Top 11 Best Things To Do in Arezzo

Discover the best things to do in Arezzo by stepping into the very streets where “Life Is Beautiful” was filmed. Walk through medieval squares like Piazza Grande, climb up to the Medici Fortress, and savor Tuscan dishes in local trattorias. Arezzo blends everyday Italian life with centuries of history—no filters needed.

Arezzo isn’t as crowded as Florence or as photographed as Siena, but that’s what makes it special. Tucked away in eastern Tuscany, this medieval town is rich with history, art, and old-world charm.

Instead of rushing from landmark to landmark, Arezzo invites you to slow down. Take your time exploring places like Corso Italia or browsing vintage finds at the Piazza Grande antique market.

A great lineup of top-rated activities in Arezzo brings the city’s stories to life. You also get your fill of art and culture, admiring the Church of Santa Maria della Pieve and marveling at Piero della Francesca’s famous frescoes.

After exploring Arezzo’s historic spots, you’ll want a comfortable place to return to. The best places to stay in Arezzo include hotels and guesthouses close to key sights. For convenience, check out the largest selection of Arezzo travel packages that bundle hotels, tours, flights, and car rentals.

Keep reading to unlock the best things to do in Arezzo and experience the city like a true insider.

11. Visit the House of Giorgio Vasari in Arezzo

Painter. Architect. Writer. Vasari wore many hats, and he was born right here in Arezzo.

If you’re into Renaissance art, you probably know Giorgio Vasari as the author of “Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects,” one of the first works of art history. His former home in Arezzo is now a museum. It’s not huge, but every room is decorated with his own frescoes. 

Vasari was a master of painting, architecture, and writing, and his house shows just how much he loved putting beauty into everyday spaces. Beyond Arezzo, he left his mark on Florence as well. Vasari designed the Vasari Corridor at the Uffizi Gallery and painted the "Last Judgment" fresco in the Florence Cathedral.

You won’t need hours here, but if you're tracking down the best things to do in Arezzo, it’s a must for art lovers and anyone interested in Renaissance culture.

Local Highlights

Many cultural tours in Arezzo often include a stop at Vasari’s house, giving you a deeper look into his life, work, and lasting influence on Renaissance art and architecture. A guide can enrich the experience by revealing hidden meanings in the frescoes and explaining Vasari’s legacy. 

For something more hands-on, try a fresco tutorial experience in Arezzo. You’ll learn the traditional techniques used by artists like Vasari and create your own piece to take home. This is among the best things to do in Arezzo if you want to connect with its artistic roots. 

10. Climb Up to Arezzo’s Medici Fortress

A short walk uphill brings you to the old Medici Fortress, one of the best places to visit in Arezzo. It’s shaped like a five-pointed star and used to defend the city. These days, it’s all about the view.

From the top, you get panoramic views of Arezzo’s rooftops, the green Tuscan hills, and even the Apennine Mountains on a clear day. Dropping by here is one of the best things to do in Arezzo when you need a quiet break with a scenic view. You’ll find locals walking their dogs, reading on the grass, or just enjoying the breeze.

There’s no entrance fee to walk the grounds. The fortress is open daily, though opening hours can vary, especially in winter. Sometimes the fortress also hosts temporary art exhibits or open-air events, so it’s worth checking the schedule before you go.

Local Highlights

Bring some snacks, maybe a bottle of wine, and make a picnic of it. It’s simple, peaceful, and one of the best things to do in Arezzo when you want a break from sightseeing.

If you want to add some history and stories to your day, consider joining one of the many historical tours in Arezzo that include a visit to the Medici Fortress. These experiences bring the fortress and the city’s past to life with fascinating details, from lesser-known lookout points to secret passageways and architectural quirks.

9. Stroll Arezzo’s Corso Italia

This is Arezzo’s main street, winding through the historic center. It’s lined with shops, cafes, old churches, and tiny boutiques.

One of the street’s landmarks is the Church of Santa Maria della Pieve. Its front is lined with mismatched columns, like someone built it using leftovers—but somehow it works. Step inside if it’s open. If you’re up for the climb, the bell tower gives you one of the best views in Arezzo.

For an easygoing intro to the area, check out one of the walking tours in Arezzo. These tours are a great way to catch small details along Corso Italia that you might otherwise miss.

Local Highlights

This street is made for slow exploring. Grab a gelato, pop into a bookshop, or just keep walking. Taking your time along Corso Italia is one of the best things to do in Arezzo if you like finding surprises in ordinary places.

For a deeper experience, join a private walking tour of Arezzo’s historic center, including Corso Italia and the Anfiteatro Romano. It’s a flexible, personalized way to explore, perfect for visitors who want local insight at their own pace.

8. Explore the Cathedral of Arezzo

The Duomo of Arezzo may not be the biggest cathedral in Tuscany, but it has plenty of character. 

Inside, you’ll find a cool, peaceful space filled with soft light filtering through colorful stained glass windows crafted by the French artist Guillaume de Marcillat. The cathedral also houses another stunning Piero della Francesca fresco depicting Mary Magdalene.

Even if you’re not religious, the calm atmosphere makes it a must-see in Arezzo. Take a few moments to sit, look around, and notice the small details. It’s one of the best things to do in Arezzo that feels understated at first but leaves a lasting impression.

Admission to the cathedral requires a small fee, but it's free for children under 6. Opening hours are:

• Monday to Saturday: 10:00 to 18:00
• Sunday: 13:30 to 18:00

After 17:30, the cathedral stops admitting visitors.

Local Highlights

For a richer visit, consider booking a private walking tour of Arezzo. With a local guide, you’ll explore the cathedral and nearby sights like Palazzo Pretorio, gaining insights and stories you might miss on your own. 

The private setting means you can move at your own pace, ask questions freely, and tailor the tour to your interests for a more personal and memorable experience.

7. Take Day Trips From Arezzo to Nearby Gems

Arezzo’s location makes it a perfect base for exploring southern Tuscany without the hassle of changing hotels. From here, it’s easy to branch out and discover neighboring towns filled with history and incredible views.

You can hop on a quick train to Cortona, the hilltop town made famous by the film “Under the Tuscan Sun.” It’s full of charming alleyways, lovely views, and cozy shops perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

If you're driving, head toward Siena or the Chianti region. Siena offers the iconic Piazza del Campo and rich local dishes like pici with wild boar ragu. In Chianti, you’ll find some of the region’s best wines, scenic drives through vineyards, and towns like Radda and Greve.

These day trips let you experience more of Tuscany without the stress of constant packing. Exploring the region is one of the best things to do in Arezzo, especially if you want a mix of food, wine, and small-town beauty.

Local Highlights

Consider booking a private wine tour through Siena and Chianti if you want to make the most of Tuscany’s wine country. It’s a laid-back way to explore rolling vineyards, stop at historic wineries, and enjoy a long, scenic lunch with local wine pairings.

If you prefer to go at your own pace, you can rent a car in Arezzo and create your own day trip. Drive through the hills, stop in quiet villages, and pull over for panoramic views whenever you like. It’s among the top things to do in Arezzo and beyond for a bit more freedom and flexibility.

6. Indulge in Arezzo’s Best Food Experiences

Tuscan food is simple and bold. And Arezzo does it right. The food scene here isn’t trendy; it’s traditional, which is exactly what you want when you visit.

Eating your way through this Tuscan town is easily one of the best things to do in Arezzo. Start with pici, a thick, handmade pasta often served with garlic sauce (aglione) or a rich meat ragu. 

Don’t miss acquacotta, a rustic soup made with greens, bread, and a poached egg. It sounds simple, but it really hits the spot.

Save room for dessert. Try cantucci, or almond cookies traditionally dipped in Vin Santo, a local sweet wine. It’s the classic way to finish a Tuscan meal.

For your first bites, head toward the historic center near Piazza Grande. This area is full of cozy trattorias and traditional osterias tucked into old stone buildings. Find a place with no English menu and dive in. Eat slowly and ask questions—locals love to share stories about their food.

Local Highlights

If you're looking to go beyond eating at restaurants, there are a lot of great hands-on food and wine experiences in Arezzo worth checking out.

You can learn the art of Italian social dining with a local aperitivo experience in Arezzo. Aperitivo is a pre-dinner tradition where locals gather over light drinks and small bites. It’s a casual, early evening ritual full of conversation, which is easily one of the best things to do in Arezzo for a glimpse into everyday life.

For something more intimate, try a dining experience in Arezzo at a local’s home, complete with show cooking. You’ll watch homemade dishes come together while chatting with your host and then sit down to a home-cooked meal, Tuscan-style.

5. Join Cooking Classes in Arezzo

There’s no better souvenir than a recipe you can recreate at home. Arezzo has some fantastic cooking classes where you can roll up your sleeves and learn how to make Tuscan favorites like handmade pici pasta, ribollita, or cantucci with Vin Santo. 

These classes often take place in local homes or countryside kitchens—nothing fancy, just authentic, home-cooked food. Many even include a quick trip to the market to pick out fresh ingredients. For food lovers, this is easily one of the best things to do in Arezzo.

Local Highlights

Don’t miss the chance to join a tagliatelle and ravioli cooking class in Arezzo, where you’ll dive into the art of making fresh, colorful pasta by hand. This hands-on experience in a cozy kitchen lets you learn authentic techniques that will impress your friends back home.

Another top pick is a pasta and tiramisu cooking class in Arezzo. It’s a fun, social workshop perfect for families and foodies eager to master classic Tuscan dishes. You’ll leave full, happy, and with new skills to recreate these flavors anytime.

4. Shop the Antique Market of Arezzo

Arezzo takes antiques seriously. On the first weekend of every month, the whole historic center transforms into one big open-air market through the Arezzo Antiques Fair. It’s the perfect excuse to plan weekend getaways in Arezzo, when the town comes alive with energy, color, and some truly amazing finds.

This isn’t your average flea market. Founded in 1968, Arezzo’s antique fair is the oldest in Italy, and it still holds on to that old-school charm. Hundreds of stalls pop up across the town, offering everything from 18th-century furniture to quirky vintage items. The vibe is casual, but the finds can be serious.

Even if you don’t buy a thing, wandering through the market is half the fun and one of the best things to do in Arezzo. You’ll hear Italian being shouted across the square, smell roasted chestnuts or porchetta sandwiches, and maybe pick up a weird souvenir.

Local Highlights

The market winds through Piazza Grande, Corso Italia, and nearby alleys—perfect for aimless browsing. If you’re into vintage books, coins, art prints, or odd little collectibles, this is your spot. 

Browsing through the antique market is one of the best things to do in Arezzo if you love finding something unexpected and soaking up a truly local scene. Get there early for the best finds, or go later in the day for a more relaxed stroll and street food snacks.

3. Explore Wine Tastings in Arezzo

Arezzo sits right in the heart of Tuscany’s wine country, so skipping a tasting here would be a serious miss. Just outside the city, you’ll find rolling vineyards and family-run estates offering laid-back, guided tastings. Wine tasting is one of the best things to do in Arezzo if you want something relaxed, scenic, and full of flavor.

You can browse Arezzo wine tastings featuring bold Chianti Classico and smooth Sangiovese. You’ll also find lesser-known local wines, like Syrah from the Val di Chiana hills—spicy, full-bodied, and grown nearby. Sample blends made with Colorino and Canaiolo, two traditional Tuscan grapes you rarely see outside Italy.

Some places, like Tenuta San Fabiano or Villa La Ripa, also offer a full experience. You’ll learn how the wine is made, hear the stories behind the bottles, and maybe even meet the winemaker.

Local Highlights

For something even more personal, consider a cellar tour with a tasting in Arezzo, or visit an organic winery to see how natural methods shape flavor and sustainability. If you’re up for a little drive, a private tour in Val d’Orcia with wine and local cheeses makes for a perfect day out.

Whether you're a wine nerd or just in it for the views and vibes, a wine tasting experience is easily one of the best things to do in Arezzo. Take your time, ask questions, and enjoy every sip. That’s how Tuscany is meant to be experienced.

2. Walk Through Piazza Grande

Piazza Grande is the heart of Arezzo. It’s not your usual flat, polished square. This one slopes steeply and feels like it was carved straight out of time.

The square is framed by a striking mix of architectural styles. On one side, you’ve got the Vasari Loggia with its elegant arches and columns. On another, medieval stone towers rise over narrow alleys, while Renaissance palaces like Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici add grandeur with their detailed facades and astronomical clock.

Visit on the first weekend of the month and you’ll catch the antique market. It fills the piazza and nearby streets with stalls selling vintage books, ceramics, art, and furniture. Even when there’s no market, the piazza is perfect for grabbing a coffee and people-watching.

Local Highlights

Explore Piazza Grande and beyond with a kid-friendly private guided tour of Arezzo, designed especially for families. It’s a fun and relaxed way to learn about the city’s landmarks—like the piazza and the Basilica di San Francesco—through stories and activities that keep all ages engaged.

If you're after the best things to do in Arezzo, this is the place to begin. Sitting in Piazza Grande, surrounded by centuries of history, gives you a real sense of what the city is all about.

1. Step Inside the Basilica of San Francesco

Plain outside, mind-blowing inside. That’s the deal with this 13th-century church in the center of Arezzo.

From the street, it doesn’t look like much; just a simple stone facade. But walk through the doors, and you’re hit with one of the greatest surprises in Italy: Piero della Francesca’s “Legend of the True Cross.” This massive fresco cycle covers the walls of the Bacci Chapel and tells an epic story through rich color, detail, and emotion.

You don’t need to be into art to feel it. It’s bold, moving, and somehow still feels fresh even after five centuries. People plan holidays to Arezzo just to stand in front of this masterpiece. 

If you're checking off the best things to do in Arezzo, this belongs near the top of the list—no question. It’s not just one of the top places to visit in Arezzo. It’s a reason to come in the first place.

Local Highlights

Dive deeper into history with an immersive Arezzo walking tour with an audio and written guide. It’s an easy, self-paced way to explore while getting rich context behind the Basilica of San Francesco, Piero della Francesca’s frescoes, and nearby landmarks like Museo Casa di Giorgio Vasari and Piazza Grande.

This activity is one of the best things to do in Arezzo for anyone who wants to experience the city with insight, but without the pressure of keeping up with a group.

Getting to Arezzo

Arezzo is super easy to reach, especially if you’re already traveling around Italy.

If you're coming from Florence, the train is your best bet. The ride takes just under an hour, and trains run all day.

You don’t even need to book ahead—just show up at the Santa Maria Novella station, purchase a regional ticket, and hop on. The same goes if you're coming from Rome, with the trip taking around two hours by train.

Arezzo is also easy to reach by car. If you prefer driving, you can rent a car in Italy and take the Autostrada A1 motorway. Travel time is about an hour from Florence. Parking is usually manageable if you leave your car just outside the historic center. From there, it’s an easy walk into town.

Best Time To Visit Arezzo

Arezzo is calm all year, but some months are better than others.

Spring (March to May) is ideal. The weather is warm, flowers are blooming, and everything feels fresh. September and October are also great, with mild temperatures, golden light, and fewer crowds.

If you plan to hit the antique market, time your trip for the first weekend of any month. That’s when Piazza Grande fills with stalls, and the whole town buzzes a little more than usual.

Summer can be hot and a bit quiet, especially in August when many locals head to the coast. Winter is peaceful, but some places may have shorter operating hours.

How Long To Stay in Arezzo

If you’re short on time, one full day is enough to cover the best things to do in Arezzo. Hit the main sights like Piazza Grande, the frescoes at San Francesco, and take a stroll along Corso Italia. Don’t forget to slow down for a relaxed Tuscan lunch.

But if you want to go deeper (or just move slower), a 4-day city break in Arezzo is ideal. That way, you can explore nearby spots like Val d'Orcia or Cortona, check out more museums, or just linger over coffee without watching the clock.

You won’t run out of the best things to do in Arezzo, but you also won’t feel bad for doing nothing.