The 7 things to do in Siena

Visit Siena: what are the best things to do and see in this jewel of Tuscany and an unmissable Italian city?

Eternal Rival of Florence , Siena that is often stolen the star is yet a small medieval jewel to see absolutely if you are going to Tuscany . This region of Italy rich in its art and gastronomy is the ideal destination for epicureans.

Visiting Siena is no doubt more relaxing than Florence, the city being smaller and intimate and having a slightly less important tourist stream that offers quiet rides. Compact, the city presents its main attractions at a little distance from each other, which makes it a first idea in the space of a day.

Do you dream of visiting Siena for years? We list you things to do and main attractions not to miss.

1. Piazza del Campo

The main square of the city, this place is known both for its curved shape and its ground inclined to the image of an amphitheatre but also for the most popular attraction of Siena, Palio . This race takes place twice a year, in July and August, and opposes the 17 contrades City.

On the Piazza del Campo do not miss the visit of Palazzo Pubblico and its tower. Climb up the top Torre del Mangia in order to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.

2. The Cathedral of Siena

We can't visit Siena without seeing his sublime cathedral. The Duomo di Siena is an impressive Gothic construction built between 1214 and 1263. The building is decorated with white marble blocks as well as green and black strips representing the colours of the city. We advise you to opt for the Opa Si Pass which will allow you to access all the spaces of the Duomo: the cathedral, the crypt, the baptistery, the dell’Opera Museum and the Facciatone.

3. Museum Complex Santa Maria della Scala

Located in front of the Cathedral of Siena, this former hospital (one of the oldest in Europe) serves pilgrims, abandoned children and disposable people today houses a vast cultural centre and several museums spread over the four floors of the building. The visit of this space is long as it is full of works and can take you several hours.

4. The historic centre of the city

Italy is the country of the dolce vita and it would be a shame to run from one visit to another without taking the time to walk in the pretty narrow streets of Siena. Each of its medieval districts has its own fountain, true symbols of the city. Go looking for them while enjoying a delicious La Vecchia Latteria ice cream.

5. La Basilica di San Domenico

This building was built in the 13th century and is one of the most important churches in the city. Located on a hill to observe the Duomo, it houses a relic of Sainte-Catherine de Siena in the heart of a beautiful chapel dating from the Renaissance.

6. See also in Siena

Are you still wondering what to do in Siena? Here is a second list of suggestions if you decide to extend your stay in the medieval city:

• Admire the Loggia della Mercanzia at the crossroads of Via Banchi di Sopra, Via Banchi di Sotto and Via di Città
• La Fortezza Medicea (Forteresse Médicis)
• The Basilica of San Francesco
• The Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi
• La Pinacothèque Nationale de Siena

7. Things to do in the vicinity of Siena

You rarely come to Tuscany to visit only one city. Enjoy your visit to this beautiful region to take a tour of the following places:

• Go to the Abbey of Sant’Antimo
• Meet Bagno Vignoni, with her thermal baths known from Antiquity
• Visit San Gimignano, one hour drive from Siena, beautiful medieval town
• Visit Florence, at 1h10 by fast bus, with departure every 30 minutes
• Gaiole in Chianti on the road of Chianti wine and olive oil, with its Château de Brolio

How to go to Siena?

Siena is 75 kilometers from Florence and 40 kilometers from San Gimignano. For this reason, many tourists plan to visit one of these two cities during their stay in Siena. Siena is located in the centre-south of Tuscany. There is no airport in Siena, but it is possible to get there by train:

From Florence: direct line and/or change to Empoli (1h30 ‘) De Rome : change to Chiusi (3h) De Pisa : change to Empoli (2h) De Bologna : change in Florence (2h50)

It is also possible to go to Siena by bus from these same cities, it is enough to go to the bus station of the cities listed above, and to book its ticket at the ticket desk.

Where to stay in Siena?

How we said, Siena is not a big city and we have to focus on it historic center your accommodation on site . You can find a cheap hotel in Siena by searching for this Compare hotels .