Things to do in  Siena

Yes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to an intact medieval old town that seems frozen in time, Siena is among Tuscany’s top sights. Its magnificent cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece, and the main Piazza del Campo is one of the most distinctive squares in Italy.

This handsome medieval hill town has a number of claims to fame, including its religious art and Gothic architecture. Siena is perhaps most known for the raucous Palio horse race held in Piazza del Campo each summer, during which horses from the 17 local contrade, or districts, compete for glory.

Yes, Siena is an ideal day trip, with a small old town that is easy to cover on foot in a few hours plus a spectacular cathedral complex, excellent local shopping, and authentic restaurants serving Tuscan fare. You can cover all the town’s highlights in a single day.

Located about an hour’s drive from Florence, Siena is a popular day-trip destination for its blockbuster art and architecture, charming medieval old town, and relaxed small-town pace. Most visitors make a beeline for the cathedral complex, Piazza del Campo, and picturesque warren of lanes in the old town.

Yes, Siena is stuffed with important works of art and architecture to see, boutiques and artisan workshops to browse, eateries from historic cafés to authentic Tuscan trattorias to try, and delightful winding lanes to explore on foot. The surrounding countryside is home to top-tier wineries for tours and tastings.

You will need at least three hours to see the major sights in Siena, including the cathedral, Piazza del Campo, and historic center. Plan to spend a full day for a more in-depth visit, including attractions like the Gate of Heaven cathedral rooftop, town hall, and Mangia Tower.