Siena Travel Guide: 18 Best Things To Do & See
Everything you need to know about Siena in Tuscany, including what to see and 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. |
Magnificent medieval architecture
We fell head over heels for Siena.
The city’s beauty is nothing short of captivating and the atmosphere in its UNESCO-listed medieval streets is simply marvellous.
Siena is just as pretty as nearby Florence – just more charming and intimate.
You can enjoy a cup of coffee or a delicious gelato in the lively squares or climb up to take in fantastic views from the city’s towers. There are also churches, architecture and galleries here that will take your breath away.
When travelling around Tuscany, a visit to Siena is a must.
In this travel guide to Siena, you will find all the best things to do and see, where to stay, how many days you should spend, where to eat gelato, our best tips and much more.
Our favourites: Where to stay in Siena?
- Ultra-luxury: Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco – One of Tuscany’s (and perhaps Italy’s) most extraordinary places to spend the night. However, it is located a bit outside Siena.
- Luxury: Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano – Old monastery converted into a luxurious country retreat within walking distance of Siena’s centro storico.
- Luxury: Grand Hotel Continental – The pinnacle of luxury in the heart of the city: the only 5-star hotel in Siena.
- Value for money: La Terrazza Sul Campo – Stay in the middle of town at Piazza del Campo at a very reasonable price.
- Budget: Hotel Italia – Great value for money just outside the city walls, conveniently close to trains and affordable parking.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Siena here (adlink).
Table of contents
Siena map and geography
Siena is located in the region of Tuscany in central Italy – more specifically in the Chianti area.
The city is the capital of the province of the same name (Provincia di Siena) and just over 50,000 people live there.
Siena is built on three hills linked by three primary streets, converging in a Y-shape at the central square, Piazza del Campo.
Surrounded by a 7-kilometre medieval wall, the historic centre (Centro Storico) features several well-preserved gates providing entry to the city.
OPA SI PASS – Combined ticket to the best sights
Whether you’re visiting Siena for a day trip or staying overnight, consider getting an OPA SI PASS.
This pass provides access to several of Siena’s top attractions (for three consecutive days) – including Siena Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Crypt, the Piccolomini Library, the Museo dell’Opera and the Facciatone viewpoint.
We purchased an OPA SI PASS and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the city’s magnificent sights, especially the cathedral and the panoramic viewpoints!
You can obtain the pass by purchasing it at the ticket office in Siena.
Another option is to buy the ticket online here (adlink). You can book now and defer payment until later, or cancel the ticket entirely up until the day before your visit.
This way, you can save time and proceed directly to the attractions upon arrival in Siena (instead of spending precious time queuing at the ticket office).
Note: Please check the opening hours of each attraction. The last admission is usually 30 minutes before closing time.
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The 18 best things to do and see in Siena
Despite its relatively small size, Siena offers a wealth of activities.
Art enthusiasts can easily spend several days exploring its museums, while others will find more than enough attractions to fill a few busy days.
Don’t forget to take plenty of time to wander through the old streets and districts, soaking in the city’s atmosphere at a relaxed pace.
Here are what we believe to be the best things to do and see in Siena including interesting attractions, sights, landmarks and viewpoints.
- Duomo di Siena – Siena’s breathtaking cathedral
- The Piccolomini Library – The most colourful room in the cathedral
- The Gate of Heaven – Unique views from the top of the cathedral
- The Baptistery – Baptismal font and frescoes
- The Crypt – Hidden treasures under the cathedral
- Museo dell’Opera – Museum with art and sculptures
- Panorama dal Facciatone – One of the best viewpoints
- Piazza del Campo – Central, seashell-shaped square
- Palazzo Pubblico – Siena’s iconic city hall
- Torre del Mangia – The highest tower in the city
- Basilica di San Domenico – A holy head and a great view
- Medici Fortress – Walk around the old fort
- Vista Panoramica di Siena – Lovely view of the city
- Santa Maria della Scala – Museum in old hospital
- Shopping – Buy local souvenirs
- Eat gelato – Enjoy real Italian ice cream
- Visit a winery – Taste the local grapes
- The best day trips from Siena
1. Duomo di Siena – Siena’s breathtaking cathedral
The Cathedral of Siena is one of the most beautiful churches we have ever seen. A true architectural and artistic masterpiece.
Distinctive white and dark green striped marble graces both the exterior and interior, which are also adorned with thousands of intricate details to explore and appreciate.
We loved the cathedral in Florence, but the Duomo di Siena from 1264 is at least as impressive. The striped columns, patterned and motifed floors, vaulted ceilings and colourful stained glass windows – everything is impressive!
There is also a statue of St. Paul by Michelangelo.
Tip: Remember to cover shoulders and knees as it is a religious place – this applies to both women and men. Otherwise, you may risk being rejected at the entrance.
Ticket to the cathedral
Unfortunately, visiting the Duomo di Siena is not free.
Avoid spending time queuing at the ticket office by buying an OPA SI PASS online here (adlink) in advance. Especially in summer, queues can be long and slow…
With the pass, you also get the chance to enjoy the view from the roof of the church and on the way to the roof, you get a unique perspective into the Duomo from above.
Additionally, the OPA SI PASS provides access to five other sights in Siena. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to experience it all.
Alternatively, you can buy a ticket to the church and the Piccolomini Library here (adlink) if you aren’t interested in seeing the other sights.
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Opening hours for the cathedral
Check the opening hours in advance, as the cathedral is only open during the daytime on weekdays and may close entirely for holidays or religious events.
On Sundays, opening hours are limited for regular tourists to allow the city’s Christians to attend services in peace.
See the opening hours on the official website here.
2. The Piccolomini Library – The most colourful room in the cathedral
Don’t miss the Piccolomini Library when visiting Siena Cathedral.
Located about halfway inside the church on the left, this room breaks the monochrome stripes with a stunning kaleidoscope of colourful frescoes.
The walls depict ten scenes illustrating the life of Pope Pius II (born Enea Silvio Bartolomeo Piccolomini).
3. The Gate of Heaven – Unique views from the top of the cathedral
With a special ticket to the Gate of Heaven (Porta del Cielo in Italian), you can embark on a 30-minute guided tour beneath the cathedral’s ceiling.
This tour takes you both inside and outside, offering insights into the church’s fascinating history while providing unique perspectives of the church interior and the surrounding square.
Read more about tickets and opening hours on the cathedral’s official website here.
4. The Baptistery – Baptismal font and frescoes
The baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni) is the first thing you will see in Piazza San Giovanni when walking towards the cathedral from the north.
A main attraction is the baptism font made by Jacopo della Quercia, Lorenzo Ghiberti, and Donatello.
Naturally, the walls are filled with pretty frescoes.
Admission to the baptistery is included in the OPA SI PASS (adlink).
5. The Crypt – Hidden treasures under the cathedral
The crypt in Siena’s cathedral was accidentally discovered in 1999, after remaining hidden since the 14th century.
Spanning 180 square metres, it features remarkably well-preserved, colourful frescoes.
Admission to the crypt is included in the OPA SI PASS (adlink).
The entrance to the crypt is located on the right side of the cathedral, near the entrance to the Museo dell’Opera. A visit typically lasts no more than 5 minutes.
6. Museo dell’Opera – Museum with art and sculptures
Museo dell’Opera is located adjacent to the cathedral (in the “new cathedral”). Here visitors can explore art and sculptures from Il Duomo and other churches in Siena.
If you plan to visit the Panorama dal Facciatone viewpoint (detailed below), it’s advisable to prioritise it due to potential queues – and then enjoy the museum afterwards.
7. Panorama dal Facciatone – One of the best viewpoints
As we strolled across Piazza Jacopo della Quercia towards Siena’s cathedral, we couldn’t help but notice a partially completed wall.
It turns out this wall represents the cathedral’s intended size had construction not halted during the Black Death in the 14th century.
Now serving as a prime viewpoint over Siena, the wall offers stunning views of Il Duomo on one side and Piazza del Campo on the other.
The entrance to Panorama dal Facciatone is through the Museo dell’Opera (as described above).
The narrow stairs only accommodate one-way traffic, leading to frequent queues. We queued for about 20 minutes and felt a bit hurried at the viewpoint by the staff member guiding our small group…
To avoid queues and capture the best light for photos, we can recommend to visit Panorama dal Facciatone early or late in the day.
8. Piazza del Campo – Central, seashell-shaped square
Siena’s large central square is called Piazza del Campo, and here you will find the city hall, Palazzo Pubblico, and the iconic Torre del Mangia tower.
Located in the “valley” between Siena’s three hills, Piazza del Campo rests upon an ancient Roman forum.
The shell shape is best appreciated from Torre del Mangia. The design features nine large sections symbolising the historical political division of the city when nine individuals held power (known as Governo dei Nove).
Siena’s largest square is big – and apart from tourists taking photos or admiring the architecture, nothing really happens in the middle of the square. Along the edge, however, there are plenty of restaurants and a lovely Italian atmosphere.
The square marble fountain, Fonte Gaia, at the “top” of the shell isn’t particularly exciting in our opinion, but the engraved sculptures are well made. It’s worth noting that these are copies – the originals can be found at the museum Santa Maria della Scala.
Bonus info: Piazza del Campo features in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace.
Il Palio di Siena – Siena’s Famous Horse Race
Siena is nearly synonymous with the historic horse race, Il Palio. It is held twice each summer in Piazza del Campo; on July 2nd and August 16th.
Ten horses with riders (from 10 of the city’s 17 districts) compete fiercely, using every trick in the book to circle the square three times the fastest.
The race rarely lasts more than 90 seconds and it often results in injuries to both horses and riders.
We do not support this kind of animal “entertainment” but a travel guide to Siena would not be complete without at least mentioning the event.
Siena is jam-packed on Palio race days with nearly everyone in the city attending the festivities – which typically continue long after the race ends.
Il Palio is by no means held for tourists and it is reported that visitors might feel less welcome during these days. So, aside from the animal cruelty, this is an additional reason to avoid visiting Siena around Il Palio.
Additionally, it is also the hottest and most expensive time to be in the city.
9. Palazzo Pubblico – Siena’s iconic city hall
The Palazzo Pubblico (the public palace) in Piazza del Campo has served as Siena’s city hall for almost 800 years.
From here, you can access Torre del Mangia (described below) but the city hall offers many other attractions.
Notably, the Museo Civico houses frescoes in nearly every room, including Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s renowned “Allegoria ed effetti del Buono e del Cattivo Governo” (The Allegory of Good and Bad Government).
Additionally, don’t miss the panoramic terrace.
Purchase your ticket to Palazzo Pubblico here (adlink).
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10. Torre del Mangia – The highest tower in the city
Torre del Mangia, one of Italy’s tallest towers at 88 metres (102 metres including the lightning rod), is among the very best things to see in Siena.
Constructed between 1338 and 1348 by order of the state, it symbolises Siena’s economic and political power.
Everywhere in the city, you can see the tower and from the top of the tower, you can see the whole city!
Torre del Mangia is part of the Palazzo Publico located in Piazza del Campo, and while it’s pretty to look at, the real experience lies in climbing its more than 400 steps.
From the top, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Siena’s red-tiled roofs, the beautiful Tuscan hills, the striped cathedral and even the distant towns of Montalcino and Montepulciano.
This spot offers excellent photo opportunities and an unforgettable experience.
Ticket to Torre del Mangia
Tickets for Torre del Mangia must be purchased on the day at the Palazzo Pubblico ticket office.
The price was 10 euros in 2024 for the tower alone but discounted combination tickets are available for the Museo Civico, Santa Maria della Scala and Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena.
Access to Torre del Mangia is organised in small groups at fixed intervals, allowing 30 minutes at the top. This is sufficient time to reach the summit and take photos from all directions but not enough to linger and fully absorb the views.
The many (steep and narrow) stairs, along with the entrance fee, might deter some visitors. However, if you value stunning views, we believe the experience is worth both the time and money. We loved it!
11. Basilica di San Domenico – A holy head and a great view
The Basilica di San Domenico, also known as Basilica Cateriniana, is Siena’s second most important church (after the cathedral).
Inside, you’ll find several beautiful works of art and it’s here that you can see the holy head of Siena’s patron saint, Caterina Benincasa.
Although we didn’t go inside the church, it’s worth stopping by for the breathtaking view of Siena’s “skyline”.
12. Fortezza Medicea – Walk around the old fort
Fortezza Medicea (also known as Forte di Santa Barbara) is a large fortification northwest of the cathedral and Piazza del Campo.
Besides serving as a convenient parking spot outside the city walls, Fortezza Medicea is also a delightful place for a stroll. You can walk along the old walls and explore the garden to the south.
If you visit Siena on a Wednesday, you can stop by the La Lizza market at the Fortezza Medicea, held from 08.30 am to 1.30 pm.
It is free to visit the Fortezza Medicea.
13. Vista Panoramica di Siena – Lovely view of the city
From the southeastern corner of the square by the Fortezza Medicea, next to the quaint café Prosperino Bistrot, you can enjoy another wonderful view of Siena.
It’s worth a stop if you’re nearby.
Find the viewpoint on Google Maps here.
14. Santa Maria della Scala – Museum in old hospital
Santa Maria della Scala, once a hospital, now houses a museum complex featuring historical exhibits and works of art.
It stands directly opposite the cathedral.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to visit, but from what we’ve heard, it’s reputed to be an impressive museum.
Read more about prices and opening hours on the official website here.
15. Shopping – Buy local souvenirs
Many of the shops in Siena are a bit touristy, but they are still small and personal, and you can find lots of quality products.
Explore a variety of shops offering olive oil, wine, local delicacies, handmade artworks, clothing, jewellery, ceramics, lavender products and much more.
16. Eat gelato – Enjoy real Italian ice cream
In our Italian travel guides, we almost always include a suggestion to indulge in gelato. It’s simply one of our favourite activities.
Upon arriving in any Italian city, our first priority is to find where to get the best gelato in town.
We appreciate vegan options, particularly nut flavours (hazelnut and pistachio are our favourites). Otherwise, we opt for fruit sorbet and/or the richest dark chocolate, often called cioccolato fondente.
During our time in Siena, we enjoyed gelato from Venchi just off Piazza del Campo and Gelateria il Masgalano on the way to Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico. Both are highly recommended.
17. Visit a winery – Taste local grapes
For wine lovers, there are several wineries near Siena that you can visit to taste the local grapes.
Typically you get a tour of a farm and in their wine cellar, where you learn about the production and manufacture of wine.
Then you get to taste the wines while hearing about their characteristics and enjoying the view over the rolling hills of Tuscany.
The wine tours are available in different lengths, more or less private and of course at different prices. Read more about the tours by clicking on them below.
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18. The best day trips from Siena
Within a relatively short distance of Siena, you can visit a multitude of small and large cities, 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 Siena:
- San Gimignano. The “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” is small but truly enchanting and you can get there by bus in approximately an hour (or 45 minutes by car).
- Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano. Drive just an hour (or take public transport for 1.5-2 hours) to explore some of the most delightful small towns in Tuscany.
- Florence. 1 hour and 30 minutes by train to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
- Pisa. 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours and 20 minutes by public transport to The Leaning Tower of Pisa (1 hour and 45 minutes by car).
- Lucca. In approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by train (or 1 hour and 40 minutes by car), you can reach the charming medieval city of Lucca known for its intact ancient city wall.
Map of the best things to do and see in Siena
Here is a map of all the mentioned attractions and experiences in Siena.
How long to stay in Siena?
How many days you need to spend in Siena depends on your travel pace and personal preferences, of course, but you can see the major highlights and experience a lot in just one day.
Many visitors opt for a night or two or simply enjoy Siena as a day trip.
However, it’s worth mentioning that Siena offers enough to keep you busy for an extended stay.
The numerous sights, historic streets, charming squares and countless restaurants and gelaterias make Siena a place where you can easily spend a few days exploring. It also serves as an excellent base for discovering the surrounding area.
We stayed three days on the outskirts of Siena to also have time to visit the lovely town of Pienza and the famous Tuscan sunset spot (Strada Provinciale del Pecorile).
Day trips to Siena
It’s really popular to go on a day trip to Siena, for example from Florence, Lucca, San Gimignano or Livorno.
If you aren’t planning to stay in the city overnight, you can look at some of the day trips to Siena from other cities below.
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Where to stay in Siena
When we visited Siena, we stayed on the outskirts of the city to save money.
This decision helped us keep our overall budget down and made it possible for us to take day trips to nearby towns and attractions. However, we must admit it would have been more romantic to stay within Siena itself. Next time!
Staying in the city would have allowed us to enjoy late-night romantic dinners, take evening strolls through the cobbled streets and retire to one of the many beautiful, historic hotels.
Below, we’ve provided a brief guide to some of the best places to stay in Siena – both within and outside the old city walls.
If you want to see more pictures and read more about each hotel, you can check out our travel guide on where to stay in Siena.
Tip: Siena is a popular destination, so the best hotels tend to book up quickly. It’s wise to reserve accommodation well in advance, particularly if you’re visiting in summer or around Christmas and New Year.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Siena here (adlink).
Where to stay in Siena’s historic city centre?
- Luxury: Grand Hotel Continental – The pinnacle of luxury in the heart of the city: the only 5-star hotel in Siena.
- Value for money: Pensione Palazzo Ravizza – Siena’s sole hotel offering private parking and a garden with picturesque countryside vistas.
- Value for money: La Terrazza Sul Campo – Stay in the middle of town at Piazza del Campo at a very reasonable price.
- Budget: Hotel Chiusarelli – A budget-friendly option with hotel amenities that surpass its price point.
- Budget: Piazza Paradiso Accommodation – Comfortable rooms just a few hundred metres from the cathedral and Piazza del Campo.
- Budget: Hotel Italia – Great value for money just outside the city walls, conveniently close to trains and affordable parking.
Where to stay near Siena?
- Ultra-luxury: Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco – One of Tuscany’s (and perhaps Italy’s) most extraordinary places to spend the night. However, it is located a bit outside Siena.
- Luxury: Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano – Old monastery converted into a luxurious country retreat within walking distance of Siena’s centro storico.
- Value for money: La Certosa di Pontignano – Affordable bed and breakfast in a former monastery set amidst the fields near Siena.
- Budget: La Canonica di San Michele – Tuscan hospitality and rural bed & breakfast charm with pool. Just around 15 minutes away from Siena.
- Budget: La Loggia Villa Gloria – Excellent hotel for the price, featuring a spacious pool and scenic landscape views. Exclusively for adults.
How to get around Siena
Siena is a relatively small city that easily can be explored on foot.
All the sights and attractions are within walking distance of each other.
How to get to Siena
By car
If you’re driving through Italy, reaching Siena is straightforward.
The city is conveniently situated near the motorway network, approximately one hour from the Autostrada A1, linking Milan and Naples.
Cars aren’t allowed within Siena itself but there are several parking options available around the city walls – both free and paid.
Tip: Avoid leaving any valuables in your car at public parking lots in Italy. Instances of break-ins have been reported in several cities.
Parking at the main railway station
We parked at the main train station, Stazione di Siena, in the underground car park Parcheggio La Stazione, paying only 2 euros for the entire day (in 2022).
Find the location of the parking lot on Google Maps.
Since Siena’s old town is situated higher in the landscape, you can utilise a long series of escalators from the train station to reach the northern part of Siena’s historic city wall at Porta Camollia, all for free.
Other parking spaces
In addition to the affordable parking at the main train station, the parking lots Il Campo, Santa Caterina and Il Duomo are among the most popular paid options.
All three are located south of the city and charge 2 euros per hour or up to 35 euros per day, which can be reduced to 25 euros per day if you live in Siena.
Free parking spaces are also available in Siena but tend to fill up quickly. We considered parking at Parcheggio Pubblico Gratuito Il Campino.
Watch out for ZTL
Siena was the first city in Italy to restrict traffic behind its historic city walls.
Parking in Piazza del Campo was banned as early as 1962 and from 1965 the centre has been closed to traffic.
The city centre is designated as a “zona a traffico limitato” (ZTL), meaning it’s a restricted traffic area with specific regulations for driving and parking.
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.
Read more about Siena’s ZTL on the municipality’s official website here.
Here is a map of Siena’s ZTL area:
By public transport
It’s easy to get to Siena by public transport.
From nearby San Gimignano, you can go directly by bus in approximately an hour and from the rest of Italy, you can take the train to Siena Central Station.
Here are examples of travel times to Siena by public transport:
- From Milan: ~3.5 hours.
- From Bologna: ~2 hours.
- From Florence: ~1.5 hours.
- From Lucca: ~2.5 hours.
- From Pisa: ~2 hours.
- From Livorno: ~2.5 hours.
- From Rome: ~3 hours.
- From Naples: ~4.5 hours.
When to visit Siena
High season in Siena
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 Siena outside of this period, we strongly recommend doing so.
Note: Additionally, it’s essential to be aware of the Il Palio horse race, held on 2 July and 16 August each year. Visiting Siena during these days has been likened to stepping into a whirlwind.
Shoulder months and low season in Siena
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 Siena
- Arrive early or late in the day to experience Siena at its best and most magical without as many other tourists around.
- Consider visiting Panorama dal Facciatone and Torre del Mangia early to avoid the otherwise potentially long queues.
- Buy an OPA SI PASS (adlink) to access all the sights associated with Siena Cathedral (except Porta del Cielo). Fortunately, it’s not much pricier than just entering the church and the Panorama dal Facciatone, in particular, comes highly recommended.
- 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.
- Take care of your belongings. Like many tourist destinations, there is a risk of opportunistic pickpockets.
What to bring to Siena
- Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it!
- A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
- Sunscreen. Especially if you visit Siena in 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 Siena. We hope it has been helpful!
What do you think of the beautiful Tuscan city?
Don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments below if you haven’t been to Siena 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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