Things to do in Siena

All about Siena

When to visit

Siena is an open-air museum with excitement year-round. You’ll find chilly, wet days in winter and soaring temperatures in summer, however, so the milder spring and fall are ideal. The city is at its most festive for the historic Palio horse race held yearly in the main Piazza del Campo on July 2 and August 16. Art enthusiasts should time their visit for late summer when the marble mosaic cathedral floor is uncovered for viewing.

Getting around

Traffic is restricted (or banned) in most of Siena’s old town, but this small city is easily covered on foot. Most visitors arrive by train from Florence, and there is a local bus that connects the train station to the old town above in about 10 minutes. For those arriving by car, there is ample parking in a number of dedicated areas around the old town perimeter—from there, it’s a quick, uphill walk to the main sights.

Traveler tips

Siena’s Palio is one of Italy’s most revered historic festivals. The main event is a no-holds-barred bareback horse race around a temporary track in the city’s shell-shaped main square (June 2, August 16). Riders from 10 of the city’s 17 contrade, or districts, participate, but many don’t finish—the winner is the first horse to cross the finish line, rider or not. The Sienese are passionate and fiercely loyal to their contrada and favored horses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Siena worth visiting?

Yes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to an intact medieval old town that seems frozen in time, Siena is among Tuscany’s top sights. Its magnificent cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece, and the main Piazza del Campo is one of the most distinctive squares in Italy.

What is Siena, Italy known for?

This handsome medieval hill town has a number of claims to fame, including its religious art and Gothic architecture. Siena is perhaps most known for the raucous Palio horse race held in Piazza del Campo each summer, during which horses from the 17 local contrade, or districts, compete for glory.

Is one day enough for Siena?

Yes, Siena is an ideal day trip, with a small old town that is easy to cover on foot in a few hours plus a spectacular cathedral complex, excellent local shopping, and authentic restaurants serving Tuscan fare. You can cover all the town’s highlights in a single day.

What is Siena popular for?

Located about an hour’s drive from Florence, Siena is a popular day-trip destination for its blockbuster art and architecture, charming medieval old town, and relaxed small-town pace. Most visitors make a beeline for the cathedral complex, Piazza del Campo, and picturesque warren of lanes in the old town.

Is there a lot to do in Siena?

Yes, Siena is stuffed with important works of art and architecture to see, boutiques and artisan workshops to browse, eateries from historic cafés to authentic Tuscan trattorias to try, and delightful winding lanes to explore on foot. The surrounding countryside is home to top-tier wineries for tours and tastings.

How many hours do you need in Siena?

You will need at least three hours to see the major sights in Siena, including the cathedral, Piazza del Campo, and historic center. Plan to spend a full day for a more in-depth visit, including attractions like the Gate of Heaven cathedral rooftop, town hall, and Mangia Tower.

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