If you’re looking for a beautiful and historic Italian city to explore in Italy, this travel guide to Siena is for you. The beautiful medieval city of Siena is situated just south of Florence, in the heart of Tuscany. With its red-roofed buildings, medieval streets, and sweeping landscape views, Siena is a must-visit destination. In addition, the city is one of the most family-friendly cities with a chill vibe, the best part is that there is no traffic in the city center. There are also numerous museums and art galleries to explore, as well as several churches and other historical landmarks. In short, Siena has something to offer everyone – so be sure to add it to your itinerary!

How To Get To Siena

Siena is located approximately 53miles (85 km) from Florence and is the 2nd largest city in Tuscany. Getting to Siena from Florence is easy, thanks to the many modes of transport connecting the two cities.

1. Train – there are direct trains from Florence to Siena, taking about 90 minutes. There are no high-speed trains on this route; therefore, only regional trains are available. All trains depart from Firenze Santa Maria Novella and arrive at the Stazione di Siena. You can take a bus from the station and drop off at the city gate.
2.  Bus – Taking the bus is a few minutes faster and cheaper than a train, taking a little over an hour. The bus will take you right into the center of Siena instead of outside the city walls. Buses depart from Santa Caterina da Siena auto-stazione (bus station).
3.  Car – Renting a car in Florence to drive to Siena give you the ultimate freedom to explore beyond Siena. Note that it is cheaper to rent a car in Florence than in Siena.

The best way to travel from Rome to Siena is by bus directly to Siena; otherwise, it may be more convenient to travel to Florence first before heading off to Siena.

Parking in Siena

If you drive to Siena, you will have to park your car in a lot outside the Limited Traffic Zone (Zona Traffico Limitado aka ZTL). We parked our rental in the FREE parking lot at Viale Vittorio Veneto, 43, overnight. This parking lot was approximately 1.3km (20 minutes walk) from the city center at (Palazzo Publico); you will have to walk with your luggage to the ZTL. All other parking lots are paid parking lots and not necessarily closer.

Where To Stay in Siena

There are a few Hotels within the city walls: Il Battistero, Campo Regio Relais, and The Grand Hotel Continental. The most affordable options are going to be Airbnbs within the city walls; we stayed at a no-frills Airbnb just off the Piazza del Campo. Though you can tour Siena’s city center within a day, in this guide to Siena, we recommend taking your time and staying at least 3 nights to include a day tour of the Tuscany countryside.

Things to Do in Siena

1. Tour the Palazzo Pubblico and view the Torre del Mangia.

The Palazzo Pubblico is one of the most iconic buildings in Siena. Built in the 13th century, it has been the city’s town hall for centuries. Visitors can tour the Palazzo Pubblico and view the Torre del Mangia from the courtyard. The tower is one of the most popular attractions in Siena and offers breathtaking views of the city. The Palazzo Pubblico is also home to several art galleries, making it a great place to spend an afternoon exploring. With its rich history and beautiful architecture, the Palazzo Pubblico is a must-see for anyone visiting Siena.

2. Tour the Duomo di Siena.

This magnificent cathedral is a must-see for any visitor to the city. The Duomo di Siena is located in the city’s heart, and its imposing façade is impossible to miss. The cathedral’s interior is just as impressive, with soaring ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows. Visitors can explore the Duomo di Siena at their own pace or take a guided tour to learn more about the history of this incredible building. Either way, a visit to the Duomo di Siena is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

3. Get lost in the streets of Siena.

There’s something special about getting lost in the streets of a new city. Every turn brings surprises; you never know what you’ll find around the next corner. This medieval city is full of winding roads and hidden alleyways, making it easy to get lost in the moment. It’s safe to say you will never be bored with so many things to see and do.

4. Enjoy the sunset and panoramic views of Siena at Vista Siena.

There’s nothing quite like watching the sunset from a high vantage point. And in Siena, there’s no better place to do just that than Vista Siena. Situated on a hilltop outside the city center, Vista Siena offers panoramic views of the Tuscan landscape. They say, on a clear day, you can even see all the way to Florence. Then, as the sun sets, the sky turns a beautiful shade of orange, and the city’s lights come to life. It’s an unforgettable experience.

5. End each day chilling in Piazza Del Campo.

As the day winds down, Piazza del Campo is a picturesque place to relax and unwind after a busy day of exploring. Piazza del Campo is at the heart of Siena’s medieval city, surrounded by beautiful architecture and stunning views. It’s also home to several cafes and restaurants, making it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a glass of wine while watching the world go by.

Where To Eat in Siena

Recommended places to eat are as follows:

This guide to Siena would not be complete without mentioning the food. Siena has a rich culinary tradition, featuring dishes reflecting the local climate and ingredients. One of the Sienese traditional dishes is Picci Aglione. This dish is made with a very thick spaghetti-like pasta and a delicious tomato + garlic sauce. Every restaurant will offer something your kids will love.

• Du’ Cose Da Berna – for the best sandwiches you will ever eat
•  Bagoga Grotta Di Santa Caterina – for the best steak from Tuscan beef in Siena
•  Osteria degli Svitati – for the best ragu pasta

Most restaurants fill up quickly and only seats 2 dinner sets (7:30 pm and 9:15 pm). Therefore, you need to make reservations at least a day in advance to guarantee a spot.

Day Trips from Siena

Siena is also a fantastic base for touring the Tuscany countryside. Tuscan Towns/Villages within an hour of Siena: Montepulciano, Montechiello, Pienza, and San Quirico d’Orchia.

Pro Tip: You will need a car to explore the Tuscan Countryside.

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In summary, from sampling the local cuisine to exploring the Duomo, Siena has something for everyone. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, be sure to take some time to get lost in the streets of this beautiful city.

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