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Why Visit Siena
Siena's medieval heart beats in Piazza del Campo, the shell-shaped square built on the site of a Roman marketplace. The city's distinct Sienese Gothic architecture is visible in the Torre del Mangia and the Duomo, clad in symbolic black and white marble.
Beyond the city walls, the rolling Crete Senesi hills offer dramatic landscapes for cycling and hiking. A key part of any Siena travel guide should include exploring the ancient Via Francigena trail or relaxing in the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni.
The local cuisine offers a compelling taste of Tuscany. Try hand-rolled 'pici' pasta with wild boar sauce. For dessert, the dense, spiced Panforte dates back to the Crusades. Pair it all with a glass of Chianti Colli Senesi from the nearby hills.
- SienaItaly
- SienaItaly
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild weather, fewer tourists
- Jul-Aughot, crowded
- Wintercool, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightLayers
- #Sunscreen
- #PowerAdapterTypeC
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- #Camera
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 with day trips
- Euro (€)
- Italian
- Limited English in rural areas but commonly spoken in tourist areas
- #PiazzaDelCampo
- #SienaCathedral
- #TorreDelMangia
- #PalazzoPubblico
- #SantaMariaDellaScala
- #BasilicaDiSanDomenico
- Explore medieval streets
- Attend a Palio horse race
- Taste pici pasta
- Visit local wineries
- Enjoy gelato at a piazza
Recommended Hotels in Siena by Experience
Things to do in Siena
Discover
Discover what to see in Siena, from the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo to the striped Duomo di Siena. Climb the Torre del Mangia for city views or explore the art-filled Pinacoteca Nazionale. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Experience
Experience the thrilling Palio horse race, held twice each summer. Wander through food markets for local Pecorino cheese and Pici pasta. Join a cooking class or take a wine tour through the nearby Chianti countryside for a full Tuscan taste.
Piazza del Campo
Shell-shaped medieval square, host of the Palio horse race.
Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena)
Gothic cathedral with a striped marble facade and mosaic floor.
Torre del Mangia
14th-century tower offering panoramic views of the city.
Palazzo Pubblico and Civic Museum
Town hall with frescoes depicting medieval Sienese life.
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena
Art gallery housing a major collection of Sienese paintings.
Palio di Siena
Historic horse race held twice annually in Piazza del Campo.
Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico
Gothic basilica housing the preserved head of Saint Catherine.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Siena, fly into Florence (FLR) or Pisa (PSA). From FLR, a direct bus takes about 75 mins to Piazza Gramsci. A direct train to Siena from Florence's Santa Maria Novella station is also a reliable option, taking around 90 minutes.
Getting Around
Siena's compact center is best explored on foot. For public transport in Siena, small 'pollicino' buses connect the train station to the city center. A network of free escalators also helps you ascend from lower parking areas to the historic gates.
Local Essentials
Among Siena travel tips for first-timers, know that driving in Siena's center is restricted by a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) with heavy fines. Park outside the walls. Validate all bus tickets in the onboard machine immediately after boarding.
Where to Stay in Siena
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Siena's flavors with pici pasta and Cinta Senese pork. Locals embrace the aperitivo hour before dinner. Don't leave without tasting Panforte, a traditional spiced fruitcake. This is the core of authentic food Siena.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Siena, try La Taverna di San Giuseppe's cozy cellar, book ahead. Sip wine at La Prosciutteria Siena's rustic bar, grab window seat. Eat a pastry at the classic Nannini, stand bar.
La Taverna di San Giuseppe
Tuscan classics in an ancient Etruscan wine cellar.
Antica Osteria da Divo
Fine dining inside historic Etruscan-era tombs.
Antica Trattoria Papei
Bustling, family-run spot for hearty Sienese dishes.
Te Ke Voi?
Gourmet street food sandwiches perfect for a quick bite.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore must-see traditions in Siena, from the historic Palio di Siena horse race, a medieval contest between city contrade, to the religious Festa di Santa Caterina. These events connect to Siena's deep-rooted civic and spiritual history.
Enjoy
Discover contemporary Siena attractions through its creative scene. Enjoy classical concerts at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana or experience international and local artists at the Siena Jazz Festival.
Palio di Siena
Historic bareback horse race in Piazza del Campo. July/August.
Chigiana International Festival
Summer classical music festival with international performers.
Siena Jazz Festival
Summer-long series of jazz concerts and workshops.
Mercato nel Campo
Medieval-style Christmas market in Piazza del Campo. December.
Festa di Santa Caterina
Religious processions and events honoring Italy's patron saint.
Torrita Blues Festival
Long-running blues music festival in June near Siena.
A wonderful medieval city
Siena is a fantastic medieval city, so easy to walk through. The whole place feels like you've stepped back in time. The Piazza del Campo is huge and a great spot to just sit and watch people. It's built on hills, so be ready for some inclines!
Incredible Art and Architecture
The history here is just amazing. The inside of the Duomo is breathtaking, especially the detailed marble floors. It's a city where you can just wander down any narrow street and find something beautiful. The local pici pasta was a nice discovery too.
So relaxing and pleasant
Siena has such a relaxing pace compared to other Italian cities. We enjoyed strolling through the streets and stopping for coffee and panforte whenever we felt like it. The food is rustic and delicious, and the people are very welcoming. A really pleasant visit.
Amazing views from the tower
Climbing the Torre del Mangia was totally worth it for the view of the city and the Tuscan hills. The whole city is like a preserved medieval maze. It's fun to just get lost in the little alleyways. Found some great little shops away from the main square.
A city with real character
What a unique place. Learning about the different contrade, or districts, was fascinating; you see their flags and symbols everywhere. It gives the city such a strong local identity. The hilly streets make for great exploring and offer amazing viewpoints unexpectedly.
Perfect for a few days
A wonderful, compact city. Everything is within walking distance, so you don't need to worry about transport. We walked along Via Banchi di Sopra for shopping and found some great cafes for a break. It's a perfect destination for a short trip.