Best Places to Stay in Tuscany Without a Car

Looking for the best places to stay in Tuscany without a car? This culturally-robust region in central Italy offers plenty of options for those without four wheels, but visitors are encouraged to prepare their journeys beforehand.

Without your own vehicle, your accommodation options are limited to those that are situated close to bus stops and train stations but fret not. Some of the best places in Tuscany are well-connected to public transportation, so you’re guaranteed an exciting vacation regardless.

To help you plan for a car-less Tuscany experience, I listed down some of Tuscany’s best commuter-friendly cities and hotels. They are chosen according to customer reviews, proximity to public transport, and the number of sites located nearby. 

Ready to explore la vera Italia? Whether you’re going on a day trip or an extended stay, here are the best locations to stay in Tuscany without a car. 

About Tuscany

For visitors and residents, Tuscany represents true Italian life. With jaw-dropping landscapes, eclectic art, and delicious farmer’s kitchen food, this region in central Italy is a place where every type of traveler will find something to love. 

If it’s your first time in Italy, make this culturally-rich location your first stop. While Italian culture is diverse, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a province as influential as Tuscany to the European experience. 

Beauty, whether natural or man-made, can be found in any corner. When not wine tasting in its fabled wineries or prancing over gorgeous silver olive groves and golden wheat fields, travelers are gawking over stunning masterpieces in its art-rich cities or snagging designer items from any of its modern-fashion powerhouses (Ferragamo, Gucci, Pucci, and Cavalli all find their roots in this fashion-loving city).  

And then there’s the food. Tuscan residents spend an unreasonable amount of time discussing and thinking about food and wine. Food is a religion, and Tuscans are incredibly proud of their gastronomy, be it local, seasonal, or sustainable.

From iconic wines like Vino Nobile di Montepulciano to family-run restaurants where pasta is cut by hand, there is plenty to delight the palate, especially if you’re a fan of everything Italian.

See Related: Best Travel Apps for Europe

The best places to stay in Tuscany without a car

1. Florence 

Florence is one of the best places to stay in Tuscany without a car. With picture-perfect museums, palaces, and churches, this is a splendid location to visit for cultural vultures. The city is a major center for trains and buses across Tuscany, so you’ll have to rely on public transport to get about.

Spend a few days in Florence and then take day trips to places like Siena, Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano, and Arezzo, to name a few. Some are best accessed by bus, while others are best reached by train.

A guided tour is an ideal option for journeys into the Chianti region, as neither buses nor trains can readily deliver you to the small towns or vineyards you want to see.    

The Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery are two of the world’s most important art museums in Florence, popularly known as the Cradle of the Renaissance.  You can also visit San Gimignano and Siena, two popular day-trip destinations from Florence, and immerse yourself in their gorgeous old cities.

Travel to the region’s best culinary hotspots and take a cooking lesson in Lucca or Arezzo, followed by wine tasting in the Chianti region, MontepulcianoWine tours in Tuscany feature tastings of local vintages and allow you to jump between wineries without having to worry about transportation or where to go.

See Related: Italy vs Greece

Best places to stay in Florence

St. Regis Florence 

Nearby attractions: Ognissanti, French Consulate in Florence, Rucellai Palace, Capella Bracacci, Santa Maria Novella, Via de Tornabuoni

St. Regis is located on the north of the Arno, just a short walking distance of the Ponte Vecchio, and faces the sister hotel the Westin Excelsior across Piazza Ognissanti. 

The hotel’s aesthetic is a mix of Renaissance and contemporary design. Gilded mirrors, marble halls, frescoed ceilings, and glass chandeliers are just a few examples. The 99 rooms and suites are lavishly appointed with a combination of antique and contemporary furnishings.

All rooms have Starwood’s trademark ‘Heavenly Beds’, with grand marble bathrooms that come with tubs and rain-showers, plush white towels, televisions set into mirrors, and generous quantities of Remède bath products.  

Al Palazzo del Marchese di Camugliano Residenza d’Epoca 

Nearby attractions: Rucellai Palace, Via de Tornabuoni, Strozzi Palace, Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, Santa Maria Novella

This lovely luxury hotel is located on a side street lined with antique stores and restaurants, only steps away from the river. It is one of the best places to stay in Tuscany without a car as it’s close to a train station, and your best bet if you’re seeking a peaceful setting away from the tourist hordes.

The Duomo and Ponte Vecchio are also only just walking distance. Just over the river lies the Oltrarno, which has a wealth of pubs, restaurants, and small stores.

The ten bedrooms are all different shapes and sizes, yet they all have some sort of historic element. Some of these rooms are sumptuous to the point of being overly grand, but still being in good taste. Many of the rooms contain four-poster beds, antique furniture, and painted wood or frescoed ceilings.

See Related: 13 Best Affordable Castle Hotels in Europe: Find Your Fairy Tale

Soprarno Suites

Nearby attractions: Pitti Palace, Via Maggio, Boboli Gardens Ponte Vecchio, Cappella Brancacci

Soprarno Suites, located on a bustling street just south of the river in the center of the hipster Santo Spirito neighborhood, is home to a daily market as well as a diverse selection of restaurants, bars, cafés, stores, and public transport. 

The Pitti Palace is just a moment’s walk away, and the Ponte Vecchio is a five-minute walk. If you cross the river, you’ll reach the Duomo, Piazza Della Signoria, and the Uffizi, which are all less than a 10-minute walk away. Each of the 13 rooms has its own distinct personality, with antique treasures, roll-top tubs, and creative artwork strewn about. 

As one of the best places to stay in Tuscany without a car, it’s easy to access the region’s other areas thanks to the Santa Maria Novella train station which is only a 15-minute walk away. 

AdAstra Suites

Nearby attractions: Cappella Brancacci, Via Maggio, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens

Looking for where to stay in Tuscany without a car? If you’re traveling in style, consider AdAstra. This fashionable hotel is located in Europe’s largest private garden. It’s only a short walk to the trendy Oltrarno neighborhood’s lively nightlife, wonderful restaurants, pubs, and cool independent boutiques on the other side of the river.

A mix of historical furniture and salvaged vintage items gives a sophisticated and unique design. Twelve of the 14 bedrooms are on the top two floors of the main home, while two are in a garden annex; each is unique, but all are exquisite.

There is a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a DVD player, and free WiFi in each room. Every accommodation has a private bathroom with a bath and bidet, as well as complimentary amenities.

See Related: 6 Best Day Trips from Rome, Italy

2. Siena 

Siena is one of Tuscany’s most popular and visited cities. It is a city rich in history and art with strong local traditions related to its 17 districts and the famed Palio di Siena, the city’s most famous annual event held twice each summer.

Siena is one of the best places to stay in Tuscany without a car, as it’s extremely easy to get around and enjoy the sights just by walking. Siena is readily accessible by car, rail, or bus if you’re from the region’s major cities. 

As one of the best walking destinations in Tuscany, the city center is restricted to traffic, so you’ll have to get around Siena on foot or by public transportation if you come by vehicle. Although the train station is located outside of the city, buses connect it to the city center.

If you’re visiting Siena for the first time, it’s strongly suggested that you head right to the city’s heart, the lovely Piazza del Campo, one of the city’s most famous attractions. The Torre del Mangia, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Opera Del Duomo Museum, all of which are accessible by foot, should also be on your agenda.

The most convenient method to travel to Sienna is by the train station, which can be accessed from Florence or any other Italian city. The railway station is 2 kilometers northeast of town, and you may get into the old city by using a local bus. Sienna is also served by frequent buses from a number of Italian towns.

See Related: Best Wine Regions in Italy – Indulge in Vineyards and More

Best places to stay in Siena 

Il Battistero Siena

Nearby attractions: Siena Cathedral, National Museum of Etruscan Archaeology, Palazzo Chigi-Saracini, Fonte Branda, Piazza del Campo

With a fantastic location immediately across from Siena’s Gothic baptistery and just 220 yards from Piazza del Campo, this stunning historical hotel offers an enviable central location that makes it one of the best places to stay in Tuscany without a car.

From the bright modern artworks to the historic documents, pictures, and whitewashed ceiling beams, you’ll be met with stunning period design and an aura of discreet refinement when you enter. Each of the five bedrooms and two suites has its own distinct personality and is named after a well-known Sienese figure. 

Antica Residenza Cicogna

Nearby attractions: Piazza Salimbeni, San Cristoforo Church, Casa di Santa Caterina, Fontebranda

If you’re looking for a home away from home, this charming boutique hotel is one of the best places to stay in Tuscany without a car. 

Antica Residenza Cicogna is located on a tiny lane in downtown Siena, just a few hundred yards from Piazza del Campo. This lovely hotel, which has been family-owned for years, has been lovingly rebuilt with hand-stitched curtains, unique pieces of wooden furniture found at local markets, and meticulously matched colors for the restored frescoes. 

Each bedroom is unique in terms of design and décor. The beds are made of hand-forged wrought iron, and the other pieces of furniture, most of which are made of wood, blend in nicely. 

Piazza Paradiso

Nearby attractions: National Picture Gallery Siena, National Museum of Etruscan Archaeology, Palazzo Chigi-Saracini, Siena Cathedral, Piazza del Campo

This modern b&b is well-run, stylish, and affordable, with nice amenities and a convenient location in central Siena. There are family rooms and self-catering flats available, as well as a lovely communal courtyard garden.

A roomy triple, a quadruple with an elegant arch and alcove for the television, and a quintuple are among the five bedrooms in the main building. Each room is spotless and cozy, with coffee and tea-making facilities.

Grand Hotel Continental

Nearby attractions: Piazza Salimbeni, Casa di Santa Caterina, Piazza del Campo, Fontebranda, Torre del Mangia, Basilica di San Domenico

This hotel, located in Siena’s vehicle-free main retail district, is excellent for those who wish to explore the city in elegance while avoiding the crowds.

Many notable tourists slept here while completing their Grand Tour, and the hotel retains its old-world charm and elegance without ever appearing shabby. Every room has a walk-in closet and a big marble or travertine bathroom with complementary Etro toiletries.

Sapor di Vino, the hotel’s renowned in-house restaurant, serves Tuscan food with an international twist. An American buffet breakfast is served to guests, which includes Italian pastries and cakes, eggs, local cold cuts, and freshly blended juices.

3. Pisa

The Leaning Tower, or Torre Pendente, is Pisa’s most famous landmark. It was built as an architectural project that quickly ran into issues. The city’s greatest attraction is the Leaning Tower, but tourists will quickly learn that Pisa has a lot more to offer once they visit Italy.

The city’s nightlife is enhanced by a centuries-old top university, and shopping options range from flea markets to upscale boutiques, with excellent examples of medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture lining major streets and piazzas.

If you don’t have your own car, don’t fret. Thankfully, buses are believed to be the most convenient mode of transportation in Pisa, making it one of the best places to stay in Tuscany without a car. Buses transport people to the historic center as well as nearly anywhere else in the city.

The LAM Rossa, which connects the airport and the central station to the old center, appears to be the most beneficial. Bus tickets are easy to obtain because all buses are equipped with ticket machines.

See Related: 8 Top Reasons to Travel to Italy

Best places to stay in Pisa

NH Pisa

Nearby attractions: Tuttomondo Mural, Corso Italia Street Pisa, Church Santa Maria della Spina, Medici Palace Pisa

The NH Pisa is just across from the Pisa Centrale railway station’s main entrance. Piazza dei Miracoli, with its UNESCO-listed complex of ancient landmarks – the cathedral, baptistery, cemetery, and Pisa’s major attraction, the Leaning Tower – is only a short walk away from the hotel.

The NH Pisa is housed in a new building with a bright, fashionable interior that contrasts with the somewhat nondescript exterior. The hotel features 100 rooms and suites that are contemporary and pleasant.

The Superior doubles are the best choice of rooms. These are airy, with laminate floors, a comfy double bed, a white desk, and designer corner chairs.

Palazzo Cini

Nearby attractions: Tuttomondo Mural, Corso Italia Street PIsa, Church Santa Maria della Spina, Piazza delle Vettovaglie, Borgo Stretto Street

The Leaning Tower and the city’s major attractions are within easy walking distance of this trendy yet inviting little hotel in central Pisa. The verdant private garden is a standout, and it’s the ideal respite from the crowds.

The hotel is in a peaceful and accessible location: Corso Italia, the major retail street. The Keith Haring mural is only around the corner in opposite directions. Inside, there’s a sense of polished luxury and understated elegance, accentuated by modern art and a few antique pieces.

There are five rooms here, each with its own unique flair. All rooms offer smart televisions and clock radios with free Netflix access, as well as kettles, irons, and Nespresso machines.

Hotel Bologna Pisa

Nearby attractions: Palazzo Blu, Palazzo Agostini, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Royal Palace National Museum

Hotel Bologna Pisa boasts an excellent location, just a 10 minutes’ walk from Pisa Centrale Railway Station, making it a great base for touring Pisa. There’s also a 24-hour front desk, a rooftop patio, and an airport shuttle. The hotel offers a variety of services, including bicycle rental, currency exchange, and baggage storage.

The rooms at the Hotel Bologna Pisa are comfortable and come with a private bathroom. There’s a minibar, a flat-screen TV, and slippers in each room.

The hotel is in a great position, so visitors can easily reach a variety of prominent sites. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, and the Piazza dei Miracoli are all within walking distance.

See Related: Best Things to Do in Italy

Hotel Alessandro della Spina

Nearby attractions: Murale Tuttomondo di Keith Haring, Giardino Scotto, Chiesa de Santa Maria del Carmine

Hotel Alessandro della Spina is a wonderful choice for visitors to Pisa, offering a pleasant atmosphere as well as numerous useful services to make your stay more enjoyable. This charming hotel offers free WiFi and rooms with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator. All visitors are also entitled to a complimentary breakfast, which is served on-site.

The Hotel Alessandro della Spina is located near the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina and the Passeggiata sulle mura di Pisa, two of the city’s most prominent attractions. The hotel is less than 5 minutes from the train station, making it ideal for a stopover on the route to Florence, and 15 minutes from the city center.

Related Resources:

• Best Theme Parks in Europe (Ranked!)
• Best Hotels in Paris With a View of the Eiffel Tower
• Best Things to Do in Bolzano, Italy