Are you planning a trip to Italy? You would be surely wondering about the places to bookmark for your visit. Whether you are a history buff, an architectural or a cultural enthusiast, you must pay a visit to Tuscany. It's a region in central Italy, known for Renaissance art and architecture, including Michelangelo’s 'David' statue, Botticelli’s works in the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo Basilica. Here, you can witness the buildings from the medieval period and admire the rich artwork at a number of churches. Tuscany also offers you stunning views of the cuties and countryside from the bell towers with plenty of photography opportunities. The best part is, that it is super affordable, letting you explore it in-depth.
Here are the places to visit in Tuscany, Italy
Florence
The capital of the Tuscany region, Florence is one of the most popular places to visit in Tuscany. It is known for its rich history, artistic legacy, and impressive architecture and also boasts of being the birthplace of the Renaissance. Here, you must visit, The Duomo, or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the most iconic buildings in Florence and the fourth largest church in the world. You are in Florence and have not visited any museum yet, it's something impossible. Florence is home to a number of world-famous museums like The Uffizi Gallery and The Galleria which you should not skip if you are a history buff or a culture enthusiast. Whether you are on a holiday or on an exploration, it feels incomplete without food. So, when you plan to pay a visit to Florence, Tuscany, just remember to take a sip of Italian refreshing drinks like Espresso and Aperol Spritz. Obsessed with wine? Sample Chianti wine, which you can easily find at any restaurant or bar.
Siena
Just an hour's drive away from Florence, Siena is Tuscany’s medieval heart. It offers a romantic ambience like no other, making it one of the best places to visit in Tuscany, especially for couples. Tuscany sightseeing includes the famous Piazza del Campo, an iconic square which is known for its unique shell shape and the Palio horse race, held twice a year. If you are an architectural enthusiast, you must not skip Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena), known for its remarkable Gothic architecture and intricate artwork inside this cathedral. Also, get the panoramic views of this lovely medieval town and Tuscan countryside from the Torre del Mangia. Climbing to this tower needs a bit of effort but the mesmerizing views are worth it, making Siena one of the top things to see in Tuscany. Towards the end of the day, take a sip of Chianti Wine, exploring the picturesque vineyards.
Pisa
Leaning Tower is one of the best things to see in Tuscany Italy. Located at Pisa, a city in Italy’s Tuscany region, Leaning Tower is known for its iconic lean, it is the bell tower of the Romanesque, striped-marble cathedral. If you search for the tourist places in Tuscany, you would find Pisa among the top list owing to the Leaning Tower. Apart from this, you can also explore many medieval masterpieces over here at Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes Cathedral (Duomo), Baptistery, and Camposanto Monumentale, whether you are a history enthusiast or an architectural enthusiast, this place is sure to please you with its aura like no other. After exploring, tantalize your taste buds with authentic Tuscan cuisine, you can try ribollita (a hearty soup), pappardelle al cinghiale (pasta with wild boar) and finish your meal with the amazing local wines. At last, you can also pay a visit to the banks of River Arno for a relaxing stroll. If you are not a fan of bustling cities, Pisa would be one of the best places to visit in Tuscany for you.
Lucca
Visiting Lucca can be one of the best things to do in Tuscany, whether you are interested in soaking in the medieval ambience or looking for a leisurely exploration. It is known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city centre and its cobblestone streets. So, if you plan to take a stroll along the cobblestone streets, skip the high heels and go for comfortable footwear, to avoid any difficulty. You can pay a visit to Duomo di San Martino and admire its impressive marble facade and richly decorated interior, you can also climb to the bell tower to get the mesmerizing views of this charming city, just worth the effort. If you are a plant lover, you must visit the Botanical Garden, established in 1820 which boasts a diverse collection of plants, trees, and flowers, giving you a calm and serene atmosphere.
Whether you are interested in shopping or want to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, go to Via Fillungo, Lucca's main shopping street which is full of boutiques and cafes, letting you explore Tuscany so closely. Lucca is surely among the top things to see in Tuscany, Italy.
San Gimignano
Looking for Tuscany sightseeing, you just can't skip this medieval hill town, San Gimignano. Here you can gaze at 13th-century walls and explore the old town centers on Piazza della Cisterna which is a triangular square lined with medieval houses. Being in the ‘Town of Fine Towers’, you just can't skip visiting at least one tower. Pay a visit to Torre Grosa, the tallest tower here, this not only offers you a number of photography opportunities but also lets you soak in the amazing bird’s eye view of the town and Tuscan countryside. San Gimignano is also famous for its special delicacy, gelato. So if you are here, just don't miss to sample this Italian treat. Gelato is a frozen dessert which is similar to ice cream but is creamier and denser in texture, it's a must-try for everyone. You can also shop some local products like pottery and ceramics as a memory of your Tuscany itinerary. Are you a big fan of wines? Sample the famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano white wine and other regional wines too as tasting wines comes among the top things to do in Tuscany.
Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead.