One Day in Siena: What to See & Do, from Someone Who’s Stayed Twice

This is a one-day Siena itinerary for first-time visitors – covering the Duomo complex, Piazza del Campo, the Palazzo Pubblico and where to eat, with honest guidance on how long each takes and what to prioritise if time is tight.

I’ve stayed in Siena twice, once as part of a Tuscany road trip and once specifically to spend longer in the city, and the itinerary below is what I’d hand to anyone planning a day here.

On my first visit, 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 dramatically positioned hill towns, but Siena hits differently.

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

While the juxtaposition 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 take in Siena’s historic centre for a while.

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

I’ve now spent several nights here across two separate trips, and Siena has earned a permanent place on my list of Italy’s most underrated cities. 

Below is the one-day itinerary I’d give anyone visiting for the first time – starting with the Duomo complex first thing, where to go for coffee, where to eat, and which practical details (including one about Torre del Mangia tickets that most guides skip over) will save you time on the day.

One Day in Siena: At a Glance

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 should without a doubt be the magnificent Duomo – 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.

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, don’t skip the Piccolomini Library. It’s one of the most impressive spaces in the entire complex and most people walk straight past it.

Opening hours | 7 January – 31 March 2026: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm / 1 April – 31 October 2026: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm / 1 November – 24 December 2026: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm / 26 December 2026 – 6 January 2027: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm / During Uncovering the Floor, 27 June – 31 July and 18 August – 30 October 2026: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm / 1 November – 15 November 2026: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm

Note: On 1 December, due to the Patron Saint celebrations, the Cathedral is open from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm (last admission 2:30 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 | 7 January – 31 March 2026: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm / 1 April – 31 October 2026: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm / 1 November – 24 December 2026: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm / 26 December 2026 – 6 January 2027: 10:00 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.

Be aware that the Facciatone viewing terrace has limited capacity at any one time – numbers are restricted because the walkways are quite narrow and exposed up there – so queues can build. 

On my visit I found myself wondering in the queue whether it would be worth the wait, but I can say wholeheartedly that it was. 

The views are entirely different to the Torre del Mangia – more intimate, more structural – and I stood up there watching a bank of grey rain roll in across the hills and didn’t want to leave.

Opening hours | 7 January – 31 March 2026: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm / 1 April – 31 October 2026: 9:30 am – 7:30 pm / 1 November – 24 December 2026: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm / 26 December 2026 – 6 January 2027: 9:30 am – 7:30 pm  (the ticket office opens at 9:45 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).

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 the most undervisited spaces in Siena, and worth every minute.

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

One important practical note: Torre del Mangia tickets are only sold on the day, at the ticket office on the square, and they sell out. 

On my last visit I went straight to the ticket office when it opened and booked a mid-morning slot to come back and climb – which worked well and the whole experience felt very organised. 

If you arrive later, you may find only afternoon slots remain, or none at all. Make the Torre your first stop when the ticket office opens, book your slot, and then head to the Duomo complex in the time between.

Museo Civico opening hours | 1 March – 31 October: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm (last entry 6:15 pm) / 1 November – 28 February: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (last entry 5:15 pm) / 1 January: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm (last entry 5:15 pm) / 25 December: Closed

Torre del Mangia opening hours | 1 March – 31 October: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm (last entry 6:15 pm) / 1 November – 28 February: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (last entry 3:15 pm) / 1 January: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm (last entry 3:15 pm) / 25 December: Closed

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)

One of the best free things to do in Siena is to wander – properly wander, with no particular plan. 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 tight on time or budget, an hour lost in Siena’s streets will give you more of the city’s character than any single attraction.

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 this style of art interests you, don’t miss it.

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 | Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month) and public holidays: 8:30 am – 1:30 pm / Tuesday – Thursday: 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm (ticket office closes 30 minutes earlier) / Closed on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, 1 January, and 25 December.

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

It’s simply impossible to spend a day in Siena and not eat well.

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 Camerlenghi // 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!

Getting to Siena

From Florence

Most people visit Siena as a day trip from Florence – it’s the most practical base and the journey is under 90 minutes by train or car.

By car

Search for and book car rentals here.

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

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.

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.

From Rome

The journey from Rome takes around 2 hours 40 minutes by car and longer by public transport. It’s doable as a day trip but long – if you’re coming from Rome, spending at least one night in Siena is worth considering.

By car from Rome

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.

By bus from Rome

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!).

By train from Rome

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.

Organised tours from Rome

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.

More Time in Siena

Why Siena is Worth More Than a Day Trip

Florence and Siena are often compared, but they’re entirely different propositions. Where Florence peaked during the Renaissance, Siena’s golden age came earlier – and when the money ran out, the building stopped. 

What’s left is a medieval city so intact it borders on time warp. It’s also considerably quieter than Florence, which makes wandering its streets – seeing where they lead, doubling back when you find something worth pausing over – one of the more pleasurable things you can do on a Tuscany trip.

A place steeped in history, Siena upholds its traditions as a matter of great civic pride. 

Chief among them is the Palio – the horse race held twice a year on the 2nd of July and the 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 Piazza del Campo. 

In a strange twist of the rules, a horse can win the race even without its jockey, provided the victorious animal retains 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 horses while navigating them.

This civic pride trickles down to a neighbourhood level. Each of the seventeen districts has its own flags, mascots and traditions, and as you make your way through Siena’s streets you can’t help but notice how the contrade display their colours on buildings and doorways throughout the city.

Siena also has one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy. The spectacular Duomo di Siena is breathtaking in person in a way that photographs don’t quite capture – which is saying something, because the photographs are already stunning. It’s the first place I would send anyone with 24 hours here.

Finally, Siena’s position in the heart of the province’s countryside and on the northern edge of the Val d’Orcia makes it a natural base for exploring the wider region – with the wine country of Chianti to the north and Montepulciano and Montalcino to the south within easy reach.

How Many Days in Siena?

How long you spend in Siena depends on your wider Tuscany itinerary. Here’s how I’d structure it:

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 Enough?

Yes – just about. You won’t feel finished with Siena after one day, but you’ll have seen its best. The Duomo complex alone takes the better part of a morning, and Piazza del Campo deserves more than a quick walk-through. If you can add a night, do. The city in the evening, once the day visitors have left, is a different place entirely.

Where to Stay in Siena

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. 

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. 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. 

3. 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. 

One Final Note

Siena is one of those places where the itinerary is a starting point, not a script. The best moments tend to happen when you put the list away – following a side street because it looks interesting, ordering a second glass of wine because the evening is too good to rush. Leave room for that.

If you’re building a wider Tuscany trip around this day:

• For where to stay if you decide to overnight: Best Airbnbs in Siena: Luxury, Historic & Characterful Stays
• For the best towns in Tuscany to add to your wider itinerary: Best Towns in Tuscany, Italy: 11 Worth Adding to Your Itinerary
• For how Siena fits into a self-drive Tuscany route: Tuscany Road Trip: Florence, Chianti, Val d’Orcia & Siena by Car