A Day In Siena (Walking Itinerary + Map 2024)

1 day in Siena, Italy: How to see Siena in a day with this easygoing self-guided itinerary.

If you can only spend one day in Siena, follow our walking itinerary through the medieval streets to see the top sites, and discover why this is Tuscany’s favourite hilltop city.

Siena is an atmospheric Gothic city that sits alone on a high hill in a picture-postcard setting among the olive groves and vineyards of Chianti. Val d’Orcia rolls away to the south, rural lanes guarded by cypress meander across a rural landscape to the fabled hilltop towns of Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano.

Journeying northwest of Siena, the stone towers of the famous walled hill towns, Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, and Volterra, spear the Tuscan skyline in a succession of scenic panoramas.

As you’ll discover, there are many reasons to visit Siena for a day. Staying here for two or three days is even better because Siena is the perfect base for exploring Tuscany.

Things To Do In Siena In A Day

Seven kilometres of defensive walls curve around Siena’s historical centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered to be ‘the embodiment of a medieval city‘. Built over three hills, 15th-century street planners drew the city together with three main thoroughfares leading to the central Piazza del Campo.

Siena railway station is outside the historical walls, at the foot of the hill. The Flixbus also stops here. To reach the historic centre, take the escalators from the nearby shopping centre, get the bus or a taxi, or simply walk 25 minutes uphill to Porta Camollia (one of the original main gateways into the ancient walled city).

The main bus station is located closer to the centre in Piazza Gramsci (near Giardini La Lizza park). From here it’s roughly a three-and-a-half kilometre round walk to take in the top places of interest.

Easy to visit and walkable, Siena old town is pedestrian-friendly and traffic-free.

Top Landmarks to See in Siena

1. Piazza Salimbeni
2. Basilica of San Francesco
3. Insigne Collegiata di Santa Maria in Provenzano
4. Piazza Tolomei
5. Piazza Indipendenza
6. Loggia della Mercanzia
7. Piazza del Campo
   • Palazzo Pubblico, Torre del Mangia, Museo Civico
8. Piazza del Duomo
   • Siena Cathedral and Museum, Facciatone, Bapistery of San Giovanni Battista, Santa Maria della Scala
9. Santuario Casa di Santa Caterina
10. Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico
11. Fortezza Medicea
12. Giardini della Lizza

The historic sites listed above can be visited in a day. However, if you prefer to take it easy or are only in Siena for a few hours, concentrate on the main points of interest.

Siena must-sees are the famous Piazza del Campo, and nearby Piazza del Duomo with its landmark black and white marble Cathedral. Both have panoramic viewpoints over the city, from Torre del Mangia and the Facciatone, respectively.

Don’t worry if you’re not really into museums or entering places of worship, the joy of visiting Siena is the ambiance. The feeling of stepping back into the Middle Ages, wandering along cobblestone streets, dipping under arches and down alleyways, to public squares hidden behind a maze of Gothic façades.

A Day in Siena: Itinerary Map

I’ve mapped out our route through the medieval quarter and marked the top sites to see along the way. This makes an easy-to-follow walking itinerary of Siena that you can do in a day.

* Click on the image above to see the interactive Google Map of the walking route from Porta Camollia through Siena medieval quarter to the main sites.

This is roughly the route we took on our self-guided walk through the medieval streets of Siena. Starting from Porta Camollia, the circular itinerary is just over 4 kilometres.

Porta Camollia

Porto Camollia is the northern gateway to the walled city and a great start to a day of medieval culture. Historically, the three-arched portal was the entry point for pilgrims on the ancient Via Francigena. In 1555, the original gate was destroyed in the siege of Siena and replaced a few decades later. Details include the sun symbol and sculpted marble relief on the brick façade.

Step onto Via Camollia and head towards the centre of town. This is the Istrice Contrada one of Siena’s 17 feudal districts. There are several restaurants along this strip that serve local specialties. If you come back this way in the evening, we found Osteria Il Vinaio di Bobbe e Davide a good place to dine.

Via Camollia joins Via dei Montanini where there’s a bakery that makes wonderful pastries! Continue onto Via Banchi di Sopra, one of the main walking streets, and on the left-hand side you’ll find Piazza Salimbeni.

Piazza Salimbeni

Piazza Salimbeni is a small square flanked on three sides by Gothic and Renaisscance-style mansions: Palazzo Salimbeni, Palazzo Spannocchi, and Palazzo Tantucci. A flourishing money-lending trade in this part of Siena gave rise to the first bank in the world, the current Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena which opened here in 1624. Curiously, this financial entity started up as a pawn shop in 1472.

The statue standing on the plaza represents Sallustio Bandini, the acclaimed 16th-century priest, economist, and politician born in Siena.

Insigne Collegiata di Santa Maria in Provenzano

Santa Maria in Provenzano is a collegiate church and shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the next stop on our itinerary. The striking white marble façade and cupula dome are in Renaissance-Baroque style, designed in 1595. The pure white interior is embellished with centuries-old paintings of catholic saints and religious scenes.

A terracotta icon of the Madonna, protected by adoring silver angels on the main altar, is a focal point. One of Siena’s annual Palio horse races is held on July 2 to honor the miracle-working ‘Madonna in Provenzano‘.

Insigne Collegiata di Santa Maria in Provenzano is located on Piazza Provenzano, a 5-minute stroll southwest from Basilica di San Francesco. Another 2-minute walk and you’ll be back on main street Via Banchi di Sopra, more or less opposite Piazza Tolomei.

Piazza Tolomei

Piazza Tolomei opens out on the left-hand side as you continue down Via Banchi di Sopra towards the heart of medieval Siena. Points of interest are the Chiesa di San Cristoforo (11th century church with a neoclassical brick façade), Palazzo Tolomei (12th century gothic-style palace, the oldest in Siena) and the Column of the Lupa She-Wolf.

The She-Wolf is the symbol of Siena. The legend dates back to the founding of Rome and the story of when Romulus slayed Remus. The sons of Remus, Aschio and Senius rode off with a statue of the Capitoline Wolf from the Temple of Apollo and built a fortified hilltop city they named Sena.

Piazza Indipendenza is another of Siena’s small historical squares, a 2-minute walk from Piazza Tolomei (take a right, then left turn). Its claim to fame is the Loggia which fronts Palazzo Ballati (a 14th-century crenellated tower house), and Teatro dei Rozzi (a theatre inaugurated 1817 whose roots go way back to the Rozzi Congregation, a poetry group that started up in 1531!).

Street signs and name plaques make it simple to find your way to places of particular interest in Siena. Wandering off into the labyrinth of backstreets is fascinating and no worries about getting lost!

Croce del Travaglio

The end of Via Banchi di Sopra intersects with Via di Città and Banchi di Sotto at Croce del Travaglio – the ‘crossroads’ where Siena’s three arterial streets meet. You’re now a few steps away from Piazza del Campo, the historical centre of Siena.

A succession of stately buildings shield Piazza del Campo in a scene-setting way. Loggia Della Mercanzia is one of these (the colonnaded façade adorned with saintly statues faces Croce del Travaglio).

Eleven passageways lead into Piazza del Campo – you’ll find Vicolo San Pietro and Vicolo di San Paolo either side of Loggia Della Mercanzia, and Chiasso del Bargello a little further along Via di Città.

Pass under the brickwork arches and the monumental square appears suddenly, it’s a dramatic effect.

Piazza del Campo

One of the greatest medieval squares in Italy, Piazza del Campo is certainly unique. Siena’s monumental piazza fans out like a seashell, semicircled by a curtain of Late Gothic mansions, red brick herringbone-patterned paving gently sloping to the grand Palazzo Pubblico which encloses the far side.

Initially the town’s marketplace, in the early 14th century ‘il Campo’ was transformed into the medieval wonder you can see today. Effectually it’s an open-air stage. The Palio horse races are held here, an extraordinary event that takes place twice a year.

The palazzi signorelli (stately homes) which overlook the square were planned to a uniform architectural design in accordance with the urban laws of those times. The ground floors have mainly been turned into restaurants, cafés, and gelaterias. The terraces out front are a good place to relax for a while.

Fonte Gaia

Fonte Gaia puts an elegant touch to Piazza del Campo. The ‘joyous fountain’ is fed by an underground aqueduct, part of the network of canals that flow beneath the city of Siena. These date to medieval times when engineers devised a system to bring fresh water through subterranean brick tunnels, up to the hilltop town from river sources kilometres away.

Once upon a time vital for drinking water as well as laundry, artisan trades, and irrigation, the Bottini di Siena channels still supply the local fountains.

Like many historic monuments in Italy, Fonte Gaia is mainly a replica, the marblework by Tito Sarrocchi (1866). The original work of art by Jacopo della Quercia (1419) can be seen in the Santa Maria della Scala museum.

Palazzo Pubblico di Siena

The first impression as you walk into Piazza del Campo is surprise, it’s amazing that such a big square can be hidden out of sight! Then you’ll be drawn towards Palazzo Pubblico, the true focal point.

Uniquely designed in 1297 to be the Republic of Siena’s statehouse, Palazzo Pubblico is the turreted building that curves around the lower part of the piazza. The tall bell tower, Torre del Mangia was added a few decades afterwards.

Over 800 hundred years later, the ‘Public Palace of Siena’ continues to be the city town hall.

As well as the local government offices, the Civic Museum and Rinnovati Theatre are both housed in Palazzo Pubblico.

Cappella di Piazza

A white marble loggia stands out from the façade of Palazzo Pubblico, fronting the Torre del Mangia tower. This is the Cappella di Piazza, a small Roman Catholic Chapel guarded by saintly statues and wrought iron railings.

The Cappella pays homage to the Virgin Mary and was erected by those who survived the Great Plague which decimated Siena in 1348.

Torre del Mangia

Torre del Mangia is the distinctive XIV-century campanile and clock tower that adjoins Palazzo Pubblico. The slim, brickwork structure crowned with a marble belfry was designed to be the tallest tower in Siena (87 mt high). It’s one of the tallest medieval towers in Italy today.

Four hundred steps spiral to the top of the tower but the effort is compensated by panoramic views over Piazza del Campo, across to the cathedral, and the entire historic centre of Siena.

Entrance tickets to go up Torre del Mangia Tower are available at ticket offices in the Palazzo Pubblico, and in Santa Maria della Scala, on the day of your visit. Tickets are for specified 30-minute time slots and can’t be booked in advance.

Torre del Mangia opening times and prices:
Daily from November to February 10 am to 1 pm & 1.45 pm to 4 pm. March to October 10 am to 1.45 pm & 2.30 pm to 7 pm. Closed Christmas day. Entrance costs 10€.

Siena Palio Race

As you’ve no doubt gathered, ‘The Palio’ is Siena’s famous horse race and Piazza del Campo is the venue. A passionate 3-lap bareback race around the town square, the local jockeys wearing the colours of the 10 participating contrades are cheered on by the fanatical crowds (the entire population of Siena, and hundreds of visitors from across Italy and the world).

‘Palio di Siena’ takes place twice a year during the summer, on the 2nd of July and the 16th of August. The excitement builds up on the days leading up to both dates with pageant parades and trial races, and street parties afterwards in the winning contrade (neighbourhood). While it’s entirely a local affair, and not a touristy attraction, everyone is welcome to join in the high-spirited fun.

If you’re specifically coming to Siena to see ‘The Palio’ on a day trip, it can be done. Book tickets to a private balcony overlooking Piazza del Campo well in advance. Plan to get to the city early to see the sites, have a late lunch then take up your place. Alternatively, look for an organised trip that guarantees a seat on one of the grandstands.

Although standing in the arena is the free option to watch the Palio race (admission isn’t charged into Piazza del Campo) you’ll be amongst the crush of enthusiastic locals, who’ve arrived at first light to stake their place, and will have to stand for hours in the crowds.

Siena Cathedral Complex

The monumental Duomo Cathedral Complex is the top historic site in Siena and only a 2-minute walk away from Piazza del Campo. Signposts point the way through the ancient streets – turn off the main Via di Cittia, onto Via delle Campane, then along Via di Monna Agnese, and you’ll come to a trinity of medieval plazas:

1. A flight of steps down the side of Siena Cathedral leads to Piazza San Giovanni where you’ll find the entrance to the Crypt, and the Baptistery;
2. Piazza Jacopo della Quercia runs along one side of the cathedral where you’ll see the entrance to the Cathedral Museum and the Facciatone landmark;
3. Piazza del Duomo fronts the main façade of Siena Cathedral (the Piccolomini Library is inside the cathedral) and the Santa Maria della Scala Museum.

The L-shaped ‘square’ takes its name from the Duomo di Siena, the Roman Catholic cathedral that has stood here since the early 1200s, built over ecclesiastical sites dating to the VII century. An ongoing project, the Dome was finished in 1264, the Campanile erected in 1312 and the Baptistery added four years later.

A second nave was being constructed to double the Duomo’s considerable size when the black plague caused work to stop in 1348, and it was never completed. This unfinished section of Siena Cathedral is known as the Facciatone – the unusual landmark is a spectacular viewing platform with some of the best vistas over the city.

Duomo di Siena

Il Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is the most beautiful church in Siena and one of the most interesting cathedrals to visit on a trip to Italy. While the Duomo di Firenze is undoubtedly bigger with its immense dome, the inside of Florence’s cathedral is fairly stark compared to the interior artistry of Siena Cathedral.

The façade of Siena’s Cathedral is an intricate mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Classical design featuring the distinctive white and black marble striped effect.

Saints, prophets, and gargoyle beasts, sculpted onto the ornate west frontage and side towers, look down to protect the three arched portals. Above this main entrance to the temple, a great Rose Window is framed by triangular gables decorated with golden mosaics depicting holy scenes, while Archangel Michael points his spear heavenwards from the pinnacle.

Entering the cathedral is pretty unreal, every surface richly embellished with works of art by early Italian Renaissance masters… the black and white marble columns, the octagonal pulpit, sacred paintings, chapels and altars, frescoed walls and ceilings, and wooden choir stalls are all worthy of mention. Other pieces of notable artwork are the sculptures by Michelangelo and Donatello.

The marble mosaic floor creating a biblical tapestry is so priceless that it’s protected with a covering and only revealed for visitors to view a few weeks of the year. Fifty-six marble panels are inlaid over a floor area of 13,000 square metres, crafted by a succession of Sienese artists who worked on the masterpiece from the 14th to the 19th century.

This grandeur continues on the cathedral’s awesome ceiling. The golden star-studded canopy under the cupola portrays the Kingdom of Heaven.

Piccolomini Library

Libreria Piccolomini is reached through a marble archway on the lefhand side of central nave of Siena Cathedral. The ‘library’ was commissioned in 1492 to hold a literary collection belonging to Pope Pius II (Eneas Silvio, an eminent member of Siena’s Piccolomini family).

Piccolomini Library is an exquisitely decorated hall with Renaissance frescoes that were painted by Pinturicchio and Rafael, to illustrate the life of the Sienese Pontiff. A collection of manuscript books are also on show.

Gate of Heaven

Admit it, do you feel a burning curiosity to explore ancient buildings, look behind closed doors, and see where those hidden stairways lead? Well, that’s the cool thing about Siena Cathedral, you’re allowed into the fascinating bits that are normally off limits.

Porta del Cielo ‘Gate of Heaven’ is likened to Jacob’s ‘ladder to Heaven’ (Genesis 28:12). In Siena Cathedral this refers to a spiral staircase that leads to rooms under the roof which were closed to the public for centuries, and two walkways high above the main nave.

It’s a brilliant chance to capture photos of the prayer hall and altar from above, and to step out onto passageways for birdseye views outside.

The Gate of Heaven is open from April to October from 10 am to 7 pm, or November to March from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Museo dell’Opera (Siena Cathedral Museum)

Museo dell’Opera is the museum in the righthand nave of Siena Cathedral, the ‘unfinished’ wing with a separate entrance. In this sense, ‘Opera‘ signifies a foundation for the upkeep of religious buildings in Italy.

Many of the sculptures on the façade of Siena Cathedral have been replaced by replicas, the originals can be admired in The Statue Gallery on the ground floor of the museum backlit by a huge stained glass Rose Window. Other masterpieces and reliquaries from the cathedral, together with treasures from other local churches, are safeguarded in the museum and showcased in the 3-storey exhibition.

Panorama del Facciatone

The Facciatone is a colossal wall on the ‘unfinished’ wing of Siena Cathedral. One of Siena’s top tourist attractions, climb the inner stairways to the walkway on top to capture the unforgettable scene over the cityscape.

Access to the Panorama del Facciatone is on the top floor of the museum, from where you’ll be guided in small groups to avoid crowding.

A narrow stone staircase spirals up to Facciatone’s lower walkway where there are views over the rooftops to Piazza del Campo and Mangia Tower.

From here a second spiral staircase leads to the upper level which has panoramic visitas over the walled city to the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

Battistero di San Giovanni and the Crypt

The Crypt under Siena Cathedral wasn’t on show until fairly recently. In 1999, excavations revealed the ancient frescoes and relics of the city’s patron saints. The doorway is set in the side of the cathedral, halfway down the flight of steps that leads to Piazza San Giovanni and the Baptistery.

Baptistery of San Giovanni is ensconced underneath Siena Cathedral. The entrance is around the back and reached down steps along the righthand side of the cathedral. Dating to the early 1300s, the baptismal font is the centrepiece inside the ornately paneled nave. Features include Renaissance sculptures in bronze and in marble, by Donatello and Jacopo della Quercia.

Information for Visiting Siena Cathedral

Mass is generally held in Siena Cathedral at 9.30 am during the week, or 8 am, 11 am, 12.15 pm, and 6 pm on Sundays, holidays, and the eve of holidays. If you genuinely want to attend mass, enter through the Porta del Perdono (Gate of Forgiveness).

Siena Cathedral Opening Times and Prices

Siena Cathedral is open to tourists from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm (Sundays and public holidays from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm).
The cathedral floor is usually ‘uncovered’ from June 27 to July 31, and August 18 to October 18).

Adult entrance price to Siena Cathedral and the Piccolomini Library costs 7€ or 10€ when the floor is uncovered;
The ‘Opa Si Pass‘ gives access to the Cathedral, Piccolomini Library, Museum dell’Opera del Duomo, the Facciatone (Panorama of the New Cathedral), the Crypt, and Baptistry: 15€ / 17€;
Porta del Cielo ticket gives access to the entire cathedral complex with a timed slot for the Gate of Heaven: 20€ / 22€.

If you’re only in Siena for a day, bear in mind that the whole cathedral complex can take 3 hours to see (passes are valid for 3 days which is great for those staying in the city for longer).
Check the times and prices on the official site.

Via Francigena in Siena

Santa Maria della Scala Museum

Located in Piazza del Duomo opposite Siena cathedral, Santa Maria della Scala ‘Saint Mary of the Steps’ is the intriguing building on Piazza del Duomo opposite the steps leading up to the Cathedral.

One of the first hospitals in Europe, Santa Maria della Scala was founded around the 12th century to provide care for the sick and needy, and hospitality for pilgrims travelling to Rome.

The community hospital, orphanage, and pilgrims lodgings were financed by donations, and the income from agricultural land belonging to the charitable foundation. It was also a cultural centre that commissioned artworks, such as frescoes and altarpieces, from Jacopo della Quercia and other Sienese artists.

At the rear, the extensive premises sprawl down the hillside in a labyrinth of interconnecting rooms on different levels. Used as a hospital right up to the 20th century, Santa Maria della Scala is gradually being renovated and a large part is now a museum that showcases the history, art, and archaeology of Siena.

The museum has various exhibitions and collections worth seeing. Highlights include the Pilgrim’s Hall (Pellegrinaio), the Old Chapel (Sagrestia Vecchia), and the Archaeological Museum housed in underground tunnels.

While you may not have time to wander around this fascinating site on a day trip, Santa Maria della Scala is a good excuse for spending longer in Siena. Meanwhile, take a peak at the inside on the official website.

Santa Maria della Scala Museum is open generally from 10 am to 7 pm (in winter the museum shuts at 5 pm on weekdays and remains closed on Tuesdays).
Entrance costs 9€ for adults. Tickets can be bought at entrance or online.

Santuario Casa di Santa Caterina

Santa Caterina di Siena is one of Europe’s six Patron Saints, and co-patron of Rome and Italy. A lay sister of the Third Order of Saint Dominic and a religious visionary, Caterina lived a life of holy devotion and penance until she passed away at the age of 33 in 1380. Much of her young life was spent caring for the sick during the Black Plague.

A mystic and spiritual writer with a forceful personality, St Catherine used her influence and diplomatic skills to advocate peace between the Republics of Italy and the Papal States.

You can visit her birthplace and family home, the Shrine of the House of Saint Catherine, in the Fontebranda district of Siena. The property was acquired by Siena Town Council after her death. The cloistered courtyard, 2 chapels, and numerous artworks were later added.

Santuario Casa di Santa Caterina is open every day from 9 am to 12.30 pm and 5 pm to 6.30 pm. Entrance is free of charge. Photography is not permitted inside the chapels.

Basilica Cateriniana di San Domenico

Basilica of San Domenico is worth a visit if time allows and you don’t mind a walk uphill. This colossal church is one of Siena’s landmarks, built in 1225 for the Dominican friars who came to Siena to preach their religious beliefs. The sombre interior has a high ceilinged Gothic nave flanked by side chapels, including the Santa Caterina Chapel where sacred relics of Saint Catherine of Siena are kept.

Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico is open from 8.30 am to 6 pm. Entrance is free. Photos cannot be taken inside the church.

Fortezza Medicea (Siena)

The House of Medici dynasty built several forts between the 15th and 16th centuries, the Forte di Santa Barbara in Siena is one of these. The quadrangular red brick fort was later transformed into a public park and recreational area. There is a tree-shaded walk on top of the broad rampart walls with panoramic views over the city to Basilica of San Domenico, Siena Cathedral, and Torre Mangia.

Also known as Fortezza Medicea, the fortress walls surround a large amphitheatre which is the venue of open-air movies, live concerts, art fairs, sports activities, and wine tasting! Siena Summer Festival is held here from June to October with dozens of events for all ages. It’s the perfect place to spend an evening if you’re visiting Siena in summertime.

Giardini della Lizza

Outside the entrance to Medici Fortress, Giardini della Lizza is the end of our walking itinerary around Siena. Lizza Gardens is a large park designed between the 18th and 19th centuries complete with a fountain and statues.

The park is the scene for outdoor events and festivals throughout the year so you’ll often find something on, like the giant Ferris wheel while we were there. In December, Giardini della Lizza turns into a Christmas Village with an ice-skating ring, kiddies rides, craft stalls, and street food. A Wednesday morning open-air market is also held here.

A stroll through the gardens leads to Via La Lizza, and Piazza Gramsci where the main buses to Siena stop. There are several eateries in the vicinity, including a large cafeteria where we finished this particular day in Siena with a black cherry and cream amarena gelato!

From here it’s only half a kilometre back to back to Camollia Gate, the start of this circular walking route around Siena (Via La Lizza joins Via Gazzani, and shortly afterward you’ll find the left-hand turn onto Via Camollia).

Reasons to Stay in Siena for 2 or 3 Days

As you can see, Siena is worth visiting for at least a day. Can I convince you to stay longer? It’s a lively little city with loads of restaurants and cafés, not only touristy places but also traditional eateries where the Sienese dine. Unlike Florence, where mass tourism has taken over, Siena is a homely town where local folk live. Yes, there are lots of visitors but it’s not heaving with daytrippers.

In fact, I chose Siena as a base rather than one of the famous Tuscan villages which get absolutely packed with coachloads of sightseers. However, if you’re hiring a car and want to stay somewhere more rustic, look for a little-known hamlet or a farmhouse in rural Siena.

Why Siena is Worth Visiting For 2 or 3 Days

• Siena is the ideal base for seeing more of Tuscany on day trips (Florence, Pisa, Lucca, the Tuscan hill towns and villages)
• Wine tasting tours, olive mills, truffle hunting, and cooking lessons in a Tuscan farmhouse are some of the local culinary experiences

Day Trips From Siena

Located in central Tuscany, Siena is convenient for exploring the whole region, and beyond. Here are ideas for cool day trips.

1. Take the train to Florence;
2. Enjoy a day at Chianciano Terme baths;
3. See Pisa and the Leaning Tower;
4. Visit the famous hill towns of Tuscany;
5. Explore Val d’Orcia on a Vespa;
6. Join a wine-tasting tour of Chianti;
7. Go to a local festival;
8. Take the bus to Bologna.

Related Posts:
Where To Go After Siena

• Rome
• Florence
• Pisa
• Lucca
• La Spezia and Cinque Terre
• Bologna
• Emilia Romagna
• Venice and The Lagoon Islands

Useful Info for Visiting Siena, Italy

How to Get to Siena

Getting to Siena by Air

Nearest International Airports:
Pisa Galileo Galilei (PSA): 120 km from Siena
Florence Airport (FLR): 80 km from Siena
Bologna Airport (BLQ): 160 km from Siena

How to Get to Siena by Train

It’s easy to get to Siena by train from Florence, Pisa, La Spezia, Rome, and many other Italian cities.

Siena Railway Station is roughly 2 km from Porta Camollia, the nearest portal into the walled city from the train terminal. You’ll come out onto Piazzale Rosselli where there are taxis and frequent buses to the old town (a 5-minute ride up the hill). Taking the escalators from inside Galleria PortaSiena shopping centre is another way of getting there. Otherwise, it’s a straightforward uphill walk that takes around 25 minutes.

Examples of Train Times to Siena

• Florence to Siena: 1 h 30 min;
• Pisa to Siena: 1h 45 min (Florence line to Empoli (30 min) change train to Siena (1h 10 min);
• Bologna to Siena: 2 h 30 min (change train at Firenze Santa Maria Novella);
• La Spezia to Siena: 3 h 15 min (change train at Empoli);
• Rome to Siena: 3 h 15 min (fast train from Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella, change train to Siena) OR 3 h 30 min (train to Chiusi-chianciano Terme, change to Siena).

How to Get to Siena by Road

Distances to Siena by road and the rough time this takes on a car journey along the quickest route. Flixbus has a frequent intercity bus service between Siena and these Italian cities.

• Florence to Siena: 1 h 5 m (73 km) by car, 50 minutes by Flixbus;
• Pisa to Siena: 1 hour 50 min (125 km) by car via Empoli, 2 h 10 m by Flixbus;
• Lucca to Siena: 1 h 45 m (140 km) by car via Florence OR 2 h 10 m (162 km) via Pisa and Livorno; 2 h 5 m by Flixbus;
• La Spezia to Siena: 2 h 30 m (215 km) by car via Florence; 3 hours 35 m by Flixbus;
• Bologna to Siena: 2 hour 5 min (170 km) by car via Florence; 2 h 30 m by Flixbus;
• Rome to Siena: 2 h 45 m (235 km) by car, 2 h 45 m by Flixbus to Roma Tiburtina bus station.

Parking in Siena

Siena Old Quarter is a camera-controlled restricted traffic zone, and car parks located are outside the city centre.

Il Campino is a free parking area below Medicea Fort. There is also a paid car park by Fortezza Medici, Parcheggio Stadio with 800 parking spaces (2€ per hour, 26€ for a day).

Parking your car by Siena train station in Parcheggio La Stazzione is a good option, as it only costs 2€ for the day.

Alternative more centrally located car parks are Parcheggio Il Campo, Parcheggio Santa Caterina, and Parcheggio Il Duomo which charge 2€ per hour or 35€ for the day. If you’re staying in a hotel in Siena, you should get a better rate.

Road Distance to Tuscany Hill Towns from Siena

• Monteriggioni 14 km;
• San Gimignano 36 km;
• Volterra 50 km;
• Montalcino 42 km;
• Pienza 56 km;
• Montepulciano 62 km.

Best Time to Visit Siena

Siena is a beautiful city that can be enjoyed year-round, but if you’re looking for the best time to visit, consider planning your trip between April and June or in autumn. During these seasons, you’ll enjoy mild temperatures and fewer tourists than in the peak summer months of July and August which can be hot and humid.

If you’re interested in attending the famous Palio horse race that takes place twice during summer months, plan your visit accordingly.

Keep in mind that Siena is a compact city with just a few big sites, so it’s easy to visit if you only have one day. Some of the top places to visit include Siena Cathedral, (the Duomo Complex) and Santa Maria della Scala, Piazza del Campo with the Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia, and Basilica of San Domenico.

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