One Day in Siena, Italy: The Complete Travel Guide

Only have one day in Siena? This guide covers exactly how to spend it—what to see, where to eat, and smart tips to make the most of your time in one of Tuscany’s most captivating hill towns.

Siena is one of those rare cities that manages to feel both proudly preserved and intensely alive. With its striking Gothic architecture, steep medieval streets, and a fiercely local spirit rooted in centuries-old tradition, it’s a place that doesn’t just charm—it immerses.

I’ve spent two full days exploring every corner of Siena: climbing towers, touring crypts, tracing frescoes, and yes, eating extremely well in between. There’s more to do here than most people expect, which is exactly why a smart, well-paced itinerary matters.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to spend one day in Siena—what to prioritize, where to eat, what to book in advance, and how to avoid the usual missteps. This is the no-nonsense, expert version of Siena—edited and field-tested.

*This 1 day in Siena itinerary guide may contain affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.

One Day in Siena Itinerary: The Best Things to Do

Piazza del Campo

Begin your one day in Siena with Piazza del Campo—after an exquisite Italian breakfast of a cappuccino and cornetto, naturally (Torrefazione Fiorella is a great spot for this). This is where the city reveals itself: layered with medieval history, civic pride, and an unmistakable sense of drama.

The square’s unique shell shape isn’t just aesthetic—it was designed that way in the 14th century to direct rainwater into a central drain, a subtle reminder that even beauty here has function. Walk the perimeter slowly and take it all in: the Fonte Gaia, the sloping red brick pavement divided into nine sections (a nod to Siena’s historic governing body), and the palazzi that frame the space with quiet authority.

This is also where the Palio—the city’s fiercely competitive horse race—unfolds twice a year (more on that later), so if it feels like a stadium disguised as a piazza, that’s by design. Take a moment to sit at the edge, or even in the center, and observe the rhythm of daily life; this is Siena’s stage, and it never really empties.

Top Tip: Bar Gelateria La Costarella, located on the periphery of the piazza, has a beautiful balcony at the back where you can relax with a coffee and take it all in. As an option for breakfast, Torrefazione Fiorella is much better, but La Costarella does have the views.

Torre del Mangia

Standing tall at 88 meters, the Torre del Mangia is an unmissable feature of Siena’s skyline. Constructed between 1338 and 1348, this tower was intentionally built to match the height of the cathedral’s bell tower, symbolizing the equal importance of the church and the state in Siena’s society.

Its name, translating to “Tower of the Eater,” is a nod to its first bell-ringer, Giovanni di Balduccio, nicknamed “Mangiaguadagni” (profit eater) due to his reputed gluttony.

Climbing its 400 steps is well worth the effort with panoramic views of the city’s terracotta rooftops and the rolling Tuscan countryside.

Tickets

If you’re planning to ascend Torre del Mangia, which I highly recommend, be prepared: tickets cannot be purchased online or in advance.

They are only available at the ticket office located inside the Palazzo Pubblico in Piazza del Campo. Given the tower’s popularity and limited daily capacity, it’s advisable to arrive when the ticket office opens at 10:00 AM to secure your preferred time slot, especially during peak tourist seasons.

I’d recommend getting a ticket for 10 am and visiting Torre del Mangia straight away, or you can also book a ticket for later in the day and head to the Siena Cathedral Complex in the morning instead.

In winter, when I visited last, and in which season I visit the most popular Italian cities, living in Italy, this wasn’t at all an issue.

Ticket options include:

Standard Entry: €10

Family Ticket: €25 (for two adults and two children over the age of 11)

Combination Tickets:

• Torre del Mangia + Civic Museum: €15
• Torre del Mangia + Civic Museum + Santa Maria della Scala: €20
• Torre del Mangia + Civic Museum + Santa Maria della Scala + Pinacoteca Nazionale: €25

These combination tickets are valid for two days, offering flexibility if you are planning to explore multiple sites.

Hours

The Torre del Mangia operates on a seasonal schedule

• March 1 – October 15: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last admission at 6:15 PM)
• October 16 – February 28: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last admission at 3:15 PM)

Note that the tower is closed on Christmas Day and opens from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on New Year’s Day.

During the Palio di Siena events in July and August, opening hours may vary. It’s recommended to check the official website or contact the ticket office for the most up-to-date information.

Civic Museum

Housed within Siena’s Palazzo Pubblico, the Civic Museum is a treasure trove of Sienese art and history. The museum’s frescoes, including Simone Martini’s Maestà and Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s Allegory of Good and Bad Government, offer profound insights into the city’s medieval civic ideals.

These masterpieces not only showcase artistic excellence but also reflect the political and social philosophies of 14th-century Siena.

Beyond these renowned works, the museum features rooms like the Sala del Risorgimento, adorned with 19th-century frescoes celebrating Italy’s unification, and the Sala di Balia, which honors Pope Alexander III, a native of Siena. Each room provides a unique perspective on the city’s rich cultural and political heritage.

For those interested in exploring the Civic Museum, it’s advisable to grab the combined ticket for the museum and the Torre del Mangia.

Santa Maria della Scala

Directly opposite Siena’s Duomo, you’ll find Santa Maria della Scala, a sprawling museum complex that once served as one of Europe’s earliest hospitals. Founded in the 12th century, it provided care for pilgrims traveling along the Via Francigena, as well as for the sick and abandoned children.

Today, the complex offers an educational journey through Siena’s history, art, and architecture.

You can explore the Pellegrinaio, the grand hall where pilgrims were once received. It is adorned with 15th-century frescoes by Domenico di Bartolo and others depicting scenes of charity and care.

The complex also houses the National Archaeological Museum, which showcases Etruscan and Roman artifacts and the original sculptures from Jacopo della Quercia’s Fonte Gaia. With its labyrinthine corridors and multiple levels, the museum provides a unique insight into the city’s past.

Admission to Santa Maria della Scala is €9 for adults, with reduced rates of €7 for youths aged 12–19 and seniors over 65. Children under 11 enter for free. Tickets can be purchased online.

By this point, you might be very much ready to stop for lunch—and Siena delivers. Whether you’re craving hand-rolled pici or something more refined, read my Best Restaurants in Siena guide for top picks, local favorites, and where to eat well without wasting time.

Siena Duomo Complex

After lunch, make your way to the Siena Duomo Complex—a high point (literally and culturally) of any visit to the city. This isn’t just a cathedral; it’s a full-blown ensemble of sites that together tell the story of Siena’s ambition, artistry, and architectural prowess.

The ticketed complex includes the cathedral itself, the Piccolomini Library, the Baptistery, the Crypt, the Museo dell’Opera, and the Porta del Cielo (rooftop walk), and if you have the time and stamina, it’s well worth visiting each.

Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena)

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Duomo stuns inside and out. The façade is a wild, striped collage of black and white marble, and the interior continues the drama with more striping, grand columns, and masterpieces by the likes of Pisano, Donatello, and Michelangelo.

If you’re visiting between August and October, you’re in luck—the inlaid marble floors (normally covered) are fully uncovered, revealing storytelling masterpieces carved in stone.

Piccolomini Library

Just off the nave, the Piccolomini Library is small but jaw-dropping. Its frescoes by Pinturicchio (and, some argue, the hand of a young Raphael) depict scenes from the life of Pope Pius II. The color, perspective, and preservation here are astonishing—it’s basically a Renaissance comic book in pristine condition.

Baptistery of San Giovanni

Tucked behind the Duomo and accessed by stairs, the Baptistery is often overlooked, but don’t make that mistake. Its vaults are covered in frescoes, and the baptismal font—a collaborative work by Jacopo della Quercia, Donatello, and Ghiberti—is one of the great sculptural ensembles of the early Renaissance.

New Cathedral & Panorama

Back in 1339, Siena had grand plans to outdo even Florence by expanding its cathedral into what would have been one of the largest in Europe. But those ambitions were abruptly halted by the Black Death in 1348, leaving the so-called “New Cathedral” permanently unfinished.

What remains today is the outer shell of that dream—and you can now walk along the top of its surviving façade for sweeping, unobstructed views over Siena’s historic rooftops and rolling countryside.

Crypt

Discovered only in 1999, the Crypt reveals 13th-century frescoes that had been hidden for centuries under layers of construction. It’s small, atmospheric, and gives a glimpse into Siena’s medieval past that’s both raw and real.

Museo dell’Opera del Duomo

Art lovers: this is your moment. This museum holds original sculptures from the cathedral façade, including works by Giovanni Pisano, plus Duccio’s massive Maestà, a must-see altarpiece that once sat above the Duomo’s main altar. Climb to the top of the Facciatone (unfinished façade) for another knockout view over the city and countryside.

Porta del Cielo (Gate of Heaven)

For those willing to splurge a bit and aren’t afraid of heights, the Porta del Cielo ticket grants access to the cathedral’s upper levels and walkways. From up here, you get close-ups of architectural details and aerial views of the nave below.

It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the Duomo’s grandeur, quite literally from above.

Siena Duomo Complex Tickets

There are a few ticket options for the Siena Duomo Complex. Here’s a streamlined breakdown so you can choose the right one without second-guessing at the ticket counter depending on the amount of time your have left of your day in Siena.

• Cathedral Ticket – €7
  This is the most basic option and covers entry to the Duomo itself, including the awe-inducing Piccolomini Library. It’s perfect if you’re short on time or just want to see the interior without committing to the full circuit.
• OPA Si Pass – €16
  This is the best-value ticket for most visitors. It includes entry to the Cathedral, Piccolomini Library, the Museo dell’Opera (Cathedral Museum), the Crypt, the Baptistery, and access to the Panorama dal Facciatone—that’s the terrace on the top of the museum with sweeping views across Siena. It’s essentially the “everything but the rooftop walk” pass.
• Gate of Heaven Pass – €23
  This is the top-tier ticket, and it includes all of the above, plus access to the Porta del Cielo—the cathedral’s hidden upper walkways. If you’re okay with heights and like the idea of walking through secret passages above the nave, this is absolutely worth it. Just note that these tickets are time-slotted and limited each day, so advance booking is highly recommended, especially in high season.

If you’re planning to do the full complex and want to avoid queues and sold-out times, book online in advance.

Explore the Historic Centre of Siena

After the Duomo, give yourself time to simply wander. Siena’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason—it’s a perfectly preserved medieval cityscape that still functions as a living, breathing community.

The narrow alleys, steep staircases, hidden courtyards, and ochre-toned buildings all tell their own story. Don’t worry too much about a route here—this is the part of the day meant for getting a little lost.

Take in also the Basilica of San Domenico, a fortress-like Gothic church that is quite plain on the inside but holds relics of St. Catherine of Siena, including her actual head (yes, really). Just outside, the views from the perimeter garden looking back toward the Duomo and Siena’s clustered rooftops are some of the best in town—peaceful, panoramic, and totally free.

Siena Itinerary Variations

If you’re working with less than a full day or want to move at a slower pace, Siena is surprisingly adaptable. While there’s a lot to see, the city’s compact size means you can cover the highlights without rushing—especially if you focus on just one or two key sites.

Art lovers may want to prioritize the Cathedral Complex and Museo dell’Opera, while those more into atmosphere and views could focus on the Campo and Torre del Mangia. And if you’ve been zipping around Tuscany all week, Siena is a great place to slow it down—grab a long lunch, wander the side streets, and let the city unfold without a checklist.

Siena Half-Day Itinerary

If you only have a few hours in Siena, this half-day plan will get you to the essentials without compromising on experience:

Piazza del Campo – Start your visit here, ideally early in the day when the square is still relatively calm. Walk the perimeter, admire the Fonte Gaia, and take in the architectural harmony of one of Italy’s most celebrated piazzas.

Torre del Mangia – Head straight to the ticket office when it opens at 10 AM to reserve a time slot for the climb. It’s a steep ascent, but the 360° views from the top are absolutely worth it.

Siena Cathedral Complex – After the tower, walk to the Duomo and spend the remainder of your time exploring the Cathedral and Piccolomini Library. If you’ve got a bit more time, add in the Museo dell’Opera and the Facciatone viewpoint for a final, stunning look across the city.

With this itinerary, you’ll hit Siena’s most iconic landmarks while still leaving room for a quick espresso or a well-earned gelato before moving on. If you have a little more time, I’d spend it just wandering around the historic center and enjoying the city’s streets.

Best Time to Visit Siena

The best time to visit Siena is during the shoulder seasons—late spring (May to early June) and early autumn (September to mid-October)—when the weather is pleasantly warm, the city is lively but not overcrowded, and the surrounding Tuscan countryside is at its most picturesque.

Summer brings longer days and the buzz of the Palio horse races (held July 2 and August 16), but also the heat and high-season crowds that can make sightseeing a bit more intense.

Winter, ( my personal favorite time to visit Italian cities), while quieter and cooler, offers a more local, lived-in feel—ideal if you prefer museums without the lines and a seat at any trattoria you fancy. Just keep in mind that some smaller spots may reduce hours or close entirely in January and February.

Palio di Siena

The Palio di Siena is not just a horse race—it’s a full-blown civic spectacle that defines the city’s identity.

Held twice a year, on July 2 and August 16, the Palio is a bareback race around Piazza del Campo where ten jockeys, each representing one of Siena’s contrade (neighborhoods), battle for glory in a whirlwind of tradition, pageantry, and fiercely competitive pride.

The race itself lasts just about 90 seconds, but the build-up is days long: parades in medieval costume, blessings of the horses, and a palpable buzz that overtakes the entire city.

If you’re in Siena during the Palio, book far in advance and be prepared to join a city that lives and breathes this centuries-old event. It’s chaotic, passionate, and an unforgettable experience.

How to Get to Siena

Siena doesn’t have its own airport, but it’s easily accessible by train, bus, or car from nearby major cities like Florence, Pisa, and Rome. The most common gateway is Florence—just 75 km (about 1.5 hours) away.

From Florence, the bus is often the more efficient option: direct, frequent, and it drops you off much closer to the historic center than the train does. The same goes if you’re traveling from Pisa. From Rome, it’s better to take the train to Siena and take a taxi from the station to the city center.

Trenitalia trains do run to Siena, but they’re slower, require a transfer in Empoli, and the station sits downhill from the city center, meaning a bit of a hike or a short local bus ride up.

If you’re road-tripping through Tuscany, driving is also an option—just be aware that Siena’s center is a limited traffic zone (ZTL), so you’ll need to park in one of the public lots outside the walls and walk in (I believe I parked at Santa Catarina). Also check out ‘Parcheggio Il Campo’ and the parking lots around the stadium (outside of match day).

Where to Stay

Siena offers a range of accommodations that blend medieval charm with modern comforts for those that would prefer to stay the night. Whether you’re seeking opulent luxury or intimate boutique experiences, the city has something to suit every traveler’s preference. Make sure to book well in advance during the high season months.

Grand Hotel Continental Siena – As the only 5-star hotel within Siena’s historic center, this 16th-century palazzo boasts frescoed ceilings, antique furnishings, and an underground wine cellar. Its prime location places guests just steps from Piazza del Campo and the Duomo.

Belmond Castello di Casole – Situated in the Tuscan countryside near Siena, this restored 10th-century castle offers luxurious suites and villas with panoramic views. You can enjoy fine dining, a spa, and immersive experiences like truffle hunting and wine tasting. Ideal as a luxe countryside base on either end of your one day in Siena.

Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano – Set in a former 14th-century Carthusian monastery just 2 km from Siena’s city center, this boutique hotel offers a unique blend of history and luxury. You can enjoy beautifully restored rooms, lush gardens, an outdoor pool, and gourmet dining experiences.

Hotel Athena – Situated within Siena’s ancient walls, Hotel Athena offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, and parking. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city’s main attractions.

Top Siena Tours

For those who might prefer the idea of a day tour to Siena- an easy day trip that’ll take out the hassle of planning every step, here are some of the top Siena day trips which take into account all the highlights.

Top Tips for Visiting Siena in a Day

Start early – Siena may be small, but the sites are dense and lines build fast—especially at Torre del Mangia and the Duomo. Plan to be at the ticket offices right when they open.

Book Duomo tickets in advance – Particularly for the Gate of Heaven tour, which has timed entry and limited spots. The OPA Si Pass is your best bet for flexibility and value.

Wear good shoes – Siena is built on three hills and the streets are steep, cobbled, and not kind to flimsy footwear. Comfortable, supportive shoes are a must.

Skip eating in Piazza del Campo – Have a coffee or aperitivo there for the views, but walk a few streets away for lunch. The quality and prices improve dramatically.

Check the Duomo floor schedule – If visiting from late August to mid-October, you’ll catch the once-a-year unveiling of the cathedral’s inlaid marble floor—one of the Duomo’s most spectacular features.

Don’t overplan – Leave time for wandering. Some of Siena’s most charming moments come from turning down a quiet alley and stumbling upon a hidden church, artisan shop, or unexpected view.

Mind the ZTL if driving – Siena’s historic center is a Limited Traffic Zone. Park in one of the public lots (like Santa Caterina or Il Campo) and walk in. It’s easier—and avoids a fine.

If you’re here during Palio season, adjust expectations – The city transforms. It’s electric, crowded, and chaotic—but unforgettable. Just know that regular sightseeing may take a back seat.

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Ready to experience the best of one day in Siena Italy? Have any questions or comments about your trip? Let me know in the box below.

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