Italy

Things to do in Siena

Siena's medieval centre, a UNESCO site, is built around the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, where the Palio horse race is run twice a year. The city is divided into 17 contrade, neighbourhood districts with their own churches, museums and flags. Its position between Chianti, Montalcino and the Val d'Orcia makes it a practical base for Tuscan wine country.

  • Siena Cathedral, Piccolomini Library and crypt
  • Climb of the Torre del Mangia
  • Piazza del Campo and Palazzo Pubblico
  • Chianti wine tour from Siena

Experiences in Siena

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Cooking classesLearn two or three local dishes and eat what you cook.Wine toursCellar visits and tastings in the wine areas close to the city.

Top-rated experiences in Siena

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Highlights

  • Siena Cathedral, Piccolomini Library and crypt
  • Climb of the Torre del Mangia
  • Piazza del Campo and Palazzo Pubblico
  • Chianti wine tour from Siena
  • Brunello di Montalcino winery visit
  • Santa Maria della Scala museum complex

Best time to visit

April to June and September to October are ideal, with the grape harvest in September. The Palio runs on 2 July and 16 August, when the Campo is packed and hotel prices rise. The cathedral's inlaid marble floor is uncovered only for limited periods each year, so check dates if you want to see it.

Getting around

The historic centre is a traffic-restricted zone and best seen on foot, with escalators climbing up from the station area and car parks. Direct buses from Florence are often quicker than the train, which arrives below the old town.

Local tips

  • Buy the combined cathedral pass to cover the Duomo, library, crypt, baptistery and museum in one ticket.
  • Book the Torre del Mangia climb early in the day, as entry is in small timed groups.
  • Try local sweets such as ricciarelli and panforte from a city bakery rather than airport packs.

Day trips from Siena

  • San Gimignano
  • Montalcino
  • Pienza and Val d'Orcia
  • Chianti
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Siena?

The most booked experiences in Siena are Siena Cathedral, Piccolomini Library and crypt, Climb of the Torre del Mangia, Piazza del Campo and Palazzo Pubblico and Chianti wine tour from Siena.

When is the best time to visit Siena?

April to June and September to October are ideal, with the grape harvest in September. The Palio runs on 2 July and 16 August, when the Campo is packed and hotel prices rise. The cathedral's inlaid marble floor is uncovered only for limited periods each year, so check dates if you want to see it.

How do I get around Siena?

The historic centre is a traffic-restricted zone and best seen on foot, with escalators climbing up from the station area and car parks. Direct buses from Florence are often quicker than the train, which arrives below the old town.

Do I need to book tours in Siena in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Siena?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Florence50 km awayPisa87 km awayBologna131 km awayRome184 km away