It’s one of those places everyone dreams of going to. The question is what to do in Tuscany when you’re there. Don’t worry, this is a place that’s overflowing with sights, and unforgettable experiences. In fact you’ll run out of holiday long before you run out of things to do. So we’ve created the ultimate check list. All the unmissable things to do in Tuscany that will make your trip truly special.

What to do in Tuscany

Visit Florence, the city of the Renaissance

Florence is a city that never loses its magic. From a visit to the majestic Duomo,  to a night out in San Frediano, one of the coolest neighbourhoods, Florence has it all. And as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence feels like an open air museum. Don’t miss Piazza Signoria, a walk along the Ponte Vecchio and an evening Negroni in Santo Spirito.

what to do in tuscany

Enjoy its glorious countryside

Rolling vineyards, quiet olive groves, avenues lined with cypress trees and walled towns on the top of a hill. This is Tuscany. Landscapes so unforgettable they look like they have jumped right off a postcard. Drive the winding roads of the Chianti region and the Val D’Orcia, a Unesco world heritage site. Stay in a local agriturismo or country B&B – and while you’re there why not try your hand at grape picking during the vendemmia. Walking tours, cycling holidays and even Vespa tours are a great way to see this beautiful world go by.

Discover the best of the Chianti region which boasts one of the finest countrysides in the world!

what to do in tuscany

Wine tasting, from Chianti to the Super Tuscans

Wine is one of the things Italy is famous for, Tuscany has some of the finest wines in the country. From the excellent Brunello di Montalcino to classic Chianti wines, there’s something to suit your taste. Try wine tasting at a historical wine estates like Antinori or Badia a Coltibuono in the Chianti region. In Tuscany every area has something different to offer your tastebuds. Try the white wines in the Maremma, the noble wines of Montepulciano, and the Super Tuscans of Bolgheri. Alla salute!

Enjoy some of Italy’s most scenic drives

Driving in Tuscany is part of the reason for going. It’s the best way to see this incredible landscape at any time of year. Every season has its own special colours. And subtle changes in topography. In Tuscany, every trip offers a new viewing opportunity. Head for Val D’Orcia and take a drive between Pienza and Montepulciano. Or drive along the winding roads of the Chianti, immersed in vineyards and olive groves. Mount Argentario in the Maremma is the best spot for coastal drives.

Find out about the best scenic drives in Tuscany.

val d'orcia

Visit a Medieval town

Tuscany has its fair share of Medieval towns. Beautifully maintained and restored they seem so untroubled by the passing of time that you could be walking around in the middle ages. The most famous is San Gimignano with its impressive house towers that create its famous silhouette. Among the most scenic ones are CortonaCertaldo Alto and enchanting Volterra, the splendid Massa Marittima and of course Siena with its gorgeous Piazza del Campo.

Want more trip ideas? Explore some of the most charming small towns in Tuscany, Italy.

Climb an ancient tower

From Giotto’s bell tower in Florence to the Torre Grossa in San Gimignano and Boccaccio’s house in Certaldo Alto, there are plenty of atmospheric towers to climb in Tuscany. Aside from the thrill of being inside a centuries old tower, one of the best reasons to do this is the view. These towers usually dominate the town so you’ll get breathtaking views and of course an amazing spot for a selfie!

Fairy tale places in Tuscany
SanGimignano

See world-famous works of art

Florence is the home of the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s most celebrated art museums. You’ll find work by masters from Michelangelo to Da Vinci, Raphael and Botticelli. Visit the Accademia to admire the Statue of David and the Bargello for more masterpieces of sculpture. Check out the Pinacoteca in Siena of the National San Matteo Museum in Pisa for some amazing Medieval art.

Passionate about art? Check out our tips for the best museums in Florence.

Admire architectural wonders in Tuscany

The Square of Miracles and the Leaning Tower are some of the highlights of Italy, and Florence’s Cathedral with its Dome is one of the architectural wonders of the world. Siena’s Cathedral and Piazza del Campo are pure Medieval pleasure for the eye, while Lucca’s massive city walls are an impressive example of Renaissance military architecture. In Tuscany you’ll also find some gorgeous country churches like Sant’Antimo Abbey and the Monte Oliveto Maggiore monastery with its fascinating frescoes.

tuscany points of interest
Pisa

Relax at the beach

For anyone wanting a beach holiday in Italy, Tuscany is a gem. The coast in Tuscany has clean, swimmable beaches and you can still find some that are quite wild, especially in the Maremma area. If you’re wondering what to do in Tuscany in the summer a trip to the beach is almost mandatory. You can rent a deckchair and umbrella, or simply head for the “free beaches’.

Find out the best beaches in the region, and some great coastal towns to visit.

Taste the flavours of Tuscany

You can hardly go to Tuscany without trying some of their classic dishes. From pasta to soups and simple cured meat, there are delights on every menu. Try the famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina – the Florentine T bone steak, the mouthwatering crostini with lardo , fish soup cacciucco, and an artisan gelato is never a bad idea.

Order a cappuccino – in Italian

For your morning coffee in Tuscany you’ll be going to a local “bar” (the word for coffee shop in Italian). And the choice is endless. A simple caffè, a frothy cappuccino, or a milky caffellatte. All are delicious, but you’ll savour them even more if you order like an Italian. Say “Vorrei un cappuccino per favore” which literally means you’d like a cappuccino please. Don’t forget to say “Grazie” when you get your change!

These are our suggestions for what do do in Tuscany. Have some of your own? Write to us!