If you’re wondering where to stay in Arezzo, Italy, I’ll keep this simple: I chose to stay in the historic centre—and I would do it again without hesitation.
Arezzo is often treated as a quick stop between more famous Tuscan towns, but after spending time here, I see it differently. It’s not just worth visiting—it’s worth staying. The pace is slower, it feels more local, the evenings linger, and the mornings feel like they belong to you.
I’ll share exactly where I stayed and dined, along with a curated selection of hotels, apartments, and restaurants I would confidently recommend—based on real experience, not just research.
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Is Arezzo a Good Base in Tuscany?
If you’re planning a trip to Tuscany, one of the biggest decisions is where to base yourself. Many travellers instinctively choose places like the larger cities, such as Florence or Siena. Or, the smaller towns like Pienza or Montepulciano—and while each has its appeal, they offer very different experiences.
What surprised me about Arezzo is how well it balances practicality with atmosphere.
One of the biggest advantages—especially if you’re not renting a car—is how easy it is to reach. You can travel directly from Rome by train and arrive right in the centre. I know many travellers dream of visiting Tuscany, but stay in a small town, and not in the region’s capital, Florence. That alone makes Arezzo one of the more straightforward and stress-free bases in Tuscany.
But beyond logistics, the feeling of the place matters just as much.
Here’s how I would think about it:
| Town | What It Feels Like |
|---|---|
| Arezzo | Lived-in, local, and more authentic. Ideal if you want a slower pace and fewer crowds. |
| Cortona | Beautiful and cinematic, but smaller and more curated. It can feel busier, especially mid-day. But does offer a great selection of places to stay. You will need to have a car to reach Cortona. |
| Montepulciano | Elegant and dramatic, with more to do than Cortona, but also more visitors and a slightly more commercial feel, with many accommodation options. Will need to have a car. |
| Pienza | Intimate and romantic, but very small. Best for a short stay or day trip rather than a base. Also, need to have a car to reach from Rome. |
| Siena | Rich in history and atmosphere, but larger and more complex. It feels more like a small city than a quiet base. Can reach by local transport, but it’s cumbersome. |
For me, Arezzo offered something different. It felt less like a place designed to be visited, and more like a place people actually live—which changes the entire experience of staying there.
If you’re looking for a base that is well-connected, quieter, and still deeply Tuscan, Arezzo is a choice I would make again.
Where I Stayed in Arezzo
Let me start with the place I chose—because it shaped my entire experience of Arezzo.
I stayed in a beautifully restored apartment just steps from Piazza Grande, tucked along a quiet historic street that felt removed from everything, yet close to it all. In a town like Arezzo, location matters more than you might expect—and this was exactly right.
Each morning, I opened the shutters to the sound of church bells echoing softly through the streets below. Locals passed by on their way to espresso. The pace felt unhurried, almost private. This is what staying in Arezzo gives you that a day trip never will.
The apartment itself is spread across multiple levels, with a spacious kitchen and living area on one floor, an elegant primary bedroom and bathroom on the next floor, and a second bedroom that opens onto a small terrace on the top floor. It’s ideal for a couple, a small family or a mother and daughter, but equally comfortable for friends (which is how I was travelling) or a longer stay.
If you’re looking for a place that feels central, quiet, and distinctly local, this is the one I would choose again.
Best Places to Stay in Arezzo (By Travel Style)
After staying in Arezzo, I realized that where you stay shapes your experience more than you might expect. The historic centre offers atmosphere and walkability, while the countryside gives you space and quiet.
Here are the places I would choose, depending on your travel style.
Best for First-Time Visitors (Historic Centre): Solo or Couple
Look at this gorgeous XV-century penthouse in the historic city centre of Arezzo, close to the must-see, Basilica di San Francesco.
A 1-bedroom with views from the sun-drenched balcony and spacious interior that’s perfect for those who love a design-forward stay. This apartment lies on the 4th floor without an elevator, so pack light.
Best for a Countryside Escape: Couple, Friends, Small Family
Can you just picture yourself relaxing in Tuscan luxury at this stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bath villa with panoramic views of the Arezzo hills?
Unwind in the private pool, relax in the indoor spa, and be close enough to visit Arezzo and beyond with just a short drive. I recommend this private villa for those slow travellers with a car.
Best for a Group Gathering in Tuscany: Family, Friends
Escape to the serene hills of the countryside at this traditional 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom farmhouse located amidst olive groves and woods.
This makes for a great base for those travelling together who need the extra space and comforts of home. A pool and views are complimentary.
Best Boutique or Luxury Hotels in Arezzo
- Badia di Pomaio: For those travellers who value design, atmosphere and high touch experience and want to be in Arezzo’s countryside.
- Hotel Continentale: If you want to stay in the historic centre but prefer a hotel over an apartment, this is one of the best-located options. The rooftop terrace alone makes it worth it—especially at sunset.
Tourist Tax in Arezzo (Quick Note)
Like most places in Italy, Arezzo charges a small nightly tourist tax (“imposta di soggiorno”), which you’ll pay directly at your accommodation. Expect to pay roughly €1.50–€3 per person, per night (usually for up to 4 nights), depending on the type of stay. For hotels, you might not notice it on your final bill, but if you rent a vacation property, many hosts like this tax paid in cash at check-in.
It’s a small detail—but helpful to know in advance so there are no surprises at check-in.
Where to Eat in Arezzo (What I’d Go Back For)
One of the things I appreciated most about Arezzo was how local the food scene felt. It’s not curated for tourists in the same way as other Tuscan towns, which means you need to choose a little more intentionally—but when you find the right places, it’s worth it.
These are the restaurants and cafés I would return to, or confidently recommend based on my time there.
Cafés in Arezzo (Slow Mornings Done Right)
Mornings in Arezzo are unhurried. Locals stand at the bar, espresso in hand, exchanging a few quiet words before continuing on with their day. If you stay in the historic centre, this becomes part of your ritual too.
Bar Stefano – Gli Svizzeri
A historic pasticceria right on Corso Italia. This is where I’d go if you want that classic Italian café atmosphere—polished and slightly busy. The pastries are excellent, especially anything with pistachio.
Borgo S. Piero
This was my personal favourite. Smaller, more local, and noticeably warmer in service. The pastry I had here was better—and it felt like the kind of place you quietly return to each morning.
If you only choose one, I’d come here: Borgo S. Piero
Gelato (An Afternoon Pause)
Gelateria Sunflower
Right near Piazza San Francesco—easy to pass by, easy to stop. Classic flavours done well.
Gelateria Artigianale Cremì
A slightly more artisanal feel. If you’re particular about texture and flavour balance, this is worth seeking out.
Restaurants in Arezzo (Long Lunches or Late Evenings)
Eating in Italy is not rushed. Tables fill slowly, conversations stretch, and this is the time to enjoy the local atmosphere. From my personal experience, you need to book reservations to secure a table.
Essenza Dario e Anna – dal 1964
Set right on Piazza Grande, this is where I enjoyed one of my simplest and most satisfying meals. The pappardelle with fresh tomato sauce was comforting in the best way. Sit outside if you can—this is as much about the setting as the food.
Trattoria Il Saraceno
Casual, friendly, and exactly what you want from a traditional trattoria. The menu leans classic, and while I was tempted by the wood-fired pizza, this is really a place for simple, well-executed dishes.
Teorema del Gusto
A cozy, slightly tucked-away spot with a wine cellar feel. This is where you go when you want something that feels a little more atmospheric. The homemade pasta is worth it.
Le Chiavi D’Oro
If you’re in the mood for something more refined, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a more elevated experience without feeling overly formal. I’d recommend going for lunch—it’s a easier price point.
Planning Your Stay in Arezzo
Arezzo is the kind of place that reveals itself slowly.
It’s not about checking off sights or moving quickly from one landmark to the next. It’s in the slower pace of the mornings, the ease of the evenings, and the feeling of being just slightly removed from the busier corners of Tuscany.
If you choose to stay here—even for a couple of nights—you’ll experience a different side of the region. One that feels more local, more grounded, and ultimately more memorable.
And if you’re not quite sure how to plan your time, or want help finding the right place to stay, this is exactly what I do.
I create personalized travel plans that bring everything together in one place—from a curated accommodation search to a thoughtfully mapped daily itinerary—so you can move through your trip with clarity and ease, without second-guessing the details.
