SIENA
TUSCANY
With its incredible Duomo picturesque main square and medieval streets to explore. It’s no wonder Siena is one of the highlights of Tuscany, and for many the historic Old Town is one of the most beautiful in Italy.
It is a city full of history and tradition. Siena is one of the largest hilltop towns in Tuscany. It is located about 70 kilometres South of Florence. Making it one of the closest day trips from Florence.
Among the best things to do in Siena is a visit to the impressive Piazza del Campo, one of the most scenic Italian main squares. The imposing 100-metre-high Tower Dell Magia.
This travel guide to Siena will show you all the most beautiful places in Siena, where to stay, things to do. How to get there. Which will help you plan your trip to Siena.
PLAN YOUR TUSCANY ADVENTURE
These are our favorite companies we use when planning a trip, they consistently have the best prices, great customer service, and overall, are better than their competitors.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT – SKYSCANNER – we always start here and usually always finish here. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
TRAVEL OPTIONS
CAR RENTAL – We recommend using Discover Cars or Rental Cars when booking a car rental, they work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs.
TRAINS – TRAINLINE – is our favorite, this site is very reliable and easy to use.
BUS – OMIO – this website allows you to book train or bus tickets to travel from city to city the best and cheapest way.
ACCOMMODATIONS
BOOKING.com – is our go to for hotel searches around the world, we find they always have the cheapest rates and offer different payment options. In addition, VRBO is another terrific website for all types of accommodations.
HOSTELWORLD – is great if you’re traveling on a budget, and if you need a cheap place to stay.
SIGHTSEEING TOURS
GET YOUR GUIDE – is our favorite; they have stacks of tours and excursions available in cities all over the world. VIATOR is another great website for all types of tours.
TAKE WALKS – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance– Don’t ski without it. If you get hurt on the mountain it could cost, you a small fortune if you’re not insured. We use SAFETYWING when my wife broke her ankle a few years ago in Wengen they were terrific.
ARC’TERYX – is a go to reliable brand for outdoor adventure and travel, their wide range includes light weight durable, easy to clean travel gear.
Check out our RESOURCE PAGE for more additional planning
General Information about Siena
Siena is one of Tuscany’s (and Italy’s) prettiest cities, with about 55,000 inhabitants and its historic old town is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tuscany. Known to be the ultimate city of the Renaissance, Siena shows a stunning medieval side. Especially the historical center of Siena, which is also on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, is unique in Italy because of its flair. Particularly characteristic and magnificent in Siena are also the old red-brown brick houses, the curved Medieval Alleyways, and the stunning historic churches that fascinate visitors from all over the world.
Siena is not only popular with tourists, but it is a vibrant student city.
Over 20,000 students attend the University of Siena, which gives the old city a youthful charm. In the center, there are many restaurants, nice cafes as well as delicatessen stores with delicacies from the surroundings of Siena. Aside from the city itself, Siena is also just at the edge of the Chianti wine region, and rolling hills carpeted in fields of grapes extend all around the city.
BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO
On a city trip to Siena, there are so many wonderful things to do in Siena. Most of the attractions are located directly in the old town, which you can explore on foot. Here are the best places and things to do in Siena.
EXPLORE PIAZZA DEL CAMPO
Piazza del Campo is the beautiful attraction in Siena. It is the center of life of Siena since 1300. In the past, the marketplace has always been the center of the old town and is still the most popular meeting place for tourists and locals alike.
It is home to the city’s most important landmarks such as Palazzo Pubblico and the imposing Torre del Mangia tower and the beautiful Fonte Gaia Fountain. Piazza del Campo is also famous for the Palio di Siena Horse race, which has been held here since the Middle Ages, it takes place twice a year, on July 2nd and August 16th.
Around Piazza del Campo is a great place to just take a break with numerous restaurants and fabulous cafes. Especially during the warm season, countless visitors sit here and enjoy the magic that surrounds this square.
CLIMB TO THE TOP OF THE TORRE DEL MANGIA
Not leaving the Piazza del Campo, you have the opportunity to see the whole city from Torre del Mangia.The 102-metre-high tower in the center of the city, which rises above the roofs of the old town. It is one of the highest ancient towers in Italy and a real must see in Siena.
Whether you are in shape or not climbing the famous Tower is a must for the breathtaking view. The climb to the top is quite exhausting, 400 steps. It is quiet an effort, but it is totally worth it.
FONTE GAIO FOUNTAIN
In the square, you can find the beautiful fountain, Fonte Gaia, which is a very popular photo spot. With blue water and impressive architecture, the fountain has always been loved by locals and is considered a landmark of the city.
Many locals set up the fountain as a meeting point. It is a remarkable attraction, and, in the summer, you can find a lot of surrounding bars and cafes where you can relax.
Explore Siena Cathedral
Santa Maria Della Scarla, also on their Piazza del Domo, is a medieval church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. It took 200 years to complete and the interesting architectural style mixing Gothic, Romanesque, and classic.
The facade of the cathedral is amazing, decorated with dark green and white marble, which is decorated with countless details including 35 statues of prophets and patriarchs surrounding the Virgin.
The cathedral inside is worth seeing, you should plan plenty of time here as there is so much to see.
Tip To save a lot of time and energy, you can buy a **** fast admission online ticket **** as queues to the cathedral are always long. Other attractions such as the baptistery Piccolomini, Crypt, and Cathedral Museum are also included in this ticket.
THE CHURCH OF SAN DOMENICO
Church of San Domenico is one of the most important church buildings in Siena. It took almost 240 years to build and characterized by its impressive architecture and the relic of the holy head of Saint Catherina from Siena.
Situated on the hill, you can enjoy a wonderful view from this imposing church to the cathedral.
As many of Siena’s attractions are located between the cathedral and Pazza and Campo. It is easy to see a lot of the city *** just by walking around****
PALIO DI SIENA
The Palio which is a horse race that is held every year on July 2nd and August 16th 10 horses and riders compete each representing their contarda or neighbourhood. Each contarda has its own colors and mascots, which you can see hanging on flags as you walk through the historic city center.
The race is held in Piazza del Campo, it only lasts about 90 seconds as the horses and riders make Frantic laps around the square. People gather on the grandstands and in the center of Del Campo. It is a thrilling ***occasion**** to witness, if you are in town during one of their races.
TAKE A WALK
It’s a pleasure to walk around Siena admiring the gothic architecture and soaking up the street life. The historic heart of Siena is pedestrian-only, except for a delivery car or truck here and there.
We love wandering the city streets of Siena. As you stroll through the city, you’ll pass by smaller squares, small churches, cafes, shops, and restaurants.
Via di Citta is one of the main streets that runs parallel to the outside of Piazza del Compo. This street is also one of the best places to go shopping in Siena.
How to get to Siena
From Florence
Your best bet is the bus (not the train). The buses are cheaper and faster, from the bus station in Florence (near the Saint Maria Novella train station. Take the direct bus to Siena.
The trip takes about one hour, don’t take the local bus as it stops along the way and takes about two hours, you will arrive in Siena Piazza Gramsci, the main bus station.
Buses leave two to three times per hour you can buy your bus ticket at the station just before boarding the bus.
From Rome
By train, there are no direct trains between Rome and Siena. The train is a long journey, you must first go to Florence, and then switch to the regional train heading to Sienna. The total journey takes about 3 hours.
All trains can be booked in advance through Trainline
or OMIO which is very easy to do.
By car.
Siena is about an hour from Florence on the Autostrada, you can also get to Siena via the local SR 222 route, which is the route we use as it passes through the lovely Chianti wine area. It’s a little longer but well worth it for the scenic drive.
Most of the historic center is closed to cars through parking lots, and ring the city and some are connected to the historic center by escalators.
It is best to get a car rental in Florence or Pisa, where you will have more of a selection and better pricing.
To check prices and book, I recommend using the following two car rental websites.
Discover Cars which often have much better pricing or offer great deals at certain times of the year.
Rental car is very similar, owned by Booking.com, so is backed by a familiar reputable brand their prices are also good.
HOW LONG TO SPEND IN SIENA
Siena is popular with the day-trippers from Florence, many are on group tours that also include a visit to nearby San Gimignano. But it’s very easy to visit Sienna from Florence on your own, on a full day you have time to visit all the main landmarks.
While the town can easily be visited on a day trip, spending a night or two here, lets you explore with more leisure. Relax over wine and dinner in one of the city’s many excellent restaurants, and potentially visit the beautiful surrounding countryside and wineries.
LUNCH IN SIENA
WHERE TO EAT IN SIENA
Bagoga: located on via della Galluzza not far from Piazza del Campo. The restaurant serves authentic and typical regional cuisine. The past is excellent (as are all the dishes) and the staff super friendly. All of this comes with excellent value for money.
Morbid: situated on via Banchi di Sopra. The ideal for lunch the restaurant offers an all you can eat buffet at noon for only 12 euros. There’s a really good selection, everything is local and fresh and well cooked. Our favourite place to eat in Siena to eat quickly and heartily in a lovely setting with a warm atmosphere.
Chianti pizza from Mister Pizza
Located on via delle Terme. If you’re craving a great pizza during your stay in Siena head to this pizzeria. The pizzas are amazing, Hardy and affordable. We usually order a whole pizza, but you can order several sizes if you want to try different varieties.
If you want to try all the local culinary specialties at once, you can opt for ***guided food tour****. Your guide will take you to the best shops and taverns in the city to taste cured meats, cheese, pasta, Truffles and cakes.
You can book this tour and Siena by clicking the button below.
**** Guided gastronomic tour of Siena****
For those who want to do a Tuscan cooking class, you’ll benefit from the advice of an Italian chef. And of course, you’ll get to taste your dishes at the end of the class.
To book your cooking class in Siena click the following link. ***I booked my cooking class in Siena. ****
Where to stay in Siena
In the historical center of Siena, but also the picturesque surroundings of the city, there is a great selection of accommodations from cheap hotels to apartments, bed, and breakfast, everything is available.
If you are searching for a wonderful place to say in Siena, we can give you these hotel chips.
Hotel Italia – Budget
This three-star hotel with its location near the train station and outside of the heart of Sienna. It comes at a lower price. This is a boutique hotel offering 65 rooms that gets rave reviews. It’s a 20-minute walk to Piazza del Campo, but it is located conveniently near the train station.
Campo Regio Relais – midrange.
Stylish rooms in an old house, look out to Magical City Scape and Duomo. Welcoming sitting rooms open to a sunny terrace.
Palazzo ravizza – mid range.
This is where my wife and I usually stay, when we come to Siena, the Palazzo Ravizza offers a garden with a terrace overlooking the hills of Tuscany. The tranquility location and very friendly owners makes us keep coming back.
Casaccnti B&B
A converted family apartment now accommodates guests in four spacious rooms just behind the Duomo. This property offers classic-style accommodation with city views with a beautiful Italian breakfast served daily in the breakfast room.
Hotel Santa Caterina Midrange.
This is where we stayed on our last trip to Siena. Just on the outskirts of Sienna, only 200 meters to the gates into Siena, the small cosy hotel is located at one of the medieval entrances. The views from the garden overlooking the rolling hills where we had breakfast are spectacular.
Grand Hotel Continental – 5 star
The Grand Hotel Continental is a dream hotel located across from the Piazza Salimbeni right on Siena’s main pedestrian street and just minutes from Piazza del Campo and the Duomo. The rooms are lovely, and the location is right in the center of Siena, simply unbeatable.
ONE DAY IN SIENA
We have detailed one day in siena Iterinary, here is a quick overview how to plan your time.
9.30am Breakfast
10.00am Purchase tickets for Torre del Mangia
10.30am Sienna Duomo Complex
1.00pm Lunch
2.00pm Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia
4.00pm Santa Maria Della Scala
5.00pm Basilica of San Domenico
7.00pm Dinner and Drinks
Take one more stroll through the streets of Siena to end the day.
SIENA GUIDED TOURS
If you don’t necessarily want to explore Siena on your own, you have the option of joining a guided tour. On the online portal GET YOUR GUIDE you will find not only recommended city tours but also inexpensive entrance tickets such as Siena Cathedral, exciting cooking classes, also excursions to San Gimignano, the Vald’Orca and much more.
More places to visit in Tuscany
FLORENCE – Amazing things to do in Florence
VOLTERRA – A Medieval Hillside town
SAN GIMIGNANO – The City of Towers
CHIANTI – Fantastic Wine Region
PIENZA – Charming city of Renaissance
ITALY TRAVEL GUIDES
Buy the Lonely Planet Italy guide on Amazon.com or Amazon.com UK.
Buy the Rick Steves Italy guide on Amazon.com or Amazon.com UK.