AREZZO

TUSCANY

Arezzo, a charming city in eastern Tuscany, is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours like Florence and Siena. However, this hidden gem offers a rich history, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and a more relaxed, authentic Tuscan experience. The impressive sloping Piazza Grande , a stunning breathtaking main square a very popular photo motif of the city. Excellent restaurants and cosy cafes invite guests to linger and enjoy the scenery. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or simply a traveller seeking a quieter escape in Italy, Arezzo is a must-visit destination.

In this travel guide, we will reveal everything you need to know for your trip, we show you the best things to do, where to stay, how to get there, beautiful pictures, and recommend great places to eat

PLAN YOUR TUSCANY ADVENTURE

These are our favorite companies we use when planning a trip, they consistently have the best prices, great customer service, and overall, are better than their competitors.

BOOK YOUR FLIGHT – SKYSCANNER – we always start here and usually always finish here. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices. You can also try GOING to search prices across a variety of sites.

TRAVEL OPTIONS

CAR RENTAL – We recommend using Discover Cars or Rental Cars when booking a car rental, they work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs.

TRAINS – TRAINLINE – is our favorite, this site is very reliable and easy to use.

BUS – OMIO – this website allows you to book train or bus tickets to travel from city to city the best and cheapest way. FLIXBUS is another terrific website with routes between 20 European countries.

ACCOMMODATIONS

BOOKING.com – is our go to for hotel searches around the world, we find they always have the cheapest rates and offer different payment options. In addition, VRBO is another terrific website for all types of accommodations.

HOSTELWORLD – is great if you’re traveling on a budget, and if you need a cheap place to stay.

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

GET YOUR GUIDE – is our favorite; they have stacks of tours and excursions available in cities all over the world. VIATOR is another great website for all types of tours.

TAKE WALKS – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

SAFETY WING – is our go to travel medical insurance company, especially for longer trips. You can either purchase a monthly plan or a plan for specific trip dates (i.e. 1-2 week trips). They cover people from all over the world, while outside their home country.

ARC’TERYX – is a go to reliable brand for outdoor adventure and travel, their wide range includes light weight durable, easy to clean travel gear.

                                        Check out our RESOURCE PAGE for more additional planning.

Interesting facts about Arezzo

Arezzo is one of Tuscany’s oldest cities, dating back to the Etruscan civilization. It was an important hub during Roman times and has preserved its medieval charm, with picturesque squares, beautiful churches, and fascinating museums. Worth seeing is Arezzo’s beautiful centre, merchant palaces, numerous churches create a picture-perfect medieval ambience. The city is well known for its artistic heritage, particularly due to the masterpieces of Piero della Francesca and Giorgio Vasari, and its vibrant antiques market, held monthly in the Piazza Grande.

Arezzo was also the filming location for the Oscar-winning movie Life is Beautiful, which adds to its cinematic charm. The city’s historic center is compact and walkable, allowing visitors to explore its sights at a leisurely pace.

Best things to do in Arezzo

Piazza Grande – The heart of Arezzo, this stunning medieval square is lined with historic buildings and charming cafés. It hosts the famous monthly antiques fair and the Giostra del Saracino, a traditional medieval jousting tournament. With its Renaissance-era Vasari Loggia and sloping cobblestone layout, Piazza Grande offers an unforgettable Tuscan atmosphere.

Basilica of San Francesco – This humble yet historically significant church is home to The Legend of the True Cross, a fresco cycle by Piero della Francesca. One of the most important Renaissance artworks, these stunning frescoes depict biblical and historical narratives with extraordinary color and perspective, making the basilica a must-visit for art lovers.

Arezzo Cathedral (Duomo di Arezzo) – Dominating the city skyline, the Gothic-style cathedral features breathtaking stained-glass windows and frescoes by Piero della Francesca. Inside, visitors can admire the intricate carvings, impressive organ, and the final resting place of Saint Donatus, Arezzo’s patron saint.

Church of San Domenico – This 13th-century church is renowned for its wooden Crucifix by Cimabue, one of the greatest early Renaissance artists. The simple yet elegant design, combined with its historical significance, makes it an important stop for those interested in medieval religious art.

Fortezza Medicea – Overlooking the city, this 16th-century fortress was built by the Medici family as a strategic stronghold. Today, visitors can explore its ancient ramparts and enjoy panoramic views of Arezzo’s historic center and surrounding countryside, making it an ideal spot for photography and relaxation

Casa Vasari – The former home of Giorgio Vasari, the famous Renaissance painter, architect, and historian. The beautifully decorated residence features frescoes painted by Vasari himself, offering an intimate look into his life and artistic style. The house is an essential stop for those interested in the Italian Renaissance.

Antiques Market – Arezzo’s famous antique market takes place on the first weekend of every month in Piazza Grande. With over 500 stalls offering vintage furniture, artwork, jewelry, and collectibles, it attracts collectors and casual shoppers alike. Even if you don’t buy anything, browsing through centuries-old treasures is a unique experience.

Roman Amphitheater and Archaeological Museum – This ancient site dates back to the 2nd century AD and once hosted gladiatorial games. Though partially in ruins, the amphitheater retains much of its historical charm. The adjacent museum houses a fascinating collection of Roman artifacts, including mosaics, sculptures, and inscriptions

Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici – A beautiful Renaissance palace that showcases a striking astronomical clock on its façade. Visitors can explore its small museum and climb to the top for fantastic views of Piazza Grande. The palace perfectly blends Gothic and Renaissance architecture, adding to Arezzo’s historic charm

Porta San Lorentino – is the best of the four city gates and leads directly into the historical centre of Arezzo. San lorentino, the protector of the Porto del Foro district. Etruscan bronze statue known as Chimera of Arezzo is impressive at the gateway.

 

Where to Eat in Arezzo

Arezzo offers an excellent selection of traditional Tuscan cuisine, focusing on fresh, local ingredients, handmade pasta, and fine wines. Here are some top recommendations:

Fine Dining

  • Ristorante Logge Vasari – Located in Piazza Grande, this elegant restaurant offers a refined take on Tuscan cuisine with an exceptional wine list.
  • La Lancia d’Oro – Also in Piazza Grande, known for its high-quality ingredients and exquisite presentation of local dishes.

Traditional Tuscan Cuisine

  • Trattoria Cavour 42 – A charming trattoria offering handmade pasta, Chianina beef, and traditional Arezzo dishes.
  • Antica Osteria l’Agania – A cozy spot with rustic decor, serving classic Tuscan flavors, including pici pasta and wild boar stew.
  • Ristorante Il Cantuccio – Specializing in local meats, truffles, and homemade pastas.

Casual & Local Favorites

  • Porcavacca – A great place for a casual meal, serving high-quality meats, burgers, and Tuscan charcuterie boards.
  • La Bottega di Gnicche – A small, friendly wine bar offering delicious cheeses, cured meats, and regional wines.

Sweet Treats & Cafés

  • Chimeri Caffè – Famous for its Italian coffee, pastries, and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Gelateria Veneta – The best place in Arezzo for artisanal gelato with a wide range of flavors.

Where to Stay in Arezzo

Arezzo has accommodations to suit all budgets, from luxurious hotels to charming agriturismos and budget-friendly stays.

Luxury Hotels

  • Graziella Patio Hotel – A boutique hotel in the historic center, offering stylish rooms and a perfect location for exploring.
  • Vogue Hotel Arezzo – An elegant hotel with modern amenities, close to major attractions.

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Hotel Continentale – A comfortable stay with spacious rooms and a rooftop terrace with great views.
  • B&B 52cento – A well-reviewed bed & breakfast with a cozy atmosphere and personalized service.
  • La Torre di Borgunto– We stayed here the last time we were here, highly recommend, right in the center, just 70 meters from Piazza Grande.

Budget & Unique Stays

  • La Corte del Re – Offers charming apartments with historical features, perfect for a longer stay.
  • Agriturismo Il Palazzo – A rustic countryside stay just outside the city, ideal for those wanting a peaceful retreat.
How to Get to Arezzo

Arezzo is well connected by train, car, and bus, making it easily accessible from major Italian cities.

By Train

Arezzo is on the main Florence-Rome railway line, making train travel the most convenient way to reach the city.

  • From Florence – Direct trains take about 40-50 minutes.
  • From Rome – Direct trains take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • From Milan – A high-speed train connection takes around 3 hours.

You can book your train here.

By Car

Driving to Arezzo allows you to explore the Tuscan countryside. The A1 motorway connects Arezzo with Florence and Rome.

Compare these two car rental websites, we use both regularly and highly recommend them both.

Discover Cars or Rental cars.com

By Air

The closest major airports are Florence, Pisa, and Rome Fiumicino.

Arezzo is a delightful Tuscan destination offering a blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. Whether you come for a day trip or stay longer, this charming city will leave you enchanted.

Tours of Arezzo.

If you don’t plan on renting a car while in Tuscany, you can visit Arezzo on a tour. This takes care of your transportation to and from Arezzo, which can save you a lot of time. Here are several tours that start from nearby towns.

MORE PLACES TO VISIT IN TUSCANY

VOLTERRA – Medieval Hill top town

SIENA – The Heart of Tuscany

LUCCA – The Gem of Tuscany

CORTONA – Stunning Hillside Town

SAN GIMIGNANO – The Medieval Manhatten of Tuscany