Arezzo is a picturesque city that embodies Italian charm. Besides its location amid the hills of Tuscany, the city’s main attraction is its historical downtown, dotted with dozens of beautifully preserved medieval buildings.
The city’s Piazza Grande, or main square, is the starting point of every walking tour in Arezzo. The square is flanked by imposing palaces, churches dating back to the 10th century, and medieval towers. From Piazza Grande, it’s a short walk to the city’s ancient walls and fortress. This area offers some of the best views of Arezzo and the surrounding countryside.
It’s no secret that Italy is a gourmet lover’s paradise, and Arezzo certainly lives up to the expectations. Local delicacies include truffled pheasant, pappardelle all’aretina (homemade pasta with duck and prosciutto), and Chianina steak.
The best places to sample local cuisine are the osterias that surround Piazza Grande. These venues come in all flavors: from modern spots serving contemporary Italian cuisine to traditional joints that will delight you with hearty meals.
This being Tuscany, wine bars are everywhere, so you’ll never be far from a stylish venue where you can sample the local varieties of Chianti and other Tuscan DOC wines, such as Cortona, Valdichiana and Valdarno di Sopra.
There are always things to do in Arezzo during a family vacation with kids. You can drive 40 minutes to Monteverchi and follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs at the Paleontological Museum. Along the way, you can stop at Valle dell'Inferno Nature Preserve and enjoy a relaxing family picnic.
Approximately 10 kilometers north of the downtown area is Azienda Villa Magna Tartufi, where the whole family can go on a treasure hunt for truffles. If you visit during the summer, a day at Aquapark Crocodile will surely delight the young ones in the family.
If you’re looking for a modern shopping experience, you’ll want to drop by Arezzo’s biggest shopping malls: Centro Arezzo and Al Magnifico, conveniently located next to each other. Those who visit the first Sunday of every month can’t miss the antiques fair and flea market at Piazza Grande.
The historic center is packed with boutiques and traditional stores selling everything from handmade leather goods and jewelry to Italian herbs, antiques and souvenirs. This is a great place to browse.
Arezzo’s events calendar features interesting celebrations, such as the medieval festival called Giostra del Saracino, held twice a year in June and September. The town’s convention center (Arezzo Fieri e Congressi) hosts annual fairs and events, like the International Jewelry Exhibition, classic car shows and comic book fairs, among others.
