Siena
Italy
Why Siena is a great destination
Siena delivers big-city culture without the big-city crowds—a living medieval city where art, ritual and daily life still intertwine.
- Atmosphere: Intimate, walkable and quietly proud; mornings on Il Campo, striped-marble splendour in the Duomo, and evenings of aperitivo along Il Corso (Banchi di Sopra/Via di Città).
- Authenticity: Centuries-old contrada life is everywhere—flags, fountains, and social clubs where visitors can dine—offering a deeper connection than the selfie-thronged circuits found elsewhere.
- Highlights: Stand before Lorenzetti’s Good Government in the Palazzo Pubblico, see Duccio’s Maestà at the Museo dell’Opera, wander the Pinacoteca’s serene galleries, and slip to Orto de’ Pecci or Fontebranda between pici, cinta senese and panforte stops.
- Value & ease: Fewer queues, great combined tickets (Opa Si Pass), low-cost gems like the Pinacoteca, and occasional free first Sundays—authentic neighbourhood museums and traditions without the premium price tag.
Who should go to Siena?
Travellers who love living history, luminous Gothic art, and intimate cityscapes will adore Siena. This compact, car‑free hill town blends museum‑grade masterpieces with everyday traditions, from contrada life to the Palio. Expect a slower, more contemplative rhythm than busier neighbours like Florence, with superb food and views at every turn.
- History lovers: Walk a preserved medieval republic where the Palazzo Pubblico, Torre del Mangia and Palio traditions bring civic history vividly to life.
- Art enthusiasts: See Sienese School masterpieces—Duccio’s Maestà, Lorenzetti’s Good Government, and the Duomo’s marble floor—without Florence‑level crowds.
- Culture seekers: Experience living heritage in the contrade, from quiet oratories to summer Palio pageantry, with deep local pride and etiquette to match.
- Foodies: Feast on pici, cinta senese pork and pecorino with Chianti pairings in intimate trattorie and welcoming contrada social clubs.
- Scenery seekers: Climb the Facciatone or Torre del Mangia for sweeping views across terracotta rooftops to the rolling Chianti hills.
- City‑breakers: A compact, walkable centre makes Siena perfect for a 1–2 day escape—slower‑paced and more intimate than Florence.
Who should go to Siena?
Travellers who love living history, luminous Gothic art, and intimate cityscapes will adore Siena. This compact, car‑free hill town blends museum‑grade masterpieces with everyday traditions, from contrada life to the Palio. Expect a slower, more contemplative rhythm than busier neighbours like Florence, with superb food and views at every turn.
- History lovers: Walk a preserved medieval republic where the Palazzo Pubblico, Torre del Mangia and Palio traditions bring civic history vividly to life.
- Art enthusiasts: See Sienese School masterpieces—Duccio’s Maestà, Lorenzetti’s Good Government, and the Duomo’s marble floor—without Florence‑level crowds.
- Culture seekers: Experience living heritage in the contrade, from quiet oratories to summer Palio pageantry, with deep local pride and etiquette to match.
- Foodies: Feast on pici, cinta senese pork and pecorino with Chianti pairings in intimate trattorie and welcoming contrada social clubs.
- Scenery seekers: Climb the Facciatone or Torre del Mangia for sweeping views across terracotta rooftops to the rolling Chianti hills.
- City‑breakers: A compact, walkable centre makes Siena perfect for a 1–2 day escape—slower‑paced and more intimate than Florence.
Top things to do in Siena
These are the unmissable highlights of Siena, distilling its art, history and living traditions into must-do experiences. Use them to grasp the city’s soul in a compact, unforgettable circuit.
- Walk the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo to the Palazzo Pubblico to contemplate Lorenzetti’s Allegory of Good and Bad Government in situ.
- Explore the Duomo Complex—marble floor (when unveiled), Pinturicchio’s Piccolomini Library, Baptistery and Crypt, and Duccio’s Maestà in the Museo dell’Opera.
- Visit the Pinacoteca Nazionale to trace the Sienese School from Duccio and Simone Martini to the Lorenzetti and Beccafumi.
- Take the climb up the Torre del Mangia for the definitive view over Il Campo and Siena’s harmonious Gothic skyline.
- Hike the quiet contrada lanes to fountains and oratories, then out to the Fortezza Medicea or Orto de’ Pecci for serene city-and-countryside vistas.
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Top things to do in Siena
These are the unmissable highlights of Siena, distilling its art, history and living traditions into must-do experiences. Use them to grasp the city’s soul in a compact, unforgettable circuit.
- Walk the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo to the Palazzo Pubblico to contemplate Lorenzetti’s Allegory of Good and Bad Government in situ.
- Explore the Duomo Complex—marble floor (when unveiled), Pinturicchio’s Piccolomini Library, Baptistery and Crypt, and Duccio’s Maestà in the Museo dell’Opera.
- Visit the Pinacoteca Nazionale to trace the Sienese School from Duccio and Simone Martini to the Lorenzetti and Beccafumi.
- Take the climb up the Torre del Mangia for the definitive view over Il Campo and Siena’s harmonious Gothic skyline.
- Hike the quiet contrada lanes to fountains and oratories, then out to the Fortezza Medicea or Orto de’ Pecci for serene city-and-countryside vistas.
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3-day Siena itinerary
Day 1: Il Campo, civic art and the cathedral
Wake to Siena’s medieval skyline and ease into the city’s rhythm. The historic centre is car-free (ZTL), so plan to walk and tackle hills at a gentle pace. Start where Sienese life has pulsed for centuries: Il Campo.
- Morning: Arrive early at Il Campo for the square at its most serene, then visit Palazzo Pubblico and the Museo Civico for Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s Allegory and Effects of Good and Bad Government and Simone Martini’s Maestà. Use the museum’s QR audio for context, and book your Torre del Mangia slot in advance if you plan to climb later (limited numbers, popular in summer).
- Midday: Climb the Torre del Mangia (weather-permitting; not ideal if you dislike narrow staircases), then break for lunch just off the square where prices are gentler. In peak season, shade and water matter—plan a slower pace between indoor sites.
- Afternoon: Cross to the Duomo complex with an Opa Si Pass (best value); visit the cathedral and Piccolomini Library, then the Baptistery and the Crypt. If you’re here late June–mid-October, the inlaid marble floor is usually uncovered—allow extra time to take it in.
- Evening: Finish at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo and step onto the Facciatone terrace for golden-hour views over the city (check last-entry times). Stroll the Corso (Banchi di Sopra/Via di Città/Banchi di Sotto) before dinner; photography is fine in many places, but never use flash in churches or museums.
Day 2: Sienese painting and the hospital of pilgrims
Today is for deep-diving into Siena’s painters and its extraordinary hospital-turned-museum. Keep the pace unhurried—quiet rooms reward close looking.
- Morning: Explore the Pinacoteca Nazionale for the definitive sweep of Sienese painting—from Duccio and Simone Martini to the Lorenzetti and Beccafumi. Tip: winter hours can be reduced and often morning-only; check ahead and arrive at opening for calm galleries.
- Midday: Head to Santa Maria della Scala opposite the Duomo; in the Pellegrinaio, Domenico di Bartolo’s frescoes bring medieval hospital life vividly to the walls. The complex spans multiple levels (including archaeology); plan a simple trattoria lunch nearby between sections.
- Afternoon: Visit the Oratory of San Bernardino for early 16th‑century frescoes by Beccafumi, Sodoma and Pacchia, then the Diocesan Museum downstairs. By appointment, the Archivio di Stato shows the painted Biccherna panels—book well ahead; it’s a superb, quieter choice for a hot or rainy afternoon.
- Evening: If in season, look for a concert at Palazzo Chigi‑Saracini/Accademia Musicale Chigiana (programmes vary). Enjoy aperitivo back on Il Campo, then dine on pici with ragù or cinta senese; reserve on weekends and during festival periods.
Day 3: Contrade, saints and hidden corners
Experience Siena as a living city of neighbourhoods. The contrade are private, proud and welcoming when approached respectfully—today is about their streets, symbols and stories.
- Morning: Visit the Basilica di San Domenico (chapel of Saint Catherine), then drop to Fontebranda, the great Gothic fountain tied to the wool trade and Catherine’s life. Wander residential lanes, noting contrada emblems on corners; avoid entering oratories/museums unless clearly open to visitors.
- Midday: Walk to Orto de’ Pecci, the green valley behind Piazza del Mercato, for a rustic lunch with a countryside feel in the city’s heart. If you missed it yesterday, this is a good window to catch any remaining Duomo complex site.
- Afternoon: With prior arrangement, visit a contrada museum to see Palio banners (drappelloni), costumes and silver—be discreet and never touch displays. Alternatively, explore contemporary shows at Palazzo delle Papesse (reopened; check current exhibitions) or take a guided tour of Palazzo Chigi‑Saracini when available.
- Evening: For sunset, circle the ramparts of the Fortezza Medicea for broad views, then consider a simple meal at a contrada social club bar/restaurant that’s open to the public (ask locally; offerings vary). Summer note: in the days around 2 July and 16 August, attend an evening prova (trial) for the Palio instead—arrive early, expect crowds, and remain neutral during the race atmosphere.
Share Siena with friends and start planning your trip together.
Food and drink in Siena
Siena eats like it lives: proudly local, seasonal, and rooted in tradition. Expect hand‑rolled pasta, heritage pork, and spice‑scented sweets born of medieval trade. The best flavours emerge in snug osterie, busy markets, and low‑lit wine bars around Il Campo.
- Pici – Hand‑rolled, thick spaghetti served all’aglione (garlicky tomato) or with cacio e pepe, sometimes with a wild‑boar ragù. Best savoured in cosy osterie off the main streets.
- Cinta Senese – Heritage Tuscan pork, enjoyed as grilled chops, fennel‑scented salumi, or slow‑cooked in ragù. Try it in rustic trattorie or sliced into panini at the Wednesday market by the Fortezza.
- Panforte di Siena – Dense, spiced fruit‑and‑nut cake with honey and pepper, the city’s emblematic sweet. Grab a slice from historic pasticcerie and enjoy it standing at the bar with an espresso.
- Tuscan wines – Sip Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, or finish with Vin Santo and biscuits. Settle into an enoteca for unhurried aperitivi and people‑watching near Il Campo.
Eat like a local: Discover Siena top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Food and drink in Siena
Siena eats like it lives: proudly local, seasonal, and rooted in tradition. Expect hand‑rolled pasta, heritage pork, and spice‑scented sweets born of medieval trade. The best flavours emerge in snug osterie, busy markets, and low‑lit wine bars around Il Campo.
- Pici – Hand‑rolled, thick spaghetti served all’aglione (garlicky tomato) or with cacio e pepe, sometimes with a wild‑boar ragù. Best savoured in cosy osterie off the main streets.
- Cinta Senese – Heritage Tuscan pork, enjoyed as grilled chops, fennel‑scented salumi, or slow‑cooked in ragù. Try it in rustic trattorie or sliced into panini at the Wednesday market by the Fortezza.
- Panforte di Siena – Dense, spiced fruit‑and‑nut cake with honey and pepper, the city’s emblematic sweet. Grab a slice from historic pasticcerie and enjoy it standing at the bar with an espresso.
- Tuscan wines – Sip Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, or finish with Vin Santo and biscuits. Settle into an enoteca for unhurried aperitivi and people‑watching near Il Campo.
Eat like a local: Discover Siena top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in Siena
Choosing where to stay in Siena is about picking the vibe you want: medieval bustle, quiet contrada streets, or easy access for day trips. Decide on the area first—each corner of the city feels different—then shortlist hotels within that zone.
- Historic Centre (Il Campo) — Iconic views and constant buzz steps from the Palazzo Pubblico; best for first‑timers and night owls, but expect crowd noise and strict ZTL rules.
- Duomo & Santa Maria della Scala — Dramatic Gothic setting that quietens after day‑trippers; ideal for art lovers wanting the Duomo complex on the doorstep and scenic, steep lanes.
- Porta Camollia (north gate) — Local, good‑value feel with easy escalator access from the station and frequent buses; suits families and longer stays seeking eateries over nightlife.
- Fortezza Medicea & San Domenico/Fontebranda — Green spaces, big views and nearby parking at the fortress; calm, residential vibe close to contrada life, 10–15 minutes’ walk to Il Campo.
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Where to stay in Siena
Choosing where to stay in Siena is about picking the vibe you want: medieval bustle, quiet contrada streets, or easy access for day trips. Decide on the area first—each corner of the city feels different—then shortlist hotels within that zone.
- Historic Centre (Il Campo) — Iconic views and constant buzz steps from the Palazzo Pubblico; best for first‑timers and night owls, but expect crowd noise and strict ZTL rules.
- Duomo & Santa Maria della Scala — Dramatic Gothic setting that quietens after day‑trippers; ideal for art lovers wanting the Duomo complex on the doorstep and scenic, steep lanes.
- Porta Camollia (north gate) — Local, good‑value feel with easy escalator access from the station and frequent buses; suits families and longer stays seeking eateries over nightlife.
- Fortezza Medicea & San Domenico/Fontebranda — Green spaces, big views and nearby parking at the fortress; calm, residential vibe close to contrada life, 10–15 minutes’ walk to Il Campo.
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Good to know before you go to Siena
Travel to and around Siena is straightforward, but a few details make planning smoother. Its compact medieval centre rewards walkers, and simple tips on costs, transport and timing will help you avoid crowds and hills at the wrong moment.
- Affordability: Siena is mid‑priced for Tuscany: coffee at the bar €1.30–€1.80, sit‑down meals about €15–25 at lunch and €25–45 at dinner per person, B&Bs €90–160 and mid‑range hotels €140–240 per night (higher during the Palio), with major museum passes like the Opa Si Pass €15–22.
- Transport: The historic centre is very walkable but hilly and largely a ZTL; park in outer car parks or arrive by bus/train (escalators link the station uphill), use regional buses for Florence (about 1.5 hours) and nearby towns, and consider a car for Chianti/Val d’Orcia day trips.
- Language: Italian is the main language; English is widely understood in museums, hotels and restaurants, though a few polite Italian phrases go a long way in neighbourhood spots.
- Safety & comfort: Siena is very safe for families and solo travellers; use normal caution for pickpockets in Il Campo, queues and on buses (especially around the Palio), wear good shoes for cobbles and hills, and carry water in summer heat.
- Crowds: Peak season runs May–October with July/August (and Palio days 2 July and 16 August) at their busiest—book ahead—while November–March is calm with shorter hours, and late June–mid‑October draws extra visitors when the Duomo floor is uncovered.
Good to know before you go to Siena
Travel to and around Siena is straightforward, but a few details make planning smoother. Its compact medieval centre rewards walkers, and simple tips on costs, transport and timing will help you avoid crowds and hills at the wrong moment.
- Affordability: Siena is mid‑priced for Tuscany: coffee at the bar €1.30–€1.80, sit‑down meals about €15–25 at lunch and €25–45 at dinner per person, B&Bs €90–160 and mid‑range hotels €140–240 per night (higher during the Palio), with major museum passes like the Opa Si Pass €15–22.
- Transport: The historic centre is very walkable but hilly and largely a ZTL; park in outer car parks or arrive by bus/train (escalators link the station uphill), use regional buses for Florence (about 1.5 hours) and nearby towns, and consider a car for Chianti/Val d’Orcia day trips.
- Language: Italian is the main language; English is widely understood in museums, hotels and restaurants, though a few polite Italian phrases go a long way in neighbourhood spots.
- Safety & comfort: Siena is very safe for families and solo travellers; use normal caution for pickpockets in Il Campo, queues and on buses (especially around the Palio), wear good shoes for cobbles and hills, and carry water in summer heat.
- Crowds: Peak season runs May–October with July/August (and Palio days 2 July and 16 August) at their busiest—book ahead—while November–March is calm with shorter hours, and late June–mid‑October draws extra visitors when the Duomo floor is uncovered.
Best time to go to Siena
Seasonality in Siena pivots around its medieval festivals and museum rhythms, with the Palio defining summer and the Duomo floor unveiling shaping late summer–autumn visits. Shoulder seasons offer ideal weather and fewer crowds; winter is quiet, atmospheric, and great for unhurried art viewing.
- Shoulder Season (Spring & Autumn): Mild, pleasant weather with manageable crowds; a relaxed, local vibe ideal for museums and wandering the contrade (Duomo floor unveiling often late summer–mid‑autumn).
- High Summer (June–August): Hot and busiest; electrifying atmosphere around the Palio (2 July & 16 August), but expect premium prices and the need to book well ahead.
- Winter (November–February): Chilly, often misty and very quiet; shorter hours but a contemplative mood and excellent for crowd‑free art and church visits.
Best time to go to Siena
Seasonality in Siena pivots around its medieval festivals and museum rhythms, with the Palio defining summer and the Duomo floor unveiling shaping late summer–autumn visits. Shoulder seasons offer ideal weather and fewer crowds; winter is quiet, atmospheric, and great for unhurried art viewing.
- Shoulder Season (Spring & Autumn): Mild, pleasant weather with manageable crowds; a relaxed, local vibe ideal for museums and wandering the contrade (Duomo floor unveiling often late summer–mid‑autumn).
- High Summer (June–August): Hot and busiest; electrifying atmosphere around the Palio (2 July & 16 August), but expect premium prices and the need to book well ahead.
- Winter (November–February): Chilly, often misty and very quiet; shorter hours but a contemplative mood and excellent for crowd‑free art and church visits.
Share Siena with friends and start planning your trip together.
How to get to Siena
By Air
- Florence (FLR, Peretola) – ~80 km. 1–1.5 hr by car. Tram T2 from airport to Firenze SMN (15–20 min), then train or coach to Siena.
- Pisa (PSA, Galileo Galilei) – ~120 km. 1.5–2 hr by car. PisaMover to Pisa Centrale (5 min), then train via Empoli to Siena (1h45–2h10).
- Rome (FCO/CIA) – ~250 km. 2.5–3.5 hr by car. Trains FCO→Roma Termini/Tiburtina→Firenze SMN→Siena (approx. 3–3.5 hr total); limited direct coaches to Siena (3–4 hr).
- Bologna (BLQ) – ~180 km. 2–2.5 hr by car. Marconi Express to Bologna Centrale, high-speed to Firenze SMN, then regional to Siena (2.5–3 hr total).
By Train
- Main station: Siena (Stazione FS), at the foot of the historic centre (escalators and local buses up to town; ~20–25 min walk to Il Campo).
- From Florence (Firenze SMN): direct Regionale trains (some via Empoli), ~1h30, up to 2x/hour.
- From Pisa Centrale: Regionale via Empoli, ~1h45–2h10.
- From Rome (Termini/Tiburtina): high-speed to Firenze SMN (~1h30) + Regionale to Siena (~1h30), 3–3.5 hr total; or Intercity to Chiusi–Chianciano Terme (~1h45) + Regionale/coach to Siena (~1h15–1h30).
- No high-speed trains run to Siena itself; connections are via Florence or Chiusi.
By Coach/Bus
- Florence ↔ Siena: Autolinee Toscane “Rapida” service via motorway, ~1h15; frequent departures from Firenze Piazzale Montelungo (by SMN). Arrivals: Siena Piazza Gramsci (central) and Stazione FS.
- Rome ↔ Siena: FlixBus (and seasonal services) 3–3.5 hr to Siena Stazione FS/Piazza Gramsci; frequency varies by season.
- Pisa ↔ Siena: occasional direct coaches; most travellers use train via Empoli.
- Local buses link Siena Stazione FS with central stops (Piazza Gramsci, San Domenico).
By Car
- From Florence: RA3 (Raccordo Autostradale Firenze–Siena), ~1–1h15.
- From Rome: A1 to Valdichiana, then SS715 (Siena–Bettolle), ~2.5–3 hr.
- From Pisa: FI-PI-LI to Florence area, then RA3, ~1.5–2 hr.
- ZTL in the historic centre (fines enforced). Use paid car parks outside the walls: Santa Caterina (Il Campo), San Francesco (with escalators), Stadio–Fortezza, Stazione FS. The centre is hilly; escalators help from San Francesco and the station.
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