Best Things to Do in Siena: A Must-Read Guide for Your Tuscany Adventure

What are some attractions to visit in Siena? Where is a good place to park in Siena and why? When is the best time to visit Siena?

Siena is one of the most picturesque and fascinating cities in Tuscany. I must admit that when I looked at pictures of Tuscany on various sites or in guidebooks, I thought it was just another interesting Italian town. Oh, how wrong I was! Photos didn’t captivate me as much as seeing this city in person. Siena enchants with its combination of history, culture, and beautiful landscapes.

If you are wondering whether to go to Siena or already have it in your travel plans, I invite you to read this post. In it, you will find some attractions to visit during your stay in Siena, as well as information that will make your visit easier.

Table of Contents:

Where to park in Siena?

When to visit Siena?

Siena attractions

The best viewpoint in Siena

Siena – St. Catherine

Shopping in Siena

Where to sleep in Siena?

Siena – is it worth it?

Where to park in Siena?

Many people travel around Tuscany by car. We parked at this location: Parking Il Campo 13, Via di Fontanella, 9, Siena. I recommend it because of its great location. The parking lot is covered, so your car won’t get hot from the sun during summer.

When to visit Siena?

When is the best time to visit Siena, and when is it better to give up? Spring and autumn are the most favorable times to visit Siena. Temperatures are moderate, and the crowds of tourists are somewhat smaller. I visited Siena at the end of March, and it was, in my opinion, the perfect time.

The second time you might be interested in visiting Siena is during the famous Palio di Siena horse races, which take place on July 2 and August 16. The event is amazing, or at least that’s what I’ve heard from people who have had the opportunity to watch it. Of course, the crowds will be at their largest on these dates.

What To Do in Siena

Siena is an ancient Etruscan city that flourished in the 7th century thanks to trade and banking. Today, it is one of the most charming cities in Tuscany. Part of the James Bond movie Quantum of Solace was filmed in the city. These scenes are played out from the city’s underground to the rooftops as Bond pursues a traitor who has infiltrated MI6.

Another interesting fact about Siena is the city’s unique and extremely interesting urban layout. The city is located on three elongated hills that form a triangle on which the entire city rests. The main axes are the main streets that lead to the central Il Campo square, which is the heart of Siena. As a result, this city impresses with its narrow streets and romantic atmosphere.

What is worth seeing in Siena?

You will read about it further on, but I will point out that my list is prepared for a one-day visit. If you want to stay in the city longer, you certainly won’t be bored – there is plenty to do here.

Siena Attractions: Cathedral di Santa Maria Assunta

In the center of Siena is the majestic Cathedral di Santa Maria Assunta. The cathedral is incredibly impressive, and you can stare at it for hours. The cathedral was built between 1215 and 1264 but was still being finished for hundreds of years. It is one of the finest examples of Gothic religious architecture in Italy. Of course, it is worth noting the facade, decorated with numerous sculptures and ornaments. Many elements are built of black and white marble. Interestingly, there are also Polish accents: an image of Our Lady of Czestochowa and a stained glass window dedicated to St. Maximilian Kolbe.

Entrance is ticketed, and during high season, it’s better to buy tickets online.

What to see in Siena? Piazza del Campo

The main square is Piazza del Campo, with its unusual shell shape, and it’s the center of the city. The nine cutouts on the floor symbolize the rule of the Nine Citizens, and at the top of the square is the Fonte Gaia fountain. The city center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

It’s in Piazza del Campo on July 2 and August 16 that you can see the famous horse race in which representatives of Siena’s seventeen districts compete. Interestingly, the division of Siena into seventeen districts has been unchanged since 1729. Why are there as many as two dates? On July 2, the race is held in honor of Our Lady of Provenzanom, while on August 16, it is held in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption.

In this square is the Palazzo Pubblico (Palazzo Communale) or City Hall, and next to it stands a majestic tower, the Torre del Mangia. The Torre del Mangia rises 102 meters and was built between 1338 and 1348. The mysterious name of the tower – “Torre del Mangia” – probably derives from the first guardian and bell-ringer, Giovanni di Balduccio. He was known for his laziness and earned the nickname “mangiaguadagni” (meaning: eater of wages). The tower bell was meant not only to announce the end of the working day but also to signal the opening and closing of the city gates.

Fortezza Medicea

Fortezza Medicea, also known as Fortezza di Santa Barbara, is an imposing fortress located in Siena that is an excellent example of Renaissance defense architecture. The history of the fortress dates back to the time when Fortezza Medicea was a symbol of Medici’s power and control over the city. The history of the place is really interesting, but the most important thing is that today we can walk around the fortress. From it, you can admire the city, and its interiors now serve as a place of walking and recreation for locals and tourists. It is peaceful and beautiful.

The best viewpoint in Siena

Siena is a beautiful city, and there are quite a few viewpoints there. Therefore, it is difficult to choose the best ones. In my opinion, the following are worth visiting:

• a great photographic point is the point above Parking Il Campo 13
• another interesting point in the city would be Vista Panoramica di Siena
• cool photos also come out from Fortezza Medicea

Siena – St. Catherine

Siena, known primarily for its monuments and picturesque streets, also hides a spiritual wealth related to the life of one of the most important saints of the Catholic Church – St. Catherine of Siena. More specifically, Saint Catherine was born, lived, and worked in Siena. She was the penultimate, twenty-fourth child of Sienese weavers (or dyers, depending on sources).

Here are some places to visit while traveling in the footsteps of this figure:

• The House of Santa Caterina (Casa di Santa Caterina) – her family home, now converted into a shrine. Here you can see a reconstruction of the room and the chapel where she was baptized.
• Basilica of San Domenico – an important place for the cult of St. Catherine, as her head is kept here as a relic.
• Fontebranda – this is one of the oldest and most beautiful springs in Siena, visited by St. Catherine in her youth. The water from this spring was used by locals for their daily needs, as well as by Catherine’s father himself in his profession.

In Siena, you will find more places that are associated with the saint. Following in the footsteps of St. Catherine, you can get to know Siena from a completely different perspective – spiritual and mystical.

Shopping in Siena

In Siena, you won’t find as many elegant and expensive boutiques as in Florence. Nevertheless, Siena boasts its unique treasures and places to visit while shopping. The city is home to many stores of well-known brands.

If you’re in Siena on a Wednesday, head to the local market. It is simply huge, and you will find everything there. This is a traditional market where you can buy local food, clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to get a feel for local life, experience the flavors of Tuscany, and purchase authentic handcrafted products.

It is also worth tasting the excellent wines from the local vineyards. Visit local wineries and delicatessens, where you can purchase excellent wines and other products, such as olive oil, sauces, honey, and cheeses. Some of these places also offer tastings so you can experience the rich flavors of Tuscany.

Where to sleep in Siena?

Regardless of your preferences and budget, you should have no trouble finding an apartment or hotel in the off-season. Siena offers a wide range of accommodations for every tourist, from luxury hotels and charming apartments in the center to idyllic agritourism on the outskirts of the city. However, during the summer season and events such as the Palio di Siena, be sure to book your accommodations in advance.

Thanks to the variety of accommodations, there is something to suit everyone’s needs and expectations. You can find recommended accommodations below:

• a charming hotel in a nicely renovated palazzo in the center of Siena can be found here
• check out this place if you are looking for a hotel with a breathtaking view
• if you prefer an apartment, this apartment is not only beautiful, but its terrace is one great vantage point

Siena – is it worth to visit

My answer will come as no surprise. Of course, it is! The city enchanted me. Although Siena does not have as many monuments as Florence, its attractions are equally impressive.

Siena makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding towns and villages in Tuscany, such as San Gimignano, Montalcino, and Pienza. It’s worth staying there for a longer period or booking an overnight stay in the area.

Other inspirations from Tuscany:

Tuscany Travel Guide: Discover Attractions and Interesting Places

Florence: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Attractions

Leaning Tower of Pisa: What is Worth Knowing and Seeing? 

San Gimignano: What to Do in Medieval Manhattan

Bagni San Filippo – The Best Hot Springs in Tuscany