On this page I’m sharing my travel blog on Tuscany. I’m giving you all my recommendations for the beautiful region in Italy, with cities like Florence and landmarks like the leaning tower of Pisa. You can probably spent months in this region, but on this page I’m sharing the highlights for if you’re going on a 3, 4 or 5 day trip to Tuscany. Quickly read on for my travel blog on Tuscany.
Best hotels in Florence
I recommend that you stay in the city of Florence during your trip to Tuscany. In the city you’ve got everything you need, from beautiful hotels to good restaurants and from famous museums to authentic shops. From Florence you can take the train to other cities like Pisa, or you can rent a car and go on a road trip in Tuscany.
A good hotel to stay in Florence is La Torre del Cestello. This hotel offers good value for money. You’ll get a spacious room with high ceilings and classy interior, on a very good location. You can find the hotel right below the Arno river, in the hip neighborhood Oltrarno. Here you’ll find many restaurants, bakeries and bars where the locals go to.
Want to splurge? Then go for the stylish five star hotel Ville Sull’Arno. This hotel is more exquisite, but it’s amazing if you want to spoil yourself. The hotel can be found just outside of the busy city center but it’s still very easy to reach with a bus, taxi, rental car or one of the free rental bikes of the hotel. Ville Sull’Arno has got a pool and views over the Arno river. We’ve decided to go all out and booked a suite with a private hot tub on our balcony.
La Duomo, Florence
Start your sightseeing in Florence with a visit to La Duomo, officially known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. The cathedral is hard to miss with its impressive dome dominating the city skyline. You can go inside for free, but if you want to climb to the top, make sure to book tickets in advance. The climb is a bit of a workout, but you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view over Florence that’s absolutely stunning.
Uffizi Galleries, Florence
Just a short walk from the Duomo you’ll find the Uffizi Galleries, one of the most famous art museums in the world. Even if you’re not a big art fan, the building itself and the collection inside are incredibly impressive. You’ll see works from Botticelli, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and many more. The Birth of Venus is one of the highlights. I recommend booking your ticket online to skip the long lines.
Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze
Another must-see is the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, where the original statue of David by Michelangelo is displayed. The statue is much larger and more detailed than you might expect. Besides David, the museum also has a small but interesting collection of paintings and musical instruments. It’s a relatively quick visit, so you can easily combine it with other sights on the same day. Here it’s also smart to book your tickets online, so that you can skip the queue.
Arno River, Florence
Take some time to walk along the Arno River, especially in the early evening. The light reflecting on the water and the old bridges, like Ponte Vecchio, make for a very scenic stroll. The riverfront is a great place to grab a drink or sit on a bench and watch the world go by. It’s also a perfect route if you’re cycling around the city.
Giunti Odeon, Florence
Want to find a real hidden gem in Florence? Then you should visit Giunti Odeon. This library houses a cinema! They play movies throughout the day in this library and book shop that has had a stage since 1922. On the ground floor you can stroll through the books, and on the first floor you can take a seat and enjoy the movie. In the evenings they also have movie screenings. You can check the schedule and buy tickets on their website.
Best viewpoint in Florence
One of the best viewpoints in Florence is at the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte, located just a bit further up the hill from the more crowded Piazzale Michelangelo. The basilica itself is stunning, with a beautifully detailed façade and a peaceful atmosphere inside. But the real highlight is the view from the terrace in front of the church. From here, you’ll get a postcard-perfect panorama of Florence — the Arno River, the rooftops, and of course the Duomo right in the center. It’s especially magical at sunset, when the city is bathed in golden light. Bring a bottle of wine and enjoy the view — it’s one of those unforgettable travel moments.
Giardino Bardini, Florence
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape with a stunning view, head to Giardino Bardini, one of Florence’s best-kept secrets. Tucked away in the Oltrarno district, this historic garden offers a tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking panoramic views of the city, including the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio. The garden features a beautiful wisteria-covered pergola that blooms in spring, creating a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll. With its terraced lawns, Baroque staircase, and diverse plant life, Giardino Bardini is a perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty of Florence away from the crowds. There’s a cafe on top of the hill where you can order a drink or ice cream.
Vintage photo booth, Florence
For a quirky and memorable souvenir, seek out the Fotoautomatica vintage photo booth at Via Santa Monaca 1, nestled in Florence’s Oltrarno district. This restored 1960s booth, part of a citywide project by set designer Matteo Sani, offers a delightful throwback experience. For just €2, you can capture four black-and-white snapshots, developed on real film in about four and a half minutes. The booth’s retro charm and analog process make it a favorite among both locals and visitors, providing a unique keepsake of your time in Florence. It’s a perfect stop during a leisurely exploration of the city’s more authentic neighborhoods.
Siena
Looking for a day trip in Tuscany? Siena is about 1.5 hours from Florence by car or bus. It’s a gorgeous medieval city known for its narrow streets, old churches, and the famous Piazza del Campo, where the Palio horse race takes place. The city has a laid-back vibe, and it’s a great place to have lunch and explore for an afternoon.
Pisa
Another iconic stop is Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower. The tower is part of a larger complex called the Piazza dei Miracoli, which includes a cathedral and a baptistery. Yes, you’ll want to take the classic tourist photo pretending to hold up the tower — everyone does. But the town itself is also quite charming and easy to walk around. You can easily take the train from Florence to Pisa.
San Gimignano
Lastly, don’t miss San Gimignano, a small hilltop town in Tuscany surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. It’s known for its medieval towers, cobblestone streets and incredible views of the Tuscan countryside. This town has a storybook feel and is perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
