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Siena

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30 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

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Tips

10 places on the map

Top 10

  1. 1

    Shell-shaped medieval square, home of the Palio

    3 tips
    • Sit on the brick floor
    • Palio is July 2 and Aug 16
    • Cafes are costly
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  2. 2

    Black-and-white marble cathedral with inlaid floors

    • Tip: Dress code
    2 tips
    • Floor often covered, check dates
    • Piccolomini Library inside
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  3. 3

    88-metre tower with sweeping views

    • Tip: Go early
    • Tip: Book ahead
    1 tip
    • 500 steps, limited entries
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  4. 4

    Town hall with Lorenzetti and Martini frescoes

    3 tips
    • See the Maestà
    • Combo ticket with tower
    • Allow 1.5 hours
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  5. 5

    Duccio's Maestà and the Facciatone viewpoint

    3 tips
    • Climb to the Facciatone
    • Combo ticket with the Duomo
    • Allow 1.5 hours
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  6. 6

    Baptistery with a Donatello font

    3 tips
    • Included in Opa Si pass
    • Short visit
    • Under the cathedral apse
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  7. 7

    Brick basilica holding St Catherine's head

    3 tips
    • Free entry
    • Nice city view
    • Chapel of St Catherine
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  8. 8

    16th-century fortress with gardens and wine bar

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Free to enter
    • Sunset spot
    • Vineyard and enoteca
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  9. 9

    Large Gothic Franciscan church

    3 tips
    • Lorenzetti frescoes
    • Free
    • Quiet piazza
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  10. 10

    Former hospital, now a large museum complex

    3 tips
    • Underground passages
    • Allow 2 hours
    • Opposite the Duomo
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Before you go: Siena tips

Transportation

  • Take the bus from Florence: Direct coaches between Florence and Siena are often quicker than the train and drop you closer to the historic centre.
  • Ride the escalators up: Siena sits on steep hills; covered escalators link the train station and some car parks to the upper town, saving a hard climb.
  • Avoid driving in the ZTL: The historic centre is a limited traffic zone watched by cameras; park outside the walls to avoid fines that arrive months later.

Security

  • Stay alert at the Palio: The Palio packs Piazza del Campo with huge crowds in summer heat; bring water, keep valuables close and know your exit route.
  • Watch your step: Steep, uneven stone streets get slippery when wet, so wear shoes with good grip, especially walking down from the Duomo.
  • Mind pickpockets in high season: Siena is very safe, but crowded spots like the Campo and Duomo queues attract bag thieves in summer.

Saving

  • Buy a combined Duomo pass: One ticket covers the cathedral, Piccolomini Library, crypt, baptistery and museum, cheaper than paying for each.
  • Picnic in the Campo: Locals sit on the sloping piazza with sandwiches and drinks; grab supplies from a deli and enjoy the view for free.
  • Eat outside the main square: Restaurants on Piazza del Campo charge for the view; a few streets away trattorias serve better food for less.

Weather/Clothing

  • Prepare for hot summers: July and August are hot and sunny in the stone city; pack a hat, sunscreen and light clothes, and carry water.
  • Bring layers in winter: Winters are cool and damp with chilly evenings; a warm coat and waterproof shoes help on the hilly streets.
  • Visit in spring or autumn: April to June and September to October bring mild weather ideal for walking Siena and the Chianti countryside.

Cultural

  • Learn about the contrade: Siena is divided into 17 contrade, each with its own flag, church and fountain; spotting their emblems makes walks more fun.
  • Try Sienese specialties: Order pici pasta, and save room for panforte and ricciarelli almond biscuits, local treats with medieval roots.
  • Dress for the Duomo: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting the cathedral and other churches, or carry a light scarf to cover up.

Local Hacks

  • Climb the Facciatone: The unfinished cathedral wall, reached through the Duomo museum, gives a stunning view over the Campo with fewer crowds than the tower.
  • Time your Duomo visit: The famous inlaid marble floor is fully uncovered only during certain periods each year, so check dates when planning.
  • Go up the Torre del Mangia early: Entry is limited to small groups, so arrive at opening to climb the tower before queues build.

1-day itineraries in Siena

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 2

Torre del Mangia and around

🕘 9:30–17:00📍 5 stops

  1. 1Torre del Mangia
  2. 2Piazza del Campo
  3. 3Duomo di Siena
  4. 4Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
  5. 5Santa Maria della Scala
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Day 2 of 2

Basilica di San Domenico and around

🕘 9:30–12:45📍 4 stops

  1. 1Basilica di San Domenico
  2. 2Casa di Santa Caterina
  3. 3Fortezza Medicea
  4. 4Porta Camollia
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