Siena in 7 days

A perfectly preserved Gothic hill town at the heart of Tuscany's wine country. Best time to visit: April-June and September-October for mild weather and harvest. Average daily budget: $110 to $190 USD.

Day 1, Land & wander

Base: Piazza del Campo, The sloping, shell-shaped main square - the social and historic heart of the city.

Morning: Piazza del Campo. Sit on the famous fan-shaped square and soak up the medieval atmosphere.

Afternoon: Explore Piazza del Campo, The sloping, shell-shaped main square - the social and historic heart of the city.

Evening: Climb the Torre del Mangia. Ascend the slender tower for sweeping views over rooftops and countryside.

Eat: Pici, the thick hand-rolled Tuscan pasta

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Terzo di Citta, The district around the Duomo, with the cathedral, museums and grand palaces.

Morning: Siena Cathedral. Marvel at the striped marble Duomo, its inlaid floors and Piccolomini Library.

Afternoon: Explore Terzo di Citta, The district around the Duomo, with the cathedral, museums and grand palaces.

Evening: Palazzo Pubblico. See the Civic Museum's frescoes, including the Allegory of Good Government.

Eat: Ribollita, a hearty bread and vegetable soup

Day 3, Food & markets

Base: Terzo di San Martino, Quieter southeastern lanes with churches, artisan shops and local trattorias.

Morning: Chianti wine country. Tour nearby vineyards and hill towns on a day trip into the Tuscan hills.

Afternoon: Explore Terzo di San Martino, Quieter southeastern lanes with churches, artisan shops and local trattorias.

Evening: Sunset from the Fortezza Medicea ramparts with a glass of local wine.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Panforte and ricciarelli, Siena's classic sweets

Day 4, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Terzo di Camollia, The northern quarter leading to the old gates and everyday Sienese life.

Morning: The view of the Duomo from the unfinished Facciatone walkway.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Terzo di Camollia, The northern quarter leading to the old gates and everyday Sienese life.

Evening: Quiet contrada streets adorned with district flags and fountains.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino wines

Day 5, Day trip

Base: Fortezza Medicea, The Medici fortress with ramparts, an enoteca and sunset views over the hills.

Morning: Panforte and ricciarelli from a centuries-old Sienese bakery.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Fortezza Medicea, The Medici fortress with ramparts, an enoteca and sunset views over the hills.

Evening: Dinner at Pici, the thick hand-rolled Tuscan pasta, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Fortezza Medicea.

Eat: Pici, the thick hand-rolled Tuscan pasta

Day 6, Hidden gems

Base: Piazza del Campo, The sloping, shell-shaped main square - the social and historic heart of the city.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Piazza del Campo, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Piazza del Campo, The sloping, shell-shaped main square - the social and historic heart of the city.

Evening: Dinner at Ribollita, a hearty bread and vegetable soup, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Piazza del Campo.

Eat: Ribollita, a hearty bread and vegetable soup

Day 7, Slow finish

Base: Terzo di Citta, The district around the Duomo, with the cathedral, museums and grand palaces.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Terzo di Citta, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Terzo di Citta, The district around the Duomo, with the cathedral, museums and grand palaces.

Evening: Dinner at Panforte and ricciarelli, Siena's classic sweets, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Terzo di Citta.

Eat: Panforte and ricciarelli, Siena's classic sweets

Hidden gems

Sunset from the Fortezza Medicea ramparts with a glass of local wine.
The view of the Duomo from the unfinished Facciatone walkway.
Quiet contrada streets adorned with district flags and fountains.
Panforte and ricciarelli from a centuries-old Sienese bakery.

Getting around

Siena's walled centre is compact and entirely walkable, though steep and stepped in places, so wear sturdy shoes. Cars are banned from the historic core under strict ZTL rules, so park in the lots outside the walls and walk or take the escalators up into town. Frequent buses link Siena to Florence in about 75 minutes, while a hire car is best for exploring Chianti and the Val d'Orcia hill towns.

Safety

Siena is very safe, with low crime and an easygoing, small-town feel even in peak season. The main hazards are practical - steep, slippery cobbles, summer heat, and pickpockets in the busiest tourist crush around the Campo and Duomo. During the Palio in July and August the city is packed and chaotic, so keep belongings close and book everything well ahead. Otherwise, normal precautions are plenty.

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