Uffizi Gallery
World-class art museum housing Botticelli's Birth of Venus and works by Leonardo da Vinci
On this page
About Tuscany
Tuscany stretches across central Italy between the Apennine mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, encompassing five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, world-class museums, and one of Italy's most beloved culinary traditions. The region produces iconic wines including Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino, grows prized truffles in the San Miniato hills, and yields extra-virgin olive oil celebrated across the globe. Whether you come for art, food, hiking, beach holidays, or simply to drive through the countryside, Tuscany delivers an experience of rare beauty and depth.
- Capital
- Florence
- Largest city
- Florence
- Population
- 3.7 million
- Languages
- Italian
- Currency
- Euro
- Time zone
- CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
Explore Tuscany by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Tuscany
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Iconic medieval bell tower of the Cathedral of Pisa
Piazza del Campo, Siena
One of Europe's greatest medieval squares, home to the Palio horse race
Val d'Orcia
UNESCO World Heritage landscape of rolling hills, cypress trees, and medieval villages
Ponte Vecchio
Florence's oldest bridge lined with goldsmith shops spanning the Arno River
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Tuscany Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Tuscany, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Tuscany
- Days 1-2Tuscany city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Tuscany
- Days 1-3Tuscany comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Tuscany, departure
Where to stay in Tuscany
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget €60
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range €150
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury €400+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
Set in a stunning 15th-century Renaissance palazzo with a 4.5-acre private garden, the Four Seasons Florence is one of Italy's most prestigious hotels. Rooms are opulently decorated with period furniture and silk fabrics, and the hotel's spa and Michelin-starred restaurant Il Palagio make it a complete destination.
Check rates on Booking.comBelmond Villa San Michele
Perched on the hillside at Fiesole above Florence, this breathtaking 15th-century former monastery designed in part by Michelangelo offers stunning views over the Arno Valley and Florence's rooftops. Each room is individually decorated with antiques, and the heated pool and Michelin-starred restaurant complete the experience.
Check rates on Booking.comCastello Banfi Il Borgo
Within the walls of the medieval Castello Banfi estate in the heart of Brunello wine country, this stunning hotel offers 14 suites and 14 rooms decorated with antique furnishings and local stone. Surrounded by 2,800 hectares of vineyards, olive groves, and woods with a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comRosewood Castiglion del Bosco
A 5,000-acre private estate in the Val d'Orcia with a restored medieval village converted into one of Italy's most exclusive resorts. Offering private villas, a championship golf course, Ristorante Campo del Drago with outstanding Brunello wine, a luxury spa, and falconry experiences.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Tuscany
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Buca Lapi
Florence's oldest restaurant, operating since 1880 in the atmospheric vaulted wine cellars beneath Palazzo Antinori. Famous for its enormous bistecca fiorentina grilled over charcoal, the walls are plastered with vintage travel posters. A true Florentine institution.
Enoteca Pinchiorri
One of Italy's most celebrated restaurants with three Michelin stars, housed in a 15th-century palazzo in Florence with one of Italy's finest wine cellars (over 130,000 bottles). Chef Annie Feolde has created an extraordinary temple of Italian haute cuisine combining Tuscan tradition with French technique.
Trattoria Mario
An iconic and beloved Florence trattoria operating since 1953 near the Mercato Centrale. Communal tables, paper tablecloths, no reservations, and a short menu of daily specials including ribollita, lampredotto, and bistecca make this the quintessential Florentine lunch experience beloved by locals and savvy travelers alike.
Osteria Le Logge
One of Siena's finest restaurants, housed in a magnificent 19th-century pharmacy with original wooden shelves, marble counters, and terracotta floors. The menu celebrates Sienese and Tuscan cuisine with exceptional seasonal ingredients, an outstanding wine list focused on Brunello and Chianti Classico.
Antica Macelleria Cecchini
Dario Cecchini, an 8th-generation butcher and global celebrity chef, runs this legendary butcher shop and restaurant in Panzano in Chianti. Featured on Netflix's Chef's Table, it serves extraordinary bistecca fiorentina and other cuts in a unique communal, festive atmosphere. The most famous butcher in Italy.
Osteria di Brinzella
A charming farmhouse osteria in the Chianti hills serving authentic Tuscan farm cooking with a menu that changes with the seasons and uses ingredients from the surrounding countryside. The terrace views over the vineyards and the wood-fire cooking make this a favorite for those exploring Chianti.
Getting around Tuscany
Tuscany has good transport links between major cities via train, but a rental car is strongly recommended for exploring the countryside, Chianti wine region, Val d'Orcia, and smaller hill towns not served by public transport.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25 | €80 | €250 |
| Food (per day) | €15 | €40 | €100 |
| Transportation | €10 | €15 | €30 |
| Activities | €10 | €15 | €20 |
| Daily total | €60 | €150 | €400+ |
Best time to visit Tuscany
Essential travel tips
- Book Uffizi Gallery tickets well in advance
- Many towns have limited traffic zones (ZTL) for cars
- Restaurants typically open for dinner from 7:30PM
- Many churches require modest dress (cover shoulders and knees)
Safety information
Keep valuables in hotel safe and use anti-theft bags
Be cautious of pickpockets near the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio
Validate train tickets before boarding to avoid fines
Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Tuscany?
Entry requirements follow Italy/Schengen rules. EU citizens need only a national ID card; non-EU visitors from many countries may stay visa-free for up to 90 days; others require a Schengen visa. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Tuscany?
The currency in Tuscany is the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Tuscany?
The main language(s) spoken in Tuscany: Italian. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Tuscany?
The top attractions in Tuscany include Uffizi Gallery, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazza del Campo, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Duomo), and Ponte Vecchio. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.