortable beds and ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs.
Pienza
Pienza is a charming Tuscan town that harmoniously combines the sophistication and allure of Florence with the tranquility of a town like San Gimignano. Pienza features numerous architectural treasures to explore, including Pienza Cathedral, located in the same square as the Town Hall—both are must-visit landmarks within the town.
Surrounded by lush Tuscan landscapes, Pienza boasts the Romanesque church of Pieve di Corsignano just outside the town center. This historic site dates back to the 7th Century and contains significant elements, including the original baptismal font used for the baptisms of both Pope Pius II and Pope Pius III.
Timing a visit in September is essential to experience the renowned Fiera del Cacio, the annual pecorino cheese festival, where travelers can revel in celebrations alongside locals.
Suitable For: Art Enthusiasts, Active Explorers, Architecture Buffs, Aspiring Historians, Couples, Culture Seekers, Families, Gastronomy Lovers, Seasoned Travelers, Adventurous Travelers, Road Trippers.
Neighborhood Highlights: Pienza Cathedral, Pienza Town Hall, Pieve di Corsignano, Fiera del Cacio Festival, Palazzo Piccolomini, Piazza Pio II, San Biagio, Chapel Vitaleta
Recommended Accommodations:
Hotel Corsignano – Centrally located in Pienza, this family-run hotel features spacious rooms with sturdy dark wood furniture, some equipped with seating areas and all with private ensuite bathrooms, providing an authentic Tuscan hospitality experience.
Piccolo Hotel La Valle – Positioned just 150 meters from the historic center of Pienza, guests can unwind in the roof garden or on the outdoor terrace. On-site parking is available, making it ideal for road trippers, and many rooms offer stunning views of the Val d’Orcia valley.
Hotel Residence San Gregorio – This budget-friendly hotel delivers excellent value for money in Pienza. The delightful breakfast buffet showcases a variety of freshly baked pastries, while the roomy and bright accommodations feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.
