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 - Learn about the local history of Siena when you take a trip to Piazza del Campo. Discover the area's beautiful countryside, or seek out its local tours.
Siena Cathedral - Learn about the local history of Siena with a stop at Siena Cathedral. Discover the beautiful countryside while you're in the area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Palazzo Salimbeni - Learn about the local history of Siena when you take a trip to Palazzo Salimbeni. Discover the beautiful countryside while you're in the area.
Highlights of Tuscany: Siena, San Gimignano & Pisa with Lunch - Enjoy a day trip through Tuscany as you explore Italy's most famous wine-growing region and the historic towns of Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa. Along the way, pair your experience with a succulent Tuscan lunch served with delicious regional wines.
Siena and San Gimignano: Small-Group Tour with Lunch from Florence - Enjoy the high quality of this small-group tour - the perfect experience in order to discover art, history, landscapes, food and wine in a comfortable and relaxed way with more personalized attention of a small group.
San Gimignano, Siena and Chianti with Lunch & Wine Tasting - Your memorable journey starts with the charming San Gimignano, world famous walled town located on a hilltop, which remained intact through the centuries, renowned for its tall towers, wonderful frescoes and many other valuable works of art: here the tour leader will lead you to the historical center, where you will have around 2 hours of free time for a fascinating discovery.
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.
Charming Tuscany: Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano & Chianti Day Trip with Wine - Whilst in Florence, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the three most iconic and world-renowned towns in Tuscany in one day: Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa. Your day starts with a bus journey from Florence to Siena with your English speaking Tour Leader, who will tell you all about the history and traditions of this town.
Tuscany Hot Air Balloon Flight - See for miles over the beautiful Tuscan countryside on a 1-hour hot air balloon flight, taking place from the village of San Casciano in Val di Pesa. Soaring up to some 2,000 feet (609 meters) above ground, admire stunning aerial views of the rolling hills, pretty villages, imposing castles and sprawling vineyards and olive groves of Tuscany.
Tuscan Jewels Tour: Siena, San Gimignano, Chianti and Pisa - Unlock the secrets behind Tuscany's enduring charm on this small-group tour through the Italian countryside. Set foot in medieval towns, glimpse stunning vistas as you crest rolling hills, and savor a tasty lunch and wine tasting in a country estate on this unforgettable excursion.
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.
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