12 Best Things To Do In Siena, Italy

Siena is one of the most atmospheric medieval cities in Italy — dark, moody, and unlike anywhere else. Soak up the exquisite architecture and rich culture with our guide to the best things to do in Siena, including practical tips, a one-day itinerary, and a few local gems.

Siena is Italy’s medieval masterpiece. Dark and moody; mysterious and noble.

With a long history of battles against Florence, Siena constructed elaborate city walls.

Fighting between families inside those walls required the construction of massive defensive towers and tightly packed houses, built so close together that barely any light reaches the worn cobblestones beneath your feet.

The result is a city unlike anywhere else in Italy — a maze of narrow laneways, tiny squares, and towering buildings that UNESCO has called the “ideal embodiment of a medieval city.”

But beyond the architecture, Siena is a living, breathing city full of art, local life, and lively streets that reward slow exploration.

Our guide covers all the top highlights plus a few local gems, with everything you need to plan your visit.

Siena Map

We have included our list of the best things to do in Siena on the map below so you can plot your course while visiting.

What to Do in Siena

1. Siena Cathedral

The Duomo di Siena is a remarkable Gothic cathedral and one of the grandest in Italy. There are several different sites to see as part of the overall cathedral complex.

These are the main ones we recommend you see; we have explained them in more detail below.

1. The Cathedral Interior
2. Piccolomini Library 
3. The Museo dell’Opera (The Museum)
4. Panorama Del Facciatone
5. Baptistery of San Giovanni Battista & Crypt

Tickets – The OPA SI PASS cover all the sites in the Siena Cathedral complex, but not the Gates of Heaven Tour, which is number 2 on our list.

Cathedral Interior

The interior is a magnificent combination of light and dark, with black-and-white pillars rising to star-studded ceilings. Even after 3 visits, we are still blown away by the scale and exquisite decoration of this beautiful building.

The building contains works by Donatello, Bernini, and Michelangelo. There is also an intricately carved pulpit by Nicola Pisano.

Cathedral Floor // If you can time your visit to see the inlaid marble floor, it’s on view over the month of July and from mid-August to mid-October.

Piccolomini Library

The Piccolomini Library was commissioned around 1492 to honour the memory of Pope Pius II. It contains a rich collection of books and manuscripts that the pope collected over his lifetime.

Beautiful frescoes line the library’s walls, celebrating the life and works of the pope. They were painted by Pinturicchio, one of the leading artists of the Italian Renaissance, and are considered among his finest works.

Museo Dell’opera del Duomo

The Cathedral’s Museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo) is today housed in the unfinished nave of a new cathedral, which was never completed.

Construction was abandoned in 1348 when the Black Death swept through Siena, devastating the population and the city’s finances — and it was never resumed.

The highlight is the Maestá of Duccio, an altarpiece of forty-three small scenes which tells the stories of the Life of the Virgin and the Life of Christ.

Panorama del Facciatone & New Facade

In 1339, a motion was approved to extend Siena Cathedral. However, building works halted, and most of the works were demolished except for the facade, which still stands to this day.

From the second floor of the museum, a staircase winds up to the top of the unfinished nave. A narrow ledge (Panorama dal Facciatone) running along the top of the facade offers wonderful views over the city and the rest of the duomo.

The staircase consists of 131 tight spiral stairs, and there’s not a lot of space at the top.

Baptistery of San Giovanni Battista & Crypt

The Baptistery was built in the 14th century. It contains beautiful frescoes surrounding a grand marble, bronze, and enamel baptismal font.

The ceiling vaults depict the 12 articles of the Christian faith and are considered among the best examples of Sienese art. Don’t miss the six gilded bronze panels telling the story of John the Baptist.

The Crypt was only excavated in 1999 and contains some of the most important archaeological finds from the city.

2. Gates of Heaven Tour

This is also part of the Siena Cathedra, but we’ve listed it separately because it’s a different experience, not another building in the cathedral complex, and it requires a special ticket.

It was also our favourite experience in Siena.

It’s a 25-minute guided tour that takes you onto the cathedral’s roof for incredible views of the church’s backbone.

On the way up, you pass through rooms that were inaccessible to the public for centuries.

The highlight is the two walkways suspended high above the nave of the church, which is a wonderful vantage point to see the amazing interiors.

There are also pretty great views from outside.

Tickets – You need to book a timed Gate of Heaven (Porta Del Cielo) in advance. This ticket gives you access to all the Siena Cathedral sites listed above, which you can see in any order based on the time of your Gate of Heaven Tour.

3. Piazza del Campo

Piazza del Campo is one of the grandest squares in Europe.

Originally, it was built at the intersection of three roads where three antique hill towns met. The design was such that it could serve as neutral ground for civic holidays.

The sloping, shell-shaped square opens suddenly from the narrow surrounding streets, making the sense of space and grandeur all the more striking.

It’s paved in red brick, with the design split into 9 sections by 10 lines of white travertine. Each section represents one of ‘The Nine’ who governed Siena at the height of its medieval power from 1292-1355.

The square is surrounded by harmonious red brick structures in adherence to the strict building guidelines set down in 1297.

4. Torre del Mangia

Right next to the Palazzo Pubblico, the Torre del Mangia is the second-tallest secular tower in Italy at 102 metres.

Taking the 400 steps to the top is an excellent thing to do in Siena.

From the tower, tightly packed, red-tiled houses disappear towards Tuscan hills. See the layout of Piazza del Campo surrounded by grand houses.

The gothic Duomo seems to float above it all.

Try to be at the top of the tower as close to sunset as possible, when the city will be looking its best.

Tickets – You need to book tickets in person at the Palazzo Pubblico at the beginning of the day. Timed entrances occur every 45 minutes and allow 45 minutes to reach the top and return.

5. Palazzo Pubblico & the CIVIC Museum

Palazzo Pubblico is on the southeast side of Piazza del Campo.

Originally home of ‘The Nine’, the palace now houses the Civic Museum (Museo Civico).

Nearly every room is packed with intricate frescoes. This was unusual at the time because they were commissioned by governors rather than the church.

If the Duomo is Siena’s tribute to the divine power, the Museo Civico is the tribute to its secular leaders.

Don’t miss the three frescoes together called the Allegory of Good and Bad Government, considered one of the most significant secular artworks of the medieval period.

Tickets – It’s slightly cheaper if you buy skip-the-line tickets online.

6. Stroll the Historic Centre of Siena

One of the great pleasures of Siena is simply getting lost in its narrow medieval laneways. There are two routes in particular worth seeking out.

Basilica San Domenico

Head northwest towards Basilica San Domenico. The church itself is fairly plain inside, but the alleyways along the way are full of great shops, delis, and cafés.

The views back up to the Duomo from the Basilica are among the best in Siena. This is a great spot for photos without the crowds you’d find closer to the cathedral.

Via dei Rossi to Piazza San Francesco

On the eastern side of town, Via dei Rossi is one of the most atmospheric streets in Siena — a buzzing medieval lane lined with local bars, small restaurants, and independent.

You’re well off the tourist trail here.

Follow it down to Piazza San Francesco, a quieter square that gives you a sense of everyday Sienese life away from the main sights.

It’s a great area for an unhurried wander through Siena.

7. The Palio of Siena

The Palio is a bareback horse race held twice a year on July 2 and August 16, where ten horses and riders represent ten of Siena’s 17 city wards.

The race itself lasts just 90 seconds — three chaotic laps around the Piazza del Campo — but the rivalry, passion, and pageantry make it quite a spectacle.

In the days before the race, the city erupts with processions, drumming, and flag-throwing ceremonies.

Standing room in the centre of the Piazza del Campo is free, but you’ll need to arrive very early to get a good spot.

Ticketed grandstand or balcony seats can be booked online in advance.

8. Santa Maria della Scala

Santa Maria della Scala was one of Europe’s oldest hospitals, caring for the sick, the poor, and abandoned children for over a thousand years before closing its doors in the 20th century.

Today, it’s a fascinating museum complex, and the building itself is as much the attraction as the collection inside.

The highlight is the Pellegrinaio Hall, a stunning vaulted space covered with vivid 15th-century frescoes. Depicting life in the hospital, it’s a snapshot of medieval society.

There are also Etruscan and Roman artefacts, modern art installations, and eerie underground crypts that are well worth exploring.

9. Aperitivo on via Camollia

Aperitivo is a pre-dinner drink and something of a cultural ritual in Italy.

Usually taking place between 6 PM and 8 PM, it’s a drink designed to wake up the appetite before the meal ahead.

Via Camollia is our favourite spot in Siena to do it – a relaxed street away from the tourist crowds with a great selection of bars and lower prices than you’ll find nearer the Campo.

We’d recommend Osteria Il Vinaio at Via Camollia 138. This is a great wine run by two brothers, with cured meats hanging from the ceiling and walls decorated with Palio memorabilia.

10. Soak up the Atmosphere in a Siena Cafe

There’s no better way to get under the skin of Siena, and Italian culture in general, than by having a coffee in an atmospheric cafe.

Torrefazione Fiorella – This authentic Siena stable is a tiny café where you’ll find locals spilling out onto the street. There are two tables out front, but you’d be doing very well to get one.

Caffé A. Nannini – A vast patisserie with pastries and sweets available for inspection on a long bar. It’s far more touristy than Torrefazione Fiorella, but in our opinion, it’s actually a better coffee. Ordering at your seat incurs a hefty service fee, so order at the bar.

Bar Pinacoteca – For classic Italian service, friendly baristas, and some of the best coffee in Siena, Bar Pinacoteca is a great choice. This is a neighbourhood bar without the tourist surcharge.

11. City Gates

Siena has 12 remaining gates woven into its medieval walls, and wandering through them is one of the most atmospheric things you can do in the city.

Here are three worth seeking out.

Porta Camollia is the grandest of the gates. It’s a triple-arched entrance on the northern side of the city, which was rebuilt in 1604 to mark the arrival of Grand Duke Ferdinand I de’ Medici.

Above the arch, a Latin inscription reads Cor magis tibi Sena pandit — “Siena opens to you a heart larger than this gate.” Such a lovely welcome that still feels relevant today.

Porta Tufi, built between 1325 and 1326, is one of the best-preserved gates in the city, with three rounded arches and marble reliefs depicting the Roman Catholic Church.

Porta Romana is the most architecturally complex of the three, with two separate portals divided by an inner courtyard.

They are all pinned on the map above.

12. Take a Day Trip from Siena

Siena is a wonderful base for exploring Tuscany, and some of our favourite places in Italy are within easy reach by car. Here are a few worth adding to your itinerary.

Florence — Just over an hour’s drive away, Florence is one of the great cities of the world. The Uffizi, the Duomo, Michelangelo’s David — a day is nowhere near long enough, but it’s a start. See our Florence guide for the full picture.

San Gimignano — The medieval towers of San Gimignano rise dramatically above the Tuscan countryside, and the UNESCO-listed town is just a 45-minute drive from Siena. See our San Gimignano guide for more.

Val d’Orcia — The rolling hills, cypress trees, and medieval villages of Val d’Orcia are the Tuscany of postcards, and it’s just an hour’s drive away. A half-day loop through the valley is one of the most scenic drives in Italy.

Volterra — A classic Tuscan hill town with well-preserved medieval architecture and far fewer tourists than its neighbours. About an hour’s drive from Siena and well worth the detour.

Other Things to Do in Siena

For a small city, the medieval gem has lots to do. If you have more time, here are some other attractions in Siena.  

Siena’s Pinacoteca covers the grandmasters from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Most of the famous stuff is on the top floor.

The Fonte Gaia Fountain is located in the centre of the Piazza del Campo, so make sure you have a quick look as you wander through. It’s decorated with a statue of the Madonna and Child, surrounded by allegorical representations of the religious virtues

The Basilica of San Francesca has a towering red brick façade and moody Gothic interiors. The Oratorio di San Bernardino has a wealth of 16th-century frescoes.

Where to Eat in Siena

Grabbing a slice of pizza and finding a spot on a medieval square for a casual lunch while watching the world go by is a wonderful thing to do in Siena. But here are some other places we recommend.

Osteria da Divo – Said to be the oldest restaurant in Siena, Osteria da Divo delivers contemporary cuisine in an atmospheric stone house.

Enoteca i Terzi – Set in a medieval vaulted building, I Terzi does masterful Tuscan dishes. They have an extensive local wine list.

Tar-tufo – For fine dining in Siena, it’s hard to go past Tar-tufo. There namesake truffle dominates the menu.

Pizzeria Gurgu Kebab – Grab the best pizza in town at Pizzeria Gurgu Kebab. If there are no tables, you can order pizza by the slice to go.

One Day Siena Itinerary

If you are visiting Siena on a day trip, here is our 1-day itinerary.

Start your morning with a coffee at Caffè A. Nannini, one of Siena’s most beloved cafés.

Head straight to the Siena Cathedral while it’s quieter. The Duomo complex alone can easily fill a morning — work your way through the Cathedral itself, then the Duomo Museum, the Panorama dal Facciatone, and finally the Baptistery and Crypt.

Fit your Gates of Heaven tour around the other Cathedral sites.

For lunch, Enoteca i Terzi is a great choice — a medieval vaulted restaurant with excellent Tuscan food and a strong local wine list.

After lunch, take a wander through the historic centre. Head northwest towards Basilica San Domenico, stroll down Via dei Rossi towards Piazza San Francesco, and browse the shops along Via La Città.

Make your way to Piazza del Campo in the late afternoon, then head up the Torre del Mangia as the sun begins to dip — the views over the terracotta rooftops at that hour are hard to beat.

Round off the evening with an aperitivo on Via Camollia. We’d recommend 53100 Street Food & Wine — great drinks, excellent cold cuts, and a relaxed atmosphere to finish the day.

Planning & Logistics

Where to Stay in Siena

If you decide to stay over and enjoy more of the city and the Tuscany area, here are some suggestions for where to stay.

• Piazza Paradiso | €€ — A well-priced B&B with clean, comfortable rooms and an excellent central location. There’s a shared kitchen in the main building and self-catering apartments available, making it a great option for families.
• Hotel Palazzetto Rosso | €€€ — The vaulted stone walls and antique touches of this boutique hotel give it a timeless feel, while modern amenities and a central location make it one of the best places to stay in Siena.
• La Bagnaia Golf & Spa Resort | €€€€ — Set in a medieval village just 20 minutes outside Siena in the Tuscan countryside, La Bagnaia is a serious splurge with an 18-hole golf course, a spa with thermal waters, outdoor pool, and beautiful countryside views.

How to Get to Siena

By Plane

The closest airports to Siena are Florence, Pisa, Bologna, and Rome. Pisa is the most popular for European visitors; travellers from North America will most likely arrive into Rome.

Getting to Sienna from the Airports

From Florence airport — Take the shuttle bus to Santa Maria Novella station, then a direct train to Siena. Trains run roughly hourly and take around 1.5 hours.

From Pisa airport — Take the shuttle to Pisa Centrale, then a train to Siena via Empoli. The total journey takes around 2 hours.

From Bologna airport — Take the shuttle to Bologna Centrale, then a train to Siena with a change at Florence. Allow around 2.5–3 hours in total.

From Rome airport — There are no direct trains to Siena, but you can connect via Florence, which is well worth a stop in its own right.

By Train

Siena is well connected by rail, though all routes require at least one change.

The main hub is Florence Santa Maria Novella, from where trains to Siena run regularly and take around 1.5 hours.

If you’re coming from Rome, you’ll connect through Florence — trains from Rome to Florence run frequently and take around 1.5 hours on the fast service, making the total journey around 3 hours.

One thing worth knowing: Siena’s train station sits at the bottom of the hill, about 1.3 miles from the historic centre. It’s an uphill walk, so if you have luggage, you’re better off taking a taxi or the local bus into town.

By Car – Driving Distances

We visited Siena as part of a road trip through Tuscany — a brilliant way to do it. Approximate driving times from the main airports:

• From Florence: 1 hour (75 kilometres / 48 miles)
• From Pisa – 1 hour, 45 min (120 kilometres / 75 miles)
• From Bologna – 2 hours (168 kilometres / 104 miles)
• From Rome – 3 hours (267 kilometres / 165 miles)

Parking in Siena

If you are driving to Siena, park in the massive Parcheggio Il Campo car park. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Piazza del Campo, but most importantly, it does not involve driving through any narrow medieval streets. It costs €2 per hour with a daily maximum of €35

Best Time to Visit Siena

Siena is a great year-round destination. The wealth of indoor sites and the tightly packed outdoor lanes are as moody in winter as they are glorious in summer.

Peak Season is July and August. Temperatures can be hot, and the tourist sites are busy. However, the Siena Duomo inlaid floors are uncovered during July, so if you can cope with the crowds, it’s a great time to visit.

The shoulder season is September to mid-October, when the weather is nicest. The Duomo floors are uncovered, and the peak crowds have disappeared.

The famous Siena horse race, The Palio, takes place on July 2 and August 16 every year. Ten horses and riders, dressed in the colours of their city ward, race around the Piazza del Campo. Tickets can be reserved online.

Even if it’s fully booked, it’s worth turning up the day before, when many locals dress up in their neighbourhood colours.

Tips for Visiting Siena

• The Torre del Mangia costs €10 to climb. A combined ticket for the Civic Museum and Torre del Mangia is €15, and the three-attraction ticket covering the Torre del Mangia, Civic Museum, and Santa Maria della Scala is €20.
• Tickets that include the Torre del Mangia cannot be booked in advance and must be purchased in person at the Civic Museum ticket office on the day of your visit. Get there early as timed entry slots fill up quickly.
• The Civic Museum, on its own, can be booked in advance through Get Your Guide.
• The Torre del Mangia is not accessible to visitors with mobility difficulties due to the narrow staircase.

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