Florence Arezzo Day Trip with Family
Arezzo is one of the most underrated cities in Tuscany for families. It sits 80 km southeast of Florence, has excellent rail connections, and offers a relaxed pace that larger tourist cities rarely provide.
The city is known for its Piazza Grande, its antique market, and the stunning Piero della Francesca frescoes. It is also the birthplace of the poet Petrarch and the artist Vasari. One full day is enough to cover the key highlights comfortably.
Day trip to Arezzo with family
Arezzo is a working city, not just a tourist destination. This makes it feel authentic, and the restaurants and shops cater to local tastes rather than tour-group menus.
The historic centre sits on a gentle hill. Most of the main sights are within a 15-minute walk of each other. The streets are a mix of flat sections and moderate slopes, manageable with a pushchair.
Children aged 5 and up engage well with Arezzo, especially if you frame the city through the lens of the films shot here. Roberto Benigni filmed parts of “Life is Beautiful” in Arezzo. Walking through the same streets featured in the film gives older children a useful cultural reference.
Distance and how to get there
By train from Florence Santa Maria Novella, the journey to Arezzo takes about 45 to 60 minutes on a regional or intercity train. Trains run frequently throughout the day. A single ticket costs around 9 to 14 euros per adult depending on the service. Children under 15 travel at reduced rates on regional trains.
By car, the drive takes about 1 hour via the A1 motorway south. Parking in Arezzo is available near the station and in the Piazza Risorgimento area. Central car parks charge around 1.50 euros per hour.
The train is particularly convenient for families. Arezzo station is at the foot of the hill, and the historic centre is a 15-minute uphill walk or a short taxi ride away.
What to see with children
The Basilica of San Francesco houses the Legend of the True Cross fresco cycle by Piero della Francesca. These are among the most important Renaissance frescoes in Italy. Guided tours are available and recommended, as the context adds significant value.
Entry to the frescoes costs 8 euros for adults and 5 euros for children aged 11 to 17. Children under 11 are free. Timed entry is required. Book online at least a few days in advance in summer.
The Casa di Vasari, the former home of the architect and art historian Giorgio Vasari, is a visually engaging house with richly painted rooms. It is free to enter and takes about 30 minutes. Children aged 8 and up tend to find it more interesting than younger ones.
The Museo Nazionale d’Arte Medievale e Moderna has a collection that covers a wide period and suits older children and teenagers. Entry is 6 euros for adults.
Piazza Grande and the antique market
Piazza Grande is the heart of Arezzo and one of the most beautiful squares in Tuscany. It slopes gently and is surrounded by medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the Romanesque apse of the Pieve di Santa Maria.
On the first Sunday of each month (and the preceding Saturday), Arezzo hosts the Fiera Antiquaria, one of the largest antique markets in Italy. Over 500 dealers fill the piazza and surrounding streets. Visiting with children on market day is memorable, though it can be crowded.
The antique market is free to enter and browse. It runs from about 8:00 to 18:00. Children often enjoy finding unusual objects among the stalls.
Even without the market, the piazza is worth visiting for the architecture alone. Sit at one of the outdoor cafes and spend 30 minutes watching the city go by.
Where to eat in Arezzo
Arezzo has a strong local food culture. Pasta dishes typical to the area include pappardelle with hare sauce and tagliatelle with truffle. Most trattorias serve these alongside simpler options for children.
Trattoria il Saraceno, a few steps from the Piero della Francesca basilica, is a reliable family choice. Main courses cost 12 to 18 euros. The atmosphere is calm and the staff are accustomed to families with children.
Osteria Agania on Via Mazzini is a good option for a relaxed lunch. It serves Aretine classics and has a varied menu. Expect to spend around 45 to 55 euros for a family of four.
For a quicker and cheaper option, the market street Corso Italia has several bars and sandwich shops. A panino with local ingredients costs 4 to 6 euros.
Where to stay
Charlotte is a comfortable family guesthouse in Florence, perfectly located for catching an early morning train to Arezzo. The staff are happy to help you plan your itinerary and suggest the best options for families travelling with children of all ages.
