A Day in Siena: Unforgettable Itinerary for Must-See Sights

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Popular as a day trip from Florence, there are far worse ways to spend your time than by passing a day in Siena. In fact, I’d view it as a must-see destination in Tuscany and an essential city to include on any Tuscan itinerary. Through this Siena city guide, learn how to see the best of Siena in one day (and what to do if you decide to stay a little longer).

We arrived in Siena late in the day, as the soft light of evening bathed its ancient buildings in a warm, golden glow.

Having parked our car in the shadow of the looming Medici Fortress, we huffed and puffed a little with our bags, as we made our way up the hill to emerge into a warren of ochre-hued medieval buildings and narrow streets.

The region of Tuscany is renowned for the splendour of Florence and its quaint yet dramatically positioned Tuscan hill towns, but Siena hits differently.

Here is a city perched atop not one but three hills, with an ancient city centre that conjoins in the middle to form the magnificent ‘Piazza del Campo‘, the medieval city square that is guarded over by the imposing Mangia tower.

While the juxtoposition of us landing as rather dishevelled, damp-browed tourists in such a serene, dignified, medieval square was not lost on us, we could not help but pause to catch our breath and and take in Siena’s historic center for a while.  

Venue for ‘Il Palio di Siena‘, the historic horse race in Siena Italy that takes place each year in the summer, the Piazza del Campo is a gloriously sloping, expansive public square that is shaped, rather unusually, like a conch shell. Together with the Duomo of Siena, it is the most iconic location in this compact city. 

A place that is steeped in history, in Siena traditions are upheld as a matter of great pride. One such tradition is the aforementioned Palio horse race, that is held twice a year on the 2nd of July and 16th of August.

Dating back to 1633, the Palio is linked to Siena’s seventeen contrade, or districts, and is a matter of fierce rivalry between them.

Amid great pomp and pageantry, ten horses, ridden bareback by their jockeys, complete three daredevil laps around the Piazzo del Campo.

In a strange twist of the rules, a horse can win the race even without its jockey, provided that the victorious equine manages to retain the colours of its contrade, in the form of a small feather, on its head when crossing the finish line.

The corners of the racetrack are treacherously sharp and jockeys often part ways with their steads while circumnavigating them.

With that in mind, you can begin to understand the inherent uniqueness that permeates Siena. With traditions that reach back for centuries and still retain an immense pride for citizens, the Sienese are proud custodians of the special cultural heritage of their city.

This even trickles down to a neighbourhood level – each of the seventeen districts of Siena have their own flags, mascots and traditions and you cannot help but observe how the contrade proudly display their colours as you make your way around Siena on foot and discover its warren of city streets. 

Through this guide, discover how to spend a day in Siena and learn how to scratch beneath the surface of this unique, medieval metropolis. And who knows, maybe by the end of this I’ll have encouraged you to spend a little longer, as here is a city that is so highly worthy of your time.   

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Why visit Siena?

If you’re including the city of Florence on your Tuscany itinerary, you’d be remiss in thinking that you’ve gotten your Tuscan cities ticked off by leaving it there.

The city of Siena presents an entirely different proposition to Florence; one that is swathed in medieval history, proud traditions, rustic charm and is cocooned by the absolutely resplendent countryside of the province of Siena.

Siena differs from Florence, in that while Florence flourished during the Renaissance, Siena began to decline, with the majority of its most prolific building works ceasing in the 16th century.

In the centuries preceding this, Siena had gone through a period of prosperity, whereby the Sienese had undertaken great building projects, embellishing their city with cathedrals, palaces and magnificent public buildings. So one could almost say, that Siena had its day before Florence did.

What remains of Siena to this day is a distinctly medieval city that is perfectly preserved – in fact, some parts almost seem stuck in a time warp – making it one of the most beautiful and distinct cities in Italy as a result.

It’s also a lot quieter than Florence, making the winding streets an irresistible proposition for those with a propensity for wandering cities and seeing where their feet take them.

RELATED READING | How To Spend 2 Days In Florence – A Comprehensive Guide

Siena also boasts one of the most beautiful cathedrals in all of Italy, too. The spectacular ‘Il Duomo di Siena’, its incredible Gothic cathedral, is positively breathtaking in real life with interiors that need to be gawped at in person to fully fathom their splendour.

It’s the first place I would send anyone who is spending 24 hours in Siena.

Siena is home also to its own food and wine traditions, with ‘pici’ pasta being a staple you will find on Sienese menus. Hand-rolled and made with just flour and water, pici is like a thicker version of spaghetti but is far more satisfying to sink your teeth into! 

Finally Siena’s position in the heart of the beautiful countryside of the Siena region and on the northern edge of the magnificent Val d’Orcia means that it is perfect as a base from which to explore some of Tuscany’s most beautiful scenery.

Also, it is well placed to visit the wine regions of Chianti to the north and Montepulciano and Montalcino to the south! For an even more enriching experience, consider embarking on the best wine tours in Siena.

RELATED READING | 10 Best Wine Tours in Siena [2024 Picks] + Tips to Maximise Your Experience

So, what is the perfect way to spend a day in Siena?

By now, you will have a fair idea of how you are going to get to Siena and how long you have to spend there. With the logistics out of the way, it’s time to discover the best attractions in Siena, Italy!

Note that my suggestions of best attractions in Siena Italy below are for a pretty jam-packed day, as there are many great things to do in Siena.

You might even find that I have included a little too much for your, so feel under no pressure to do everything and do allow ample time for merely strolling around the historic centre of the city as so much of Siena’s charm lies in its incredible medieval atmosphere.

If you have a second day in Siena, then I would spread the below out across both days and allocate plenty of time for ambling! 

1. Start your morning with a coffee

No, I don’t mean grab a Starbucks, but grab an espresso the Italian way – standing at the bar of a coffee shop and possibly scoffing down a quick pastry as you do so!

The Italians have a great coffee culture that is distinctly different (and dare I say, much better) than the shuffling queues for flat whites that I have grown accustomed to at home in Dublin.

A spot we stumbled upon was the thronged and thriving Caffè Fiorella,a wonderful family-run espresso bar that blends its own coffee.

Its location in the historic centre of Siena, right behind the Piazza del Campo, is also the perfect place from which to join the locals at the (espresso) bar and get your day started with some caffeine! 

2. Bask in the glory of the Siena Cathedral Complex

(Total time required: 2 hours 45 minutes – 3 hours 45 minutes to see entire complex. Time for each point of interest broken down further below)

First port of call on any Siena itinerary should without a doubt be the magnificent Duomo, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta to give it its full title. Sitting on the most elevated site in Siena, the cathedral knocks you sideways when you clap eyes on it first. It is an absolute must see in Siena Italy!

One of Italy’s best examples of Romanesque-Gothic architecture, the exterior of the cathedral is clad with striking white and greenish-black ‘striped’ marble, that gleams and dazzles when the light hits it.

In what is a somewhat mind-blowing fact to digest, the cathedral was built in its present form in 1229, with the dome completed some 35 years later in 1264 and packs no less of a punch in the present day as I’m sure it did when it was constructed initially.

The cathedral itself is not all there is to the complex- in fact, there are six different points of interest at the cathedral in Siena, Italy.

Namely, these are the cathedral, the Piccolomini Library, the Baptistry, the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (which is the cathedral museum), the Crypt and the Facciatone viewing terrace.

The Duomo of Siena & the Piccolomini Library

(Time required: allow for 1 hour minimum for the cathedral and the Piccolomini Library)

While the exterior of the Duomo of Siena is enough to leave you ooh-ing and ah-ing at the intricate carvings, oodles of gargoyles and incredible stonemanship, the fun really begins when you cross the threshold and enter the interior of the cathedral.

Firstly, your gaze is drawn immediately heavenward, to a star-studded dome and fabulously intricate vaults, with a continuation of the striking white and dark-green marble carried through onto the soaring arches inside.

Look down, however, and you will discover the most incredible floors, inlaid with marble panels depicting scenes from ancient, biblical stories. Many of these are covered (they are revealed for a couple of months during the summer) and what is on show is carefully roped off to protect the detailed work.

The collection of priceless artwork held within the walls of Siena Cathedral is incredible.

Look out for sculptures by Bernini, Donatello’s bronze ‘St. John the Baptist’, four sculptures created by the young Michelangelo and the inordinately impressive pulpit carved by Pisano, in what is considered to be his most important work.

Halway down the nave, is a doorway into the jaw-dropping Piccolomini Library.

Although originally intended to house manuscripts, this offshoot instead became an homage to Sienese native Pope Pius II, and is covered in the most vivid of frescos that were created by Pinturicchio and his workshop, which would have included a young Raphael.

Whatever you do, make sure not to skip the Piccolomini Library, as it is one of the most impressive parts of the cathedral and one of the best things to do in Siena, Italy.

Opening hours | 1 March – 1 November: 10:30 am – 6:00 pm / 1 November – 28 February : 10:30 am – 5:30 pm / 26 December – 8 January: 10:30 am – 6:00 pm / 26 June – 31 July and 18 August – 17 October (uncovered floor): 10:30 am – 7:00 pm

The Baptistry and the Crypt

(Time required: 45 minutes)

Underneath the cathedral lies the Crypt, which houses some incredible frescoes despicting biblical scenes that were created by the famed Sienese school of the 13th century.

These only came to light in the past couple of decades, when they were unearthed purely by chance in a room that lay underneath the pulpit in the cathedral. The room had been filled in in the 1300s, and these incredible sculptures had remained hidden from the world until their rediscovery in 1999.

Within the Baptistry, is housed a very special piece of sculpture; its baptismal font, which was a joined effort by some of the most prolific sculptors of the Renaissance period; Donatello, Ghiberti and Jacopo della Quercia.

The interior of the Baptistry is also adorned with what are fantastic frescoes, again by artists of the Siena school that date from the Renaissance. The fresco cycles are one of the most fully representative examples of 15th century Sienese art found anywhere.

Opening hours | 1 March – 1 November: 10:30 am – 6:00 pm / 1 November – 28 February : 10:30 am – 5:30 pm / 26 December – 8 January: 10:30 am – 6:00 pm / 26 June – 31 July and 18 August – 17 October (uncovered floor): 10:30 am – 7:00 pm

Museo dell’Opera del Duomo & the Facciatone viewing terrace

(Time required: 1 – 1.5 hours)

Before entering the cathedral, you’ll likely notice something unexpected when standing in the Piazza del Duomo – a very old looking, unfinished structure standing adjacent to the cathedral.

This now holds the Cathedral Museum and the Panorama dal Facciatone, a viewing point that can be climbed for wonderful panoramic views of Siena. It started its life as an intended extension to Siena Cathedral.

In the 14th century, grand ambitions were held to commence the ‘Duomo Nuovo‘, in order to extend the cathedral into one to rival that of Florence, and become the largest cathedral in all of Tuscany.

Unfortunately, the Black Death put paid to such grand visions and all that remains now is the shell of where the new nave would have been, which now forms the Facciatone (a structure that became known as the “ugly facade”).

Today, however, it houses one of Italy’s oldest private museums. The collection contains many great masterpieces, that include original statues from the facade of the cathedral and some works by Duccio da Buoninsegna, including one of the greatest masterpieces to emerge from the early 14th century – “The Alterpiece of the Majesty”.

It opens at 10am, 30 minutes before the cathedral does, so you might want to consider visiting here first to avoid queues later. 

Opening hours | 1 March – 31 May 10.30 am – 6 pm / 1 June – 31 October: 10 am – 7 pm / 1 November – 28 February 10.30 am – 5.30 pm / 26 December – 6 January 10.30 am – 6 pm  (the ticket office opens at 10 am)

3. Stop to take it all in at the Piazza del Campo

(Time required: 30 minutes – 1 hour)

In Siena, the Piazza del Campo (known simply as ‘Il Campo’) is central to everything.

The city of Siena may appear as though its web of streets and alleyways follow no real course or plan, but the majority of thoroughfares lead into the city’s spirited core; it’s much beloved and instantly recongnisable medieval square.

Il Campo’s two most famous buildings are the Palazzo Pubblico (the town hall) and the striking Torre del Mangia, the imposing tower that’s adjoined to the town hall. 

How long you choose to spend here will be dependant on how much time you’ve already allocated to the Cathedral complex. If you’ve taken a guided tour (which I highly recommend), then you’ll most likely have spent some time here already – if so, great!

No matter how much time you do have, however, make sure to simply stop awhile and take in the atmosphere. As the day gets later, the square fills with people and it is a wonderful place to people watch from.

If you like, grab a quick coffee (or if you’re like me, an Aperol Spritz) from one of the bars with outdoor seating on the square and soak it all in. You can also use this as an opportunity to pause for something to eat, although there are far better places to eat in Siena (see more on that below).

When you are ready, it’s time to move onto the next activity on your Siena itinerary!

4. Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia

(Time required: 1.5 – 2.5 hours)

Housed within the first floor of the Palazzo Pubblico is the civic museum, one of those Siena Italy points of interest that you should absolutely try to fit in when visiting the city.

Constructed between the years 1297-1308, the Palazzo Pubblico is still Siena’s seat of administration and has paid witness to many of Siena’s most significant events over the course of its history.

The Torre del Mangia was constructed a little later, between 1325 to 1344. It was built to eclipse the tower in Florence and at the time of building, was the tallest building in Italy (which speaks to Siena’s prominence at the time).

When the Palazzo Pubblico was built, the city of Siena was run a little differently than others, in that it was run by the ‘Government of the Nine‘. These were nine men elected from the middle class (not from nobility, as was custom elsewhere).

When they were elected, these nine men did not leave the building for their 2 month term. In shutting them off to the outside world, it was thought that they would not succumb to external influences when deciding how the city should be run.

While much of the building is adorned in impressive frescoes, the Palazzo Pubblico’s biggest draw is the Room of the Nine, where the elected officials would receive visitors.

In what was a rather unusual move for the day, the room is decorated in what are now world-famous frescoes that were commissioned not by the church or a religious body, but by the city itself. Also highly unusual, is that these frescoes contain secular images and not religious ones.

The frescoes in question are Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s giant fresco cycle, the Allegory and Effects of Good and Bad Judgement, which engulf three of the chamber’s walls.

The frescoes depict both an idyllic version of the city if it were run effectively and fairly and the opposite; what could become of the city if it was governed badly, to serve as a reminder to the elected officials.

This is not the only thing worth seeing, however, and the Palazzo also houses Simone Martini’s Maestà,one of the most important examples of 14th century Italian art and another of his masterpieces, the Equestrian Portrait of Guidoriccio da Fogliano in the Sala del Consiglio. 

When you are done inside the museum, you can climb the 400 steps to the top of the Torre del Mangia for panoramic views over the city of Siena and the surrounding hills of Tuscany.

Opening hours |  open daily 10am–7pm (November –mid-March closes at 6pm)

5. Wander the medieval streets of Siena’s historic city centre

(Time required: as long as you wish, but I’d recommend at least an hour)

Without shadow of a doubt, one of the best free things to do in Siena is to merely wander your way through its streets. Start at Il Campo and work your way outwards, allowing your feet to take you where your eyes are drawn to.

The streets of Siena offer a tantalising glimpse into the days of yester-year. As you work your way further from the centre, you’ll find that on some streets you’ll have only the echo of your own footsteps as company.

It is in these situations where your imagination really bursts to life and you can picture life in the city during medieval times, as all modern distractions slip out of sight.

You’ll notice subtle difference as you move from neighbourhood to neighbourhood and you’ll also most definitely spot the different flags of eachcontrade that you enter, in what is a proud display of their colours.

If you’re wondering what to do in Siena for a day and are tight on time, budget, or both, then merely wandering through Siena’s ochre-hued passages will be enough to give you a taste of what Siena is all about.

6. If you’re an art lover, pencil in a visit to the Pinacoteca Nazionale Art Museum

(Time required: 1 hour at a minimum)

For those in the know when it comes to the world of art, the Pinacoteca may not quite pass as a Siena hidden gem, but for those with an appreciation for art with less of an understanding of art history, then here is a gallery that you may not have heard of, but absolutely should visit.

The Pinacoteca houses a collection from the famous Sienese school of artists. The majority of the pieces within its walls are in the form of large, religious alterpieces embellished with gold. For those used to looking at paintings on canvas, these offer a fascinating view of a very distinct style of art.

If you look closely, you can actually see the process in which these panels were gradually built upon, layer by layer, until they took the form you see in front of you. If you have a keen interest in exploring this style of art and are wondering what to do in Siena Italy, then visiting the Pinacoteca is an absolute must.

At the gallery, you will find works by Duccio di Buoninsegna, Simone Martini and the Lorenzetti brothers, as well as works from the Renaissance period by 15th century painters such as Giovanni di Paolo, Sano di Pietro, Sassetta and Domenico di Bartolo. 

The collection spans a period up until the 16th and 17th centuries. Start at the top of the museum and work your way down – the gallery follows a chronological order with oldest works at the top. Note that the museum has limited opening times, and is closed at weekends so you may need to plan accordingly. 

Opening hours | Tuesday – Saturday 8.15am – 7.15pm / Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 1.15pm – 6.45pm/ Sundays, Mondays & holidays 9am – 1.00pm / closed December 25th and January 1st 

7. Cap off your day in Siena with a meal in one of Siena’s restaurants

It’s simply impossible to spend one day in Siena Italy and not eat there!

The good news is that Siena has some fantastic restaurants and in fact, my most enjoyable meal in Tuscany took place in the cavernous setting of Antica Osteria da Divo, a fantastic Sienese restaurant that is located deep in Etruscan caves that run under the city’s streets.

Below are my picks of where to eat in Siena during your visit from which you will hopefully find the best restaurant in Siena for you. The majority I have eaten at, and the rest I will be skipping off to try on my next visit to Siena!

Best places to eat in Siena

Antica Osteria da Divo – Siena Italy // Via Franciosa 25-29, 53100, Siena Italy

We had a long, luxurious dinner here with an exceptional bottle of Brunello di Montalico. Set in a series of caves and lit by candlelight, this beautiful restaurant is a fabulous venue for a special or romantic meal and you’ll find some of the best food in Siena, Italy here too.

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Osteria le Logge // Via del Porrione33, 53100, Siena Italy

Set in an old grocer’s store and retaining the old shop counter and cabinets this restaurant in Siena has great old world charm, offering up Tuscan dishes that are finished with flair and warm, welcoming service.

When we were finished, we were shown their extensive wine cellars, set in a warren of Etruscan caves. Ask for a table downstairs when reserving.

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Osteria Boccon del Prete // Via San Pietro, 17, 53100, Siena Italy

We stumbled across this traditional Siena restaurant quite by chance and and entered as their was a stream of locals coming and going through the door at lunchtime. We weren’t disappointed and enjoyed hearty Tuscan dishes that featured wild boar and pici pasta.

Although we didn’t sample at the time, this also seems to be the place to go if you are looking for Bistecca alla Fiorentina in Siena based on what we saw coming out of the kitchen! Very reasonably priced.  

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Gelateria Bar Il Camerleng // Il Campo 6, 53100, Siena Italy

Those on the hunt for the best gelato in Siena, this little gelateria is tucked away neatly to the righthand side of the Palazzo Pubblico on Siena’s Il Campo square. The location in Siena’s main square may put you off, but this is no tourist trap – prices are great, as is the gelato.

Its location too is perfect for grabbing a cone to cool down in between sightseeing, as you’ll likely be passing through the square at some point during the day!

How many days do I need in Siena?

Day trips from Florence to Siena are exceedingly popular and that comes as no surprise, due to its relative proximity and ease of access to and from Florence.

In regards to how many days in Siena are enough, then the answer is entirely dependent on how long your trip to Tuscany is. One thing is certain, however, and that is that Siena is worthy of inclusion on any Tuscany itinerary.

3-5 days in Tuscany/basing yourself in Florence | If you are shorter on time and/or spending the majority of your time in Florence, then add Siena as a day trip from Florence to your itinerary.

5-7 days in Tuscany | with 5-7 days days in Tuscany, make sure to allocate at least one day in Siena and if you can, 36 hours in Siena (or a little more) would be a great addition to your itinerary.

The atmosphere in Siena at night as you wander its meandering medieval streets is particularly charming, so I’d encourage you to spend a night in Siena in this instance if you can.

7+ days in Tuscany | I’d try to allocate 2 days in Siena here as a minimum if time is on your side and spend both nights here if you can. I spent 48 hours in Siena (that included a two night stopover) as part of a 10 day Tuscany itinerary and was very happy with my choice.

If you’d prefer to be based in a city, then Siena is a wonderful base from which to explore the Tuscan countryside and surrounding hilltop towns of Tuscany. It’s possible and very accessible to take a day trip from Siena of your choice to almost anywhere within Tuscany.

RELATED READING | 11 Best Towns In Tuscany That You Need To Visit At Least Once

Is one day in Siena enough?

I would say that some time in Siena is better than no time in Siena! No matter how much time you have available to you, you will not regret a visit even if it’s just an afternoon spent in this wonderful Tuscan city.

You won’t get to see everything in Siena in one day, but you will be able to cover a lot more of its highlights in one day than you would in a larger Italian city like Florence or Rome. If you have the luxury, however, I would try to spend the night if you can to really get the most out of your 1 day in Siena.

If you are reading this post as you’ve already decided on a Siena day trip, then never fear, you will have still have enough time to get a flavour of Siena’s medieval charm even if visiting just for a few hours!

But if you’re still undecided as to how long to allocate to Siena and have a bit of wriggle room in your itinerary, then I would urge you to consider spending a night here too at least! 

Decided on more than a day in Siena, Italy?

If, during your research of what to do in Siena for a day you’ve decided to stay on a little bit extra, then good on you – you won’t regret it!

I’d advise you to spread out the above things to do in Siena over the duration of your stay and add on a couple of extra activities also (or just take some time to chill and walk through those atmospheric streets).

First things first, you’ll need to find somewhere to stay! Below, are my picks of the best hotels in Siena, Italy for the luxury and boutique-loving traveller. 

The best accommodation in Siena Italy – where to stay in Siena if you’ve decided to overnight

If you’re planning on spending a lot of time exploring the city and are just visiting for a day or two, then the best area to stay in Siena Italy is in the historic centre.

With this is mind, this list of the best places to stay in Siena, Italy is focused on hotels in or close to the city’s centre, with the exception of one gem just outside its walls. 

Some additional fun things to do in Siena if you’re staying longer than a day

If you decide to stay longer than 1 day in Siena, then it can be fun to break up the sightseeing with some different activities. Depending on your interests, here are some of the best (non-sightseeing) things to do in Siena and the surrounding area. 

1. Take a cooking class in Siena

Sienese cuisine is hearty, full of flavours and truly is unique to the region of Tuscany, so what better a way to remember your time in Siena than being able to recreate some of their delicious dishes when you return home!

There are a number of cooking classes in Siena, but this 4 hour, Tuscan cooking class in central Siena is my pick of the bunch. Learn how to make a variety of Tuscan dishes, in a small group of no larger than 15 people and sample your efforts along with a wine pairing at the end of the lesson!

2. Cooking not your thing? Go on a food & wine tour in Siena instead!

If you love food but would prefer someone else to do the cooking for you, then opt instead to take a food and wine tour in Siena! This great food and wine tour takes you on a walk around Siena, where you’ll both taste and learn about Siena’s local foods and how they tie into local Tuscan culture and history. 

Alternatively, you can check out some unique foodie experiences in Siena run by EatWith here. 

3. If you’re a fashion lover, go clothes shopping in Siena

Italy is a country known for its style, with high end fashion stores in every major city and Siena is no different! If you, like me, see a row of clothes shops and feel your senses heighten and pulse quicken then you’ll not be disappointed by Siena! 

The majority of Siena’s clothing stores are found on three main streets which make up Siena’s corso – Banchi di Sopra, Montanini and Via di Città. They contain a mixture of designer, boutique and high street fashion and are all, rather conveniently, located in the historical centre of Siena close to Il Palio. 

4. Go on a wine tour from Siena

If you are a wine lover and want to discover the best wineries in Siena (or even a little further afield), then you absolutely must consider taking this private wine tour.

Previous guests rave about this tour as being the best thing they did when in Tuscany and the tour guide will work with you around your requirements to bring you to a number of wineries during the day, along with some other stops along the way.

If the above is slightly out of our reach, or if you don’t fancy a full day trip, then another great option is this wine tour from Siena. You’ll visit a vineyard where you’ll learn about growing and maintaining grapes for wine, be taken through wine processing after this, and finish with a wine tasting and light lunch. 

5. Go horseback riding, Siena Italy

Having spent the majority of my childhood and teenage years on a horse, I can confidently say that often, the best way to see the countryside is on horseback!

This horseback riding tour from Siena will spirit you away to the Tuscan countryside, where you will explore the Tuscan hills and villages via ancient trials from the saddle of a trusty steed. 

6. Take in the countryside from a hot air balloon, Siena

If you’re really looking for something unique, or for some romantic things to do in Tuscany (hint – this would be an amazing proposal!) then I don’t think you can get much better than taking to the skies via a hot air balloon and getting a birds eye view of the magnificent Tuscan countryside.

The good news is that you can do just that, if you book this hot air balloon flight over Tuscany that picks you up from your accommodations in Siena and delivers you to your balloon! 

The best time to visit Siena

As I would recommend for most places, the best time to visit Siena is in the shoulder season; so either spring or autumn. We visited at the end of April, which was perfect in terms of crowds and still pleasant enough to sit outdoors in Il Campo and have an apperitivo.

October is also a great month to visit Tuscany, as it is still sunny, relatively warm and the crowds of summer have dissipated by then.

Summer, especially July and August, are particularly hot and also extremely crowded, so it is best to avoid Siena then if you can. Also bear in mind that the Palio is held then, so if you want to avoid crowds and inflated accommodation prices, then that is the time to do so.

If, however, you want to visit specifically for the Palio, then make sure that you are in town for the 2nd of July and/or the 16th of August!

The best ways of getting to Siena

Let’s put this one to bed before we begin –is there an airport in Siena, Italy? 

The answer is no, there is no airport, so flying to Siena, Italy is not possible! There are a number of ways through which you can get to Siena from elsewhere in Tuscany, and Italy however. Namely, these are:

• Getting to Siena by car – search for car rentals here
• Getting to Siena by train – search timetables and book tickets here
• Planning a Siena day trip as part of a tour – find the perfect tour here
• Getting to Siena by private transfer – book your Siena transfer here

There will typically be two main hubs from which you might find yourself planning Siena day trips from; Florence and Rome, and I will outline your best options for visiting Siena from these below.

Florence day trip to Siena

Florence day trips to Siena are amongst the most popular of the bunch, as a lot of people (and rightly so!) decide to visit some of the Tuscan countryside to take in its amazing views, incredible Italian wine and delightful hilltop towns.

It’s also incredibly easy to reach, making a day trip from Florence to Siena extremely feasible.

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Getting from Florence to Siena

Getting from Florence to Siena by car

This option possibly allows for the most flexibility. If you take the motorway and drive directly to Siena, then the journey is only a mere hour long and is less than 80km in distance.

By driving yourself, however, you also have the added bonus of being able to fit in the more scenic route of the ‘Chiantigiana‘, one of Tuscany’s most famous drives by following the SR222 road.

To reap the rewards fully of both a day trip from Florence to Siena and the Chiantigiana drive, you may wish to stay in Siena for a night to adequately allocate time to each.

There are two ways you can do this; self-drive or hire a private transfer.

Search for and book car rentals here.

Get a price for and book your Florence to Siena private transfer here.

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Getting from Florence to Siena by train

When not driving, I love to travel by train as I find it more comfortable than travelling by bus and you often get to see much of the countryside during the journey. Trains from Florence to Siena depart regularly, and direct trains take slightly under 1 hour and 30 minutes.

You can search for and book your Florence to Siena train tickets here. Make sure to book a direct train, with tickets costing from around $12 each way.

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Getting from Florence to Siena by bus

You can get the bus from Florence to Siena from the bus station next to the Santa Maria Novella train station.

Take the Rapida bus, which is the direct route to Siena that takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. Tickets cost approximately $8.50 each way. The bus station in Siena is located a mere 5-minute walk from the historic city center.

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Day trip, Florence to Siena via organised tour

If you’d like to leave the logistics to someone else, and experience Siena under the expert tutelage of a knowledgeable guide, then undertaking your day trip from Florence to Siena in the form of a guided tour may be the best option for you. Here are my picks of the best Siena day tours from Florence:

Siena and San Gimignano: Small-Group Tour with Lunch from Florence

A lot of day trips from Florence to Siena jam in a lot of different locations in one day (a little bit too much, in my opinion) and also spend only an hour or two in Siena, where you visit Siena Cathedral only and pretty much skip the rest of the city.

With this full-day tour, you first visit Siena for a walking tour where you get to explore more of the city than is typically included on a day tour. You then move onto a winery for lunch and finish the tour with a visit to San Gimignano. Group size is also capped at 16, making this group tour feel a little more intimate.

Private tour: Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti Day Trip from Florence

If you’d prefer to take a private tour, then this exceptionally well-reviewed private tour from Florence is a great option.

The outline follows roughly the above – a visit to Siena, a stop for lunch at a winery and a visit to San Gimignano, but as this is a private tour you can speak with your driver in advance and make your tour a little more customized if needs be.

Day trip from Rome to Siena

Day trips from Rome to Siena are also do-able too, if you have some time to spare when visiting Rome and want a flavour of Tuscany! Because of the journey time in getting there (you won’t do it faster than 2 hours 40 minutes), I’d highly recommend spending a night in Siena.

Best ways of getting to Siena from Rome

Getting to Siena from Rome by bus

I wouldn’t recommend taking the train from Rome to Siena, as there is no direct option, with the journey taking between 3.5 to 4 hours (bearing in mind that it only takes 1 hour 35 minutes to Florence, which is further away!).

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Getting to Siena from Rome by train

The bus from Rome to Siena is also not really too practical for a day trip either, with the journey taking around 2 hours 45 minutes if you book a direct bus with Flixbus. You can search timetables and book tickets here.

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Driving from Rome to Siena

It is also possible to self-drive from Rome to Siena, and this is a great option if you plan on exploring more of the Tuscan countryside surrounding Siena and are planning on spending a few days in the region. The drive takes 2 hours 40 minutes and you can search for and reserve your car rental here.

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Take a day tour from Rome to Siena

That, then, leaves us with some escorted day trips from Rome to Siena. These are a great option if you want to see a little bit more of the Tuscan countryside while you are at, as they typically include a couple of stops.

If you wish for someone else to spirit you around Tuscany instead and deal with the logistics of same, then the following are my suggestions:

Private Siena and San Gimignano Tour with wine tasting from Rome

This private day trip from Siena to Rome takes you first to the city of Siena and also the town of San Gimignano, with a stop off for lunch and wine tasting if desired. A great option for those who want the ultimate control over their itinerary for the day.

Siena and San Gimignano 1 Day Trip from Rome – Semi Private Tour

This is a wonderfully planned out day trip from Rome to Tuscany, that allows for ample time in Siena. The tour is run on a semi-private, small group basis with a limit of 14 people, with a generous 4 hours allocated to the city of Siena.

Here, you will learn about the Palio at Piazza del Campo, see the Torre del Mangia, visit Siena Duomo and take in the centro storico too. After this, you will travel to San Gimignano too.

What to do in Siena  – please share and pin for later!