Tuscany

Is Florence worth the hype in 2026?

Yes, but only if you plan. Florence is overrun from May to September. The Duomo (free entry, but the queue is 45 minutes) is impressive. The climb to the top costs 20 EUR and takes 463 steps. Do it early at 8:15 AM. Skip the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. The Uffizi Gallery (25 EUR online, 12 EUR on-site if you wait 2 hours) is the real prize. Book your slot at least 3 weeks ahead for 2026. Galleria dell'Accademia (16 EUR, booking fee 4 EUR) has David. Ten minutes is enough inside. Go at 9 AM.

What about the countryside? Is it free?

No. Driving costs money. Renting a car in Florence is 70 EUR per day with insurance. Gas is 1.95 EUR per liter in 2026. The free thing is walking the white roads. Val d'Orcia is a Unesco region. The landscape is real. Stop at a farm shop for pecorino cheese. It costs 12 EUR for a half kilo. Skip the crowded hill towns like Montepulciano on weekends. Go on a Tuesday.

Which hill towns are best for a short visit?

San Gimignano is the most famous. Entry to the towers is 15 EUR. Climb only the Torre Grossa (218 steps, 10 minutes). The Duomo there is free. Siena's Piazza del Campo is free to walk. The Torre del Mangia costs 10 EUR and takes 400 steps. Do that one instead. The view is better. Skip the Baptistery in Siena. Go to the Fonte Gaia fountain instead. It is free.

Practical warning: lunch traps

Do not eat in Piazza della Signoria in Florence. A panino costs 14 EUR and tastes like cardboard. Walk five minutes to Via dei Neri. A real schiacciata with prosciutto is 7 EUR. In Siena, avoid restaurants with laminated menus in English. They charge a coperto (cover charge) of 2-3 EUR per person. Italians pay it too. It is legal. Just know it is coming.

Comparison table: top 5 things to do in Tuscany 2026

FAQ: common questions from travelers

Is it safe to drink tap water in Tuscany? Yes. The water is good. Fill your bottle at public fountains in Florence and Siena. They are free and cold.

Do I need to tip in restaurants? No. Service is included. Leave 1-2 EUR in cash if you liked the meal. Do not tip on credit cards.

When is the best month to visit? April or October. June to August is hot and crowded. Tickets cost more in peak season. Lines are shorter in April.

Can I visit Pisa in a half day? Yes but skip the Leaning Tower climb (20 EUR, 30 minutes, crowded). The square is free. Take a photo and leave. The city itself is boring.

Is it better to stay in Florence or Siena? Florence for art and nightlife. Siena for quiet evenings and better food prices. A hotel in Florence costs 180 EUR per night in 2026. In Siena it costs 120 EUR.