Siena holidays

How to reach Siena

Flight time: Flights to Siena involve landing at either Florence or Pisa, which are the closest airports. Flights from London to Florence take about 2 hours 15 minutes, while it’s roughly 10 minutes less from London to Pisa.

Transfer time:

• Siena is situated around 80km from Florence, a journey which takes between 1 hour and 1.5 hours by car or bus.

• Frequent bus services run from central Florence to Siena, or you can also catch the train, which takes roughly the same amount of time.

• The journey from Pisa to Siena is a little longer – typically 2 hours on the road, or 1.5 hours by train with a change at Empoli.

Price:

• A bus ticket from Florence to Siena costs around €10 and a train ticket is approximately €10–€15.

• A taxi or private transfer is likely to set you back around €150.

• If you’re travelling from Pisa Airport, expect to pay around €10 for the bus, €15–€20 for the train or as much as €250 for a taxi.

Best time to visit Siena

Siena’s position nestled in the heart of Tuscany means the city experiences hot summers and mild winters, which make it a great year-round holiday spot. However, when planning holidays to Siena, it’s also worth noting how tourist levels and local events may impact your stay.

April to June is a great time to visit. The weather is mild, with temperatures gradually increasing from around 15°C to 25°C by late June. Rainfall is moderate, and you can expect 6–8 hours of daily sunshine.

July to August is Siena’s high season. Daily temperatures soar to 30°C or higher, so it’s a good idea to do your sightseeing during the cooler mornings and late afternoons. If you want to see the thrilling Palio di Siena horse race, it takes place in July and again in August – although expect very large crowds. Rainfall is rare, and you’ll enjoy 10–11 hours of uninterrupted sunshine per day.

September to November brings cooler, more comfortable weather, and lighter crowds. Temperatures range between 26°C and 14°C, and rainfall becomes more frequent. However, the autumn colours of the Tuscan countryside are a stunning visual treat.

December to March offers a much quieter experience. Siena’s winter temperatures tend to be around 5°C to 12°C, with 4–6 hours of sunshine per day. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax in cosy cafés – or visit in December and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Italian is the official language, and while English is widely spoken, a friendly “buongiorno” or “grazie” is much appreciated by the locals.

• Local habits and customs: Italians value politeness, so it’s customary to greet restaurant staff and shopkeepers when you enter. The more leisurely pace of life also means that many businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon – usually between 1 pm and 4 pm.

• Currency: Italy uses the Euro. While most shops, restaurants and tourist sights accept cards, it’s useful to carry some cash for small purchases.

• Getting around: Siena is full of narrow, pedestrianised streets that are best explored on foot. Local buses are also available if needed, with a single ticket costing about €1.50.

• Electricity and plug types: Italy uses the standard European 220V two-pin plugs, so UK devices will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Siena operates on Central European Time, which is one hour ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in Siena

Siena is a medieval masterpiece that showcases incredible architecture, art and history at every turn. From wandering its vibrant piazzas to taking in the beautiful Tuscan views, Siena holidays promise a wealth of experiences that are both pleasing on the eye and good for the soul.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Facciatone: Part of the cathedral’s unfinished extension, Facciatone offers one of the best viewpoints in Siena. Climb up to enjoy a remarkable bird’s-eye view of the city below.

• San Francesco’s rooftop terrace: Head to the church of San Francesco, where you’ll find a peaceful rooftop terrace with sweeping views of Siena’s medieval skyline.

Historical monuments

• Piazza del Campo: The medieval Piazza del Campo is the beating heart of Siena. It’s not only famous for its unique shape and towering Palazzo Pubblico, but is also where the Palio horse race takes place. Grab a coffee while you sit and soak up this magical setting.

• Torre del Mangia (Mangia Tower): Standing tall over Piazza del Campo, this impressive tower offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding countryside. Ascending this 87m structure is an effort, but the panoramic vista that greets you at the top is definitely worth it.

• Duomo di Siena (Siena Cathedral): Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy, Siena’s Duomo is a gothic masterpiece with a distinctive striped façade. Don’t miss the intricate Renaissance frescoes of its Piccolomini Library too.

• Palazzo Pubblico: This historic town hall offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Siena’s artistic and political history. The museum also houses famous frescoes like Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s “Allegory of Good and Bad Government”.

The best districts

• Il Campo: The area surrounding the Piazza del Campo is where you’ll find some of Siena’s best-known landmarks. It’s the perfect place to begin exploring the city, with plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants to break up your route.

• Contrada districts: Siena’s unique neighbourhoods, or contrade, each have their own identity, and exploring them provides a deeper understanding of Siena’s culture. Head to their dedicated museums to learn more about their history and unique traditions.

Day trips in the area

• San Gimignano: So-called “Medieval Manhattan” due to its towers, San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage site situated about 45 minutes from Siena. Its stunning skyline and well-preserved architecture make it a must-see.

• Chianti region: Chianti is the perfect place to escape for a day of wine tasting and picturesque landscapes.

Activities for families in Siena

Siena’s warm climate, rich history and welcoming atmosphere make it a great destination for families. You should have no trouble finding ways to keep all ages entertained.

• Climbing Mangia Tower: Older kids will enjoy the challenge of climbing the Torre del Mangia’s 400 steps, and the view from the top makes it well worth the effort.

• Interactive museums: Curious youngsters can see Siena’s history come alive thanks to the Museo Civico’s brilliant hands-on exhibits.

• Parks and gardens: Take a break from all the hustle and bustle by visiting Siena’s beautiful botanical gardens. Here kids can explore nature trails and spot different plants and wildlife.

• Storytelling tours: Various companies offer family-friendly walking tours that weave Siena’s history into fun and engaging tales that will spark children’s imaginations.

Free things to do in Siena

If you’re travelling on a budget, Siena holidays offer plenty of fantastic free and low-cost activities that let you make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.

• Free guided walking tours: Siena’s free walking tours are a great way to discover the city’s history and culture. They operate on a tips-only basis and cover both the key sights and some hidden gems.

• Basilica di San Domenico: This impressive church is free to enter. Inside you can see the relics of Saint Catherine of Siena, making it a must for those interested in religious history.

• Wander the medieval streets: Simply walking around the city’s cobbled streets is a delight. Siena’s medieval layout hasn’t changed in centuries, and every corner reveals another great photo opportunity – from peaceful squares to picturesque alleys.

• Palio di Siena rehearsals: If you’re visiting in the run-up to the Palio, you can watch the jockeys and horses rehearse in Piazza del Campo for free. It’s a great way to experience the excitement of the event without the crowds.

Wellness in Siena

• Spas and thermal baths: Siena is close to some of Tuscany’s famous thermal spa towns, such as Rapolano Terme. Here you can relax in natural thermal baths, renowned for their healing properties.

• Traditional body care: Many wellness centres in and around Siena offer traditional Tuscan body treatments. Treat yourself to a massage using locally-produced olive oil, which is known for nourishing and rejuvenating the body.

• Yoga and meditation: Balance out the buzz of the city by joining a yoga class in one of Siena’s peaceful studio settings. Or head out into the Tuscan countryside for a yoga retreat that also helps you reconnect with nature. Some even combine yoga with wine tasting, offering a unique way to experience the best of Tuscan culture and wellness.

Food and drink in Siena

Discover all the delights of Tuscan dining in Siena. This food-lover’s paradise offers everything from rich, hearty dishes to traditional plates of pasta – plus delicious sweet treats. Don’t forget to sample the locally-made wines too.

Some typical dishes

• Pici: A thick, hand-rolled pasta typical of Siena. It can either be served with a rich tomato sauce or a heartier wild boar ragu.

• Ribollita: A classic Tuscan soup made with bread, beans and vegetables. This rustic dish is perfect for warming you up during the cooler months.

• Panforte: Siena’s famous Christmas cake, made with honey, nuts and spices. It’s dense and flavourful – and best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or a glass of vin santo.

Meat dishes

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina: While this dish originates from nearby Florence, you’ll also find it on many menus in Siena. This huge, T-bone steak is grilled over an open flame and usually served rare.

• Cinghiale: Wild boar is a staple in Tuscan cuisine, most often slow-cooked in stews or served as a ragu over pasta.

Sweets and desserts

• Ricciarelli: These soft almond biscuits are a Sienese speciality and best enjoyed as a sweet treat with coffee.

Local drinks

• Chianti wine: No trip to Siena is complete without sampling some world-renowned Chianti wine. Rich in flavour and history, let a glass prove the perfect accompaniment to a hearty Tuscan meal.

• Vin santo: A sweet, dessert wine typically served with biscotti or panforte.