Tuscany (Toscana) is one of Italy's most celebrated regions, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and vineyards, as well as its extraordinary concentration of Renaissance art and medieval architecture. Home to Florence, Siena, and Pisa, Tuscany gave the world Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and the foundations of the Italian language.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Tuscany.
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1
Uffizi Gallery
One of the world's most important art museums, housing an unparalleled collection of Renaissance masterpieces including Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation, and works by Michelangelo and Raphael. The gallery occupies the former Medici administrative offices designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560.
Tip: Book tickets online well in advance to avoid queues · Consider a guided tour for context on the artworks · The second floor has the most famous paintings including Botticelli
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2
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The world-famous freestanding bell tower of Pisa Cathedral, begun in 1173 and renowned for its unintended tilt caused by soft ground on one side. Visitors can climb the 294 steps to the top for sweeping views over the Campo dei Miracoli. The tower leans at approximately 3.97 degrees from vertical.
Tip: Book tower climb tickets in advance online · Combine with cathedral, baptistery, and cemetery visits · The photo opportunity spot is on the lawn opposite the tower
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3
Piazza del Campo
One of Europe's greatest medieval public squares, the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo in Siena is divided into nine segments representing the Council of Nine who governed medieval Siena. The square is dominated by the Palazzo Pubblico and its slender Torre del Mangia, and hosts the famous Palio horse race twice a year.
Tip: Visit during the Palio horse race on July 2 and August 16 for an unforgettable experience · Have a coffee at one of the outdoor cafes and soak in the atmosphere · The square slopes gently toward a central drain - try sitting on the brickwork
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4
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Duomo)
Florence's magnificent Gothic cathedral is crowned by Brunelleschi's revolutionary dome, still the largest brick dome ever constructed. The cathedral complex includes the dome, Giotto's campanile, and the Baptistery of San Giovanni with its famous bronze 'Gates of Paradise' by Ghiberti. Climbing the 463 steps to the dome top rewards with panoramic city views.
Tip: Book dome climb tickets in advance - only a limited number allowed each hour · The interior of the cathedral is free but the dome requires a ticket · The Last Judgment fresco inside the dome by Vasari and Zuccari is breathtaking
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5
Ponte Vecchio
Florence's oldest and most iconic bridge spans the Arno River and is lined with goldsmiths, jewelers, and art dealers. Dating from 1345, it is the only Florentine bridge to survive World War II intact. The Vasari Corridor runs along the top of the shops, connecting the Uffizi with the Pitti Palace.
Tip: Visit at sunrise for golden light and no crowds · The padlocks on the railings have been removed - respect the bridge · Browse the goldsmiths' shops during business hours
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6
Palazzo Vecchio
Florence's fortress-like town hall has been the seat of civic government since 1299 and now houses a magnificent museum with frescoed halls, Renaissance sculptures, and the famous Hall of the Five Hundred. The Torre d'Arnolfo tower offers spectacular views over the city and the Arno River.
Tip: Don't miss the Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred) · The tower climb requires a separate ticket · The courtyard contains a copy of Michelangelo's David
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7
Accademia Gallery - Michelangelo's David
The Galleria dell'Accademia houses Michelangelo's original David statue, carved from a single block of Carrara marble between 1501 and 1504. Standing 5.17 meters tall, the David is widely considered the greatest sculpture ever created. The museum also contains Michelangelo's Prisoners and a collection of Florentine paintings.
Tip: Book online to skip queues - essential in peak season · Come specifically for the David and Michelangelo's unfinished Prisoners · The gallery is smaller than expected - David is the highlight
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8
Piazza dei Miracoli
Pisa's Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing four magnificent white marble monuments: the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Leaning Tower, and the Camposanto Monumentale (monumental cemetery). The complex represents some of the finest Romanesque architecture in Italy.
Tip: Buy a combo ticket covering all monuments for best value · The Camposanto frescoes are remarkable and often overlooked · Pisa Card gives access to all monuments
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9
Torre del Mangia
Siena's slender 14th-century bell tower rises 102 meters above the Piazza del Campo and offers the finest panoramic views of the medieval city and surrounding countryside. The tower was built between 1325 and 1344 and was one of the tallest secular towers in medieval Italy.
Tip: The 503 steps are narrow and steep - not suitable for those with mobility issues · Buy tickets at the Palazzo Pubblico entrance · Book in advance in summer as visitor numbers are limited
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10
San Gimignano Medieval Towers
Known as the 'Medieval Manhattan', San Gimignano is a UNESCO-listed hilltop town famous for its 14 surviving medieval towers built by wealthy families competing for status. Once the town had 72 towers. The historic center, its Collegiata church with beautiful frescoes, and the views over the surrounding vineyards make this one of Tuscany's must-visit destinations.
Tip: Climb the Torre Grossa for the best views · Try the award-winning gelato at Gelateria Dondoli · Walk the walls perimeter for views of the towers from outside
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The world's most famous bell tower, leaning at nearly 4 degrees from vertical
Ponte Vecchio
Florence's medieval bridge lined with goldsmiths spanning the Arno River
Torre del Mangia
Siena's soaring medieval bell tower overlooking the Piazza del Campo
Lucca City Walls
Italy's best-preserved Renaissance walls, wide enough to cycle on top
Piazza del Campo
One of Europe's finest medieval squares in the heart of Siena
Museums
Uffizi Gallery
World's greatest collection of Italian Renaissance painting in Florence
Accademia Gallery
Home to Michelangelo's original David statue
Bargello Museum
Florence's finest collection of Renaissance sculpture
Pitti Palace
Vast Medici palace housing multiple world-class collections
Museo Etrusco Guarnacci, Volterra
One of Italy's most important Etruscan collections
Nature
Val d'Orcia
UNESCO-listed rolling hills, cypress avenues, and medieval villages
Elba Island
Crystalline waters, dramatic beaches, and Apennine peaks
Chianti Wine Region
Vine-covered hills, olive groves, and medieval stone villages
Maremma Regional Park
Pristine coastal nature reserve with wild horses and Etruscan ruins
Garfagnana Valley
Dramatic Apennine valley with ancient villages and forest trails
Cultural
San Gimignano
Medieval hilltop town famous for its 14 surviving stone towers
Pitigliano
Dramatic tuff-rock town with a rich Jewish cultural heritage
Montepulciano
Elegant Renaissance hill town and home of Vino Nobile wine
Montalcino
Medieval fortified town and birthplace of Brunello di Montalcino wine
Volterra
Ancient Etruscan city renowned for alabaster crafts and dramatic setting
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most attractions open 9AM-6PM, many closed on Mondays
- Fees
- Museum entry typically €10-25, churches often free but some charge €3-8
- Best Times
- Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds; spring and autumn for best weather
- Booking
- Book Uffizi, Accademia, and major Florence museums online weeks or months in advance
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Book Florence museum tickets at least 2-4 weeks in advance during peak season
Many Tuscan churches are free to enter but require modest dress (cover shoulders and knees)
ZTL restricted traffic zones in many historic centers - check before driving
Tuscany Card or Firenze Card offer multiple museum entry and skip-the-line access
Many smaller village churches and chapels are hidden gems with remarkable art
Church opening hours vary widely - typically closed 12-3PM for lunch
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Tuscany?
April-May and September-October for ideal weather and fewer crowds than peak summer
Are guided tours available for Tuscany's attractions?
Available at major sites, typically €15-50 per person; highly recommended for the Uffizi
Can I take photos at attractions in Tuscany?
Photography allowed in most outdoor sites; restricted or prohibited in many museums - check signs
How much time do I need for Tuscany's main attractions?
Plan at least 4-5 days to see Florence, Siena, Pisa, and sample the countryside