Things to Do in Siena

About Siena

Siena sits in the Tuscan hills, all burnt-orange towers and Gothic spires against blue sky. Walk the old streets and you'll find weathered stone that hasn't changed much since merchants, pilgrims, and painters built Renaissance Italy. The heart-shaped Piazza del Campo pulls you in—a shell-shaped plaza where the Palio horse race has run for centuries. Shadows move across terracotta walls. Church bells mark time as they've done for nearly a thousand years. The city doesn't rely on big monuments. You come for the small things: eating ribollita in a dark osteria, finding chapels with Duccio paintings inside, getting lost in narrow medieval alleys where laundry hangs overhead like flags.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Take the TIEMME bus from Florence (1.5 hours, €8) rather than trains, which require transfers. Within Siena's historic center, walking is essential as most areas are car-free. Buy a €1.50 city bus pass for steep climbs to outlying areas.

Money: Many small trattorias and shops accept cash only. Withdraw euros from Banca Monte dei Paschi ATMs (local bank with lowest fees). Budget €35-45 daily for mid-range dining. Tipping 10% is appreciated but not mandatory.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly when entering churches (cover shoulders/knees). Don't sit on Piazza del Campo's brick pavement during events. Learn your contrada (neighborhood) if staying overnight—locals take these medieval districts seriously and with great pride.

Food Safety: Seek restaurants where locals dine, especially near universities. Try pici pasta (hand-rolled local specialty) and panforte dessert. Avoid tourist menus near major sights. Tap water is safe and restaurants provide it free upon request.

When to Visit

Spring (April-May) offers ideal weather with temperatures of 15-22°C and minimal rainfall (50mm monthly), though accommodation prices increase 20-30% above winter rates. The famous Palio horse race occurs July 2nd and August 16th, creating electric atmosphere but driving prices up 60-80% with mandatory minimum stays. Summer (June-August) brings crowds and heat reaching 30°C, with July being particularly busy and expensive. September-October provides exceptional value with warm days (18-25°C), harvest season charm, and 25% lower prices than peak summer. Winter (November-March) sees temperatures of 5-12°C with higher rainfall (70-80mm monthly), but has authentic local life and bargain accommodation rates 40-50% below peak season. Culture ensoiasts should visit during shoulder seasons when museums are less crowded and restaurants offer seasonal specialties. Photography lovers will find golden hour magic year-round, though spring and fall provide the most dramatic skies. Budget travelers benefit most from January-March visits, while luxury seekers should consider May or September for perfect weather without summer's intensity.