The Very Best Siena Travel Guide

Siena is a picturesque medieval city located just an hour south of Florence. The Tuscan city is older than Florence (dating back 3000 years) and boasts photogenic streets, incredible trattorias, and so much to do and see. Siena is the kind of place you can get blissfully lost in - wandering the streets, popping in shops, sampling food. I loved my time spent in this small, yet fascinating city and I know you will too! In this Siena Travel Guide we will go over everything to do, see, eat, stay, and explore in the amazing city of Siena.

Map Of Siena

Best Hotels In Siena

While Siena makes for a great day trip from Florence, staying in the city for a few days is totally worth it. These are our favorite hotels in Siena. I didn't get to stay in them, but I visited them during my time in the city to make sure they were up to snuff.

🛎️Luxury Siena Hotel Grand Hotel Continental Siena

🛎️Middle Range Siena Hotel Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano

🛎️Budget Siena Hotel Palazzetto Rosso - Art Hotel

What To Do In Siena

Piazza del Campo

Piazza del Campo is the heart of Siena. This iconic square marks the center of the small Tuscan city. In Piazza del Campo you will find plenty of spots to sit back, relax, enjoy italian espresso, or people watch.

Fun Fact - Piazza del Campo hosts Palio di Siena (a horse race) twice a year.

Baptistery and Crypt

The Baptistery of San Giovanni is a captivating building that dates back to 1059. For centuries Siena citizen were baptized in the black and white tiled structure. Like many old religious buildings in Europe, The Siena Baptistery is jaw dropping and makes you wonder how people built structures like it in medieval times.

Beneath the Baptistery, you’ll find the often overlooked Siena Crypt. The fascinating crypt was discovered only in the 20th century, and is filled with amazing art works.

Siena Cathedral

Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) is the most popular attraction in Siena. Located right next to the baptistery, you will find an alluring facade and an equally striking interior. Also, do not miss the Piccolomini Library and Panorama del Facciatone while in the Siena Cathedral.

Santa Maria della Scala

Santa Maria della Scala was easily my favorite thing to do in Siena and it is super underrated. Now, here is why I love it: It is a fascinating hospital, turned museum that dates back to the 9th century and is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe, like how cool is that. Today you will find winding hallways, fascinating art, and more inside Santa Maria della Scala.

Palazzo Pubblico and Civic Museum

Located in Piazza del Campo, the Palazzo Pubblico and Civic Museum is definitely worth a visit if you are a fellow art or medieval history fan. At the 13th century Siena Museum, you will find the town hall and masterpieces such as “Allegory of Good and Bad Government” by artist Lorenzetti. The tickets will run you around ten euros (subject to change).

Climb Torre del Mangia

Torre del Mangia is a 335 foot (102 meter) tower located in the heart of Siena. While walking to the top is quite the workout, the views are absolutely worth it! You can see the rolling hills of Tuscany alongside the captivating street life of Siena from above.

Do a Cooking Class

Italy (and Tuscany) is most well known for its food, but let me tell you Siena had some of the best food I have ever had. It's authentic, fresh, and delicious.

The best and most way to experience the food in Siena is by doing a cooking class with a local. I loved this one. We got to make amazing pasta, but we also got to learn more about life in Italy with a local.

Do a Day Trip To San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a stunning hilltop village known as 'medieval manhattan' because of its tall, yet, medieval towers.

The small village is seriously something out of a movie. While in San Gimignano be sure to stop at Gelateria Dondoli (named the best gelato in the world).

The best way to get to San Gimignano is by tour. This one includes lunch.

Best Restaurants In Siena

🍴Fine Dining - Osteria Le Logge

🍴Middle Range - Taverna di San Giuseppe

🍴Budget - Osteria Il Vinaio di Bobbe e Davide

How To Get To Siena

How to get to siena from Florence? - You can easily get to Siena from Florence by bus. I love Flixbus. Alternatively, you can go by train for Santa Maria Novella Station in Florence to Siena Piazza Gramsci. Both will cost you around 10 euro.

You will most likely be going to Siena from Florence. But if not, there are trains and buses that go to Siena from many different cities (Rome, Pisa, Bologna, ect.)

Getting around Siena is easy. It is such a small city that you can easily get around on foot.

When To Visit Siena

Siena and Tuscany in general are year round destinations. However if you are looking for perfect weather and lighter crowds I recommend visiting in October or April. I visited Siena in April and had a lovely weather.

If you can, avoid Siena over the weekend as it is super crowded with tourists.

Siena, Italy FAQs:

What not to miss in Siena, Italy?

Don't miss the Siena Cathedral and eating at one of the cities amazing restaurants.

What is Siena, Italy best known for?

Siena is most known for its history, architecture, food, and culture!

Is Siena in Italy worth visiting?

Yes! Siena is a great day trip option from Florence or for a dreamy weekend getaway.

Is Siena a walkable city?

Yes. Siena is very walkable.

How long should I spend in Siena?

You can see all of Sienas' main attractions in one day. But if you want to explore hidden gems in Siena and try more restaurants I would stay for 2-3 days.

Siena Travel Guide Wrap Up

Siena is truly a magical city. The picturesque streets, fresh pasta, jaw dropping monuments, and cool art scene make Siena a must-visit city on any trip to Tuscany. After gallivanting through the medieval city I feel that I can recommend it to anyone looking for a day-trip from Florence or for a Italy weekend getaway! If you liked this post be sure to checkout our guides to Florence, Fiesole, and Pisa!

Happy Travels,

Daisy