How to spend one day in Siena, Italy

I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Siena numerous times during family holidays in Tuscany. Along with spending 3 days in Rome or one day in Florence or even a day in Pisa, we’d often head down to spend one day in Siena.

Siena is a beautiful city that’s sometimes overlooked in favour of some of the other hilltop towns in Tuscany. However, it’s well worth being on your Italy bucket list!

It’s just 75km south of Florence and is well known for the Palio, a horse race that takes place twice every summer in the centre of the city, Siena also has a beautiful Duomo, piazza and plenty of shops to explore.

If you’re planning to spend 1 day in Siena, this itinerary has everything you need to know to put together your own Siena one day itinerary.

When is the best time to visit Siena?

Siena and Tuscany as a whole are best from April – September. This is when the weather is warmer and drier. However, this does mean Siena is more crowded and prices are typically higher too.

I’ve visited Siena mostly during the summer months, with one visit at the end of October. You can still get nice days in October and you’ll also find fewer people and cheaper prices for accommodation in Siena.

How to get to Siena

Siena is one of the smaller cities in Tuscany but is well connected to larger cities and Italy’s capital, Rome, by bus and train.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

Trains to Siena, Tuscany

We caught the train from Rome to Siena which took around 3.5 hours and cost about £18. There is one change around halfway through.

You can also get a train from other major cities around Italy including Florence.

You can book trains online in advance by using TheTrainline.com which makes it super easy to plan your journey ahead of time!

Bus to Siena

You can also get the bus to Siena from Rome or Florence as well as other neighbouring cities. The bus is supposed to take around 3 hours and is slightly cheaper than getting the train.

However, once you’ve factored in the inevitable traffic leaving Rome or Florence, there’s probably not too much difference when it comes to the journey time.

Personally, I prefer trains to buses so would opt for the train in this case.

Omio is a great platform for booking European and UK travel on. You can check train and bus prices and schedules and book super easily!

Flights to Siena

There are a few airports near Siena with the closest being Florence airport.

However, flights are typically more expensive to Florence than to cities such as Rome. It may work out cheaper to fly to Rome and then get the train or bus from there.

Skyscanner is what I use to find cheap flights.

Best things to do in Siena in one day

Below is a list of some of the best things to do in Siena Italy in one day. From exploring Siena’s beautiful historical buildings to getting a great view of the city from up high.

This list of Siena’s top attractions and sights has you covered for how to visit Siena in a day!

1. Piazza del Campo

The Piazza del Campo is right in the middle of Siena and is the city’s most important square. It’s the location of Il Palio, the famous horse race and horses and their jockeys run laps around the outside of the square.

This area is a must on any Siena itinerary when it comes to what to do in Siena for a day.

Whether you’re visiting Siena Italy during the race or not, the Piazza del Campo is definitely worth a visit. Not only will you find two of the top attractions in Siena, the Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia, but there’s also a beautiful fountain, the Fountain of Gaia.

There are also plenty of cafes where you can soak up the atmosphere, and streets lined with shops selling leather goods, cheese, oils and more branching off at various points around the piazza.

2. Palazzo Pubblico

You can’t miss Palazzo Pubblico once you enter the piazza. The Italian Gothic architecture makes sure it stands out!

The building dates back to the 13th Century and was constructed to house the council of merchants and bankers who governed the city at the time.

These days Palazzo Pubblico is home to the Siena Civic museum. The museum houses historical artefacts and is itself architecturally beautiful.

There’s also the tower (see below) which is worth checking out, especially if this is your first visit to Siena.

• Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily
• Entrance fees: €9, book ticket online in advance here

3. Torre del Mangia

Part of Palazzo Pubblico is the Torre del Mangia, a huge tower looking over the piazza.

Torre del Mangia is 88 metres high and can be climbed to get fantastic views of the city. It took a whole decade to build the tower and it was built to rival the tallest tower in Florence. It’s a sight that you can see from wherever you are in the city.

If you wish to climb to the top of the tower (and I highly recommend it), note that there’s no elevator, just 400 narrow and dimly lit steps but it’s well worth it and should be on your list of what to do in Siena for one day.

• Opening hours: 10 am – 7 pm daily, ticket office closes 6.15 pm (October-Feb, 10 am – 4 pm)
• Entrance fees: €10

4. Visit the Siena Duomo

The Siena Duomo is one of my favourites in all of Tuscany and is up there with the duomo in Florence as far as I’m concerned.

It’s one Siena attraction not to be missed and should be high on your list of things to do in one day in Siena.

The Siena Duomo is at one of the highest points in the city and is built in a Gothic style. The interior and exterior of the cathedral are in a striped white design with black lines which makes it impossible to miss.

Constructed in the 13th Century, the Siena Duomo is also home to the Piccolomini Library which is where various church manuscripts are housed. In addition, there’s the Baptistry, the Facciatone viewing terrace, Museo dell’Opera del Duomo and the Crypt which together make up the Duomo complex.

Some of the greatest artists of the time played a part in bringing the cathedral together such as Michelango, Bernini and Donatello.

To see all of these buildings you’ll need the Opa Si Pas. However, if it’s just the cathedral you want to view you can just get an entrance ticket for that.

Going inside the cathedral is a must but there can be long lines. You can skip the line by getting your fast-pass ticket in advance. Alternatively, you can book a private tour where you’ll not only get to skip the line but learn about the history of the building too.

• Opening hours: 10.30 am – 5 pm daily, except Sunday 1.30 pm-5 pm
• Entrance fees: €18 for the Opa Si Pass | €9 for fast-track cathedral + library ticket only

5. Old Town Streets

Siena’s old town streets branch off from the piazza as you wander around and one of my favourite things to do in Siena is just wander down them and explore.

Every street is full of character and you’ll find more streets branching off them as you walk down. Plus, there are plenty of great stores to browse for some Italy souvenirs or ingredients for your dinner!

Some of the top things to find in Siena’s old town are Fontebranda, a medieval fountain and Piazza Salimbeni, a small square with 3 palaces.

Some of the best restaurants in Siena are found in the old streets of the city. These include Osteria degli Svitati and Osteria Il Carroccio.

6. Basilica of San Domenico

Another of the top religious and historical sights in Siena is the Basilica of San Domenico.

The Basilica is a huge church again from the 13th Century and inside you can find a mummified head of St. Catherine! The walls of the entire building are covered in artwork and beautiful frescoes.

While this building isn’t quite as beautiful as some of the others in Siena, it’s still worth exploring during your day in Siena.

• Opening hours: 7.30 am – 6.30 pm daily
• Entrance fees: Free

7. Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena

One of the best museums in Siena, Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena is the place to go to get your art fix in Siena.

The museum has works from both Renaissance and medieval artists and you can easily spend several hours taking it all in.

• Opening hours: 9 am – 7 pm, Tuesday-Saturday | 9 am – 1.30 pm Monday and Sunday
• Entrance fees: €8

Have more than one day in Siena?

If you’re staying in Siena, or nearby for more than one day there are plenty of other things to do near Siena.

You could take a tour out to Montalcino, Montepulciano and Pienza to sample wines and food and see more beautiful Tuscan hilltop towns.

Other great places to visit nearby if you’re doing more than a day trip to Siena are detailed below.

City of Florence

Florence is one of the more popular cities in Tuscany to visit.

It’s absolutely beautiful and while you can easily spend 3+ days exploring the city, you can see the main sights in one day.

There’s the famous Ponte Vecchio, the Florence Duomo and so many incredible galleries and museums.

Take a look at my 1 day in Florence itinerary to see more of the best things to do in Florence for your day trip to Florence from Siena.

Pisa

Famous for the Leaning Tower of Pisa (a must see in Italy), there’s actually more to explore, and plenty of delicious food to taste too!

A walk along the beautiful River Arno is perfect with an ice cream in hand, and you can explore the other buildings next to the Leaning Tower too.

Check out my itinerary for one day in Pisa here.

San Gimignano

San Gimignano was one of the hilltop towns we used to visit on our family holidays about 20 years ago. It’s a beautiful walled city with cobbled streets and magnificent towers. It’s actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site too!

At the heart of San Gimignano is the Piazza del Duomo, where you’ll find the town’s Duomo and Town Hall. Going inside them is worth it as they’re only more impressive from the inside.

Climbing Torre Grosso is also worthwhile for the views of the Tuscan hills and vineyards around you.

Book a guided tour to San Gimignano from Siena here!

The Palio

The Palio is the famous horse race held every year on July 2 and August 16.

It sees 10 horses and jockeys compete each one racing for their contrada, or neighbourhood. Each wears its unique neighbourhood colours and has its own mascots which are depicted on the flags hanging from the walls in the city during the event.

The race around Il Campo takes just 90 seconds with the horses taking 3 laps around the piazza. Grandstands are set up in the middle of the piazza.

If your stay coincides with these dates you have to watch it!

Best hotels in Siena

Despite being a relatively small city, there’s no shortage of great Siena hotels and accommodations in Siena. These are all fairly central so that’ you’re not far from the best places on what to do in Siena Italy for a day.

$ – B&B San Francesco: In a 15th Century building, this B&B in Siena is just a short walk from Piazza del Campo. The rooms have city views, free wifi and include breakfast.

$$ – Il Vezzosino: Have your own apartment while staying in Siena. This 1-bed apartment has a terrace and garden view

$$$ – Residenza d’Epoca Campo Regio Relais: This beautiful building has incredible views of Torre del Mangia and the Siena Duomo. Rooms include breakfast and you’re just steps away from the best things to do in Siena Italy.

Final thoughts about a Siena day trip itinerary

If you only have a day in Siena Italy then the guide above has plenty of ideas of what to see in Siena.

From the beautiful old town streets to the churches and towers, this city is beautiful and well worth visiting.

For what to see in Siena in one day, head straight to the city centre and check out the Siena Duomo; one of the most beautiful places in Siena. After that, let your feet take you wherever you feel, you’re sure to find something worth seeing!

If you have more time in Italy, be sure to check out this Tuscany itinerary!

Last Updated on June 9, 2023 by Hannah