San Gimignano Travel Guide: 16 Best Things To Do & See
Everything you need to know about San Gimignano in Tuscany, including what to do & our top tips | Hi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here. |
The Town of Fine Towers
San Gimignano is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting towns in Tuscany.
The town may be small, but it is full of soul.
The well-preserved city wall and medieval architecture have earned San Gimignano a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Situated atop a hill, San Gimignano is visible from afar – particularly due to its numerous towers.
In the 13th century, the town boasted 72 towers (some reaching up to 70 metres!) giving San Gimignano the nickname the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages”.
Today, only 14 towers remain, but they still beautifully define the town’s skyline.
We spent three nights at an agriturismo near San Gimignano, enjoying multiple strolls along its charming, car-free streets.
In this travel guide to San Gimignano, you will find all the best things to do and see, how many days to spend in the town, where to stay and much more.
Our favourites: Where to stay in San Gimignano?
- Budget: Residenza d’Epoca Palazzo Buonaccorsi – Slightly cheaper hotel in the northern end of the town. Choose between a private or shared bathroom.
- Value for money: Hotel Leon Bianco – Charming and well-reviewed hotel with the town’s best location on the main square Piazza della Cisterna.
- Value for money: La Cisterna – Located right opposite Hotel Leon Bianco. With a nice view of the square on one side and the Tuscan countryside on the other.
- Luxury: Agrivilla I Pini – Aesthetic, ecological agriturismo just a 20-minute walk from San Gimignano (where we stayed for three nights).
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in San Gimignano here.
Table of contents
San Gimignano map and geography
San Gimignano is located in the region of Tuscany in central Italy.
The nearest major city is Siena, and Florence is not far away either.
Just under 8,000 people live in the small town.
How long to stay in San Gimignano
You don’t need much time to explore San Gimignano.
In fact, you can see most of the small town in just a few hours, making it ideal for a day trip – possibly combined with visits to other charming Tuscan towns.
We stayed about a 20-minute walk from San Gimignano for three nights at the beautiful rustic country estate, Agrivilla I Pini (adlink).
From there, we visited the town in the morning and late afternoon, when it was less crowded. It was truly delightful to experience the serene atmosphere – so we highly recommend staying for a night or two.
Day trips to San Gimignano
It’s really popular to take a day trip to San Gimignano, for example from Siena, Florence, Lucca or Livorno.
If you don’t plan to stay overnight, consider one of the day trips to San Gimignano from nearby cities listed below.
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The 16 best things to do and see in San Gimignano
Here are our suggestions for the best things to do and see in San Gimignano. Although it’s a small town, there is a lot to do!
- Piazza della Cisterna – Atmospheric square with old well
- Gelato – World-class ice cream
- Torre Grossa – See the town from above
- Palazzo Comunale and Musei Civici – Museum in the town hall
- Pinacoteca – Art gallery on the second floor
- Duomo di San Gimignano – The town’s cathedral
- Parco della Rocca – Park with old fortress
- SanGimignano1300 – Free museum showcasing the town’s history
- Walk the side streets – Discover the medieval charm
- Punto Panoramico – Panoramic view of fields
- Shopping – Buy local souvenirs
- San Lorenzo in Ponte – Small church with frescoes
- Fonti Medievali – Medieval water supply
- Sant’Agostino – The second-largest church
- Visit a winery – Taste the local grapes
- The best day trips from San Gimignano
1. Piazza della Cisterna – Atmospheric square with old well
Most visitors to San Gimignano enter the town from the south and go through the large Porta San Giovanni.
You walk up the main street Via San Giovanni from here until you reach the triangular square Piazza della Cisterna.
The large square is named after the underground cistern and has a beautiful old well standing in the middle.
Piazza della Cisterna is surrounded by medieval houses, towers, charming cafes and shops. It’s truly a delightful spot!
2. Gelato – World-class ice cream
Piazza della Cisterna is home to the famous Gelateria Dondoli.
The shop’s owner, Sergio Dondoli, won the prestigious Maestro d’Arte e Mestiere award for his gelato in 2016 and the shop is really popular.
You can find all the classic flavours, as well as unique options like saffron and pine nut cream or pink grapefruit with sparkling wine.
During the day, queues can get long, so visit in the morning or late afternoon to save time (if you want to try the famous gelato, that is).
We tried three scoops ourselves and thought the gelato was excellent.
However, to be honest, it wasn’t much better than other gelatos in Italy where the standard is so high that even a mediocre gelato tastes great.
We can recommend Caffeteria Gelateria dell’Olmo located at the same square as well.
3. Torre Grossa – See the town from above
San Gimignano is renowned for its numerous ancient towers.
During the Middle Ages, the wealthy families of the town vied to construct the tallest and most impressive towers.
It is believed that there were 72 towers at the city’s peak, earning San Gimignano the nickname “Manhattan of the Middle Ages”.
Today, there are “only” 14 towers left of which Torre Grossa is the tallest with its 54 metres.
We recommend climbing the tower to enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the city and the rolling hills.
There are more than 200 steps to the top, and you eventually have to climb a ladder (and duck under the bell), so it’s not for the faint of heart – but it’s not particularly difficult either.
A Musei Civici ticket costs 9 euros in 2024 and is valid for Torre Grossa, Palazzo Comunale, Pinacoteca and San Lorenzo in Ponte.
The ticket can be bought at the ticket office in San Gimignano.
See opening hours and more information here.
4. Palazzo Comunale and Musei Civici – Museum in the town hall
To get to Torre Grossa, you must go through Palazzo Comunale (also called Palazzo del Popolo), which has been the seat of the civic authority since the 13th century.
Inside the Palazzo, you will find Musei Civici, the Pinacoteca and of course the entrance to Torre Grossa.
The Civic Museum can be visited quickly, but if you already have a ticket, it’s worthwhile to explore the historical exhibits and impressive artwork adorning the walls.
Make sure to check out the frescoes depicting knight tournaments and stories from the late 13th century.
5. Pinacoteca – Art gallery on the second floor
On the second floor of the palace, you will find the art gallery Pinacoteca.
Here you’ll mainly find works by artists from Siena and Florence, making it a worthwhile stop, especially since it’s included in the Musei Civici ticket when you’re heading up to Torre Grossa anyway.
6. Duomo di San Gimignano – The town’s cathedral
Piazza del Duomo is a square that extends from Piazza della Cisterna.
As the name suggests, this is where you find the town cathedral, i.e. Duomo di San Gimignano, and this is also where the Torre Grossa, Palazzo Comunale and Pinacoteca are located.
From the outside, the church appears quite plain, almost boring, but inside it reveals a stunning interior with columns, striped marble arches and impressive works of art.
It resembles a (significantly) smaller version of the magnificent cathedral in Siena.
7. Parco della Rocca – Park with old fortress
To the west of the town (within the city walls), you can stroll up to Parco della Rocca, home to the fortification Rocca di Montestaffoli.
Surprisingly, the park was almost empty when we visited, even though the town centre was bustling. We enjoyed wandering through the lush surroundings, admiring the old buildings and the remnants of the fortress walls.
You get a beautiful view of the Tuscan landscape in one direction and a panoramic view of San Gimignano’s many towers in the other.
Make sure to climb the small tower of the fortress for the best view (if the steep road up to the park hasn’t used up all of your leg strength).
8. SanGimignano1300 – Free museum showcasing the town’s history
SanGimignano1300 is a fun little museum where you can learn about San Gimignano in the 14th century – including why many of the original 72 towers collapsed.
We loved the miniature reconstruction that depicts San Gimignano in its heyday in the Middle Ages.
The museum offers an engaging way to learn about history through videos, graphic timelines and small figures, making it very child-friendly.
SanGimignano1300 is free to visit and definitely worth a quick stop.
Located on the side street Via Costarella, you’ll find a large open entrance with a sign inviting you inside.
9. Walk the side streets – Discover the medieval charm
Perhaps this is given, but in a town as ancient as San Gimignano, a significant part of its allure lies in immersing oneself in its history and marvelling at its architecture.
Aside from exploring the prominent landmarks like the church, the square and Torre Grossa, taking a stroll through the charming side streets is highly recommended.
There aren’t as many people as on the main thoroughfare and these quieter alleys offer a more intimate glimpse into the town’s character and contribute greatly to the unique experience of visiting San Gimignano.
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10. Punto Panoramico – Panoramic view of fields
When exploring San Gimignano’s cosy streets, we can recommend a stroll along Via Degli Innocenti.
This narrow road runs along the outside of the town and from here, you get stunning panoramic views of the surrounding fields and old houses.
Coming from the south and heading towards Piazza della Cisterna, take a right just before the arched entrance to the square (with a tower next to it) and follow the narrow road.
You can also put in Punto Panoramico (Panoramic View) on Google Maps.
11. Shopping – Buy local souvenirs
The shops in San Gimignano may lean towards the touristy side, but they retain a small, personal appeal and offer a variety of quality products.
Shop at the many cute shops with olive oil, wine, local delicacies, handmade works of art, clothing, jewellery, ceramics, lavender products and much more.
On the main street Via San Giovanni you will find a bit of everything.
12. San Lorenzo in Ponte – Small church with frescoes
Located in the eastern part of San Gimignano is the small church of San Lorenzo in Ponte.
Built in the 13th century in Romanesque style, it is one of the oldest churches in the city.
What sets it apart is its vibrant frescoes. It’s worth a brief visit if you’re passing by or have already explored the rest of San Gimignano.
If you have a combination ticket to Torre Grossa, Palazzo Comunale and Pinacoteca, you can also enter San Lorenzo in Ponte on the same ticket.
13. Fonti Medievali – Medieval water supply
The historical water cisterns with their beautiful archways is another lesser-known attraction in San Gimignano worth visiting if you have the time.
Fonti Medievali requires descending a slightly steep road (and climbing back up on the return journey), but it offers a secluded experience compared to the bustling city centre.
These ancient springs were once the town’s only water supply and while they are not meticulously maintained today, exploring the 13th-century pools provides a fascinating glimpse into San Gimignano’s past.
14. Sant’Agostino – The second-largest church
If you can’t get enough of churches, make sure to stop by Sant’Agostino and the square of the same name. It can be found in the northern part of the town.
Chiesa di Sant’Agostino is a large 13th-century building with a tower and it stands out with its unconventional architectural style, both inside and out.
While it houses several frescoes, a beautifully painted altar and intricate details, the church’s simplicity may not make it a priority unless you have ample time to spare – it’s not considered a must-see in San Gimignano in our opinion.
15. Visit a winery – Taste the local grapes
For wine enthusiasts, the region boasts numerous wineries open for tastings of the local grapes.
Usually, these tours include a visit to the vineyards and the cellars where you get a glimpse into the winemaking process.
Afterwards, you get to indulge in a wine tasting accompanied by insights into each wine’s unique qualities – all while soaking in the scenic vistas of the Tuscan countryside.
The wine tours come in various durations, levels of privacy and price ranges. Read more about each tour by clicking on the options below.
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16. The best day trips from San Gimignano
Within a relatively short distance of San Gimignano, you can visit a multitude of small and large towns, all of which offer staggering amounts of history, art and, not least, fantastic food.
Here are the most recommended cities to visit on day trips from San Gimignano:
- Siena. It takes approximately an hour to an hour and a half by train (or 45 minutes by car) and then you are in one of Tuscany’s most beautiful cities.
- Florence. It takes one and a half to two hours by public transport to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Only an hour by car.
- Lucca. In approximately an hour and a half by car, you will reach one of Tuscany’s most charming cities with a unique city wall. With public transport, it takes quite a bit longer, as you have to go past Florence.
Map of the best things to do and see in San Gimignano
Here is a map of all the mentioned things to do and see in San Gimignano.
Where to stay in San Gimignano
As mentioned earlier, we can easily recommend spending 1-3 nights in San Gimignano.
This allows you to experience the town before or after the day-trippers arrive and gives you time to explore its lesser-known corners.
Moreover, San Gimignano’s strategic location in Tuscany makes it ideal for visiting several other charming destinations nearby.
You can also read our travel guide on where to stay in San Gimignano where we share more photos and write more about each hotel.
Our favourites: Where to stay in San Gimignano?
- Luxury: Agrivilla I Pini – Aesthetic, ecological agriturismo just a 20-minute walk from San Gimignano (where we stayed for three nights).
- Value for money: Hotel Leon Bianco – Charming and well-reviewed hotel with the town’s best location on the main square Piazza della Cisterna.
- Value for money: La Cisterna – Located right opposite Hotel Leon Bianco. With a nice view of the square on one side and the Tuscan countryside on the other.
- Budget: Residenza d’Epoca Palazzo Buonaccorsi – Slightly cheaper hotel in the northern end of the town. Choose between a private or shared bathroom.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in San Gimignano here.
How to get around San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a very small town that easily can be explored on foot.
All the main attractions and sights are within walking distance of each other – and there are (almost) no cars.
How to get to San Gimignano
By car
If you drive through Italy (as we did), you can get to San Gimignano via one of the motorways that pass by the city.
A car is unnecessary in the centre of San Gimignano but there are several public parking lots around the city walls (where the day-tourist buses stop as well).
Generally, the closer the car park is to the city entrance, the more expensive and crowded it will be. Fortunately, there are several options to choose from.
Read about the parking options and prices on the official website here.
Watch out for ZTL
Note that San Gimignano’s old town is designated as a “zona a traffico limitato” (ZTL), meaning it’s a restricted traffic area with specific regulations for driving and parking.
However, access is typically permitted for bicycles, electric cars, motorcycles, and scooters.
Surveillance cameras are in place, and hefty fines can be incurred for violating the regulations.
If your hotel is located within the ZTL, we recommend contacting them in advance if you plan to drive there.
By public transport
There is no train station in San Gimignano, so if you travel from the larger cities in the region, for example, Florence or Siena, you must first go to Poggibonsi.
From Poggibonsi, you should change to bus 130 which takes you to San Gimignano in 20-30 minutes.
Day trips
As mentioned earlier, there are day trips available from many of the larger cities in Tuscany. If you want to avoid the hassle of organising transport yourself, these trips are worth considering.
If you think a day trip to San Gimignano suits your needs, take a look at some of the options below.
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When to visit San Gimignano
Although San Gimignano is a small town, it is rather touristy all year round.
The high season is in July and August when Italians, Europeans and much of the rest of the world enjoy their summer holidays.
July and August are also the hottest months, so if you have the flexibility to plan your trip to San Gimignano outside of this period, we strongly recommend doing so.
May, June, September and October are good shoulder months with great weather and fewer crowds, although it is always a little busy in Tuscany.
December, January and February are the coldest months (like many other places in Europe).
It rains the most in September, October, November and December.
Our best tips for visiting San Gimignano
- Arrive early or stay late in the day if you want to experience the city without too many other people to experience San Gimignano at its most charming.
- Buy a combination ticket to see the town’s top attractions. Fortunately, it’s quite affordable.
- Many restaurants close for siesta between lunch and dinner, so keep an eye on the opening hours if you want to eat at a particular restaurant or café during the day.
- Expect an additional charge on the restaurant bill. Most restaurants add a “coperto” per guest, which is a fee per person regardless of your order. It is typically between 1 and 3 euros, which you pay in addition to the price of the food. It’s common to receive a small bread basket with butter or olive oil and balsamic vinegar as a starter.
What to bring to San Gimignano
- Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it!
- A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
- Sunscreen. Especially if you visit San Gimignano in the summer. We recommend an organic, vegan sunscreen without oxybenzone and other harmful chemicals.
- Sneakers or other types of shoes you can walk in comfortably.
- A refillable water bottle.
Sustainable travel tips
To travel as sustainably as possible, we recommend the following:
- Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
- Avoid disposable plastics.
- Sort your waste correctly and do not throw it on the ground.
Thank you for reading along
Thank you for reading our travel guide to San Gimignano. We hope it has been helpful!
What do you think of the small, cosy town in Tuscany?
Don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments below if you haven’t been to San Gimignano yet. We are happy to help.
And if you’ve already visited the city, it would be great to hear your best tips and tricks.
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for cheap hotels.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller. All three compared here.
Our camera gear:
- Panasonic GH5. Used for all of our photos and videos.
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro. Best drone out there!
- Sirui Tripod. Lightweight and strong.
- See all of our camera gear here.
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