Where to Stay in Arezzo

Enchanting Tuscan town, Arezzo is the birthplace of important Italian figures such as Petrarch, Giorgio Vasari and Piero della Francesca. Its medieval historic centre sits atop a small hill and is home to numerous monuments and sites of interest. The city boasts a rich architectural and artistic heritage, including Piero della Francesca’s frescoes at the Basilica of San Francesco and Cimabue’s crucifix housed in the Church of San Domenico. Despite this, Arezzo is often overlooked when exploring Tuscany.

If you’ve decided to give this charming town a chance, we’d recommend staying for at least one night in Arezzo not only to admire its beauty but also because it’s the perfect base for visiting numerous Tuscan towns. Compared to other tourist destinations, Arezzo has fewer accommodation options but also more competitive prices. The historic centre is very walkable and features hotels from major chains alongside bed and breakfasts and apartments often run by private owners who offer beautifully renovated and converted homes or historic palaces.

Staying in the historic centre means soaking up the atmosphere of this stunning medieval town and having the main attractions within easy reach, as well as restaurants, artisan workshops and shops. The remains of Arezzo’s city walls mark the “boundary” between the oldest core and more recently developed areas; staying outside the historic centre means finding more affordable accommodation but still within walking distance of major attractions.

Arezzo is also an excellent base for exploring eastern Tuscany: the Valdichiana, Valtiberina, Casentino and Valdarno are all within an hour’s drive, making the city an ideal starting point for those wanting to explore multiple areas in a single stay.

A practical note for those arriving by car: Arezzo’s historic centre is subject to restricted traffic zones (ZTL). If you’re staying in a hotel in the historic centre, check in advance whether it has a permit for your access; alternatively, the most convenient car parks are located along the city walls or on Via Pietri, from where the centre is easily accessible on foot.

Historic centre

Staying in Arezzo’s historic centre puts everything at your fingertips: the main monuments, restaurants, goldsmiths’ and antique dealers’ shops, and the authentic atmosphere of a medieval town that empties of passing tourists in the evening and returns to its own pace. The main area where most accommodation is concentrated revolves around Corso Italia, the city’s main street, and Piazza Guido Monaco.

Those who enjoy nightlife will find the most lively atmosphere around Piazza San Francesco, Via Cavour, Via Roma and Via Crispi, bustling from aperitivo hour onwards. If you prefer a quieter stay, you might opt for Piazza Grande, one of Italy’s most beautiful squares, framed by medieval and Renaissance buildings and very close to the Fortezza Medicea: at night it’s silent and evocative in its own unique way.

Just outside the city walls

The area immediately outside the ancient city walls is ideal for those seeking more affordable accommodation without compromising on convenience. The railway station is located in this zone, about a 10-minute walk from the historic centre: those arriving by train will find a good selection of hotels, residences and bed and breakfasts in various price ranges.

Properties in this area often feature more spacious rooms than historic centre hotels, additional services such as a gym or private parking, and generally more competitive prices. It’s the most practical choice for those using Arezzo as a base and needing to return by car or train without logistical complications.

In the valleys around Arezzo

The four valleys surrounding Arezzo — Casentino, Valdarno, Valdichiana and Valtiberina — host a wide variety of farm stays, converted farmhouses and country estates nestled in nature. This is the right choice for those seeking privacy, spacious surroundings, a swimming pool and the peace of the Tuscan countryside, whilst remaining just 30-40 minutes from Arezzo’s centre.

Those staying in this area can easily reach not only Arezzo but also destinations such as Cortona, Sansepolcro and Poppi for a day trip, with the car at your disposal. This range includes some of the most characteristic properties in the province, often with their own production of oil, wine and local products.