Siena, Italy

Although small in size, Siena is one of the most underrated places in Italy. It was one of the most important European cities during the middles ages, and its been reluctant enough to keep its walls, charm, and history intact for centuries. It’s one of the last remaining locations in Europe that are completely fortified, and whilst sitting in the central part of Tuscany, beyond that wall, Siena is surrounded by jaw dropping landscapes in every direction.

While Siena is often easily overlooked by other metropolitan cities wich as Florence, Rome, or even Bologna, this charming town is packed full of magic and unique things to see and do. It is listed as a UNESCO heritage site, thanks to its historical significance, and it’s definitely a place worth visiting. It’s easily walkable and makes for an ideal weekend getaway or day trip destination.

No matter your reason for visiting, Siena is sure to impress, and there is a lot more than meets the eye. Keep scrolling to discover everything you need to know about visiting this idyllic European town of Siena, from when to go, how to get around, and the best things to see and do.

Is Siena really worth visiting? While it is rather small in size, often overshadowed, and not as popular in other locations and holds a lot of significance in Italy. It can easily be explored in just 1 day, and is a prime location for a day trip or weekend getaway to a relaxing Italian town. Siena boasts great wine, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, beautiful landscapes, and a lot of medieval art and history. It has a laid-back Italian culture and a window into the traditional and authentic Italian way of life.

Siena is easily accessible from most major cities in Italy and is a fantastic location all year round. However, there are some things to consider to make your trip successful, less stressful, and more enjoyable. When visiting Siena, keep the following tips in mind:

When to go: The best time to visit Siena will likely be based on personal preference. If you are looking for the best weather, consider visiting in April-June. If the horse races are your main concern, make sure to visit during the summer months of July or August. For lower rates and avoiding high crowds, consider October or February.

Weather: Sitting in the middle of Tuscany, Siena experiences all 4 seasons. During the summer season, temperatures can reach up to 92 degrees Fahrenheit, and down below 32 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter time. Spring and early often bring the most comfortable weather conditions in the region, with warm weather and sunny skies.

How to get around: The best way to reach Siena without a car is by bus or train. Siena is very small in size, and due to this, its a very easily walkable city. The compact city is best explored on foot, and pretty much everywhere can be reached by walking. While there are some rather steep hills in Siena, especially by the bus station, there are various taxis available that can take you wherever you want to go in Siena, plus, other nearby sights in Tuscany.

Besides being surrounded by the rolling Tuscan hills, delicious Italian cuisine, and beautiful architecture, Siena has a lot of great things to see and experience. Here are some of the best destination highlights and things to do while in Siena:

• Piazza del Campo is THE place to be when in Siena. The 13th-century square was a medieval marketplace in the immersion of 3 different roads in the center of the town and is now surrounded by some of the most famous landmarks in the city. Sit and people watch and observe the way local people live their daily lives, take in the architectural surroundings, and maybe learn a thing or 2 about the history of Siena.

• Palio de Siena is the biggest attraction to the town itself, and its most famous event year-round. The infamous horse races date back to the 16th century, and are now hosted in the city twice a year during the summer season. It attracts thousands of people every year and is definitely a must-see while in Siena.

If you climb up 400 stairs, eventually you’ll reach the top of the Torre del Mangia. The tower is the highest point in the town and overlooks the entire city. Starting in 1338, it was originally built to represent that the state and church are of equal powers, and was once the second highest structure in Italy. Now, it provides the most gorgeous panoramic views of the fortified city. 

Siena has an underground labyrinth for 25km, supplying the water source for the city for decades. There are many springs and aqueducts around the town supplied by the wells which makes for a fun day of exploring for such locations, such as Ponte Gaia, Fonti di Pescaia, or Fonti di Follonica.

The fortified town of the city is loaded with jaw-dropping cathedrals, historic museums, and other famous landmarks that can easily fill a day of sightseeing. Some of the most popular in Siena are Santa Maria Della Scala, Duomo di Siana, Pubblico Palace, Battistero di San Giovanni, and the Biblioteca Piccolomini.

Siena is without a doubt a superb destination in Italy. We hope you have enjoyed this guide to Siena and that you refer back here before planning your next trip!