The city with its medieval houses and Renaissance residences, steep narrow roads and two main squares has many cultural activities, like music, theatre and cinema festivals as well as many other events throughout the summer months. There are the Etruscan and the Diocesan museums with paintings by Beato Angelico and Luca Signorelli. Amongst other regular events there is the very interesting music festival "Under the Tuscan Sun" (named after the book and the movie of the same name, that are situated in Cortona) taking place in August.

Just outside the ancient city walls are Etruscan tombs and the famous monastery "Le Celle" that was founded by St. Francis of Assisi in the early 13th century.