Siena Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Siena.
Healthcare System
Siena has an excellent public healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale - SSN) that provides high-quality medical care. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) receive free or reduced-cost emergency care. Non-EU citizens must pay for services but costs are generally reasonable by international standards.
Hospitals
The main hospital is Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte (Viale Bracci, 16), located about 2km from the historic center. It has a 24-hour emergency department (Pronto Soccorso). For minor issues, there are several private clinics and medical centers in the historic center that cater to tourists. The Misericordia di Siena (Piazza del Duomo) also provides first aid services.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacie) are marked by green crosses and are widely available throughout Siena. At least one pharmacy maintains extended hours or operates on a rotation system (servizio notturno) for nights and holidays. Pharmacists are highly trained and can provide advice and over-the-counter medications for minor ailments. Many common medications available without prescription elsewhere require prescriptions in Italy. Pharmacies post rotation schedules showing which locations are open after hours.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all non-EU visitors and advisable even for EU citizens to cover repatriation and services not included under EHIC. While emergency care is available to everyone, comprehensive insurance prevents unexpected costs and ensures access to preferred facilities.
Healthcare Tips
- EU citizens should carry their EHIC card at all times alongside regular ID
- Keep copies of prescriptions for any medications you bring, preferably with generic names as brand names differ
- The pharmacy in Piazza del Campo (Farmacia Quattro Cantoni) is centrally located and accustomed to serving tourists
- For non-emergency medical issues, visit a pharmacy first - pharmacists can often help without needing a doctor
- The Guardia Medica (medical guard) provides after-hours non-emergency care when regular doctors are unavailable
- Dental care is not covered under EHIC and can be expensive - ensure your travel insurance includes dental coverage
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur primarily during high tourist season and during the Palio. Thieves target distracted tourists in crowded areas, particularly those with visible valuables or bags left unattended at outdoor cafes.
Siena's historic center features steep, uneven cobblestone streets (sampietrini) that become slippery when wet. Many streets have significant inclines, and the medieval pavement is worn smooth in places. This is one of the most common causes of tourist injuries.
Summer temperatures in Siena regularly exceed 35°C (95°F), and the medieval stone streets retain and radiate heat. The hilly terrain and lack of shade in some areas increase risk of heat-related illness, especially for those unaccustomed to the climate.
While the historic center is largely pedestrianized, some vehicles (residents, deliveries, taxis) are permitted. The narrow streets offer little separation between vehicles and pedestrians. Scooters and motorcycles can appear suddenly around blind corners.
Some establishments, particularly around major tourist sites, may charge inflated prices or add unexpected service charges. This isn't dangerous but can be frustrating and expensive.
Rental cars, especially those with foreign plates or visible luggage, are targets for break-ins at parking areas. Thieves work quickly and target vehicles that obviously belong to tourists.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Someone approaches with a clipboard asking you to sign a petition for a charity or cause. While you're distracted signing, an accomplice pickpockets you, or they demand a donation after you've signed.
A friendly person approaches and ties a bracelet or gives you a small gift (rose, trinket), then aggressively demands payment. They may become confrontational if you refuse to pay.
Take a photo of the menu or keep it at your table while dining. Verify prices when ordering. Check the bill carefully against what you ordered. Question discrepancies immediately. Eat at restaurants with prices clearly posted outside.
Someone near a museum or attraction tells you it's closed and offers to take you to an alternative (where they receive commission) or sell you tickets at inflated prices.
During Palio season, scammers sell fake tickets to balcony viewing areas or grandstand seats. Some tickets are legitimate but drastically overpriced. Others don't exist at all.
One person creates a distraction (spills something on you, asks for directions with a map, drops coins) while an accomplice steals your belongings.
Unlicensed taxis or drivers taking longer routes, claiming the meter is broken, or adding fake surcharges. Less common in Siena than larger cities but still occurs.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Navigating the Historic Center
- Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes with good grip - the cobblestones and hills make this essential
- Download offline maps before arriving as GPS can be unreliable in narrow medieval streets
- The historic center is compact and walkable, but streets can be confusing - allow extra time to reach destinations
- Many streets are steep; those with mobility issues should plan routes carefully and consider taxi services for longer distances
- Street names are posted on buildings at corners but can be hard to spot - look up at building walls
- The main piazza (Piazza del Campo) is the central reference point - most locals can direct you there
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours rather than standalone machines on streets
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extra cash, cards, and passport in hotel safe
- Split money and cards between different pockets/bags in case of theft
- Credit cards are widely accepted but small shops and cafes may prefer cash
- Always shield your PIN when using ATMs or paying with cards
- Keep emergency cash separate from your wallet
- Be aware that sitting at cafe tables costs more than standing at the bar - check prices first
During the Palio
- The Palio (July 2 and August 16) brings massive crowds - expect pickpocketing risk to increase significantly
- Arrive very early (morning) to secure a good viewing spot in the Campo if watching from the center
- Bring water and snacks as you won't be able to leave your spot once crowds form
- Use bathroom before going to the Campo - facilities are limited and lines are long
- Keep all valuables secured and bags in front of you in the dense crowds
- Have a meeting point planned if separated from your group as cell service may be unreliable
- Consider watching from a hotel balcony or restaurant if you're uncomfortable in large crowds
- Book accommodations well in advance as the city fills completely during Palio dates
Food and Water Safety
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Siena - refill bottles at public fountains (fonti)
- Look for restaurants where locals eat, typically a block or two away from main tourist areas
- Coperto (cover charge) of €1-3 per person is standard and legal - it should be listed on the menu
- Understand that service is slower and more relaxed than in many countries - this is normal, not poor service
- If you have food allergies, learn key Italian phrases or carry a translation card
- Italians eat late - lunch is 12:30-2:30 PM, dinner from 7:30 PM onward
- Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service (roughly 3-7 PM)
Transportation Safety
- The historic center is closed to most vehicles - park outside the walls and walk or take a bus
- Official taxis are white with taxi signs and meters - agree on price beforehand if meter isn't used
- Local buses (Tiemme/Siena Mobilità) connect parking areas to the center - validate tickets in machines onboard
- If renting a car, get comprehensive insurance and never leave valuables visible inside
- Train station is about 2km from historic center - take bus or taxi rather than walking with luggage
- Driving in the historic center requires a permit (ZTL - Zona Traffico Limitato); violations result in hefty fines
- If your hotel is in the ZTL, ensure they register your vehicle to avoid fines
Accommodation Safety
- Book accommodations through reputable platforms or directly with established hotels
- Verify the exact location - 'near Siena' may mean outside the historic center requiring transportation
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra money, and valuables when exploring
- Keep your room locked even when inside and use additional locks if available
- Note emergency exits when you check in
- Many buildings in the historic center are centuries old without elevators - confirm if this is a concern
- Ask reception for a business card with address in Italian to show taxi drivers
Cultural Awareness and Etiquette
- Dress modestly when visiting churches - shoulders and knees should be covered
- Churches may refuse entry to those in shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops
- Maintain quiet voices inside churches and religious sites
- Photography may be restricted in museums and churches - look for signs or ask
- Greet shopkeepers with 'Buongiorno' (morning/afternoon) or 'Buonasera' (evening) when entering
- Tipping is not obligatory but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated for good service
- Italians value politeness - use 'per favore' (please) and 'grazie' (thank you) liberally
- Avoid loud conversations in public spaces - Italians generally speak more quietly than some tourists expect
Communication
- Learn basic Italian phrases - locals appreciate the effort even if they speak English
- Many younger people and those in tourism speak English, but don't assume everyone does
- Download Google Translate with Italian offline before arrival
- Have your hotel address written in Italian to show taxi drivers or ask for directions
- Emergency services (112) have English-speaking operators available
- Free WiFi is available in many cafes and public spaces, but not as ubiquitous as in some countries
- Consider getting an Italian SIM card or international plan if you need reliable mobile data
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Siena is very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The city has low crime rates, a strong community presence, and Italian culture generally respects women. Solo women travelers are common and unremarkable. While catcalling (complimenti) can occur, it's less common in Siena than in larger Italian cities and is rarely aggressive. The compact, pedestrianized historic center means you're rarely isolated, and locals are generally helpful if you need assistance. Standard precautions apply, but women should feel comfortable exploring Siena independently.
- Solo dining is completely normal and acceptable - don't hesitate to eat alone at restaurants
- If you receive unwanted attention, a firm 'No' or 'Lasciami in pace' (leave me alone) is usually effective
- The historic center remains relatively busy until late evening, making it comfortable for solo evening walks
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels uncomfortable, move to a busier area or enter a shop
- Italian men may be more forward with compliments than in some cultures, but this is rarely threatening
- Dress modestly when visiting churches (covered shoulders and knees required), but otherwise dress as you're comfortable
- Solo women travelers often find Italian hospitality particularly warm - locals frequently offer directions and assistance
- Consider staying in the historic center for easy access to restaurants and attractions without needing taxis late at night
- Women-only accommodations and female-friendly hostels are available if preferred
- Join group tours or cooking classes to meet other travelers if you'd like company
- The local police and tourism offices are helpful and accustomed to assisting solo travelers
- Carry a charged phone and have emergency numbers saved, though serious incidents are very rare
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Italy with an age of consent of 14 (same as heterosexual). Same-sex civil unions have been legal since 2016, providing many rights of marriage. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal. However, same-sex marriage is not currently recognized, and adoption rights are limited compared to heterosexual couples.
- Florence (45 minutes away) has a more visible LGBTQ+ community and nightlife if you're seeking that atmosphere
- Hotels and tourism businesses are professional and welcoming regardless of sexual orientation
- Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may attract stares but are not illegal or generally met with hostility
- Exercise the same judgment as heterosexual couples regarding public affection - Italians are generally reserved in public
- When booking accommodations, major hotels and international chains are reliably welcoming; read reviews for smaller, family-run establishments
- The university community and younger locals tend to be more open and accepting
- Italy's LGBTQ+ rights organization, Arcigay, has resources and information, though Siena doesn't have a local chapter due to its size
- LGBTQ+ travelers rarely report serious issues in Siena, but the atmosphere is more conservative than in larger cities
- Consider connecting with LGBTQ+ groups in nearby Florence for community and social opportunities
- As with anywhere, avoid confrontational situations and trust your instincts about when and where to be open about your identity
- Major Italian cities hold Pride events, with Florence's being closest to Siena, typically in June
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors to Siena. While the city is safe and has excellent healthcare, medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings can happen anywhere. EU citizens have access to public healthcare with an EHIC card, but this doesn't cover repatriation, private care, or non-medical issues. Non-EU citizens face potentially significant medical costs without insurance. The hilly, cobblestone terrain increases risk of falls and injuries. Additionally, if you're planning to rent a car and explore Tuscany, comprehensive coverage becomes even more important.
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