Things To Do In Siena, Italy

Things to do in Siena, Italy.

Welcome to Siena, one of Italy's most enchanting medieval cities! Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Italy's rich past while providing modern comforts and unforgettable experiences.

Whether you're drawn by the city's stunning Gothic architecture, world-famous horse race, or exceptional cuisine, Siena promises to captivate your senses and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Siena sits majestically atop three hills in central Tuscany, approximately 70 kilometers south of Florence and 230 kilometers northwest of Rome. This strategic location in the Chianti region makes it an ideal base for exploring Tuscany's rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages.

The city's elevation of about 320 meters above sea level provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making every corner a potential photo opportunity.

Siena

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Things To Do In Siena, Italy

Getting to Siena is easier than you might think, with several transportation options available. If you're flying into Italy, the closest airports are Florence (about 1.5 hours by car) and Rome Fiumicino (about 3 hours by car).

From Florence, you can take regular bus services operated by Tiemme Spa, which run approximately every 30 minutes and take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The bus station in Siena is conveniently located near the historic center, making it easy to reach your accommodation.

Train enthusiasts will find that while Siena doesn't have a direct high-speed rail connection, you can reach the city via Empoli or Chiusi with a connection. The train journey from Florence involves changing at Empoli and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours total.

However, many visitors find the bus option more convenient and direct. If you're driving, Siena is well-connected by highways, and the scenic route through the Tuscan countryside is an experience in itself.

The crown jewel of things to do in Siena is undoubtedly exploring the Piazza del Campo, one of Europe's greatest medieval squares. This shell-shaped piazza serves as the city's beating heart and is where locals and visitors alike gather throughout the day.

The unique sloping design, divided into nine sections representing the medieval government's nine members, creates a natural amphitheater that has hosted countless events over the centuries.

Dominating the Piazza del Campo is the magnificent Palazzo Pubblico, Siena's town hall that has served as the seat of government since the 13th century.

The Palazzo Pubblico

Inside, you'll discover the Civic Museum, which houses some of Siena's most important frescoes, including Ambrogio Lorenzetti's famous "Allegory of Good and Bad Government." These medieval masterpieces offer fascinating insights into the political and social ideals of medieval Siena.

Rising 102 meters above the piazza, the Torre del Mangia offers one of the most spectacular views in all of Tuscany. If you're up for the challenge, climb the 400 steps to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of Siena's terracotta rooftops and the rolling Tuscan hills beyond.

The tower, completed in 1348, is named after its first bell-ringer, Giovanni di Balduccio, nicknamed "Mangiaguadagni" (profit eater) for his spendthrift ways.

The Torre del Mangia in Siena

Things To Do In Siena

The Siena horse race, known locally as the Palio di Siena, represents one of Italy's most thrilling and authentic cultural experiences.

Held twice yearly on July 2nd and August 16th, this bareback horse race around the Piazza del Campo is much more than a sporting event – it's a passionate expression of neighborhood pride and centuries-old traditions. Each of Siena's 17 contrade (neighborhoods) competes fiercely for the coveted palio, a silk banner painted specifically for each race.

the Palio di Siena

Even if you can't visit during the Palio, you can still experience its magic by visiting the various contrada museums scattered throughout the city.

Each neighborhood has its own museum displaying historical costumes, banners, and trophies, offering insights into this unique tradition. The Contrada della Lupa (She-wolf) and Contrada dell'Oca (Goose) museums are particularly well-curated and provide excellent introductions to Palio culture.

Siena's magnificent cathedral, the Duomo di Siena, stands as one of Italy's most beautiful Gothic churches. The striking black and white striped marble facade creates a visual masterpiece that becomes even more impressive as you step inside.

The Duomo in Siena

The interior houses works by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini, while the intricate marble floor, unveiled only during certain periods of the year, tells biblical stories through stunning inlaid designs.

Don't miss the opportunity to climb to the top of the cathedral's unfinished nave, known as the Facciatone. This ambitious 14th-century expansion was never completed due to structural problems and the Black Death, but today it provides visitors with unique views over the city and cathedral complex. The climb is less strenuous than the Torre del Mangia but equally rewarding for photography enthusiasts.

Adjacent to the cathedral, the Piccolomini Library showcases some of the most beautiful Renaissance frescoes in Italy. Painted by Pinturicchio, these colorful scenes depict the life of Pope Pius II and transport visitors back to the height of Renaissance splendor.

The library also houses illuminated manuscripts and ancient books, making it a treasure trove for history and art lovers.

Piccolomini Library Siena

Things To Do In Siena

For a deeper dive into Siena's artistic heritage, visit the Santa Maria della Scala complex, one of Europe's oldest hospitals, now transformed into a fascinating museum. The complex houses everything from archaeological finds to contemporary art exhibitions. The Pellegrinaio hall, with its 15th-century frescoes depicting hospital life, offers a unique glimpse into medieval healthcare and social services.

What to do in Siena extends far beyond its famous monuments. Take time to wander through the city's medieval streets, each revealing hidden gems and architectural details. The Via di Città, one of Siena's main shopping streets, connects the Piazza del Campo to the cathedral area and is lined with medieval palaces, boutique shops, and traditional restaurants.

Food lovers will find Siena a paradise of Tuscan flavors and traditional recipes. The city's restaurants serve authentic dishes like pici pasta (hand-rolled thick spaghetti), wild boar stew, and ribollita (a hearty vegetable soup).

Don't leave without trying panforte, Siena's famous spiced fruit cake that has been made here since the Middle Ages, or ricciarelli, delicate almond cookies that melt in your mouth.

For an authentic dining experience, head to a traditional osteria like Osteria Le Logge or La Taverna di San Giuseppe, where you can enjoy local specialties paired with excellent Chianti wines.

Many restaurants offer wine tastings featuring bottles from the surrounding Chianti Classico region, allowing you to discover why this area is considered one of the world's premier wine destinations.

The Enoteca Italiana, housed in the medieval Fortezza Medicea, offers one of Italy's most comprehensive wine collections. Here you can taste wines from every Italian region while learning about the country's diverse wine-making traditions.

The fortress itself, built by Cosimo I de' Medici in the 16th century, provides a atmospheric setting for wine appreciation and offers beautiful views over the surrounding countryside.

Fortezza Medicea in Siena

Things To Do In Siena

Siena's markets provide excellent opportunities to experience local life and purchase authentic products. The weekly market held on Wednesdays at La Lizza offers everything from fresh produce to clothing and household items.

For food enthusiasts, the covered market near the Piazza del Mercato sells local cheeses, cured meats, and other Tuscan specialties perfect for picnics or gifts.

Art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Pinacoteca Nazionale, which houses one of Italy's finest collections of Sienese paintings from the 13th to 16th centuries.

The museum showcases works by Duccio, Simone Martini, and other masters of the Sienese School, providing insights into the unique artistic style that developed in medieval Siena and influenced Renaissance art throughout Europe.

For a peaceful escape from the bustling city center, visit the Orto Botanico dell'Università di Siena, the university's botanical garden. This hidden gem houses over 2,000 plant species and provides a tranquil setting for relaxation. The garden's greenhouses contain tropical and desert plants, while the outdoor areas showcase Mediterranean flora and medicinal herbs used in traditional Tuscan remedies.

University Botanic Gardens

The University of Siena, founded in 1240, remains one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious institutions. Take a stroll through the university district to admire the historic buildings and soak up the youthful energy that students bring to the city. The Rettorato building, with its beautiful frescoed halls, occasionally offers guided tours that provide insights into centuries of academic tradition.

Day trips from Siena open up even more possibilities for exploration. The medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano, famous for its tower houses, lies just 38 kilometers away and makes for a perfect half-day excursion.

Alternatively, the wine regions of Chianti Classico and Montalcino offer opportunities to visit world-renowned wineries and taste some of Italy's finest wines in their place of origin.

Small-Group Brunello di Montalcino Wine-Tasting Trip from Siena

A Winery on the Tour

This is a great trip offered by our partner Viator.

Spend a day sipping one of Italy’s top wines, Brunello di Montalcino, on this day trip to Montalcino from Siena. Travel first to a small winery to explore the vineyards and cellars and taste the famous Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino wine. Then, visit a family-run winery in Montalcino, where you tour the grounds and sit down for a Tuscan meal with more wine. Visit the Abbey of Sant'Antimo before tasting even more wine at your third and last winery of the day.

A small-group wine-tasting tour to Montalcino from Siena
Visit three wineries to taste Brunello di Montalcino and other wines
Savor a generous Tuscan lunch at a family-run winery
Small-group tour ensures an intimate travel experience

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Monteriggioni, a perfectly preserved medieval walled town just 15 kilometers from Siena, provides a glimpse into fortress life during the Middle Ages.

This small village, mentioned by Dante in his Divine Comedy, can be explored in about an hour and offers excellent photo opportunities with its intact walls and towers silhouetted against the Tuscan sky.

Monteriggioni in Tuscany

For those interested in religious art and architecture, the Abbey of San Galgano presents one of Tuscany's most atmospheric ruins. Located about 30 kilometers southwest of Siena, this roofless Gothic abbey creates a mystical atmosphere, especially during golden hour. The nearby chapel houses the sword in the stone associated with Saint Galgano, Italy's answer to the Arthurian legend.

Insider tip: visit the Libreria Piccolomini early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light streaming through the windows illuminates Pinturicchio's frescoes most beautifully. Most tourists rush through during midday, but the changing light throughout the day transforms the experience entirely.

Things To Do In Siena

Another local secret involves the best viewpoint in Siena. While most visitors climb the Torre del Mangia, locals know that the terrace of the Palazzo Pubblico offers equally stunning views with far fewer crowds. Access is sometimes restricted, but it's worth asking at the Civic Museum entrance about availability.

For the best gelato in Siena, skip the touristy shops near the main square and head to Gelateria Kopakabana on Via dei Rossi. This family-run establishment has been serving authentic gelato for decades, and their pistachio and stracciatella flavors are legendary among locals. They also offer seasonal flavors made with ingredients from local farms.

Shopping enthusiasts will discover that Siena offers unique opportunities to purchase authentic Italian goods. The city is famous for its leather workshops, where artisans still create bags, shoes, and accessories using traditional techniques.

Via di Città and the surrounding streets house boutiques selling everything from handmade ceramics to locally produced textiles.

Via di Citta in Siena

During summer evenings, join locals in the tradition of the passeggiata, a leisurely evening stroll through the city center. This social ritual typically begins around 6 PM and continues until dinner time. It's the perfect opportunity to people-watch, window shop, and experience Siena's social culture while enjoying the cooler evening temperatures.

Photography enthusiasts should wake early to capture Siena's golden hour magic. The best shots of the Piazza del Campo and cathedral can be taken from various elevated positions around the city just after sunrise, when the warm light illuminates the medieval architecture and long shadows create dramatic compositions. The Torre del Mangia and cathedral dome are particularly photogenic during these quiet morning hours.

For families traveling with children, Siena offers several engaging activities beyond the obvious historical sites. The Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Accademia dei Fisiocritici features interactive exhibits about local wildlife and geology.

Additionally, many hotels and restaurants are family-friendly, and the pedestrian-only historic center makes it safe and easy to explore with young ones.

Seasonal events throughout the year add extra dimensions to any Siena visit. Beyond the famous Palio races, the city hosts jazz festivals, food and wine events, and Christmas markets. The Siena Jazz Festival in July attracts international performers, while the autumn truffle season brings special menus and market stalls celebrating this prized local ingredient.

As your time in Siena draws to a close, you'll understand why this medieval masterpiece has captured hearts for centuries. From the thundering hooves of the Palio horses to the quiet contemplation possible in ancient churches, from world-class art to simple pleasures like sharing a bottle of Chianti at sunset, Siena offers experiences that satisfy every type of traveler.

Take time to sit in the Piazza del Campo as evening falls, watch the locals go about their daily routines, and absorb the timeless atmosphere that makes Siena one of Italy's most beloved destinations.