Best Things to Do in Tuscany

1. Florence

No list of top attractions in Tuscany can be complete without Tuscany’s capital city Florence. Situated over the River Arno, Florence is the heart of the Tuscan region with its historic bridges, museums, food scene, and artwork.

Florence was the birthplace of Italian Renaissance and the city is full of famous paintings, statues, and buildings, including one of the most famous pieces of the Renaissance - Michelangelo’s David.

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2. Leaning Tower of Pisa

Arguably the most famous tower in the world, the Leaning Tower of Pisa didn’t start out leaning, but began to lean during its construction due to soft soil. The tower took over 300 years to complete with architects continually implementing techniques to keep the tower from leaning any further.

Today, the tower is famous not only for its architecture, but also its uniqueness. Visitors can now climb to the top of the tower to see amazing views of the Square of Miracles the tower is in and of Pisa.

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3. Duomo di Siena

The Duomo di Siena, or The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is one of the top attractions in Tuscany. The Duomo supposedly was constructed on the location of where an earlier church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the 9th century once stood.

The cathedral is famous for its combination of Romanesque and Gothic architecture and its stunning facades, colorful murals, and graffiti floor.

4. Piazza del Campo

The Piazza del Campo gained its UNESCO World Heritage Site acknowledgement not only for its medieval structures, but also for its unique shape. The piazza sits at the heart of Siena in a distinct sea shell shaped square with lines of white stone adding to the sea shell appearance.

The square was originally constructed to be able to hold the entire population of Siena before the city grew. Now, the “il Campo” hosts many of the city’s festivals, including Carnival, and is a place for tourists and locals to relax and unwind.

5. Wineries

One of the top experiences in Tuscany is visiting the countless wineries that dot this storied region. There are wineries all across the region with every province of Tuscany producing wine.

Many of the guided tours to Tuscany include tastings or tours of the famous wineries of the region. Additionally, you can also book your own personal tour during your travels.

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6. Chianti Valley

Possibly the most famous wine region in Tuscany, the Chianti Valley sits between two of Tuscany’s prestigious cities - Florence and Siena. Besides producing the famous Chianti red wine, the region is also home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Tuscany.

The Chianti Valley is characterized by rolling green hills of endless grape vines and stone wineries popping up throughout the landscape. Many of the wine tastings included in tour itineraries take place in this region.

7. San Gimignano

A medieval gem in the heart of the Tuscan hills, San Gimignano is a perfect day trip from either Florence or Siena. The city dates back to ancient times and came to prominence during the Middle Ages until it was controlled by Florence.

The most famous feature of San Gimignano is its towers. Originally there were 72 stone giants towering over the city, but now only 13 remain. The towers were built by wealthy families of Siena to showcase their money and power to the rest of the city.

8. Michelangelo’s David

Tuscany was at the heart of the Italian Renaissance and was were some of the art period’s most famous works are still held. One of the Renaissance’s most important pieces was Michelangelo’s David.

Housed in the Accademia Gallery in Florence, the statue is considered by many to be the most famous statue in the world and the perfect representation of man. The statue was built to resemble David from the Bible and is praised for its detail and accurate human anatomy.

9. Uffizi Gallery

Throughout Florence travelers can see countless pieces of Renaissance art, but a must see while visiting is the Uffizi Gallery. The Uffizi Gallery houses numerous famous Renaissance pieces including art donated by the infamous Medici family of Florence and masterpieces from the artist Botticelli.

10. Lucca

Many tours to Tuscany include a stop in the romantic city of Lucca. Sitting at the base of the Apuan Alps, Lucca is known for its lovely atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression. The city takes shape inside its medieval walls with sprawling piazzas, adorable cafes, and architecture masterpieces. Just wander around these cobblestone streets for a few minutes and you’ll fall in love with this city like everyone else.