Best Things To Do in Siena, Italy

8 Things to do in Siena, Italy

Siena is a small and beautiful historical city in the famous region of Tuscany. We visited twice over the years, and its filmic look easily makes it one of our favorites! Especially when the soft light of sunset shines onto the countless terracotta buildings, it’s stunning.

1. Piazza del Campo

Piazza del Campo is the main square in UNESCO Siena, known fondly by the locals as Il Campo (meaning ‘field’ in Italian). We quickly saw why, as the shell-shaped square is lined by beautiful old buildings. It’s a great place to people-watch, but you can also discover:

• Torre del Mangia
• Palazzo Publico
• The Fountain of Gaia (at the center, and a great meeting point for locals!)

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2. Cathedral Siena (Siena Duomo)

The Cathedral of Siena is one of the most impressive sights and a top thing to do in Siena. The massive Gothic building is built entirely out of white and pink marble. We were speechless when we first saw it.

The interior is just as gorgeous, with some of the most detailed frescoes across the ceilings and walls. Entrance: 9-16 EUR, depending on what you want to visit.

3. Battistero di San Giovanni

Battistero di San Giovanni sits at the back of the Cathedral on a lower level, accessed by steps. This small church is much quieter than the cathedral; we spent half an hour escaping the heat on a hot late-summer day.

Look out for its incredible frescoes, detailed decoration, and famous hexagonal baptismal font. Open: May-Nov, 10.30 AM – 6 PM (Sunday, 1.30 – 6 PM). Winter hours, 10.30 AM – 5.30 PM.

4. Palazzo Pubblico – Top Thing to do in Siena!

The Palazzo Pubblico is a stunning palace on the Piazza del Campo. Built in the 13th century, this building was once the seat of the republican government. Every room inside has intricate decorations, paintings, and frescoes, which can be seen on a guided tour. 

However, the adjoining tower, Torre del Mangia, is the real icon of Sienna. At 88 meters tall, you can spot it from miles away. If you want, you can snake your way up the 400 steps to the top. From here, there’s a bird’s-eye view of the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. We really enjoyed this top thing to do in Siena!

5. Church of San Domenico

Even though the Cathedral steals the show, the church of San Domenico was a surprise for us. It’s really unique, with an unusual mix of styles – almost like bits were added over the years.

However, the best part is its hilltop location. We had incredible views from here of the orange-tiled roofs and terracotta buildings of Siena. Seeing the traditional Italian building, surrounded by Cypress trees, was a highlight on our Tuscany road trip.

6. Elsa Trail and Waterfall

The Elsa Trail is a beautiful natural area located just a 30-minute drive from Siena. This stunning walking path is a slice of heaven, away from the city’s bustling streets, winding between milky-blue pools and waterfalls. Pack a picnic and jump in the car, crossing gorgeous Tuscan landscapes to enjoy a refreshing swim in the waters. 

Read: Elsa Trail, Tuscany, and Diborrato Waterfall

If you don’t have a car, you can take a public bus from the center of Siena (number 130 or 131).  

7. Visit San Gimignano from Siena

Close to the Elsa Trail and Waterfall is San Gimignano, whose remarkable nickname is Manhattan of the Middle Ages. It owes the nickname to the large number of residential towers that were once a status symbol for families building the highest. The higher, the better.

San Gimignano is about a 1h 15 min drive from Siena, but if you combine this with the Diborrato Waterfall, it’s a perfect thing to do from Siena.

8. A Day Trip to Pienza and Montepulciano

Montepulciano and Pienza are two beautiful locations located in the southern part of Tuscany. From Siena, it is about a 1-hour drive by car. Pienza is a charming little hilltop village known as the capital of the tasty pecorino cheese.

Montepulciano is a small medieval city with great little restaurants and sites to visit. The two are very different and, therefore, a great visit on a day trip from Siena.

Tours in Pienza and Montepulciano

How to Visit Siena in Italy

Florence and Pisa are the nearest airports, and you can drive to Siena in 1.5 hours from both of these. 

Train connections are great throughout Italy. From Florence, you can reach Siena in 1.5 hours. If you’re coming from bigger cities like Rome or Milan, you’ll have to change trains in Florence.

Renting a car in Italy is one of the best ways to get around Tuscany, giving you the freedom to enjoy the top things to do in Siena and the beautiful nature in the surrounding region. Once you get to Siena, you can park it in this free parking spot. 

Tip: In the historical center, no cars are allowed. This makes it a wonderful experience to wander on the streets of Siena.

Getting Around

Siena is a small city and very walkable. In fact, inside the historical center, this is the only option as there are no cars allowed. It’s the best way to see the tiny streets and find fantastic wine bars, beautiful townhouses, and more medieval gems.

Alternatively, do as the Italians do and rent a Vespa for your trip. Have fun driving the Vespa through the picturesque Italian streets!

Where to Stay in Siena

The historic center is the best option as this puts you right in the heart of Siena so you can walk everywhere and wake up to the sight of ancient buildings in the morning mist. Please be aware that you can’t drive or park in this area, so it might be better to stay outside of this area if you’re driving a car.

Our favorite hotels in Siena 😴

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Ca' Bianca Tuscany Relais

Siena

Residenza d'Epoca Le Aquile

Siena

B&B Alle Due Porte

Siena

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Many people choose to stay on a farm in the Tuscan countryside instead, venturing into Siena for a day trip. 

Best Time to Visit Siena, Italy

The summer months in Siena are hot, and the small compact city gets busy with travelers on their summer holidays.

Although the summer makes for a great atmosphere, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn can be a better option for quieter streets, lower prices, and warm temperatures that are perfect for a day of sightseeing. 

Best Cafes and Restaurants

The food in Siena doesn’t disappoint! There are lots of local delicacies here, such as truffle, porcini mushrooms, and the typical almond cookie of Siena. Head to a cozy trattoria and enjoy the local pasta, Pici (made with flour and water), and a delicious homemade sauce of tomato and garlic. Some of our favorite restaurants were:

Plus, the region is famous worldwide for its wine, so you can pair it with some of the tastiest varieties.