Things To Do
in Arezzo
Arezzo is a Tuscan hill town famed for its medieval lanes and Renaissance art. It sits atop a gentle rise overlooking the Val di Chiana, offering expansive views and a compact, walkable historic center. The city is renowned for its Piero della Francesca frescoes in the Basilica di San Francesco and for its lively antique market.
With olive oil, wine, and hearty Tuscan cuisine, Arezzo delivers a warm, art-filled escape that’s best enjoyed on foot.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day at the Piazza Grande, where you can admire the stunning architecture and the iconic Vasari Loggia. Enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast at one of the local cafés, sipping on rich espresso while indulging in a fresh cornetto. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets, soaking in the history and vibrant atmosphere of this charming town.
Visit the majestic Arezzo Cathedral, where you can marvel at the beautiful stained glass windows and intricate frescoes. After exploring the cathedral, head to the Museo Statale d'Arte Medievale e Moderna to appreciate the impressive collection of art, including works by famous artists like Piero della Francesca. Conclude your afternoon with a lunch of local Tuscan specialties at a nearby trattoria.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot in a local wine bar to enjoy a glass of Chianti while savoring some antipasti. Participate in a cooking class where you can learn to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes, guided by a local chef. Enjoy the fruits of your labor for dinner, sharing stories and laughter with fellow travelers and locals alike.
Start your day with a hike up to the Medici Fortress, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Arezzo and the surrounding countryside. Explore the fortress grounds, learning about its fascinating history and the role it played in the defense of the city. Capture stunning photographs of the landscape and the ancient walls bathed in morning light.
Descend from the fortress and treat yourself to lunch at a traditional osteria, sampling local dishes such as pici pasta or ribollita soup. Afterward, wander through Arezzo's artisan shops, discovering handmade ceramics, leather goods, and beautiful textiles. Take your time to chat with the artisans, gaining insight into their craft and the local culture.
As evening approaches, find a local pizzeria for an authentic Italian pizza experience with fresh ingredients from the region. Following dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets, enjoying the charm of Arezzo by night. End your day with gelato from a local gelateria, savoring the sweet flavors as you soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍝Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🧀Local cheese and bread snack | $5-7 |
| 🍷Glass of wine | $4-8 |
| 🚕Taxi (1 km) | $3-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Renaissance and medieval architecture
- Walkable historic center with frequent markets
- Outstanding Tuscan cuisine and wine culture
- Beautiful countryside and day-trip options nearby
- Touristy in peak season around Piazza Grande
- Limited large-scale nightlife
- Parking can be challenging in the center
- Public transport options are good but slower than highways
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
- "Buonasera" - Good evening
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Mi scusi" - Excuse me
- "Dov'è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Un tavolo per due, per favore" - A table for two, please
- "Il menù, per favore" - The menu, please
- "Posso avere il conto?" - Can I have the bill?
Places to Visit in Arezzo
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic Renaissance square with palatial facades and arcades—perfect for wide-angle cityscapes.
Interior and exterior views of Piero della Francesca’s fresco cycles; dramatic lighting and details.
Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with a grand façade and tranquil square views.
Medieval gates and defensive walls offering skyline perspectives.
Distinctive bell tower and architectural details ideal for close-ups of Tuscan stonework.
Food in Arezzo
Arezzo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting tomato and bread soup, bright with olive oil and garlic, found in many trattorie.
Must-Try!
A thick vegetable soup with beans and bread, a Tuscan staple perfect for cooler days.
Liver pâté crostini that make a classic starter in many osterie.
Thick-cut, juicy rib steak seasoned simply with salt and olive oil, best shared at a traditional grill spot.
Fat hand-rolled pasta tossed with a garlicky tomato sauce—a Tuscan comfort dish.
A dessert pairing of sweet fortified wine and almond biscotti, perfect with coffee or after-dinner conversation.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market offering fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and prepared foods, ideal for sampling local flavors.
On market days, stalls serve hot snacks and quick bites that let you taste local flavors without a full sit-down meal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite buongiorno/buonasera and a handshake or light kiss among friends is common; greet staff when entering a shop or restaurant.
Dress modestly for churches; keep voices low and phones silent during services.
Meals are relaxed; wait for everyone to be served before eating, and avoid loud conversations in quiet establishments.
Safety
Tipping in Arezzo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not mandatory; service may be included in the bill, or you can round up or leave a small extra for good service.
Credit cards are widely accepted; cash is common in smaller eateries and markets; contactless payments are increasingly popular.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with abundant sunshine; plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening and stay hydrated at all times.
Mild days with colorful foliage; harvest season and wine-related events; wardrobe shifts toward light layers.
Cool to mild temperatures with possible rain; fewer crowds, cozy trattorie, and atmospheric evening strolls.
Pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes; ideal for walking tours, markets, and outdoor photography.
Arezzo at Night
Hiking in Arezzo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic trails with panoramic views over Arezzo and the valley.
Protected forests with well-marked trails and nature scenery.
Airports
How to reach Arezzo by plane.
Also known as Amerigo Vespucci Airport; the closest major airport for international and domestic flights.
Larger international hub about a couple of hours by road or rail, with many connections across Europe.
Further afield but accessible via high-speed rail and car; used for long-haul connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Arezzo is primarily Italian residents with a mix of nearby regional cultures.
Some university-related traffic and cultural exchange in the region.
Steadily increasing visitors drawn by art, markets, and Tuscan countryside.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local clubs and matches at regional levels; a common weekend activity.
Popular through nearby countryside routes and scenic hills.
Active outdoor options in the surrounding hills and local facilities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Arezzo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy staples like ribollita and pappa al pomodoro, plus vegetable-focused dishes; inform staff about any dairy or gluten needs.