Siena, Italy: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

Piazza del Campo Siena
Piazza del Campo Siena
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Massimo Catarinella

Visiting Siena is like stepping into a timeless Italian dream, where medieval streets wind through a city rich in culture, charm, and breathtaking scenery. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Siena captivates visitors with its warm, earthy-toned buildings, stunning Gothic architecture, and lively piazzas. Whether you're strolling through its narrow alleyways, savoring a meal at a traditional trattoria, or simply soaking in the beauty of its terracotta rooftops, the city offers an atmosphere that feels both intimate and grand. The energy of Siena is best experienced in its bustling Piazza del Campo, where locals and travelers alike gather to admire the striking Torre del Mangia and the elegant Palazzo Pubblico.

Beyond its iconic square, Siena invites exploration with its vibrant neighborhoods, each offering a unique perspective of the city's charm. From the quieter, more residential areas to those filled with artisan shops and hidden courtyards, there's always something to discover. Art lovers will be drawn to its stunning cathedrals and museums, while food enthusiasts can indulge in Tuscan delights like pici pasta and local Chianti wines. Whether you visit for its famous Palio horse race or simply to experience its enchanting ambiance, Siena is a city that leaves a lasting impression, blending the romance of Tuscany with the allure of authentic Italian life.

History of Siena

The Early Origins of Siena Italy

Siena’s history dates back to ancient times, with its origins rooted in Etruscan civilization. The area was later influenced by the Romans, who established a small settlement known as Saena Julia. However, due to its isolation and lack of major trade routes, Siena remained a relatively minor town during the Roman era. It wasn’t until the early Middle Ages that the city began to rise in prominence, shaping the foundation of the Siena we know today.

The Rise of Medieval Siena Italy

During the 12th and 13th centuries, Siena flourished as a powerful city-state, becoming a major economic and political force in Italy. The city’s wealth was largely driven by its thriving banking industry, with the Monte dei Paschi di Siena, founded in 1472, standing as one of the world’s oldest banks. This period also saw Siena develop into a center for art, culture, and architecture, leading to the construction of its most iconic landmarks, such as the Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) and Piazza del Campo.

The Conflict Between Siena Italy and Florence

Siena’s rise to power put it in direct conflict with its rival, Florence. The two city-states were frequently at war throughout the Middle Ages, with the most significant battle occurring in 1260 at Montaperti, where Siena achieved a historic victory. However, despite this triumph, Florence eventually gained the upper hand. In 1555, after months of siege, Siena fell to the forces of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, marking the end of its independence and integration into the Medici-controlled state.

The Artistic and Cultural Legacy of Siena Italy

Despite its political decline, Siena remained a significant cultural and artistic center, particularly during the Renaissance. The Sienese School of Painting, led by artists such as Duccio di Buoninsegna and Ambrogio Lorenzetti, produced some of Italy’s most celebrated artworks, characterized by intricate details and religious themes. The city’s Gothic architecture and well-preserved medieval streets have made it a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting visitors from around the world.

Siena Italy in the Modern Era

Today, Siena retains its medieval charm while embracing modern tourism and education. It is home to the University of Siena, one of Italy’s oldest institutions, and continues to be a cultural hub. The city’s most famous tradition, the Palio di Siena, a centuries-old horse race held twice a year in Piazza del Campo, keeps its medieval spirit alive. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant traditions, Siena remains one of Italy’s most enchanting destinations.

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

Visiting Siena for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Siena on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

This website uses affiliate links which earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Powered by GetYourGuide

33 Best places to See in Siena

This complete guide to Siena not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Siena and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

1. Torre del Mangia

Torre del Mangia
Torre del Mangia
CC BY-SA 4.0 / José Luiz
Torre del Mangia is Siena’s 14th-century civic bell tower, rising beside the Palazzo Pubblico at Piazza del Campo as a statement of the republic’s power. Finished in 1348, it was once the tallest structure in Italy and was built to match the height of Siena’s cathedral, signaling a balance between church and state. Visitors climb a winding, narrow stair of about 400 steps inside the brick shaft to reach a stone bell chamber and open views over terracotta roofs and the Tuscan hills. The tower’s nickname—“Tower of the Eater”—comes from its first bell-ringer, Giovanni di Balduccio, teased for his appetite and spendthrift ways. Look for the Cappella di Piazza loggia added after the Black Death.
Location: Torre del Mangia, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: (Summer) March 1 – October 31: 10:00–19:00. (Winter) November 1 – February 28: 10:00–16:00. | Price: Adults: €10 (Torre del Mangia ticket). | Website | Distance: 0km

We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

2. Museo Civico

Museo Civico
Museo Civico
Museo Civico is Siena’s civic museum inside the Palazzo Pubblico on Piazza del Campo, where the medieval government staged its authority in paint and stone. Visitors move through ceremonial rooms covered in fresco cycles that still read like political instruction manuals, including Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s 1339 Allegories of Good and Bad Government in the Hall of Nine. Simone Martini’s Virgin Mary in Majesty (1315) anchors the imagery of civic devotion, while later rooms add surprises such as the 19th-century Sala del Risorgimento on Italian reunification. Look for smaller, memorable details like the bronze wolf in the vestibule, and, when open, step onto the terrace for valley views beyond the square.
Location: Il Campo, 1, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: (Summer) March 1 – October 31: Daily: 10:00–19:00. (Winter) November 1 – February 28: Daily: 10:00–18:00. | Price: Adults: €10; Reduced: €9; Under 11: free. | Website | Distance: 0km

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Siena. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

3. Palazzo Pubblico

Palazzo Pubblico
Palazzo Pubblico
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Z thomas
Palazzo Pubblico is Siena’s medieval town hall, finished in 1308 for the Council of Nine, and it still embodies the city’s civic power at the edge of Piazza del Campo. Visitors notice the two-tone façade—pale stone below, red brick above—pulled into a slight inward curve to match the square, and Siena’s distinctive triforate windows with three arched openings. Look for the bronze Christogram added in 1425 in honor of Saint Bernardino, alongside the balzana civic emblem. Inside, the Civic Museum’s frescoed rooms and the courtyard’s coats of arms make government feel tangible rather than abstract. The attached Torre del Mangia rises 102 meters, deliberately matching the cathedral’s height.
Location: Il Campo, 1, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: (Summer) March 1 – October 31; Daily: 10:00–19:00. (Winter) November 1 – February 28; Daily: 10:00–18:00. | Price: Adults: €10; Reduced: €9; Under 11: free. | Website | Distance: 0km

Traveling to a country with a different currency? Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay in local currency with a Wise Card. Having used it for over 5 years, we've saved loads on fees!

4. Piazza del Campo

Piazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Perituss
Piazza del Campo is Siena’s civic square, built where three medieval towns and their main roads once converged, and it still feels like the city’s shared stage. Its warm red-brick paving forms a fishtail pattern laid in 1349, sliced by eight white travertine bands into nine wedges—symbols tied to Siena’s nine governors and, in local tradition, the folds of the Virgin Mary’s cloak. The segments radiate from a central drain facing the Gothic Palazzo Pubblico, once seat of the Government of Nine and now home to the Civic Museum. Nearby, the Fonte Gaia’s marble decoration (added in 1409) is fed by underground channels, and the square’s sloped “bowl” makes sitting and people-watching especially memorable.
Location: Il Campo, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 0km

Explore Siena at your own pace with our self-guided walking tour! Follow our curated route to discover must-see sights and local secrets that makes Siena one of the best places to visit in Italy.

5. Fonte Gaia

Fonte Gaia
Fonte Gaia
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Holger Uwe Schmitt
Fonte Gaia is a monumental marble fountain set on the high side of Siena’s Piazza del Campo, facing the Palazzo Pubblico and anchoring the square’s upper edge. Built in 1419 to celebrate water finally reaching the Campo through Siena’s underground channels, it was nicknamed “Gaia” for the joy the first flow inspired (some link the name to the Virgin Mary as Siena’s patron). Its three-sided parapet was carved with dense bas-reliefs—scenes like the Creation of Adam and the Expulsion from Eden—plus a central Madonna and Child framed by allegories of the virtues. What you see today is a 19th-century reproduction by Tito Sarrochi, while the original panels were moved indoors to protect them.
Location: Via Fontebranda, 50, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 0.1km

Where to Stay in Siena: An Area by Area Guide!

6. Logge del Papa

Logge del Papa
Logge del Papa
CC BY-SA 4.0 / LigaDue
Logge del Papa (the Pope’s Lodge) is a compact Renaissance loggia in Siena, built in 1462 for Pope Pius II, Enea Silvio Piccolomini, as a statement of his family’s presence in the city. You’ll notice three broad travertine arches forming an open arcade, carried on slender Corinthian columns and capped by a crisp horizontal entablature. The pale stone and restrained proportions stand out against Siena’s tighter medieval streets, and heraldic and inscription details tie it directly to the Piccolomini name. It’s street-level and easy to linger under, a small architectural pause that makes the shift from Gothic Siena to early Renaissance ideals feel tangible.
Location: Logge del Papa, 1, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 0.1km

7. Archivio di Stato di Siena

Archivio di Stato di Siena
Archivio di Stato di Siena
Public Domain / Carlo Raso
Housed in Siena’s Renaissance Palazzo Piccolomini, the Archivio di Stato di Siena preserves the paper backbone of the former Sienese state, from government files to diplomatic and notarial records. Built between 1469 and 1510 for the Piccolomini Todeschini family (relatives of Pope Pius II) and laid out by Rossellino, the palace still feels like a patrician residence turned civic machine. Visitors remember the Museo delle Biccherne and the “Tavolette” of the Biccherna: medieval tax-office covers from 1258–1500 painted in egg tempera and gold leaf with guild emblems and Latin inscriptions. The quiet, ordered rooms make Siena’s past feel tangible in ledgers, seals, and maps rather than frescoes.
Location: Banchi di Sotto, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: Monday: 08:30–13:30. Tuesday: 08:30–13:30. Wednesday: 08:30–17:00. Thursday: 08:30–13:30. Friday: 08:30–13:30. Saturday: Closed. Sunday: Closed. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 0.1km

8. Loggia della Mercanzia

Loggia della Mercanzia
Loggia della Mercanzia
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Rabe!
Just behind Piazza del Campo, Siena’s Loggia della Mercanzia (also called the Loggia di San Paolo or Loggia dei Nobili) is a 15th-century merchants’ tribunal and trading loggia built from 1417 to 1444. Its three open arches and richly carved pillars show Siena shifting from Gothic to early Renaissance taste, and the façade rewards close looking rather than a quick pass-by. Look for the statues on the columns: Vecchietta’s Saint Peter and Saint Paul, plus figures of Siena’s patron saints Savino, Ansano, and Vittore by Ferdinando Fuga. Inside, the vaulted ceiling carries restored stuccos and frescoes, and a later tabernacle adds a devotional note to what began as civic commerce.
Location: Il Campo, 43, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 0.1km

9. Palazzo Piccolomini

Palazzo Piccolomini
Palazzo Piccolomini
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sailko
Palazzo Piccolomini is a Renaissance palazzo in Siena’s center, built between 1460 and 1495 for Giacomo and Andrea Piccolomini, nephews of Pope Pius II, and designed by Bernardo Rossellino with Florentine palazzo influences. From the second-floor terrace and the rooftop loggia, you get a sweeping roofline view that frames the Siena Duomo and rolls out toward the Tuscan countryside—many visitors come away talking about the photos. Up close, notice the rugged ashlar stonework, mullioned windows, and sculptural details credited to Antonio Federighi and Urbano da Cortona. Later refurbished for the Bank of Italy in 1884, it now functions as a contemporary art gallery and museum within its historic rooms.
Location: Banchi di Sotto, 52, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: Check official website. | Price: Check official website. | Distance: 0.1km

10. Piazza del Mercato

Piazza del Mercato
Piazza del Mercato
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Demeester
Piazza del Mercato is Siena’s historic Market Square, tucked behind Piazza del Campo and set against the back of the Palazzo Pubblico, where it long anchored the city’s everyday commerce. Once used as the Foro Boario cattle market, it was remembered for rough, unpaved ground and shade trees before expanding into a broader produce market. A late-19th-century makeover formalized the space, including an 1886 awning built to shelter chicken and rabbit sellers; the brick-pillared canopy still shapes the square’s look today. On Wednesday mornings it revives its trading spirit as a flea market, and between stalls the sloping piazza opens to wide views over the Tuscan countryside.
Location: Piazza del Mercato, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 0.1km

11. Palazzo Chigi Saracini

Palazzo Chigi Saracini
Palazzo Chigi Saracini
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Roland Geide
Palazzo Chigi Saracini is a medieval noble palace on Siena’s Via di Città that now houses the Accademia Musicale Chigiana, founded here in 1932. Begun in the mid-12th century for the Marescotti family, it was later reshaped with Renaissance touches after the Piccolomini-Mandoli purchase in 1506, then expanded again when the Saracini family took over in 1770 and aligned the façade with the street. Inside, visitors remember the layered interiors and the eclectic collection—statues, bas-reliefs, ceramics, and works associated with artists such as Botticelli, Sodoma, and Sassetta. Even brief access can leave a strong impression, especially the elegant courtyard that some travelers mention seeing when ticketing is closed.
Location: Via di Città, 89, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: (September 1 – May 31) Monday – Friday: 09:30–12:30. (June 1 – June 30) Monday – Friday: 11:00–18:00. (July 1 – August 31) Monday – Saturday: 11:00–18:00. | Price: Adults: €10; Reduced: €7; Schools/special reductions: €5; Under 6: free. | Website | Distance: 0.2km

12. Battistero di San Giovanni

Battistero di San Giovanni
Battistero di San Giovanni
CC BY-SA 2.0 / sailko
Behind Siena Cathedral on Piazza San Giovanni, the Battistero di San Giovanni is a compact Gothic baptistry built in 1316–1325 by Camaino di Crescentino, with an upper façade that remains unfinished. Inside, the smaller scale makes the decoration feel close and readable, from Vecchietta’s frescoed walls and ceiling to the apse scenes of the Flagellation and the Road to Calvary. The center of attention is the bronze, marble, and enamel baptismal font, an early Renaissance work associated with Jacopo della Quercia, who also designed a marble shrine and prophet figures. Look for additional sculptures and reliefs by artists such as Donatello, Ghiberti, and Giovanni di Turino.
Location: Piazza S. Giovanni, 1, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: (Winter) January 7 – March 31: 10:30–17:30. (Summer) April 1 – October 31: 10:00–19:00. | Price: Whole: €14 (January 1 – June 26; August 1 – August 17; October 16 – December 31); €16 during the Cathedral floor uncovering (June 27 – July 31; August 18 – October 15). Reduced (children 7–11): €3; Children up to 6: free. | Website | Distance: 0.2km

13. Museo dell'Opera del Duomo & Facciatone

Museo dell’Opera del Duomo & Facciatone
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo & Facciatone
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Miguel Hermoso Cuesta
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo & Facciatone is Siena’s cathedral treasures museum, preserving artworks made for the Duomo after the 14th-century expansion stalled when the Black Death devastated the city. Inside, you’ll see Giovanni Pisano sculptures once intended for the cathedral façade and a vast late-1200s stained-glass window (about 30 square meters) with nine panels of the Virgin Mary, the Evangelists, and Siena’s patron saints. Parts of Duccio di Buoninsegna’s 1311 Maestà survive here too, including sections of the altarpiece that was later broken up. From the upstairs level, a narrow spiral climb of 131 steps leads onto the Facciatone, an unfinished “new cathedral” façade turned open-air walkway with rooftop-and-countryside views.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 8, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: (Winter) January 7 – March 31 2026: Daily: 10:30–17:30. | Price: Adults: €14 (January 1 – June 26; August 1 – August 17; October 16 – December 31) or €16 (June 27 – July 31; August 18 – October 15); Children 7–11: €3; Under 7: free. | Website | Distance: 0.2km

14. Palazzo Tolomei

Palazzo Tolomei
Palazzo Tolomei
CC BY-SA 4.0 / LigaDue
Palazzo Tolomei is a hefty medieval private palace in central Siena, facing Piazza Tolomei along Via Banchi di Sopra, and it still reads like a banking family’s urban stronghold. Begun in 1208 for Jacopo di Rinaldo Tolomei and later repaired after factional violence, it keeps a crisp 13th-century Gothic stone front. Look for the wide central portal, two tiers of paired pointed-arch windows, and the family emblem—three upright crescents with an inverted triangle—carved above the entrances. Restored in 1971, it’s generally seen from the outside (locals note it feels private), and today it contains a bank and offices.
Location: Vicolo della Torre, 11, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 0.2km

15. San Cristoforo

San Cristoforo
San Cristoforo
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sailko
San Cristoforo is a small medieval church beside Piazza Tolomei in Siena’s historic center, notable for having served as the Republic’s “Council of the Bell” meeting place in the 12th–13th centuries. Built in the 1100s and repeatedly altered, it now shows a brick facade with added columns and a calmer, enclosed interior that feels like a pause from the street. Enter from the left into the cloister—renovated in 1921 and now used for exhibitions—before stepping into the nave. Look for Girolamo del Pacchia’s Madonna and Child, and the 1693 high-altar group by Bartolomeo Mazzuoli with Beato Bernardo Tolomei. Visitors often remark on the quiet, prayerful atmosphere.
Location: Via del Moro, 2, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: Check official website. | Price: Free; donations appreciated. | Distance: 0.2km

16. Cripta del Duomo di Siena

Cripta del Duomo di Siena
Cripta del Duomo di Siena
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Joanbanjo
Beneath Siena’s cathedral, the Cripta del Duomo di Siena is an underground chamber rediscovered in 1999 during restoration work, preserved because it was deliberately packed with fill in the 14th century when expansion plans faltered. The close, low-lit space brings you face-to-face with vivid 13th-century frescoes whose colors survived because the room was sealed soon after they were painted. Look for the storytelling arranged in two bands: Old Testament scenes above and New Testament episodes below, including moments from the Passion. Between the paintings, columns and capitals carry geometric and leafy motifs, and excavations exposed foundations of the cathedral’s earliest apse, revealing different medieval building phases.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 8, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: (Winter) January 7 – March 31: Daily: 10:30–17:30. (Summer) April 1 – October 31: Daily: 10:00–19:00. | Price: Adults: €14 (January 1 – June 26; August 1 – August 17; October 16 – December 31) or €16 (June 27 – July 31; August 18 – October 15); Children 7–11: €3; Under 7: free. | Website | Distance: 0.2km

17. Via di Città

Via di Città
Via di Città
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Palickap
Via di Città is Siena’s elegant main pedestrian street in the old town, lined with stately palaces and busy with shops, cafés, and restaurants. Once nicknamed Shoemakers’ Street for its leather trades, it later became the evening promenade for the city’s high society, and it still feels like a polished corridor through medieval Siena. Along the way you pass standout buildings such as the 14th-century Palazzo Patrizi, the Chigi-Saracini Palace (home to a music academy), and the Florentine Renaissance-style Palazzo delle Papesse, now a contemporary arts center. Near one end, Quattro Cantoni marks the meeting point of Siena’s three principal streets.
Location: Via di Città, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 0.3km

18. Biblioteca Piccolomini

Biblioteca Piccolomini
Biblioteca Piccolomini
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Miguel Hermoso Cuesta
Biblioteca Piccolomini is a Renaissance library room inside Siena Cathedral, commissioned in 1502 by Cardinal Francesco Piccolomini as a memorial to his uncle, Enea Silvio Piccolomini (Pope Pius II), who had been Bishop of Siena. Visitors remember the ten wall frescoes by Pinturicchio—made with help from a 21-year-old Raphael—where painted columns frame scenes from Pius II’s life, from diplomatic courts to his rise as cardinal and pope. Look closely for sly signatures: Pinturicchio in a red cap and Raphael in red stockings appear in the Saint Catherine canonization scene, and the Piccolomini half-moon emblem repeats throughout. In the center stands a copy of the ancient “Three Graces,” and the ceiling is densely painted above the single-file flow of viewers.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 8, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:30–17:30. Sunday: 13:30–17:30. | Price: Included with Siena Cathedral/OPA SI complex admission; reduced ticket (children 7–11): €3; children up to 6: free. | Website | Distance: 0.3km

19. San Giorgio

San Giorgio
San Giorgio
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Fabior04
San Giorgio is a small church on Via di Pantaneto in Siena’s historic center, founded in 1260 to commemorate the Sienese Ghibellines’ victory at Montaperti and dedicated to Saint George, their battle cry. Its most striking medieval remnant is the Gothic-Romanesque tower by Del Dugento, pierced by 38 windows said to represent the knightly companies who fought. The building you enter today largely dates from a major 1738 Baroque rebuilding directed by Pietro Cremoni, with a facade marked by two bold columns and the coat of arms of Cardinal Anton Felice Zondadari. Inside, look for Francesco Vanni’s Crucifixion, works by his son Raffaello, and the painter’s tomb near the entrance.
Location: 53036 San Giorgio, Province of Siena, Italy | Hours: Daily: 09:00–12:00 & 16:30–18:30. | Price: Free. | Distance: 0.3km

20. Santa Maria of Scala Hospital Museum

Santa Maria of Scala Hospital Museum
Santa Maria of Scala Hospital Museum
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sailko
Santa Maria of Scala Hospital Museum in Siena, Italy, occupies a vast former civic hospital opposite the Cathedral, once devoted to pilgrims, the sick, the poor, and abandoned children and later administered by the city. Inside, you move through long corridors and cavernous wards where surviving fresco cycles still narrate daily life and the institution’s work of care. Look for the remarkably early stained glass dated to 1288, a rare detail that stands out amid the stone interiors. Below ground, basement rooms open into the National Archaeological Museum, with finds from excavations around Siena arranged along an almost labyrinthine route. Visitors often linger longer than planned, drawn from painted halls down into the cool underground levels.
Location: Complesso museale Santa Maria della Scala, Piazza del Duomo, 1, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: (Summer) March 15 – October 31; Daily: 10:00–19:00. (Winter) November 1 – March 14; Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00–17:00. Saturday – Sunday: 10:00–19:00. Closed on Tuesday. | Price: Check official website. | Website | Distance: 0.3km

21. Palazzo Salimbeni

Palazzo Salimbeni
Palazzo Salimbeni
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Nikolai Karaneschev
Palazzo Salimbeni is a 14th-century palace on Siena’s Piazza Salimbeni, now the headquarters of Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, founded in 1472 and often cited as the world’s oldest operating bank. Built over an earlier 12th-century structure, it began as a fortress-like Salimbeni family residence before the family’s expulsion in 1419 and later civic ownership. The façade you see today reflects Giuseppe Partini’s 1879 neo-Gothic remodel, which enlarged the building while keeping medieval touches like rooftop battlements and arched openings. Visitors mostly remember the sudden reveal of the square from narrow lanes, the statue at its center, and the calm, photogenic atmosphere—especially after dark.
Location: Piazza Salimbeni, 1, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 0.3km

22. Duomo di Siena

Duomo di Siena
Duomo di Siena
CC BY-SA 4.0 / AntoineJoub
Duomo di Siena is Siena’s striped black-and-white marble cathedral, completed in 1263 on the site of a 9th-century church, and it still reads as a civic statement as much as a place of worship. Inside, visitors remember the alternating columns, the dome on a hexagonal base, and Nicola Pisano’s carved pulpit in the north transept. The marble inlay floor—56 panels designed by Sienese artists—can be uncovered at certain times, turning the nave into a patterned stage underfoot. Artworks are woven into chapels and altars, including Michelangelo figures for the Piccolomini altar and Bernini sculptures in the Chapel of the Vow. The west façade’s originals are preserved in the Cathedral Treasures Museum, with copies outside.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 8, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: (Winter) January 7 – March 31, 2026: Monday – Saturday: 10:30–17:30; Sunday & Public Holidays: 13:30–17:30. (Summer) April 1 – October 31, 2026: Monday – Saturday: 10:00–19:00; Sunday & Public Holidays: 13:30–18:00. | Price: OPA SI PASS (valid 3 consecutive days): Adults: €14 (January 1 – June 26; August 1 – August 17; October 16 – December 31); Adults: €16 (June 27 – July 31; August 18 – October 15); Children 7–11: €3; Under 7: free. | Website | Distance: 0.3km

23. Museo Diocesano d'Arte Sacra

Museo Diocesano d’Arte Sacra
Museo Diocesano d’Arte Sacra
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sailko
Museo Diocesano d’Arte Sacra is a small sacred-art museum in Siena, set inside the Oratorio di San Bernardino within the Church of San Francesco. Founded in a 15th-century space built where Saint Bernardino once preached, it was restored and repurposed as a museum in the late 20th century, and still retains frescoed rooms across two floors. Visitors come for close-up viewing of Sienese painting and church objects, including 14th-century works by Ambrogio Lorenzetti and Pietro Lorenzetti, as well as Mannerist frescoes by Domenico Beccafumi and a Virgin cycle by Sodoma. Sculptures by Antonio Federighi and Domenico di Niccolò dei Cori and pieces of religious jewelry add texture beyond the panels. Reviews often describe it as a quiet, beautiful interior.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 2, 56028 San Miniato PI, Italy | Hours: (Summer) March 1 – October 31; Daily: 10:30–13:30 & 15:00–17:30. (Winter) November 1 – February 28; Closed. | Price: Check official website. | Website | Distance: 0.4km

24. Basilica of San Francesco

Basilica of San Francesco
Basilica of San Francesco
CC BY-SA 3.0 / LigaDue
The Basilica of San Francesco is a major Franciscan church in Siena, begun in the 13th century and later expanded into a large Gothic basilica built to hold big congregations. Inside, the broad, single nave and Egyptian-cross layout feel spare and airy—partly because a 1655 fire and later restorations removed many Baroque altars. Look up at the counterfaçade, where large frescoes moved from Siena’s city gates include a Coronation of the Virgin by Sassetta and Sano di Pietro, alongside a Nativity by Il Sodoma. In the right transept, a 14th-century marble Saint Francis survives from the old façade. Many visitors linger over the Eucharistic Miracle tradition tied to the church.
Location: Piazza S. Francesco, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: (Summer) April 1 – October 31; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday: 09:00–19:00; Sunday: 13:00–18:00. (Winter) November 1 – March 31; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday: 09:00–10:30 & 11:00–18:00; Sunday: 13:00–17:30. | Price: Free; donations appreciated. | Distance: 0.4km

25. Pinacoteca Nazionale

Pinacoteca Nazionale
Pinacoteca Nazionale
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sailko
Pinacoteca Nazionale is Siena’s main painting museum, installed in the connected Palazzo Buonsignori and Palazzo Brigidi on Via di San Pietro, and it’s where the city’s late medieval and Renaissance art comes into focus. Opened in 1932 under state stewardship, it gathers many works once made for Sienese churches, especially 14th–15th century panel paintings with shimmering gold grounds and finely tooled details. The galleries are arranged to show change over time: the upper level concentrates on the gold-background school, while lower rooms move into later Sienese painting and include cartoons, sketches, and some sculpture. A 1977 addition, the Spannocchi Collection, brings in Northern and Flemish works, widening the view. Visitors often remember the quiet, unhurried atmosphere, though lighting can be uneven.
Location: Via S. Pietro, 29, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: Temporarily closed (from January 26; renovation works). | Price: Check official website. | Website | Distance: 0.4km

26. Basilica of San Domenico

Basilica of San Domenico
Basilica of San Domenico
The Basilica of San Domenico is a vast 13th-century Dominican church on Siena’s northern slope, built in brick with an imposing bell tower and later enlarged in the 14th century. Inside, its broad, spare nave with transverse wooden beams makes the scale feel even more dramatic. The basilica is inseparable from Saint Catherine of Siena: her chapel holds relics including her mummified head and thumb, brought back to her hometown from Rome. Artworks tied to her story punctuate the side walls and chapels, including scenes by Il Sodoma and a Canonization painting by Mattia Preti. Below, the Gothic crypt shelters a crucifix and a Crucifixion by Ventura Salimbeni.
Location: Piazza S. Domenico, 1, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: (Summer) March 1 – October 31: Daily: 07:00–18:30. (Winter) November 1 – February 28: Daily: 08:30–18:00. | Price: Free; donations appreciated. | Website | Distance: 0.4km

27. Sant'Agostino

Sant’Agostino
Sant’Agostino
CC BY-SA 3.0 / LigaDue
Sant’Agostino is a Roman Catholic church and former convent complex in Siena, begun in 1258 and built over the next half-century, with a later interior makeover that changed its mood. Step inside and you’ll notice the 18th-century redesign attributed to Luigi Vanvitelli, where Baroque stucco figures animate the nave and transept while older, towering polychrome-marble altars from the 16th–17th centuries still anchor the space. Art lovers linger over works like Francesco Vanni’s “Baptism of Constantine” and the Piccolomini altar (1596), paired with paintings including Il Sodoma’s “Adoration of the Magi” and a “Crucifixion” by Perugino. Despite the museum-grade art, it remains a functioning, contemplative church.
Location: Prato di S. Agostino, 2, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: Check official website. | Price: Free; donations appreciated. | Distance: 0.5km

28. Museo di Storia Naturale

Museo di Storia Naturale
Museo di Storia Naturale
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Sailko
Museo di Storia Naturale in Siena, Italy is a compact natural history museum rooted in the city’s scholarly collecting tradition, first established in 1691 by the Siena Academy of Sciences. Its three main sections—zoology, geology, and paleontology—retain an old-school “cabinet” feel, with densely packed cases that reward slow looking. Visitors often linger over Tuscan rocks and fossils, including meteorite specimens cataloged in 1764 by Ambrogio Soldani, and the zoological displays with marine-mammal skeletons. Other memorable corners include Paolo Mascagni’s books and specimens and the Francesco Valenti-Serini models of edible and poisonous mushrooms. The atmosphere can feel more like an archive than a modern exhibit, and staff are frequently noted as welcoming.
Location: Piazzetta Silvio Gigli, 2, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: (Summer) April 1 – September 30; Monday – Friday: 09:00–18:30; Saturday: 10:00–19:00; Sunday: 10:00–18:30. (Winter) October 1 – March 31; Monday – Friday: 09:00–15:00; Saturday: 13:00–18:00; Closed on Sunday. | Price: Adults: €5; Reduced: €3; Family (2 adults + up to 4 children): €13. | Website | Distance: 0.5km

29. Orto Botanico dell'Università

Orto Botanico dell’Università
Orto Botanico dell’Università
CC BY-SA 4.0 / LigaDue
Orto Botanico dell’Università is the University of Siena’s 2.5-hectare botanical garden, tucked within the city walls on the hillside of the Saint Agostino Valley, where it has stood since its 1856 move. Founded in 1588 for the study of medicinal herbs, it later expanded into a scientific collection that once cataloged about 900 species, including many introduced from abroad. Visitors wander steep, sloping paths past brick-edged beds arranged in systematic order, mixing native and exotic plants, with occasional views out toward the countryside. Three greenhouses (about 500 square meters) add variety, from tropical and winter tepidarium displays to succulents organized by country, plus an orangery with carnivorous plants and European citrus.
Location: Via Pier Andrea Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: Temporarily closed (reopening expected March 31, 2026). | Price: Adults: €5; Reduced: €3; Reduced (special): €2.50; Under 12: free. | Website | Distance: 0.5km

30. Porta Ovile

Porta Ovile
Porta Ovile
CC BY-SA 3.0 / LigaDue
Porta Ovile is a medieval gate cut through Siena’s defensive walls, first recorded in 1220 and largely completed around 1230, marking a key threshold between the tight old-town lanes and the streets beyond. It sits between Via di Vallerozzi and Via Simone Martini, where the roadway narrows and funnels through stonework that still reads as a controlled entry point. Look for the 14th-century fresco of the Madonna and Child with Saints Ansano and Bernardino and angels—one of the oldest surviving wall paintings on Siena’s fortifications. The gate was strengthened in 1251 amid fears of Florentine attack, sealed during the 1554 siege, and later damaged in the 1798 earthquake, yet remains remarkably intact.
Location: Via Simone Martini, 1, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 0.6km

31. Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi

Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi
Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi
CC BY-SA 3.0 / sailko
The Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi is a Servite church in Siena, begun in the 13th century on the site of San Clement and reshaped over centuries before its consecration in 1533. From the outside you’ll notice the deliberately plain, unfinished medieval facade—just a single portal and rose window—while a columned portico leads into a far more spacious interior associated with Baldassare Peruzzi’s Renaissance redesign. Inside, linger for Coppo di Marcovaldo’s Virgin and Child and Pietro Lorenzetti’s vivid “Slaughter of the Innocents” fresco, both easy to study in the calm. The basilica also keeps a long concert tradition, with a 1900 organ, and the garden area beside it is remembered for quiet sunset views over Siena’s rooftops.
Location: Piazza Alessandro Manzoni, 5, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: Daily: 08:30–12:30 & 16:00–18:30. | Price: Free; donations appreciated. | Website | Distance: 0.6km

32. Fortezza Medicea

Fortezza Medicea
Fortezza Medicea
CC BY-SA 4.0 / LigaDue
Siena’s Fortezza Medicea (Fort of Santa Barbara) is a 16th-century Medici fortress built by Cosimo I after Florence conquered Siena, designed as a hard-edged statement of control rather than a decorative castle. Reworked by military engineer Baldassarre Lanci into a square plan, it has brick ramparts at four corners; three still carry the Medici coat of arms above a lion’s head, while the south corner shows only the lion. Demilitarized in the late 1700s and restored in 1937, it now functions as a public park with open lawns, a children’s play area, and fitness stations. Walk the long perimeter (about 1,500 meters) for breezy, panoramic views over Siena’s rooftops, especially near sunset.
Location: Piazza Caduti delle Forze Armate, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 0.8km

33. Porta Camollia

Porta Camollia
Porta Camollia
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mongolo1984
Porta Camollia is Siena’s northern gate in the defensive walls, the threshold many arrivals cross on the road toward Florence along the old Via Cassia. An earlier 13th‑century gate was destroyed in the 1555 Siege of Siena, and the structure you see now was rebuilt in 1604 to a design by Alessandro Casolani. Look closely at the sculptural decoration by Domenico Cafaggi, including an exterior relief commemorating the entry of Spain’s King Ferdinand I after the conquest. The broad space in front is busy with traffic and buses, so you feel the gate still working as a living passage between modern streets and the walled center.
Location: Viale Vittorio Emanuele II, 1, 53100 Siena SI, Italy | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 1.2km

Best Day Trips from Siena

A day trip from Siena offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Siena provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

1. San Gimignano

The Complete Guide to San Gimignano
The Complete Guide to San Gimignano
San Gimignano is one of Tuscany’s most atmospheric hill towns, celebrated for its skyline of medieval towers, golden-stone streets, and vineyard-draped countryside. It’s compact enough to explore on foot, yet packed with viewpoints, churches, small museums, and food stops that make it easy to fill a full day—or slow down and linger over long lunches with local Vernaccia wine. A…
Visiting San Gimignano

2. Arezzo

Arezzo
Arezzo
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Sailko
Situated in the south-eastern region of Tuscany, Arezzo is perched prominently atop a hill, at the intersection of four valleys: Val Tiberina, Casentino, Valdarno, and Valdichiana. This locale has deep historical significance within the Tuscan landscape, evidenced by the wealth of archaeological finds, such as stone tools and the discovery of the Paleolithic-era "Man of the Elm." The city's roots…
Visiting Arezzo
Powered by GetYourGuide

3. Florence

Florence
Florence
Florence, one of Italy's most renowned cities, is a must-visit destination on the tourist circuit. Its breath-taking Renaissance architecture, charming streets, and picturesque buildings make it a captivating spot for travellers. Art lovers will find themselves in paradise with an abundance of galleries to explore, offering a diverse range of masterpieces. The city's magnificent Renaissance churches also provide a fascinating glimpse…
Visiting Florence
Powered by GetYourGuide

4. Livorno

The Complete Guide to Livorno
The Complete Guide to Livorno
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mykola Pokalyuk
Livorno is a lively seaside city on Italy’s Tuscan coast, known for its working port energy, waterfront promenades, and a refreshingly local feel compared with some of the region’s more polished postcard towns. It’s an easy place to enjoy simple pleasures: a stroll along the sea, a coffee in a canal-side square, and a long seafood lunch that leans into…
Visiting Livorno

5. Pisa

Visiting Pisa Italy
Visiting Pisa Italy
Pisa sits in western Tuscany in central Italy, close to the Tyrrhenian coast, and it works especially well as a short, high-impact stop on a wider Tuscany itinerary. The city is compact and easy to navigate on foot, with the main sights clustered close enough that you can structure your day around a few focused areas rather than constant transport.…
Visiting Pisa
Powered by GetYourGuide

6. Lucca

Italy   Lucca
Italy Lucca
www.arne-mueseler.com CC BY-SA3 .0 / Arne Müseler
Lucca, considered one of Europe's most delightful towns, captivates visitors with its walled centre, ranking it among Tuscany's top attractions. The town boasts magnificent churches, many featuring the distinctive striped facades characteristic of Tuscan architecture, and they house a trove of precious art treasures. While strolling through its narrow streets and spacious piazzas, you can relish the serene ambiance and…
Visiting Lucca
Powered by GetYourGuide

7. Perugia

Perugia, Umbria
Perugia, Umbria
Nestled in the heart of Italy, Perugia is one of the country's oldest centers, celebrated for its vibrant social life, rich university heritage, and much more. This modern city, steeped in history, stands atop a hill in the Tiber Valley and serves as the capital of Umbria. Known as a city of art and a lively cultural hub, Perugia's medieval…
Visiting Perugia
Powered by GetYourGuide

8. Orvieto

The Complete Guide to Orvieto
The Complete Guide to Orvieto
Orvieto is one of those hill towns that feels instantly cinematic: a compact historic center perched above the countryside, with big views, stone lanes, and a lively café culture. Set in Umbria, it’s an easy base for slow travel—think long lunches, local wines, and short scenic walks that start right from town. The pace is relaxed, but there’s plenty to…
Visiting Orvieto
Powered by GetYourGuide

9. Gubbio

umbria gubbio
umbria gubbio
Nestled amidst the rugged terrain of the Apennine Mountains, Medieval Gubbio boasts a picturesque setting approximately 25 miles northeast of the bustling capital of Umbria, Perugia. To the north and east, the landscape stretches out into vast expanses until reaching the border with the neighboring region of Le Marche. This ancient land, adorned with charming squares and majestic stone palaces,…
Visiting Gubbio
Powered by GetYourGuide

10. Assisi

Assisi
Assisi
When UNESCO inscribed the Franciscan attractions in Assisi as a World Heritage Site, it highlighted the city's significant influence on both religious expression and European art history. This intertwining of religious and artistic heritage makes Assisi a must-visit for tourists. As the birthplace of St. Francis and the center of his life's work, Assisi is deeply connected with the Franciscan…
Visiting Assisi

Where to Stay in Siena

In the heart of Siena, steps from the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, you’ll find an array of elegant options that immerse you in the city’s medieval soul. Hotel Athena perches atop a hill overlooking the Campo and offers terraced gardens with sweeping city views, a rooftop pool and contemporary rooms furnished in warm Tuscan tones. Just around the corner, Residenza d’Epoca Palazzo di Valli occupies a collection of Renaissance townhouses linked by frescoed corridors, where suites feature antique furniture and marble-bathrooms framed by hand-painted tiles. If you prefer to be amid the buzz, Hotel Palazzo di Valli places you directly on the Campo’s edge—in rooms with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls—and serves Tuscan specialties in its rooftop restaurant.

A short stroll up Via Banchi di Sopra brings you to an area where palazzi and churches line narrow lanes, blending luxury with local character. Grand Hotel Continental offers sumptuous furnishings—silk draperies, inlaid wood floors and frescoed salons—while its wellness center provides a sauna, Turkish bath and massage rooms. Across the street, Hotel Il Giardino is a quiet oasis with lush inner courtyards and modern rooms opening onto cloister-like gardens. For an intimate boutique stay, Santa Maria della Scala Museum Rooms turns former monastic cells into light-filled suites overlooking the Duomo complex, combining historic fresco fragments with minimalist furnishings.

Beyond the ancient walls, in the quieter districts of San Francesco and near the Basilica of Santa Caterina, vineyards and olive groves edge closer to town. Villa Montarioso is a boutique relais set in a restored 16th-century villa, complete with a panoramic pool overlooking the Tuscan countryside and an art-filled interior that feels more gallery than guesthouse. Just down the road, Castel Monastero—though technically outside Siena proper—offers luxurious spa facilities, two Michelin-starred dining options and rooms in converted farm buildings surrounded by rolling vineyards. If you’d rather be closer, Hotel Garden blends modern comfort with rural charms, featuring a roof terrace, free parking and easy access to Siena’s Santa Maria della Scala.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Siena. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Siena Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Siena

Visiting Siena Italy in Spring (March – May)

Spring is one of the best times to visit Siena Italy, as the city comes alive with blooming flowers, pleasant temperatures, and fewer crowds. The weather is typically mild, making it perfect for exploring the historic streets, outdoor cafés, and scenic countryside. Events such as Easter celebrations and local food festivals add to the charm of visiting during this season. Hotel prices are moderate, and attractions are less crowded compared to the summer months.

Visiting Siena Italy in Summer (June – August)

Summer is the peak tourist season in Siena Italy, with warm temperatures and lively events. The city is at its most vibrant during July and August, especially during the famous Palio di Siena, the historic horse race held in Piazza del Campo. While this is an exciting time to visit, expect large crowds and higher accommodation prices. The heat can be intense, so it’s best to plan sightseeing in the morning and evening while taking breaks during the hottest part of the day.

Visiting Siena Italy in Fall (September – November)

Fall is an excellent time to visit Siena Italy, offering pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. September still sees some of the summer buzz, but by October and November, the city becomes quieter. This season is ideal for enjoying harvest festivals, wine tastings, and seasonal Tuscan cuisine. The changing colors of the surrounding countryside add to the beauty of the experience. Hotel rates are lower than in summer, making it a great time for budget-conscious travelers.

Visiting Siena Italy in Winter (December – February)

Winter is the quietest season in Siena Italy, with fewer tourists and a more relaxed atmosphere. While temperatures can be chilly, the city’s medieval charm shines during the Christmas season, with festive lights and holiday markets. January and February are the least crowded months, making it easier to explore museums, churches, and historic sites without long lines. This is also a great time for food lovers, as cozy trattorias serve hearty Tuscan dishes perfect for the colder weather. Hotel prices are at their lowest, making it an affordable time to visit.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 10°C
  • February 12°C
  • March 15°C
  • April 18°C
  • May 24°C
  • June 31°C
  • July 30°C
  • August 31°C
  • September 27°C
  • October 22°C
  • November 14°C
  • December 10°C

How to get to Siena

How to Visit Siena Italy

Visiting Siena Italy is a rewarding experience, whether you’re coming for a day trip or a longer stay. The city is well-connected by road and public transport, making it easy to reach from major Italian destinations. Once you arrive, getting around Siena is best done on foot due to its compact, pedestrian-friendly layout.

Getting to Siena Italy

By Train

Siena Italy is accessible by train, with regular regional services from Florence, Pisa, and Rome. The Siena Train Station is located about 2 km from the city center, and visitors can take a local bus or taxi to reach Piazza del Campo and other main attractions. While there are no direct high-speed trains, the Florence to Siena route is one of the most convenient, taking around 1.5 hours.

By Car

Driving to Siena Italy is a great option for those exploring Tuscany. The city is well-connected by highways, including the RA3 Siena-Firenze highway from Florence. However, Siena's historic center is largely a ZTL (limited traffic zone), meaning parking outside the city walls is necessary. Paid parking lots such as Il Campo Parking or San Francesco Parking offer easy access to the city.

By Bus

Buses are one of the most affordable and direct ways to reach Siena Italy, especially from Florence and Rome. Companies like FlixBus and Tiemme provide frequent services, with the main bus terminal at Piazza Gramsci, conveniently located near the city center. Bus travel is often faster than trains, especially from Florence, as it avoids the need for transfers.

By Air

The nearest major airports to Siena Italy are Florence Airport (FLR) and Pisa International Airport (PSA). From there, visitors can take a train, bus, or rent a car to reach Siena. Florence Airport is about 1.5 hours away, while Pisa Airport is around 2 hours by public transport.

Getting Around Siena Italy

Siena is best explored on foot, as the historic center is mostly pedestrianized and filled with charming narrow streets. Walking allows visitors to fully appreciate the city’s medieval architecture and hidden gems. Public buses operated by Tiemme are available for longer distances or trips to surrounding areas. Taxis are also an option but can be expensive. If staying outside the city center, renting a car may be useful for exploring the Tuscan countryside.

More from this area