Plan your visit to Siena, Italy
Set amid Tuscany’s rolling, vine-covered hills, this medieval gem offers fascinating history, stunning sights and sublime local food.
When first arriving in Siena, it’s clear that this is an Italian town like no other. It is best known for its medieval history, during which time it was a cultural metropolis with a secular, quasi-democratic government. The city’s Golden Age lasted well into the 16th century, a period that saw the construction of unique brick buildings that still dominate much of the city center. Visit Siena today to be charmed by its enduring traditions and enjoy culinary specialties offered on every corner.
Begin the journey where all trips to Siena start, in the Piazza del Campo, the square around which the city was built and the heart of Siena’s Historical Center. Here you will find some of Siena’s most important sights, such as the Palazzo Pubblico, recognisable for its soaring Torre del Mangia at one end. Go inside the palace, which is the seat of the local council, to admire the artistry of the frescoes decorating nearly every room, then climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views over the city.
Out in the piazza, take photos of the Fonte Gaia, a monumental fountain, with the Loggia della Mercanzia in the background.
From the piazza, walk east for a few minutes to reach the Duomo di Siena, the city’s magnificent cathedral known for the marble mosaics covering the floor. Step outside the cathedral into the Piazza del Duomo to find the Santa Maria della Scala, a medieval hospital that’s now a museum complex. The building also houses Siena’s Tourist Information Office.
Take a break from your tour of Siena to enjoy some of the typical food of the region. Try the local pecorino cheese, cured meats, pork sausage and pici pasta. Sample Siena's famous sweet treats, such as panforte and cantucci cookies, which also make great gifts for family and friends.
Siena is in the heart of Tuscany. Travel by train from the closest airport, in Florence, in 2 hours, or drive in 1.5 hours. Siena has a train station with both local and long-distance train connections. A bus system offers transportation around the city and also into the surrounding villages.
Much of Siena’s Historical Center is closed to private vehicles, which can make parking difficult. Be aware that the city is quite hilly, so bring walking shoes to be able to explore comfortably.
Use Siena’s great location as a base to explore the charming hillside villages of the area, most of which have their own much-beloved type of wine grape.
Piazza del Campo - Sit at a café and experience the atmosphere of Siena’s main square, known for its medieval architectural grandeur and famous horse races.
Siena Cathedral - Breathtaking masterpieces by some of the finest Italian artists of the Renaissance era decorate this grandiose 800-year-old religious complex.
Palazzo Pubblico - Palazzo Pubblico is just one of the places to see in Siena, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the area's beautiful countryside, or seek out its local tours.
Torre del Mangia - You can learn about the history of Siena when you stop by Torre del Mangia. Discover the area's beautiful countryside, or seek out its local tours.
Fortezza Medicea - Looming over the city, this fortress is a symbol of when Siena’s independence ended in the 16th century. Today, it’s a public space for exercise and entertainment.
Fonte Gaia - Some of the 14th-century’s most impressive bas-relief statues decorate a public fountain in the Piazza del Campo with religious and mythological meaning.
Civic Museum - Follow the unusual history of Siena’s Government of Nine through a series of unique medieval frescoes, supplemented by art and artifacts from the city’s past.
Basilica di San Domenico - St. Catherine’s holy relics create the centerpiece of a 13th-century Dominican church that has long been a center of Siena’s religious life.
Tuscany Day Trip From Florence With Chianti, Siena and San Gimignano - Your day starts in Central Florence where you’ll meet your small group of no more than 14 people and an expert tour guide. Then you’ll hop into private transportation and be spirited out of the city and over to Siena.
Tuscan Cooking Class in Central Siena - Tuscan Cooking Class. Cooking Class of traditional Tuscan meal from starter to dessert including a fresh home-made pasta at the end of the lesson dinner with all prepared accompanied with Chianti Wine. The maximum number of customers per lesson 15 people.
Tuscany Horseback Riding Tour from Siena - Explore Tuscany during a relaxing horseback ride through its breathtaking countryside. Your guide leads you off the beaten track for a tranquil jaunt past vineyards, olive groves, and small villages. Leave Siena behind and marvel at the Tuscan landscape that rolls past your window.
Montalcino and Montepulciano Wine Tour from Siena - Where picturesque views and breathtaking scenery met art and an outstanding food tradition, we are in Val d’Orcia, unsurprisingly UNESCO world heritage. Driving around rolling hills and cypresses linen road, we will focus on tracking down the highest quality Pecorino cheese and red wines.
Brunello di Montalcino Small Group Wine Tour from Siena - Leave Siena behind and explore the hilltop town of Montalcino. Sample delicious wines direct from Brunello wineries and enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch in a family-run estate.
Small-Group Brunello di Montalcino Wine-Tasting Trip from Siena - Brunello di Montalcino, a collector’s favorite, is internationally recognized as one of the best Italian red wines. On this full-day guided tour from Siena, discover the cellars where these incredible wines age, meet the local producers, and learn about the passion that goes into making this wine.
Livorno Port ShorExcursion: Siena San Gimignano Lunch&WineTasting - Enjoy this unforgettable Shore Excursion and make memories of the landmarks. A day exploring the landscapes and artistic small towns that Tuscany can offer: • Siena • San Gimignano Wine and Light Lunch in the Tuscany countryside included! Upgradable with licensed local guide in Siena in Private All-Inclusive Option.
Semi-private Tuscany Grand Tour from Florence - Discover the best of Tuscany region with this exclusive small-group tour from Florence. Starting from Florence, you will be taken to Siena by an English speaking driver and tour leader.
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