Things to do & places to visit in Tuscany, Italy

The achingly beautiful Tuscany region of Italy is a touchstone of art, food, and culture. Made up of stunning countryside and distinguished cities, Tuscany is the perfect escape for gastronomes, cognoscenti, and fans of the Italian Renaissance. Visit the stunning Roman Catholic cathedrals and galleries of Florence and Arezzo, or make your way to Pisa to see its hallmark Leaning Tower. A bike tour through olive groves and vineyards is a popular way to literally breathe in the Tuscan atmosphere.

Tuscany #2 destination in Italy 2023. The average rating score is 4.50 based on 545.1k traveler reviews, of 300 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Rome, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 15:38.

Top things to do (24)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Piazza del Campo (14.3k reviews) from $10.71
- Siena’s living room
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Siena's main square is the site of the famous Palio horse races that take place in July and August. See more..
5.0 Duomo di Siena (11.9k reviews) from $20.66
- Must-see.
Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

The magnificent complex of the Cathedral of Siena, its Duomo, houses a series of some of the most important monuments of the European artistic panorama. With its more than one million visitors every year, the Cathedral without a doubt represents the fulcrum of the entire complex, while other significant elements include the Crypt, the Baptistery and the Museo dell'Opera, all part of the impressive mass formed by the "Duomo Vecchio" (Old Cathedral), and the "Duomo Nuovo" (New Cathedral). Visitors will travel along a memorable itinerary to the discovery of self and the truth of faith through culture and art, the result of more than a millennium of Western history. See more..
5.0 Centro Storico di Siena (2.491 reviews)
- Must See in Tuscany.
Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

A must see when you are visiting Tuscany. The 'Centro Storico' looks like centuries have passed without bringing remarkable changes. One day might be just enough to wander around and see the Campo, the Cathedral, parts of the medieval city walls and some other highlights. Take two to three days to explore the city a bit better. See more..
5.0 Biblioteca Piccolomini (2.103 reviews)
- Great visit!
Libraries

The library is connected to the Duomo di Siena and is a relatively small room which makes for a great quick visit after visiting the Duomo di Siena. The library is stunning and unlike anything we've seen before. Tickets are sold in combination with entrance to the Duomo di Siena. Highly recommend. See more..
4.5 Gallerie Degli Uffizi (38.7k reviews) from $45.77
- Stunning art works
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

One of the great museums of the world, the Uffizi houses the premier collection of Italian Renaissance art, featuring works by such masters as Botticelli, Titian, Michelangelo and da Vinci. See more..
4.5 Piazzale Michelangelo (33.8k reviews)
- Amazing Viewa and Dancing!
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

This neoclassical-style piazza built by Giuseppe Poggi in the 19th century offers some of the best panoramic views of Florence's historic center. The plaza is also home to several replicas of Michelangelo's famous sculptures, including David and the Medici Chapel statues. To get to the piazza, you'll need to climb up a steep hill, but the unobstructed views are worth it. Sunset is a popular time to visit when the plaza is bathed in golden light. You can take a taxi or car tour up the hill, or for a unique experience, pass by the piazza on a Vespa tour through Tuscany from Florence. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Galleria dell'Accademia (32.0k reviews) from $24.62
- A Must Do
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

Europe's first school of drawing, this museum of art is chiefly famous for its several sculptures by Michelangelo, notably his David, in addition to an extensive collection of 15th- and 16th-century paintings. See more..
4.5 Duomo - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (28.9k reviews) from $51.92
- Dome Climb
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The cathedral's iconic dome was an architectural feat designed by famed Renaissance architect Brunelleschi. Climb 463 steps to the cupola for panoramic views of Florence. See more..
4.5 Leaning Tower of Pisa (23.8k reviews) from $17.67
- Leaning Tower and the Duomo in Pisa amazing
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers

It is called the Leaning Tower or the Tower of Pisa but actually it was never used for defending the city; it is part of the religious complex in the Duomo Square and acts as its bell tower. It played an active role in both human and divine timekeeping with its seven bells – one for each musical note – the largest of which, cast in 1655, weighs a full three and a half tonnes! It is known throughout the world for the beauty of its architecture, for its extraordinary tilt, which makes it an authentic miracle of statics, and for the fact that it stands in the universally renowned Piazza dei Miracoli, of which it is certainly the prize jewel. And this is why it is one of the 7 Wonders of the World. See more..
4.5 Piazza del Duomo (22.6k reviews)
- WALKS TOUR-VIP DAVID AND DUOMO
Spent < 1 hour Historic Walking Areas

This large city square contains the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, the third largest cathedral in the world after St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London. See more..
4.5 Ponte Vecchio (21.0k reviews)
- Florence's icon spared from destruction during WWIIo
Spent < 1 hour Bridges

Erected during Roman times, this is the most ancient and photographed bridge in Florence, which is characterized by three arches and two wide arcades on each side housing the famous and unusual "botteghe" or shops. See more..
4.5 Piazza della Signoria (17.1k reviews)
- A central piazza with lots to see there
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

This historic plaza is the political heart of the city and home to significant monuments like the Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi, and Uffizi Gallery. See more..
4.5 Mercato Centrale (16.4k reviews)
- Worth the visit
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Flea & Street Markets

If you're a food lover, you can't miss this historic food market in Florence. As part of the San Lorenzo Market, this food market showcases some of Tuscany's finest products, from farm-fresh produce to cured meats and cheeses. Many travelers get truffle oil, honey, and aged balsamic vinegar for souvenirs—which you can try before buying. Swing upstairs to grab a quick lunch, and wander through the outdoor market for more shopping. Join a walking food tour to experience the best food spots in Florence, which often includes a stop at Mercato Centrale. Visit earlier in the day for fewer crowds. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Le mura di Lucca (9.436 reviews)
- I just love Lucca and this is a must!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 10:59 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

I have visited Lucca 3 times and this was the first time we stayed within the centro storico, but if you visit you must walk the walls of Lucca, they circumnavigate the whole city and there are several gates to enter. The walls are really wide so you can walk or cycle but to walk them is lovely with trees overhanging to provide shade in the heat of the day. You will find it’s a popular pastime and there are a few cafes and musicians along the way. What a lovely way to spend a couple of hours. See more..
4.5 Basilica of Santa Croce (9.162 reviews) from $15.61
- Definitely worth a visit
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

This is the richest medieval church in Florence, which features frescoes by Giotto, a chapel by Brunelleschi and one of the finest of all early Renaissance tombs. See more..
4.5 Palazzo Vecchio (9.063 reviews) from $26.77
- Climb the Alforno Tower for great city views
Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles • Government Buildings

The medieval town hall in Piazza della Signoria is a symbol of civil power and home to iconic art frescoes, secret tunnels, and Roman ruins. See more..
4.5 Campanile di Giotto (8.553 reviews)
- Amazing views
Monday: 8:15 AM - 6:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers • Religious Sites • Monuments & Statues

The bell tower is a prime example of 14th-century Florentine Gothic architecture. You have to climb 414 steps but the big prize is panoramic city views. See more..
4.5 Piazza dei Miracoli (8.013 reviews)
- Important to see and say Wow
Monday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 AM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Miracoli! Gabriele D’Annunzio effectively condenses the wonder and admiration that catch whoever visits the Piazza del Duomo of Pisa. See more..
4.5 Cupola del Brunelleschi (6.759 reviews)
- The View!
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Climb 463 steps to Brunelleschi's dome for spectacular views of the city. This 15th-century dome is the largest masonry vault in the world. See more..
4.5 Historic Centre of San Gimignano (6.551 reviews)
- Manhattan of the Middle Ages!!!
Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

This charming medieval village had dozens and dozens of towers (hence the name "Manhattan of the Middle Ages"). The wealthy of the time competed over who literally had "the tallest tower". Some contemporaries perpetrate this behavior. However, today there are only 14 towers, but the show is absolutely guaranteed. You should contact an association to arrange a guided tour (I contacted the "Pro Loco San Gimignagno, they were very kind) to enjoy the beauty of the city during the day and, if possible, stay in the evening, because when it gets dark the atmosphere becomes fairy-tale and the city shows another, new and beautiful, aspect. See more..
4.5 Palazzo Pitti (5.894 reviews) from $23.55
- Vast Collection inside
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums

A complex of art museums housing some of the most celebrated treasures in the city.. See more..
4.5 Duomo di Pisa (5.484 reviews) from $34.26
- Impressive
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Founded in 1064 and consecrated with great pomp on September 26th 1118, the Cathedral was built in two stages, one by architect Buscheto, who created the original layout with the basilican body with four aisles and one nave, a transept with one nave and two aisles, and the dome on the cross vault, and one by Rainaldo, who extended the building and the façade. The building was not finally completed until the last quarter of the XII century, when Bonannoís bronze leaves were placed on the central door, which were later destroyed by the devastating fire of 1595, after which many of the destroyed works were replaced and a vast decorative plan was started. See more..
4.5 Cascate del Mulino (5.443 reviews)
- One of the best free thermal water spots around
Spent 1-2 hours Hot Springs & Geysers • Waterfalls

Nestled in the spa town of Saturnia, this series of waterfalls cascade sulfur-rich water from natural hot springs over rocky formations into terraced travertine pools. The water temperature hovers around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, comfortable all year round, and particularly enjoyable in winter. The stunning beauty of the falls and surrounding fauna make this spot worth stopping by, even if you’re not interested in having a soak. Cascate del Mulino is free to enter and immensely popular—arrive at daybreak if you want a corner to yourself. There are changerooms, paid parking, and a small snack bar serving refreshments. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Basilica San Miniato al Monte (5.367 reviews)
- The best view of the city
Monday: 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Lookouts • Religious Sites

Situated on a hill (monte) outside Florence with unsurpassed views of the city, this structure is one of the finest examples of Tuscan Romanesque architecture, built between the 11th and 13th centuries. See more..
4.5 Piazza Anfiteatro (5.296 reviews)
- Wonderful square! street music, bars and views of buildings
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This city square is built on an ancient Roman amphitheater situated in the heart of Lucca's historical center. See more..
4.5 Centro Storico (5.208 reviews)
- Artistic atmosphere
Spent More than 3 hours Historic Walking Areas

Bound by its medieval walls, the historic center of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to its most culturally important buildings. See more..
4.5 Battistero di San Giovanni (4.441 reviews)
- Bapistry @ Florence Duomo
Monday: 10:15 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

A beautiful building best known for its elaborately sculpted doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti. See more..
4.5 Torre Guinigi (3.945 reviews)
- Well worth the climb
Observation Decks & Towers

This tower is easily recognizable: it has a leaning tree growing out of its top. See more..
4.5 Basilica of Santa Maria Novella (3.766 reviews)
- Lovely visit
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

Dominican monastery that serves as a distinguished monument to the religious and artistic history of Florence, which features valuable examples of Florentine paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries.. See more..
4.5 Battistero di San Giovanni (3.720 reviews)
- Beautiful building both inside and out
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

The Baptistery of San Giovanni was founded on 15 August 1152. It is here that the Sacrament of Baptism is administered and the Christian embarks upon the path of Faith. The reason that such a fascinating and enigmatic building was constructed was certainly the wish to endow the cathedral with a worthy adjunct: a Baptistery that, in terms of position, size, materials, and style, would be in harmony with the majestic building that already stood opposite. On January 14, 2022, the Baptistery reopens to visitors. It was closed for 3 months for extraordinary maintenance. Completed the restoration of the dome, work continues on the vaults over the matroneum. See more..