Ultimate Tuscany Guide by Neighborhood

Is there any other place more dreamy than Tuscany? It'd be hard to find, that's for sure! This beautiful Italian province is the stuff of classic love stories, epic ballads, and cinematic pleasures. An idyllic paradise that just draws in people who want to escape their own worlds and create another here. And if you're one of those people, it pays to know the different neighborhoods you can stay in when you're here. But Tuscany is an entire region, so instead of neighborhoods, this list will take on the various cities that make up this stunning province.

 

Arezzo

First up is Arezzo. If you're a lover of art and history, this is where you should be! No question about it! This is the sort of place where the area doesn't even look like it ever entered the 20th-century, let alone the 21st-century! Filled with baroque architecture,  Renaissance art, and medieval castles, it's a preserved look into the many generations that have shaped Tuscany, and Italy, as a whole. You won't be bored exploring all the old structures that make up this beautiful city. And, at the same time, the lifestyle here is calm, cool, and collected. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Florence

Florence, on the other hand, is a lot busier. It is, after all, one of the tourist-heavy cities in Italy. Filled with hordes of artisans, it's often touted as the capital of art and craftsmanship of Italy, And you instantly see it upon the first visit. The Italian-made luxury goods you bought? Well, it's highly likely they were made here. And if you fancy yourself as an artist too, this is where you should settle in Tuscany! No other place in the region will get you closer to all the craftsmanship and art. You'll just have to get used to the tourists, though! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Lucca

With its preserved love and loyalty for Renaissance art and architecture, the beautiful town of Lucca is one for the lovebirds. If you want to spend your honeymoon in Tuscany for a few weeks, no other city will get you into the mood than Lucca. Almost every corner of this historic area reeks of old-school romanticism as if you can feel the presence of Rome & Juliet (even though their story was set in Verona, not in Lucca). But even beyond that, thee place still boasts an array of cafes, restaurants, and shops that offer the best of Italian cuisine and craftsmanship. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Pienza

Even though Tuscany itself is a region in the countryside of Italy, you won't feel it as much as you will in the stunning city of Pienza. Think narrow pathways with cobblestone streets and vines decorating the walls. Or family-owned businesses offering up their own delicious takes on classic Italian cuisine. You can say that Pienza offers up the best of both worlds. It has an urban feel to it, strengthened by the lovely sense of community here. But it's also far enough from the actual urban cities to make it a countryside retreat for those who just want to relax and live life peacefully. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Pitigliano

Now, if you want to really escape, you should stay in the remote city of Pitigliano. A beautiful town perched on a cliff, there's actually only one way you can go here: fly on a helicopter. Now, this might seem a little excessive, but when you see the city yourself, you know it's worth the trip. A historic area that dates back all the way to the Bronze Age, this is the perfect city if you're a historian. If you want to study the past of Italy, this is a great place to start. Explore every corner and you're bound to discover something new (that's actually something very old!). 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

San Gimignano 

What makes Tuscany so different from other regions in Italy? Its magnificent hills? This picturesque area boasts some stunning hills that look absolutely incredible! now, imagine if you're staying in a city that's actually on the said hills? Well, if you are, you're probably at San Gimignano. And if you're staying here, it probably means that you're a sucker for the beautiful landscapes and magnificent views. You're the type to want to see a postcard sight as soon as you open your window or go outside your door. And it doesn't hurt that this city is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Siena

Siena is as Italian a city can ever get in Tuscany. Think of a close-knit community all encircling a heart-shaped plaza. Museums that show off incredible frescoes. Historic churches that are as baroque and as beautiful as ever. It's often said that Siena is the heart of Tuscany, and when you go here, it won't be difficult to see why. True Italian culture is alive and well here, the passionate lifestyle that makes the country such a haven for love and romance. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Tuscany isn't just a scenic region you visit every so often when you're in Italy. You might not know it yet, but it can also become your next home! At least, if you decide to stay in any of the beautiful cities that make up this stunning province!