Where to Stay in Tuscany?

Among the most beautiful regions in Italy, Tuscany stands out for its picturesque charm, lifestyle, architectural and historical heritage, as well as its relaxing beachfront. If you're craving a vacation in the dolce vita style, then you'll want to choose the best city to stay in Tuscany Whether it's Florence, the regional capital, Siena with its rich historical and cultural legacy, or Pisa with its famous leaning tower, you have plenty of options! In fact, nothing stops you from opting for a road trip through Tuscany to explore all these cities! In this guide, discover my selection of the best cities to stay in while visiting Tuscany, along with some great recommendations appreciated by travelers.

Choosing your future destination depends on what you expect from your stay in Tuscany. If you're visiting the region as part of a road trip, all the cities I mention in this article can serve as various stops with must-see monuments, discoveries, and activities to do!

On the contrary, it's important to choose a city that allows you to easily explore the entire region, with key locations situated at a reasonable distance. Among these, Florence, Siena, and Pisa are ideal and essential destinations that are well-connected by public transport. They are, in my opinion, the best options to consider for discovering the countryside and its many typical villages.

In the following sections, I will talk a little more in detail about these three must-visit destinations! Additionally, you'll also discover two interesting small towns, San Gimignano if you need an authentic stay, and Viareggio if you want to sleep near the sea in Tuscany!

Regarded as the Pearl of Tuscany, Florence is famous for its rich cultural heritage with its museums and exceptional architecture. It's undoubtedly the best place to stay since the city is filled with a variety of accommodations such as luxury hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and vacation rentals! I actually have a comprehensive article dedicated to the best places to stay in Florence that might interest you

If you plan to visit Florence, you can start your stay by admiring the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral as well as the Ponte Vecchio, which are iconic landmarks of the Tuscan capital. The Uffizi Gallery houses famous artworks by illustrious Italian painters like Michelangelo and Botticelli.

A visit to the old town of Florence is a must to admire its historic houses, cobbled streets, and artisan shops. You can also explore well-known places like Piazza della Signoria, where you'll find Michelangelo's David statue, and Palazzo Vecchio, the former seat of the Florentine government. Want to get a higher view? Climb to the top of the Giotto's Campanile for a panoramic view, or drive to explore the Chianti wine region and its typical villages...

Tip: If you plan to stay for several days in the area, and you're a history and culture enthusiast, you'll likely want to discover several iconic sites and major museums such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Academy Gallery. In this case, make sure to inquire about the different Florence passes that can help you save some money

The B&B Repubblica offers pleasant, well-maintained rooms with hardwood floors, starting at €116 per night with breakfast included. The staff is attentive, the location is ideal, and the property offers views of Piazza della Repubblica!

The Relais Piazza Signoria is situated in the historic center of Florence and offers numerous accommodations: rooms, suites, and apartments starting from €145 per night. You'll be just steps away from Piazza Signoria, close to the city's attractions, in a pleasant setting run by attentive staff

The Arte' Boutique Hotel offers large, comfortable, and elegantly decorated rooms! This establishment boasts a prime location less than 200 meters from the Academy Gallery. You'll need to budget at least €214 per night for a room with a view of the Florence Cathedral.

Iconic, Pisa is world-renowned for its famous monument: the Leaning Tower of Pisa, instantly recognizable! But beyond this major attraction, the city of Pisa is an excellent choice for staying in Tuscany as it offers a wealth of accommodation options for all budgets

The old town of Pisa is filled with architectural wonders like its must-see leaning tower, as well as the cathedral and the baptistery located in the Piazza dei Miracoli, both classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites! You can also enjoy a walk along the banks of the Arno, or soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Piazza dei Cavalieri, also known as Palazzo della Carovana.

If you're considering renting a car in Tuscany, take the chance to discover more Tuscan treasures like the city of Lucca with its medieval walls, as well as San Gimignano and Volterra, two picturesque villages near the city.

Not sure yet where to stay in Pisa? The Casa Carducci 33 offers an ideal location less than 700 meters from the Leaning Tower of Pisa and close to all shops. For €108 per night, including breakfast, this property features a well-equipped, comfortable, and pleasant room. You will also enjoy a terrace and on-site parking

The Grand Hotel Duomo is just minutes away from Piazza del Duomo and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It offers comfortable rooms starting at €91 per night, including breakfast. On-site, the hotel features a restaurant, a large terrace, and a bar. A lovely address run by attentive staff!

The Affittacamere Delfo is perfect if you're on a tighter budget. For €72 per night, you'll stay in a comfortable room just a 15-minute walk from the Leaning Tower of Pisa You can enjoy a fully equipped communal kitchen and a garden. There is a bus stop 100 meters from the property.

For travelers wishing to explore all the history and culture of Tuscany, Siena is known for its medieval charm and rich heritage. In terms of accommodation, there's a bit of everything for all budgets: hotel rooms, vacation rentals, and even beautiful Tuscan villas!

Once you've dropped off your bags, be sure to explore Piazza del Campo, the main square, where the famous Palio takes place twice a year. This horse race occurs in July and August and is one of the most anticipated events by the people of Tuscany, where each pair of riders represents one of the 17 contrades of Siena (cultural groupings of medieval neighborhoods in the city).

The Siena Cathedral is undoubtedly impressive, showcasing its Gothic and Tuscan Romanesque architecture, dating back to 1215. It is also known as the Duomo di Siena. Of course, also take the time to stroll through the historic center of Siena to discover its local shops

The Hotel Duomo is a charming property located in the historic center of Siena, near the cathedral and the main square. For €79 per night including breakfast, you'll stay in a comfortable room within a historic building dating back to 1726 in a warm setting.

The Albergo Chiusarelli is a 3-star hotel available from €83 per night, breakfast included! It offers beautiful, bright, and elegant rooms, near the bus station and just a few minutes from the points of interest. The hotel features a restaurant, a bar, and a terrace. It's a great place to consider if you're unsure where to stay in Siena

La Chicca B&B Siena is a Bed & Breakfast that offers comfortable rooms starting at €105 per night, breakfast included. Featuring a garden and terrace, this property is located 15 minutes' walk from the Siena Cathedral and all amenities.

Perched atop a hill, San Gimignano is a charming medieval village emblematic of Tuscany, highly sought after by tourists wanting to see its towers dominating the landscape. In fact, the village is known as the Town of a Thousand Towers, in reference to the 58 towers built to demonstrate its power and wealth!

In my opinion, the village of San Gimignano is one of the best places to stay in Tuscany. It offers panoramic views of the countryside and an authentic setting. Once settled in, take a trip to Piazza del Duomo with its beautiful cathedral and the Palazzo Comunale, which houses an art museum

San Gimignano isn't necessarily a highly touristy destination like Pisa or Florence. It's a walkable village that is rich with stories within its stones So take the time to experience its atmosphere by strolling through the streets and exploring the various small artisan shops!

The Hotel Bel Soggiorno is a 3-star establishment featuring beautiful medieval architecture and large, elegant, well-kept rooms. Starting at €136 per night, you will stay near the walls, the historical entrance gate, and the Collegiata di San Gimignano, and can enjoy the hotel's restaurant.

The Leon Bianco is located on one of the main squares of San Gimignano and offers very beautiful traditional and elegant rooms starting at €97 per night. The staff is attentive and accommodating, and the property features a lovely terrace, gym, and bar. It's a beautiful address to keep in mind!

The Hotel La Cisterna is a lovely establishment, featuring typical and modern interior décor. It offers well-kept, comfortable rooms furnished in Florentine style, starting at €103 per night. On-site, there's a restaurant and bar, and the staff is very warm

If you're looking for a place to stay near the beach in Tuscany, then I think Viareggio would be a great match for you ️ This lovely coastal town is renowned for the beauty of its golden sandy beaches, its laid-back atmosphere, and its rich maritime history!

Viareggio isn't a large town, but it still has about 60,000 inhabitants! There are many accommodation options, including seafront hotels that offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, vacation apartments, and even agriturismo farms for a more rustic stay.

Among the things to do on-site, you can stroll along the waterfront, discover the historic center with its picturesque shops, or visit the Villa Paolina Bonaparte museum. If you're in Tuscany in February, don't miss the Viareggio Carnival! It's one of the most anticipated events in the region, featuring giant papier-mâché floats, parades, and thousands of costumed people

If you can't find a hotel in Viareggio, you can also stay in Lucca, located about a 30-minute drive from the town. This medieval city is known for its well-preserved Renaissance buildings and walls dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. It's also where you can see the birthplace of the composer Giacomo Puccini, by visiting the Casa di Puccini museum

The Villa Valentina Versilia offers a warm environment about 700 meters from the beach in Viareggio, featuring large elegant suites with private kitchens. Available starting at €93 per night with breakfast included, this guesthouse also features a restaurant, gym, and bar.

For more comfortable budgets, the Hotel President boasts an ideal beachfront location and offers bright, modern rooms. You'll stay just a 10-minute walk from the Viareggio train station, and the hotel staff is efficient and attentive. Expect rates starting from €130 per night with a buffet breakfast included ☕️

The Hotel La Pace is just a few steps from the beach and offers pleasant and comfortable rooms. For €96 per night, you'll enjoy a complete buffet breakfast served by attentive staff. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, parking, and is conveniently located near all shops

Although summer is the best time to visit Tuscany, keep in mind that it is also a very touristy destination that attracts many visitors in July and August. If your budget allows and you don't mind the tourist crowds, then you can go ahead without hesitation!

On the other hand, for travelers with a tighter budget or those wishing to enjoy a more peaceful vacation, I recommend visiting Tuscany in spring or autumn. Both seasons offer warm temperatures and sunny days to enjoy outdoor activities and visits

We've reached the end of this article! I hope it has pleased you and helped you find the best place to stay in Tuscany for your next trip to Italy I also recommend reading my article to prepare your road trip in Northern Italy if you also plan to visit this part of the country!