Where to Stay in Siena: The Best Hotels on Both Sides of the Old City Walls
Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Siena, Tuscany | 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. |
Tuscan beauty on both sides of the walls
Siena. Just the name tastes of Italy.
No journey through Tuscany is complete without a visit. And we can almost guarantee that once you arrive, you’ll want to stay.
During our visit, we stayed on the outskirts of Siena. We can only imagine how delightful it must be to wake up in the city (before the tourist buses arrive) and to enjoy the romantic silence in the evening when the crowds have dispersed.
In this travel guide, we will explore where to stay in Siena as well as some lovely accommodation options near the city. We will recommend the best hotels in various price ranges and provide advice on how long to stay and whether you should stay inside or outside the historic city walls.
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.
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).
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.
Should you stay inside or outside Siena’s city walls?
During our visit to Siena, we stayed in a small village nearby, using it as a convenient base to explore several other pretty Tuscan towns and viewpoints in the area.
From there, we drove to the car park at Siena’s main station, where parking was safe and affordable at only 2 euros per day (in 2022). From the station, a series of escalators took us up to the elevated old town.
This approach suited us well but there are certainly compelling reasons to stay overnight within the historic city walls as well.
Within the city of Siena or in the countryside?
The accommodation options within the car-free city centre are excellent (and surprisingly affordable) as are the charming B&Bs and cosy countryside hotels in Siena’s viscinity.
If you’re short on time to explore Tuscany and plan to visit Siena for just a day, staying outside the city might be practical.
Conversely, if you intend to spend two or more days exploring the city (which is highly recommended!), staying in Siena makes more sense. This is especially true if you’re relying on public transport.
Staying within the city walls also allows you to enjoy Siena at its most magical moments – in the quiet mornings and evenings after most day-trippers have departed.
Where to stay in Siena
Hotel standards in Siena are exceptional and whether you’re on a romantic Tuscan getaway, a family vacation, travelling with friends or something entirely else, you should be able to find a suitable place to spend the night.
Naturally, the hotels in Siena aren’t the most budget-friendly accommodations…
Yet, we were pleasantly surprised to see that staying right by Piazza del Campo or in a charming, converted monastery nearby isn’t more costly.
The choices are great – the challenge lies in making a decision!
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 the 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?
Siena is touristy. There is no way around it.
To enjoy its atmospheric streets and squares with fewer crowds, aim to be in the city during the morning and evening (after the tourist buses have departed).
Staying within walking distance of the best things to see in Siena inside the old city walls makes this much more convenient.
Below, we’ve curated a selection of the finest hotels across all budgets in Siena’s historic centre.
The best hotels in the historic centre of Siena:
- 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.
The best luxury hotels in Siena
Grand Hotel Continental (Starhotels Collezione)
Siena has numerous excellent hotels, but the Grand Hotel Continental stands out as the city’s only 5-star luxury option.
While not as pricey as the finest hotels in Florence, the Grand Hotel Continental leaves nothing to be desired.
The building from the 16th century was previously a private palace (palazzo) and it features exquisite floors, original chandeliers, frescoed walls, the opulent Salone delle Feste ballroom and a medieval tower wine cellar with daily tastings.
Plus, it’s just 250 metres from Piazza del Campo.
See prices and availability at Grand Hotel Continental here (adlink).
The best value for money hotels in Siena
Pension Palazzo Ravizza
With a panoramic view of the beautiful Tuscan landscape from the garden on one side and Siena’s historic centre on the other, Palazzo Ravizza offers one of the best locations in the city.
The hotel is located just 500 metres from Piazza del Campo.
It’s also the only hotel in Siena with complimentary guest parking as far as we can see.
See prices and availability at Pensione Palazzo Ravizza here (adlink).
La Terrazza Sul Campo
Staying in the heart of Siena, especially in the iconic Piazza del Campo with a direct view of the square, sounds pricey, right?
However, La Terrazza Sul Campo offers surprisingly affordable rates (except during the Il Palio horse race on July 2nd and August 16th!). The rooms are elegant with modern amenities set in classic surroundings.
See prices and availability at La Terrazza Sul Campo here (adlink).
The best budget hotels in Siena
Hotel Chiusarelli
Hotel Chiusarelli enjoys a prime location next to Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico, offering one of the finest vistas of Siena.
This mid-range hotel stands out as one of the more affordable options in the city, offering a 24-hour reception, a restaurant serving homemade Tuscan cuisine and a spacious shared balcony.
Conveniently situated just outside Siena’s restricted traffic zone (ZTL), it provides free parking nearby and easy access to well-known attractions within walking distance.
See prices and availability at Hotel Chiusarelli here (adlink).
Piazza Paradiso Accommodation
At Piazza Paradiso Accommodation, you get a fantastic location just a few hundred metres from both the cathedral and Piazza del Campo. The simple double rooms are designed for comfort and offered at a fair price.
Additionally, there are family rooms and rooms for three or four people.
See prices and availability at Piazza Paradiso Accommodation here (adlink).
Hotel Italia
We must admit we’re not entirely thrilled with all the pattern and colour choices at Hotel Italia…
However, some of the rooms are quite nice, and overall, you get good value for money just outside the city walls. The hotel is only 50 metres from the escalators to the main train station and the cheapest parking in Siena.
Additionally, there is parking at the hotel for 10 euros per day.
See prices and availability at Hotel Italia here (adlink).
Where to stay near Siena?
There are several good reasons not to stay inside Siena itself.
If you plan to use Siena as a base to explore more of Tuscany, having easier access to parking can be a significant advantage.
Prices are typically lower outside the city, offering more space for your money.
Additionally, you can stay at charming vineyards and former monasteries with views of the rolling hills.
You might even find a place with a pool, which is definitely a bonus if you visit Tuscany in the summer (or travel with water-loving children!).
For those seeking ultra-luxury accommodations, you often need to venture a bit further from Siena. However, the opulent surroundings and breathtaking views will be well worth the distance.
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 and 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.
The best luxury hotels near Siena
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Tuscany – and that says a lot!
Italy’s only private golf course, their own vineyards, a swimming pool overlooking pristine nature, a Michelin-starred restaurant, a helipad…
The list goes on, and we wouldn’t be surprised if you ran into a Hollywood actor or head of state here – unless they’re tucked away in one of the private villas, which, aside from being incredibly expensive, are absolutely stunning.
See prices and availability at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco here (adlink).
Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano
Just a kilometre and a half from Siena’s southern city gate (Porta Romana), Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano offers the perfect Tuscan country retreat.
With a history dating back to 1316, when it was a monastery, the property has been lovingly converted into a luxurious hotel, complete with a large pool and tennis court.
See prices and availability at Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano here (adlink).
The best value hotel near Siena
The Certosa di Pontignano
Here’s another exquisite hotel set in a former monastery.
La Certosa di Pontignano is located a short 15-minute drive from Siena, offering more affordable rates.
The surrounding olive groves and vineyards are beautiful and the monastery gardens look serene.
See prices and availability at La Certosa di Pontignano here (adlink).
The best budget hotels near Siena
La Canonica di San Michele
Just a fifteen-minute drive northwest of Siena, you will find La Canonica di San Michele among rolling hills in a wooded area.
This intimate retreat offers Tuscan hospitality (with only five rooms), exuding country bed and breakfast charm complete with a spacious pool – all at an affordable price.
See prices and availability at La Canonica di San Michele here (adlink).
La Loggia Villa Gloria (adults only)
Around seven kilometres north of Siena lies the adult-exclusive hotel, La Loggia Villa Gloria.
Surrounded by classic Tuscan rolling hills, the inviting pool and overall ambience make it a charming choice for its price range.
See prices and availability at La Loggia Villa Gloria here (adlink).
The best things to do and see in Siena
We have written a comprehensive travel guide to Siena with all the best things to do and see.
Read the entire travel guide here or click directly on an attraction or experience below.
- 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
Map of experiences and attractions in Siena
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: 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 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 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 very much for reading our travel guide about where to stay in beautiful Siena.
Have you visited the city? Did you choose to stay in the historic centre or amidst Tuscany’s rolling hills?
Feel free to share your experience in the comments below or ask any questions you may have!
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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