Siena

Travel Guide
Siena
Set amid Tuscany’s rolling, vine-covered hills, this medieval gem offers fascinating history, stunning sights and sublime local food.

When first arriving in Siena, it’s clear that this is an Italian town like no other. It is best known for its medieval history, during which time it was a cultural metropolis with a secular, quasi-democratic government. The city’s Golden Age lasted well into the 16th century, a period that saw the construction of unique brick buildings that still dominate much of the city center. Visit Siena today to be charmed by its enduring traditions and enjoy culinary specialties offered on every corner.

Begin the journey where all trips to Siena start, in the Piazza del Campo, the square around which the city was built and the heart of Siena’s Historical Center. Here you will find some of Siena’s most important sights, such as the Palazzo Pubblico, recognisable for its soaring Torre del Mangia at one end. Go inside the palace, which is the seat of the local council, to admire the artistry of the frescoes decorating nearly every room, then climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views over the city.

Out in the piazza, take photos of the Fonte Gaia, a monumental fountain, with the Loggia della Mercanzia in the background.

From the piazza, walk east for a few minutes to reach the Duomo di Siena, the city’s magnificent cathedral known for the marble mosaics covering the floor. Step outside the cathedral into the Piazza del Duomo to find the Santa Maria della Scala, a medieval hospital that’s now a museum complex. The building also houses Siena’s Tourist Information Office.

Take a break from your tour of Siena to enjoy some of the typical food of the region. Try the local pecorino cheese, cured meats, pork sausage and pici pasta. Sample Siena's famous sweet treats, such as panforte and cantucci cookies, which also make great gifts for family and friends.

Siena is in the heart of Tuscany. Travel by train from the closest airport, in Florence, in 2 hours, or drive in 1.5 hours. Siena has a train station with both local and long-distance train connections. A bus system offers transportation around the city and also into the surrounding villages.

Much of Siena’s Historical Center is closed to private vehicles, which can make parking difficult. Be aware that the city is quite hilly, so bring walking shoes to be able to explore comfortably.

Use Siena’s great location as a base to explore the charming hillside villages of the area, most of which have their own much-beloved type of wine grape.

Where to stay in Siena

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Siena Historical Center

5/5(66 area reviews)

Unique features of Siena Historical Center include the historical sites and cafes. Make a stop by Fonte Gaia or Piazza del Campo while you're exploring the area.

Siena Historical Center
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Siena City Centre

Siena City Centre is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Siena State Archives and Piazza del Campo.

Siena City Centre
Hotel Chiusarelli
Hotel Chiusarelli
3 out of 5
Viale Curtatone 15, Siena, SI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €119 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€119
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Siena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (966 reviews)
"La ubicación es buena ya que puedes bajar al centro fácilmente, el desayuno bien y la habitación limpia; no hay mucho ruido; si quieres dejar el coche estacionado en el hotel cobran €10 por noche los espacios son muy reducidos"

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2024

Hotel Chiusarelli
Hotel Athena
Hotel Athena
4 out of 5
P Mascagni 55, Siena, SI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €129 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€129
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Siena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Hotel very convenient for sightseeing and in quiet location. Staff very friendly and helpful. Breakfast included and there was a good range of buffet options."

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Hotel Athena
Grand Hotel Continental Siena – Starhotels Collezione
Grand Hotel Continental Siena – Starhotels Collezione
5 out of 5
Banchi Di Sopra 85, Siena, SI
The price is €270 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€270
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Siena. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the room service in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (456 reviews)
"Laura was amazing with her suggestions and assistance! Room was spacious and beautiful. Will definitely return."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2024

Grand Hotel Continental Siena – Starhotels Collezione
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
ApartHotel Anghel
ApartHotel Anghel
via Paolo Frajese 71, Siena, SI
Stay at this business-friendly apartment in Siena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Siena Cathedral and Piazza del ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (260 reviews)
"The postive is checkin experiene is easy as the receptionist is very nice. She communicated well. The negative is the room are not insulated. You can hear other rooms closing their doors and kids running in the hallway."

Reviewed on 1 Jan 2024

ApartHotel Anghel
Il Battistero Siena - Residenza d'Epoca
Il Battistero Siena - Residenza d'Epoca
Piazza San Giovanni, 13, Siena, SI
Stay at this residence in Siena. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Popular attractions Siena Baptistry and Siena Crypt are located nearby. Discover ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (105 reviews)
"10/10! This is a beautiful hotel with the friendliest staff. The rooms were great and we loved the location."

Reviewed on 6 Dec 2023

Il Battistero Siena - Residenza d'Epoca
La Terrazza Sul Campo Rooming House
La Terrazza Sul Campo Rooming House
Via di Città 65, Siena
Stay at this business-friendly residence in Siena. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Piazza del Campo and Siena Cathedral ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (204 reviews)
"The absolute best place to stay in Siena. Viola could not do enough for us, even offering to walk with us to the taxi stand. If, you have a chance to stay in this historical family owned property you will be luck. Our large room opened up to the city square. Magical!"

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2023

La Terrazza Sul Campo Rooming House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Siena

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
60
" "5 - Excellent 84.50704225352112%
4 - Good
10
" "4 - Good 14.084507042253522%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 1.408450704225352%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Oct 2019

Stunning.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
17 Oct 2019

Beautiful place, lovely to sit at a restaurant/bar around the Piazza del Campo in the evening.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
23 Sep 2019

A stunning city, the Cathedral is the most beautiful and stunning building I've been in. Not over busy and a relaxed and safe atmosphere throughout the old city, plenty of interesting shops and restaurants, don't eat or drink on the main square!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Sep 2019

Look dow the side streets for local restaurants. Service was always good as well as the food. Wine servings seemed more generous and less costly!

5/5 - Excellent

SL
16 Sep 2019

Beautiful city, but hilly. Use the escalators which are close to the car park at Via Esterne di Fontebrande. The car park is 2 Euros per hour, and the escalators are free, and save a lot of legwork!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
14 Sep 2019

A unique and interesting place. Very friendly people