Siena is a beautifully preserved Medieval city that sits on top of three hills overlooking the Tuscan countryside of Italy. It is famous for its Renaissance art and architecture. The narrow pedestrian cobblestone streets and buildings make you feel like you have stepped back in time. Its ambience makes for a perfect day trip – una gita in Italian.
Many people take a Siena day trip for a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of Florence. The city itself is small enough to visit in just one day, but I recommend spending at least one night. The city is divided into 17 neighborhoods or districts called contrade, each with its own banners and symbols.
The members of each contrade are close and very proud of their affiliation with their contrade. The Palio di Siena and the Contrade are famous around the world, but few are aware that each of the 17 districts has a museum full of art and history.
Siena’s fascinating history is also linked to its commercial activities and was renowned as a major banking center until the 13th and 14th century. It is home to the oldest bank of Europe, the Monte dei Paschi bank, which has been operating since1472.
Siena is also known for its long-standing rivalry with Florence. Over the centuries, the two major cities battled for power and territory, eventually ending with Siena’s defeat. Tradition maintains that Siena was founded by Seniu, son of Remus, twin brother of Romulus and first king of Rome. Senius and his brother, Aschius were forced to leave the eternal city and fled to Siena on horseback.The black horse and white horse remain the colors of Siena coat of arms.
I can go on and on talking about the history and beauty of Siena. No wonder its historical center was awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. This guide covers how to spend one day in Siena, local accommodations, places to eat, and travel tips. Enjoy!
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How to Get to Siena
Only an hour and a half from Florence, it is easy to get to by train or bus. I recommend using the bus because it will get you closest to the city center.
Driving is a good option for people who want to explore the vineyards around the city. If you decide to drive, it would be best to stay at a hotel that has guest parking.
Once in Siena, the easiest way to get around is to walk since the majority of the roads are pedestrian roads. The city does have a bus that can take you to the train station and a few other locations.
Public Transportation
You can take either the rapida bus (fast bus) or the ordinaria bus (ordinary bus) to Siena. They are about 15-20 minutes difference in travel time. You can either buy the tickets online at Busitalia or the bus station. The station is at Via Santa Caterina da Siena 17r.
Take the Train
Trenitalia and Italiarail are the two companies to book your passes. You can take the train from Santa Maria Novella station in Florence to the Stazione Ferroviaria station in Siena. From there you can walk on foot to Siena (which I do not recommend with luggage) or hop on a bus from the station that will take you to the city center.
Rent a Car
If you do drive, there are limited parking options in the town. There are some parking lots around the city to leave your car, and some hotels offer a parking area for guests.
Where to Stay in Siena
I recommend staying in the actual city for the most authentic experience. It is also a lot more convenient than staying in the outskirts of town because you are within walking distance of everything. Just walk out your door, and you have everything you could need.
If you plan on visiting the Palio, reservations book up fast. Make sure to reserve your room as soon as you can before it gets sold out.
Grand Hotel Continental
This extravagant 5-star hotel is near the main shopping streets in Siena. Enjoy the elegant rooms, lounge, bar, and gourmet restaurant. The beautiful frescoes, architecture, and medieval wine cellars are some of the reasons this is a popular choice for travelers. If you decide to stay at the hotel, you must check out the wine cellar. It is at the bottom of a medieval tower and one of the most magnificent parts of the hotel. Make sure to book a wine tasting or reserve lunch or dinner down in the beautiful stone cellar.
Luxury Hotel | Check Rates
Il Battistero Siena
This hotel offers a mixture of modern and historic charm and is just over 200 yards from the Piazza del Campo. Imagine waking up in the morning and seeing the beautiful Medieval buildings and Siena rooftops from your window. There is also a wine store and an underground cellar that offers wine tasting. Ask to see the medieval aqueduct below the building! Il Battistero Siena is a great option if you rent a car.
Mid-Range Hotel| Check Rates
Villa Elda Boutique Hotel
Villa Elda has a rooftop terrace with a magical view of the Siena’s historic sights. The hotel offers a variety of experiences. Book private food and wine tours through the Tuscan countryside, hot air balloon rides, bike tours, horseback riding, and Ferrari rentals. You can even rent out the entire rooftop for a private dinner. Enjoy the views while a chef will cook a delicious meal in front of you. The meal includes appetizers, a four-course meal, and wine tasting.
Mid-range Hotel | Check Rates
Palazzo Raviazza
If you want to stay in the city but still be away from the noise of the lively streets, the Palazzo Raviazza is a terrific choice.
The hotel was built and owned by Count Ravizza and is still owned by his descendants to this day. The beautiful rooms in the hotel have welcomed many writers and artists over the years.
If you decide to stay at the Palazzo Raviazza, make sure to enjoy breakfast in the beautiful gardens on the property and the views of the hillside. The hotel also has its own car park, which is convenient if you drive to Siena by car.
The staff is also helpful and will help answer any questions you have, give you suggestions on where to see and eat, and help book tours for you.
Budget Hotel | Check Rates
Siena Day Trip Things to Do
Il Duomo di Siena
To say that the Duomo di Siena is is one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Italy is an understatement.It lies in a piazza above the Piazza del Campo, a great Gothic building filled with treasures by Donatello, Michelangelo and Jacopo della Quercia, one of the most important Renaissance sculptors, who beautified the city of Siena and inspired Michelangelo.
The exterior captivates visitors with its multicolored marble facade, detailed carvings, statues, and stripes. It is pretty impressive,and if you don’t have a lot of time in Siena, you might not even go inside and just enjoy the outside. Built between 1215 and 1263 on the site of an earlier structure, the cathedral is in the form of a Latin cross with a slight projecting dome and bell tower.
Once inside, it is a masterpiece from floor to ceiling. The interior of the Duomo is unique with its detailed black-and-white striped walls and pillars, the colors of Siena. Make sure to pay attention to the magnificent floors. It took over 200 years to complete them!
Make sure to pay attention to the magnificent floors. The most impressive and beautiful of the treasures the cathedral holds are on the floor. The inlaid marble mosaic floor is one of the most ornate of its kind in Italy, covering the whole floor of the cathedral. It took over 200 years to complete these masterpieces!
If you have time to visit the cathedral, you might be tempted to skip it once you realize you have to pay to get in… but it is certainly worth it and, with the pass, it’s actually a great value! The pass gets you into the cathedral as well as the baptistery, crypt, and Opera museum and is valid for 3 days so it is most definitely worth the 10 euros!
I highly recommend buying the Porta Del Cielo Pass, offering access to all the things the Duomo has to offer, and taking a tour of the roofs of the Duomo if you get the chance!
Libreria Piccolomini
On the side of the Duomo is the Piccolomini Library. The library has only one room which makes for a great quick visit after visiting the Duomo di Siena. Filled with fantastic frescoes on the ceiling and artwork everywhere,the library is stunning and unlike anything I’ve seen before. Underneath is a crypt found unexpectedly about 20 years ago and contains some beautifully preserved frescos.
Santa Maria Della Scala
Santa Maria della Scala, one of Europe’s oldest hospitals, is located in Siena, Italy, in front of the Duomo. Once an important civic hospital dedicated to caring for abandoned children, the poor, and pilgrims, the historic center contains many great Sienese works of art dating back to the 14th century. It is the city’s third important center of art, together with the Duomo, a wonderful addition to your Siena itinerary.
Piazza del Campo
This beautiful area is the main square of the city. From morning to night, the Piazza del Campo is full of people young and old sitting around relaxing or enjoying a quiet meal.
Different restaurants, cafes, and shops line the perimeter of the square. During the Palio, the Campo transforms into a race track. People pack into the middle of the Campo or sit in the reserved seats built against the outside walls.
Siena Opera della Metropolitana
The oldest private museum in Italy, this is a must-see during your trip. The museum connects to the Duomo, and the entrance is to the right of the cathedral. The museum holds a range of beautiful art, including Sienes statues, stained glass windows, paintings, and antiques.
Click here to access all the information you could possibly need to organize a guided walking tour.
At the end of our tour, you will arrive at the Facciatone, the bare facade of the Duomo that was never built. Here you can enjoy one of the best views of the city!
Basilica di San Domenico
This stunning church is located in the western part of the city and has been around since the 1200s. The church is known for having one of the only remaining true portraits of Saint Catherine and is often referred to as Basilica Cateriniana.
Construction of this famous church dates back to the early 13th century and is a classic example of Gothic architecture. The red brick and simple exterior make for a picturesque sight.
TRAVEL TIP: Purchase the OPA SI Pass – This pass gets you into the Duomo, Baptistery of San Giovanni, and Opera Museum. Another option is the Porta Del Cielo Pass. This pass gets you to access to the Duomo’s roof and the entire complex.
Palazzo Pubblico
This has been the city hall of Sienna since the 1300s and is located in the Piazza del Campo. The buildings are filled with beautiful frescos. If you get a chance, climb up its famous bell tower, the Torre del Mangia.
It is a tiring climb with 400 steep and narrow steps, but the views of Siena are breathtaking. The Palazzo also offers guided tours.
Palio di Siena
If you are traveling in Tuscany in summer, you will be able to see one of the oldest and spectacular events – the Palio di Siena.
This most famous horse race in Italy takes place twice every summer – on July 2 and August 16 in Piazza del Campo. The first known race was back in 1310, and not much about it has changed since then.
The original race took place around the streets of Siena, but the location changed to the Piazza del Campo in the mid-1600s. People come from all over the world to witness this truly fascinating event, particularly because of how traditional it has remained.
The jockeys still ride bareback, and each contrade has members dressed from head to toe in their traditional clothes, just like it was done four hundred years ago. Siena’s culture shows itself with the Sienese showing off their loyalty and pride for their contrada.
Its pageantry of flags and colors transports you back to when this tradition began. When I went to see the race, I experienced firsthand the rivalry and competitive nature of the contrade as it has for five centuries.
Do Some Shopping
One of the most enjoyable parts of my visit to Siena was walking around the city and exploring all the little shops and streets. Via Banchi de Sopra is the main shopping street in Siena, but you will find stores no matter where you walk.
Make sure to check out the leather shops on the main street for some beautiful handmade leather bags. Casa della Pelle is known for its quality and great prices.
The city also has some delightful antique stores, vintage book shops, art galleries, and clothing stores to explore.
There is a range of clothing stores from low to high-end. Although there were some excellent choices for both men and women, I was impressed with the quality of the menswear.
If you are looking for suits and ties, check out Cravattificio of Siena, Sartoria Rossi Siena, and Centopercento Camicie Sien.
Enjoy the Local Cuisine
There is no shortage of delicious restaurants throughout town. These are just a few of the top places to eat during your Siena day trip. Ristorante Tar-Tufo is a cozy restaurant that offers delicious food and a wine menu. Either eat inside or on the terrace for beautiful views of the city. The menu includes recipes from local ingredients that change depending on the season. However, truffles are a main staple in many dishes.
Just steps from the Campo is Antica Osteria da Divo. Its underground in caves carved from rock, making for a cozy and one-of-a-kind setting. The menu is also quite exceptional. It is constantly changing to take advantage of the ingredients grown in the area, and the servers are happy to recommend the perfect wine to accompany your meal. Antica Osteria da Divo is one restaurant you must-try during your visit.
La Taverna di San Giuseppe is a Michelin-star restaurant that offers an assortment of traditional Tuscan dishes, with a little bit of a modern twist. The building was built back in the 1100s within the rocks of the city. The vaulted ceiling and brick walls make you feel like you are in a different world.
If you are looking for some traditional Tuscan food, Mugolone is a great place. The owners have renovated pretty recently with a more modern look, but still keeping its old charm. This cozy restaurant has been owned by the same family for 70 years and takes pride in creating the most delicious Tuscan dishes. Pick from an assortment of fish, meat, and some vegetarian dishes.
La Piccola Ciaccineria is the perfect place for a quick meal or something to take with you as you explore the streets of Siena, try this little restaurant. They offer the most delicious varieties of pizzas. The restaurant itself does not have room to dine in. Instead, grab a bite to go and find a cozy spot around the city to sit and enjoy. Try their stuffed pizza; it is delicious!
Day Tours and Activities
Brunello Wine-Tasting Tour
Spend the entire day tasting some of the top Brunello wines. You will learn about the winemaking process while touring the cellars and property of three local vineyards. Also, you will have the chance to visit the abbey of Sant’Antimo and take a walk through the village of Montalcino. The tour also includes lunch at a local vineyard. The nice thing about this tour is it is for a maximum group of people for a more intimate experience (Book your guided tour).
Chianti and San Gimignano Tour
This 5-hour tour takes you around the Chianti region with food and wine tasting at a vineyard. You will then visit the medieval town of San Gimignano. Your guide will take you around the sites before heading back to Siena (Book your guided tour).
Siena Food and Wine Tour
Learn about the different Tuscan foods and wines. Taste a variety of olive oils, cheeses, and wines. The tour will also teach you about traditional Sienese foods including the most delicious truffles! (Book your guided tour)
Take a Cooking Class
This 4-hour cooking class will teach you how to make some traditional Tuscan dishes. Make a three-course meal from scratch! Best yet, enjoy your home-cooked meal with a glass of Tuscan wine (Book your class).
Conclusion
Sienna is a magical, medieval city in the heart of Tuscany. This fortified city is unlike anything I had experienced before. We are both looking forward to returning soon. I highly recommend you visit during one of the two yearly Palio races.
The amount of energy and community in the city was intoxicating. If you have a few days in Sienna, make sure to take a tour of the surrounding countryside.
Tuscany is known for its wines, and there are some amazing wine tours that will pick you up from Sienna and take you to local areas. Even if you have just one day to visit, it is worth the trip!
Enjoyed this post? Here are some other guides to Tuscany!
- The 8 Best Day Trips from Florence
- Visit Florence Italy: Best Places to See, Stay, and Eat
- Travel Guide: How to Spend 3 Days in Florence
- Florence vs. Rome – A Detailed City Comparison
- Rome Travel Guide: How to Plan the Perfect Trip
- Travel Guide: How to Spend 3 Days in Rome
- Visit Rome on a Budget: Tips and Free Attractions
- Amazing Things to do in Montepulciano, Italy
- Palio of Siena: Guide to the City’s Historic Race
Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
Skyscanner is one of the top search engines for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
VIEW ACCOMMODATIONS
Booking.com is one of the best sites to book hotels and vacation rentals. They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
PLAN TRANSPORTATION
- Rental Car: RentalCars.com is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with 900 companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
- Trains: Rail Europe is the leading company in Europe for train travel in Europe. They help you easily book passage by looking at routes, timetables, and prices for 50 different train companies.
- Bus: Omio is an easy website to use for booking train and bus tickets. Similar to Skyscanner, the website looks at hundreds of transport companies to get you the best deals.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS
Get Your Guide is one of the top sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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