Things to Do in Tuscany — Italy: Top Attractions, Tours & Tickets

#1Ponte VecchioMustMetropolitan Florence (FI)4.7(155,396)

The bridge is Florence’s essential river view and a defining piece of the city’s silhouette. Cross it, then immediately leave the central flow for the Oltrarno side rather than lingering in the shop bottleneck.

20m FreeSee it at dawn for the bridge itself, or from the riverbank around dusk for the view.

Pairs with: Palazzo Vecchio · Uffizi Gallery · Florence Cathedral

#2Uffizi GalleryMustMetropolitan Florence (FI)

The Uffizi is Tuscany’s indispensable art museum, giving first-time visitors the visual vocabulary for Florence and the Renaissance. Give it a focused visit with a reserved entry, then use the surrounding streets and riverfront to decompress afterward.

3h Sells out — book weeks aheadTake the opening slot; late afternoon can also be calmer than midday.

Book a timed entry several weeks ahead for peak-season mornings and weekends.

Pairs with: Palazzo Vecchio · Ponte Vecchio · Florence Cathedral

#3Florence CathedralMustMetropolitan Florence (FI)

The cathedral complex is the city’s visual and geographic center, and it belongs on every first Florence walk even if you do not enter every component. Decide in advance whether the interior alone is enough or whether you want the more time-consuming dome and museum elements.

1.5h Timed entrySee the exterior early, then use a prebooked slot for any ticketed component.

The cathedral exterior and main church access differ from ticketed complex sites; reserve dome access ahead if that is a priority.

Pairs with: Uffizi Gallery · Palazzo Vecchio · Ponte Vecchio

#4Piazza del CampoMustSiena (SI)

Siena’s great civic square is one of the clearest expressions of a Tuscan city as a lived-in public stage, not merely a preserved backdrop. Arrive without rushing, sit with a view, and make it the center of a longer wander through Siena’s lanes and churches.

1h FreeEarly morning and early evening show the square at its most relaxed.

Pairs with: Val d'Orcia · Torre Del Chianti

#5Leaning Tower of PisaMustPisa (PI)

The tower is an international icon, but the real payoff is seeing it in the larger cathedral ensemble rather than treating it as a solitary photo prop. It is an efficient stop from Florence, Lucca, or the coast, especially when paired with time in Pisa’s older streets.

1.5h Timed entryBook the earliest climb available and photograph the square before tour groups arrive.

Reserve a tower-climb time ahead in peak season; the surrounding square itself is free to enter.

Pairs with: Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta a Chianni

#6Val d'OrciaMustSiena (SI)

This is the Tuscany of rolling farm roads, cypress-lined approaches, and small hill towns, best understood as a slow driving landscape rather than a single sight. Build a flexible day around scenic roads, a town stop, and a long lunch instead of trying to tick off every viewpoint.

FreeStart early or drive in the late afternoon, when the light is best and roads are less busy.

Pairs with: Piazza del Campo · Piazza della Cisterna

#7Piazza della CisternaShouldSiena (SI)4.8(1,809)

This is San Gimignano’s most atmospheric public space, where the towers, stone facades, and everyday foot traffic read as one coherent scene. Use it as the anchor for a slow walk through the old town rather than as a quick photo stop.

30m FreeGo early morning or near dinner, after the day-trip groups thin out.

Pairs with: La Rocca di Staggia · San Vivaldo Monastery, Montaione

#8Palazzo VecchioShouldMetropolitan Florence (FI)4.7(26,248)

Florence’s civic palace is more than an exterior landmark: its rooms explain how political power, art, and spectacle were intertwined in the city. Go inside if you want a strong counterpoint to the Uffizi’s art-first experience.

1.5h Timed entryBook the first entry of the day or visit later in the afternoon.

Reserve a timed slot ahead in busy periods, especially if you want tower access.

Pairs with: Uffizi Gallery · Florence Cathedral · Ponte Vecchio

#9Antinori nel Chianti ClassicoShouldMetropolitan Florence (FI)4.5(2,560)

This is the region’s most architecturally ambitious winery visit, pairing polished contemporary design with a serious introduction to Chianti Classico. It is best for travelers who want a curated wine experience, not simply a casual tasting.

2h Book aheadAn early weekday tour is calmer and easier to pair with a countryside lunch.

Reserve tours and tastings well ahead for weekends and the main travel season.

Pairs with: Castello Sonnino · Museo del Vino

#10San Vivaldo Monastery, MontaioneIf timeMetropolitan Florence (FI)4.6(612)

This secluded religious complex is a rewarding detour for travelers exploring Tuscany beyond its headline cities. It works best as a quiet cultural stop on a driving day through the wooded hills around Montaione.

1h FreeLate morning on a weekday is usually peaceful.

Pairs with: Piazza della Cisterna · La Rocca di Staggia

#11La Rocca di StaggiaIf timeSiena (SI)4.2(682)

The restored fortress gives useful context for the fortified settlements that punctuate the Chianti and Siena countryside. It is a compact, worthwhile stop for travelers who prefer architecture and local history to another winery visit.

1h Walk upCheck opening days before making a detour; it is quietest soon after opening.

Pairs with: Piazza della Cisterna · San Vivaldo Monastery, Montaione

#12Castello SonninoIf timeMetropolitan Florence (FI)4.4(196)

This lived-in estate combines a historic house, wine country setting, and family-history atmosphere more convincingly than a generic tasting room. Choose it when you want a structured estate visit close enough to Florence for an easy countryside excursion.

2h Book aheadWeekday daytime visits tend to feel more personal than weekend slots.

Visits and tastings are generally by reservation, so arrange one before driving out.

Pairs with: Antinori nel Chianti Classico · Museo del Vino

#13Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta a ChianniNichePisa (PI)4.5(171)

This small parish church is a quiet local stop rather than a destination to build an itinerary around. Include it only if you are already exploring the village roads between Pisa’s inland hills and the Volterra area.

20m FreeVisit during daytime opening hours, as access can be limited around services.

Pairs with: Museo del Vino

#14Torre Del ChiantiNicheSiena (SI)4.1(74)

The tower is a niche stop for a different perspective on Chianti’s hill-town landscape. It is worth fitting in if you are already based nearby, but it should not displace Tuscany’s major towns, museums, or countryside routes.

30m Walk upGo in clear weather, preferably earlier in the day before haze builds.

Pairs with: Antinori nel Chianti Classico · Piazza del Campo

#15Museo del VinoNicheMetropolitan Florence (FI)3.9(40)

This is a modest local museum that can add context to a wine-focused day, particularly for visitors staying around Montespertoli. It is supplementary rather than essential; prioritize a good producer visit if time is limited.

45m Walk upA weekday visit is the safest choice for avoiding limited local opening patterns.

Pairs with: Castello Sonnino · Antinori nel Chianti Classico