ITALY
SIENA
What to Do in Siena: tHE ULTIMATE GUIDE
What to Do in Siena
Siena is one of Tuscany’s most beautiful medieval cities — a UNESCO World Heritage gem famous for its stunning Gothic architecture, the dramatic Piazza del Campo, the thrilling Palio horse race, and a rich food and wine culture. Unlike crowded Florence, Siena feels more authentic and relaxed, with narrow cobblestone streets, historic contrade (neighborhoods), and a slower pace that lets you truly experience Tuscan life. This guide covers the very best things to do in Siena — from climbing Torre del Mangia to tasting ribollita and Chianti Classico, wandering the contrade, and soaking in the city’s timeless beauty.
Best Things to Do in Siena
1. Piazza del Campo & Torre del Mangia
The beating heart of Siena — one of the most beautiful medieval squares in the world, shaped like a shell and the setting for the famous Palio horse race.
Highlights:
- Climb Torre del Mangia – 400+ steps for panoramic views (€10–15)
- Palazzo Pubblico – Gothic town hall with frescoes by Ambrogio Lorenzetti
- Shell-shaped piazza – perfect for people-watching and photos
- Twice-yearly Palio (July 2 & August 16) – thrilling bareback horse race
- Sunset views – magical golden light over the red-brick buildings
2. Siena Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta)
Siena’s masterpiece — one of Italy’s most spectacular Gothic cathedrals with intricate marble floors, stunning façade, and rich interior.
Highlights:
- Façade – detailed marble sculptures and rose window
- Piccolomini Library – breathtaking frescoes by Pinturicchio
- Marble floors – 56 inlaid panels (some covered except summer)
- Baptistery of San Giovanni – ornate font by Donatello and Ghiberti
- Duomo Nuovo (unfinished nave) – massive walls show original grand plans
3. Explore Siena’s Contrade & Streets
Siena is divided into 17 historic contrade (neighborhoods) — each with its own symbol, colors, church, museum, and fierce pride (especially during Palio).
Highlights:
- Wander narrow medieval streets – Via di Città, Banchi di Sopra
- Contrada museums – small, free or low-cost, show costumes and Palio memorabilia
- Font Gaia – beautiful 15th-century fountain in Piazza del Campo
- Hidden courtyards – look for open gates to peaceful gardens
- Sunset walks – golden light on red-brick buildings
4. Taste Authentic Sienese Food
Siena’s cuisine is hearty, rustic, and tied to the land — game meats, beans, olive oil, and pecorino cheese dominate.
Must-try Sienese dishes:
- Pici al ragù – thick handmade pasta with wild boar or meat sauce
- Ribollita – hearty vegetable and bread soup (best in winter)
- Panzanella – Tuscan bread salad with tomatoes, cucumber, onion
- Cinghiale in umido – wild boar stew with red wine and herbs
- Panforte – dense, spiced fruit and nut cake (a Sienese classic)
- Ricciarelli – soft almond cookies dusted with powdered sugar
Best spots: Osteria Le Logge, Antica Trattoria Papei, La Taverna di San Giuseppe.
5. Wine Tasting & Chianti Day Trip
Siena is surrounded by some of Tuscany’s best wine regions — perfect for day trips or tastings in town.
Top experiences:
- Chianti Classico – classic red wines from nearby villages (Greve, Radda)
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – elegant reds, 1-hour drive
- Brunello di Montalcino – world-famous, 1-hour drive south
- Enotecas in Siena – taste local wines by the glass (Enoteca Italiana, La Vineria)
- Guided wine tours – full-day trips to Chianti or Montalcino
6. Palazzo Pubblico & Museo Civico
Siena’s Gothic town hall on Piazza del Campo — one of Italy’s most beautiful civic buildings with incredible frescoes.
Highlights:
- Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s “Allegory of Good and Bad Government” – famous fresco cycle
- Simone Martini’s Maestà – stunning Gothic altarpiece
- Torre del Mangia climb – panoramic views from the tower
- Beautiful courtyard and loggia
- Entry ~€10–12 (combo with tower)
7. Attend the Palio or Contrada Events
The Palio di Siena — twice-yearly bareback horse race in Piazza del Campo — is one of Italy’s most famous traditions (July 2 & August 16).
Highlights:
- Palio race – 90 seconds of pure adrenaline
- Contrada parades – colorful costumes and flags
- Contrada dinners – join if invited (very exclusive)
- Year-round contrada pride – flags, fountains, symbols everywhere
8. Shop & Taste Local Products
Siena is perfect for authentic Tuscan shopping — olive oil, wine, ceramics, and sweets.
Best finds:
- Extra-virgin olive oil – Siena DOP, buy from frantoio shops
- Chianti Classico & Vino Nobile – taste and buy bottles
- Panforte & ricciarelli – Sienese sweets from historic bakeries
- Ceramics & pottery – hand-painted plates and tiles
- Leather goods & jewelry – Via di Città and side streets
9. Visit Nearby Villages & Abbeys
Siena is a perfect base for short day trips to charming Tuscan villages and monasteries.
Top nearby spots:
- San Gimignano – famous medieval towers (30 min drive)
- Monteriggioni – perfectly preserved walled village
- Abbazia di San Galgano – ruined Gothic abbey with sword in stone
- Chianti villages – Greve, Radda, Castellina
- Bagno Vignoni – thermal spa village with hot spring piazza
10. Enjoy Siena’s Cafés & Aperitivo
Siena’s cafés and bars are perfect for relaxing, people-watching, and enjoying Tuscan wines.
Best spots:
- Piazza del Campo cafés – sunset aperitivo with views
- Nannini – historic pasticceria for ricciarelli and coffee
- Enoteca Vanni – wine bar with local bottles and snacks
- Bar Il Palio – lively spot near the Campo
- Contrada bars – join locals for drinks (if invited)
Disclaimer: Prices, opening hours, transport schedules, and availability can change. Always check official websites, local tourism offices, and current conditions before your trip to Siena. Enjoy this beautiful Tuscan gem!