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There are such a large amount of implausible issues to do in Siena, Italy. This small town in Tuscany is a wonderful day travel from Florence, showcasing the wonderful thing about city Italy, with a ways fewer vacationers than in Florence.
Many vacationers discuss with Siena on an afternoon travel from within reach Florence — and it’s even higher when paired with the Tuscan hilltop the city San Gimignano, like on this excellent tour I took. An afternoon travel to Siena and every other the city like San Gimignano can come up with a beautiful creation to the area of Tuscany.
I additionally like the theory of the use of Siena as a base for exploring Southern Tuscany, which is a huge and various area in its personal proper. You get the entire advantages of staying in a town (like great eating places and a lot of resort alternatives!) with a ways fewer crowds than you’ll to find in Florence.
I first visited Siena long ago in 2013 and beloved it instantly — and I used to be glad to come back again greater than a decade in a while a fun Siena day trip from Florence to discover the town extra.
Siena is Florence’s rival from the Renaissance generation, despite the fact that Florence has now outgrown its competitor significantly, a minimum of relating to inhabitants — the inhabitants of Siena is simply 53,000, whilst Florence has over 382,000 citizens.
Some of the issues Siena is most famed for is the Palio, a twice-annual summertime pageant with a horse race across the town’s central sq.. Siena could also be recognized for its spectacular medieval structure, together with the long-lasting Torre del Mangia and the unbelievable Duomo di Siena, which is in fact my favourite church in Italy.
So how will have to you spend your time in Siena? Let’s check out the most productive issues to do!
This publish was once revealed in November 2024 and was once co-written via Adventurous Kate and Dale Peterson.
Piazza del Campo, Siena
Issues to Do in Siena, Italy
Consult with the Piazza del Campo
The Piazza del Campo is Siena’s primary public area, but it surely’s so a lot more than your reasonable the city sq.. It’s thought to be one of the spectacular medieval squares in Europe, due to its iconic structure and expansiveness.
This huge sq. (which is in point of fact extra of a rounded trapezoid with) is the place the well-known Palio horse race takes position. The race dates the entire as far back as the fifteenth century in Siena, and it’s been the use of the present racecourse within the Piazza del Campo since 1659.
The Palio takes position two times a yr on July 2 and August 16. As you’ll be able to believe, the constructions across the Piazza del Campo are all high actual property for viewing the race!
Siena’s Duomo is definitely price the cost of admission.
Discover within the Duomo of Siena
Every other one of the most primary points of interest you’ll be able to’t omit is the Duomo di Siena, or Siena Cathedral. And for those who’re beginning to have “church fatigue” in Italy, concern no longer — this one is worthwhile. The Duomo di Siena is my favourite church in Italy! You know the way many church buildings I’ve been to in Italy? LOTS.
This could also be a church the place you pay to go into, however accept as true with me, it’s smartly price it. The black-and-white-striped Duomo di Siena is full of such a lot of layers of colour and patterns. It’s a dinner party for the eyes and whilst St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome would possibly have extra paintings, I believe Siena’s is a lot more attention-grabbing.
Don’t omit the attention-grabbing little alcoves off to the edges of the church — I used to be a specific fan of the Piccolomini Library with its stunning paintings.
You’ll be able to purchase a skip-the-line ticket here that comes with get entry to to the cathedral, the Piccolomini Library, the Baptistry of San Giovanni, the Crypt, the terrace, and the museum. That is the price ticket I like to recommend getting for the perspectives from the Museo dell’Opera.
The view from the museum’s terrace — I adore it such a lot!
Take within the view from the Cathedral Museum (Museo dell’Opera)
Admission to the Cathedral Museum (Museo dell’Opera) is integrated within the upper tiers of tickets for the Duomo di Siena, and imagine me — it’s ABSOLUTELY price the price of the price ticket.
I extremely counsel getting this price ticket for 2 causes: exploring the museum, and getting to peer the view. The view from the terrace is exceptional, providing a landscape of the cathedral in a single path, Piazza del Campo and the town heart in every other, and the rolling inexperienced hills of Tuscany in each path.
The museum options a fascinating selection of artistic endeavors and structure that have been as soon as within the cathedral. So for those who loved the artwork and magnificence of the cathedral itself, you’ll additionally like visiting this museum and testing much more paintings.
Know that this museum isn’t obtainable; there is not any elevator.
Insider Guidelines: The museum is a little bit exhausting to identify in the beginning, but it surely’s situated to the fitting of the cathedral while you’re taking a look at it, however additional again, like at 2:00. There’s a loose restroom within the museum basement, whilst you wish to have to pay for the restroom within the cathedral itself, although you paid for a price ticket.
Siena is excellent to peer on foot.
Move on a strolling excursion
A strolling excursion is a good way to get an summary of Siena and orient your self to the format of the town. That is an job I at all times love to do on my first day arriving someplace new to get myself familiarized with the vacation spot.
A strolling excursion was once a part of my Siena-San Gimignano-Chianti day trip from Florence, which was once superb and gave me a just right review of the town.
For those who’re already in Siena otherwise you best wish to e book a excursion throughout the town, this two-hour Siena walking tour is a brilliant choice as it comprises the ancient heart of the town in addition to skip-the-line tickets to the Duomo di Siena and a guided excursion within the cathedral.
And as soon as once more…you understand how a lot I like that cathedral!
The view of the Torre del Mangia from the terrace of the museum of the cathedral.
Climb the Torre del Mangia
The Torre del Mangia is the logo of Siena. Situated within the Piazza del Campo, this medieval tower was once built within the 14th century and was once one of the most tallest historical towers in Italy.
Hiking the tower is among the most sensible issues to do in Siena — however talking in truth, I don’t assume it’s a will have to. Very similar to mountaineering the Eiffel Tower or the Empire State Construction, you’ll be able to’t in fact see the long-lasting construction you’re in from the highest! That’s why I want the view from the terrace on most sensible of the museum of the cathedral as an alternative.
For those who do wish to climb to the highest of the tower, tickets for the Torre del Mangia value 10 EUR ($11 USD) and you’ll be able to additionally acquire a mix price ticket that comes with get entry to to the Museo Civico and the Santa Maria della Scala Museum for 13 EUR ($14 USD.).
Do notice that this isn’t an obtainable job — there are greater than 400 steps and no elevator.
The courtyard of the Palazzo Pubblico, by the use of Shutterstock
Discover the Palazzo Pubblico
Every other iconic position to discuss with in Siena is the Palazzo Pubblico. That is the ancient seat of presidency in Siena, courting again to the Thirteenth century. You’ll be able to’t omit it, since the Torre del Mangia is connected to it!
If you are going to buy a price ticket to climb the tower, you’ll be able to additionally upload on a discuss with to the Museo Civico, which is housed within the Palazzo Pubblico. Or you’ll be able to simply purchase a price ticket for the museum by itself for six EUR ($6.40 USD.)
The museum homes an excellent artwork assortment and has beautiful frescoed ceilings.
Basilica di San Domenico in Siena Italy, by the use of Shutterstock
See the Basilica of San Domenico
Even though the Duomo di Siena is probably the most spectacular church within the town, the Basilica of San Domenico could also be price a discuss with in case you have the time. This hanging Cistercian Gothic church dates again to the Thirteenth century.
At the within, it’s very sparse in comparison to the opulence of the Duomo di Siena. That stated, it’s price popping within and looking across the Basilica of San Domenico. And in contrast to the Duomo, access to this church is loose to the general public.
The fountain is in the back of the ones giant home windows. By means of Karl Allen Lugmayer on Shutterstock.
Respect the Fonte di Fontebranda
As a medieval walled town, access to Siena was once best obtainable thru enforcing gates. The Fonte di Fontebranda is among the closing last gates to the town. It’s situated off the By means of Fontebranda at the western aspect of the town.
Much more intriguing than the traditional gate is the Thirteenth-century fountain beneath the arches of the gate. The fountain nonetheless works nowadays, and it’s additionally a shady spot to chill off for those who’re visiting Siena on a scorching, sunny day.
Santa Maria della Scala Museum in Siena Italy, by the use of IchBinJeffee on Shutterstock
Discover the Santa Maria della Scala Museum
The Santa Maria della Scala Museum is a wonderful position to head if you wish to be informed extra about Siena’s historical past.
This museum is housed in a former clinic that helped pilgrims, in addition to the deficient and orphaned kids. The clinic was once in fact one of the most first in Europe, courting the entire as far back as the past due twelfth century.
The piece de resistance on this museum is the ceiling in Pilgrims’ Corridor, which is roofed with beautiful frescoes in a geometrical design.
Now, the museum is house to exhibitions on Siena’s historical past spanning from Etruscan instances to the Renaissance. Tickets are 9 EUR ($9.60 USD). You probably have the time, may well be price a forestall.
The Fonte Gaia, discreet however price a more in-depth glance!
See the Fonte Gaia
Whilst you’re admiring the Piazza del Campo, take a second to pause on the Fonte Gaia. This huge, ornamental fountain is in fact simple to omit for those who aren’t paying consideration. It’s proper within the Piazza del Campo, but it surely’s no longer very tall and it’s constructed right into a wall, moderately than proper within the heart like maximum Italian fountains, so you could no longer understand it in the beginning.
But it surely’s price testing the early Renaissance aid sculptures carved into the fountain, together with canine with water spouting out in their mouths!
It’s additionally spectacular to assume that water has been pumped into the fountain by the use of underground pipes because the 14th century, due to the sophistication of medieval engineering.
Stay your eyes peeled for flags in Siena.
Wander throughout the ancient heart
There’s so much to peer and do in Siena, however don’t omit to take a little time to easily wander throughout the ancient streets of the town heart! Siena is among the most pretty medieval towns in Italy, and it’s price spending a while simply getting misplaced within the historical streets.
Siena is split into 17 distinct contrade, or neighborhoods. Traditionally, citizens of Siena were fiercely dependable to their group, and there’s at all times been a really perfect competition between the other contrade. Actually, each and every contrada has its personal consultant competing within the Palio di Siena horse race each summer time!
Each and every group is represented via a special image (some examples are Eagle, Unicorn, Caterpillar, and Seashell!). Whilst walking across the ancient heart, you’ll be able to decide which contrada you’re in according to flags and logos decorating the streets.
This wine picture was once in fact taken on my first Siena travel again in 2013!
Move wine tasting
You’ll be able to’t move to Tuscany with out attempting some native wine! Siena is surrounded via vineyards in one of the most most sensible wine-producing areas in no longer simply Italy, however the entire international.
This half-day wine tasting trip departing from Siena is the very best option to revel in some native wine and spot some beautiful Tuscan surroundings. You’ll discuss with the captivating hilltop the city of Montalcino, the place you’ll discuss with a number of native wineries and vineyards.
Along with playing tastings at each and every forestall, you’ll additionally be informed extra about wine manufacturing within the area, getting the danger to listen to from the homeowners of family-run Tuscan wineries.
There’s not anything like recent pasta immediately from Italy!
Take a cooking magnificence
I like taking cooking categories in Italy. They’re a good way to immerse your self in one of the most issues Italy is perfect at: meals! With an area cooking magnificence, you’ll be able to learn to get ready regional delicacies (and, after all, revel in the result of your cooking on the finish!)
This is a great cooking class in Siena. Over the process a number of hours, you’ll get ready a scrumptious multi-course meal with native substances, or even learn how to make pasta from scratch! You’ll benefit from the end result of your exertions, accompanied via some Tuscan wine.
A scorching air balloon is an epic factor to do in Tuscany! By means of Shutterstock.
Move on a scorching air balloon trip
For those who’re searching for an unforgettable enjoy in Siena, why no longer take a scorching air balloon trip? You’ll be able to go with the flow over Siena and the Tuscan nation-state, getting a novel chicken’s eye view of the panorama.
This hot air balloon tour comprises breakfast earlier than your scorching air balloon flight and a tumbler of glowing wine upon touchdown. You’ll leap over the rolling Tuscan hills dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and historical villages in this one-hour scorching air balloon trip.
Simply take into account that scorching air balloon rides are extraordinarily weather-sensitive, and sadly extra of my scheduled balloon rides world wide were cancelled than have long past ahead. Simply stay your expectancies in take a look at — however I’m hoping it occurs for you!
One in every of San Gimignano’s many stone towers.
Take an afternoon travel to San Gimignano
San Gimignano is an excellent day travel from Siena. This captivating Tuscan hilltop the city is hanging on account of its skyline of stone towers, virtually like a medieval Big apple. It’s a lot smaller than Siena, and it’s the very best position to spend a day wandering round and absorbing the ambience.
For those who’re based totally in Florence, you’ll be able to book the day trip that I took and loved that comes with Siena, San Gimignano, and lunch at a Tuscan winery within the Chianti area. That’s a good way to peer all of it!
For those who’re staying in Siena, this tour visits each San Gimignano and Volterra, a fantastic Tuscan the city that was once featured within the Twilight books and movies.
You’ll be able to additionally discuss with San Gimignano by yourself from Siena via taking the 130 bus, which you’ll be able to catch proper via the teach station — it takes simply over an hour, however be sure you take a look at the time table earlier than you move as it doesn’t at all times move the entire option to San Gimignano. There’s no teach to San Gimignano.
Truffle searching with canine in Italy
Move truffle searching
Fortunate you — Siena is legendary for its cakes. And you’ll be able to transcend simply tasting them in a dish at considered one of Siena’s eating places — you’ll be able to in fact hunt for cakes your self!
This unique truffle hunting tour permits you to enroll in an area forager attempting to find mushrooms within the hills round Tuscany.
You’ll leave from Siena and sign up for your host and his canine as you scour the woods for cakes, even having the danger to dig some out your self. You’ll conclude this excursion via returning to Siena and sampling some truffle merchandise in an area gourmand store.
A cheeky shot from the library in Siena’s Duomo.
How A lot Time to Spend in Siena, Italy
So how a lot time will have to you spend in Siena? You’ll be able to discuss with the highlights of Siena on an afternoon travel from Florence, and one complete day will have to come up with sufficient time to peer the entire primary points of interest.
Siena is a vacationer hotspot, but it surely’s additionally a operating town that feels so a lot more native than Florence. For this reason, I believe it makes a pleasant base.
You’ll be able to simply discuss with smaller cities and villages round Tuscany on day journeys from Siena earlier than returning within the night to revel in dinner at one of the most many scrumptious native eating places.
For those who’re basing right here for a couple of days, I particularly counsel visiting the within reach Val d’Orcia area, which incorporates great cities like Pienza (my favourite the city in Tuscany!), Montalcino, and Bagno Vignoni.
The Duomo di Siena is definitely definitely worth the adventure!
The best way to Get to Siena, Italy
How do you get to Siena? From Florence, you’ve a number of choices. The primary is taking the teach to Siena. There are direct trains from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Siena Centrale that take about 1.5 hours.
Riding is in fact reasonably sooner, taking about 1 hour and 10 mins. There also are buses that run from Florence to Siena. The 131R bus leaves from the Florence bus station (subsequent to the Santa Maria Novella teach station).
For those who simply wish to discuss with Siena, you’ll be able to take the teach or bus independently. On the other hand, if you wish to discuss with different locations in Tuscany on an afternoon travel, it’s perfect to e book an arranged day travel that comes with transportation.
This full-day tour from Florence, the only I took, comprises visits to Siena, San Gimignano, and lunch at a winery; whilst this Siena tour from Florence additionally features a fast forestall in Pisa.
I nonetheless can’t get sufficient of the perspectives in Siena.
The place To Keep in Siena, Italy
The place will have to you keep in Siena? There are lodging choices for each price range in Siena, from sumptuous five-star resorts to easy and conventional mattress & breakfasts.
I like to recommend staying within the ancient middle of Siena. It’s probably the most handy location for exploring Siena, and the ancient heart has a in point of fact particular environment.
Listed below are the most productive resorts in Siena for each value vary:
Come year-round to Siena!
Perfect Time To Consult with Siena, Italy
When is the most productive time to discuss with Siena? It’s all about the most productive time to discuss with Tuscany! Tuscany is a year-round vacation spot, however you’ll be able to be expecting the excessive season to closing from spring thru fall, with height season in the summertime months.
For my part, I like visiting Tuscany within the fall months — October is almost definitely my favourite month total for touring in Italy. Fall is a brilliant time to discuss with Siena for milder climate and rather fewer crowds (although Florence will nonetheless be fairly busy at the moment).
The Palio di Siena horse race is held two times each and every yr, on July 2 and August 16. Those are absolute height dates in Siena and you’ll be able to be expecting lodging costs to be sky-high — don’t come to Siena round those dates until you’re right here for the Palio!
I like Siena!
Is Siena Price It?
Sure, Siena is really price it! I’ve loved either one of my visits to Siena such a lot. I like the glance of the town, and as soon as once more — the Duomo di Siena is my favourite church in Italy.
I’m hoping you’ve the most productive time in Siena — and all of Tuscany!
Extra on Florence and Tuscany:
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Have you ever been to Siena? Proportion your favourite studies!
