Free walking tours in Siena and what to see

Must-sees

Siena is a medieval city of brick and sloping streets, with a historic centre declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its heart is the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, home to the Palazzo Pubblico, the town hall and civic museum, next to the Torre del Mangia, which you can climb. This square hosts the Palio, the horse race between the city's districts, known as contrade.

A few minutes away is the cathedral, with its white and green marble façade, Nicola Pisano's pulpit and the Piccolomini Library, decorated with frescoes by Pinturicchio. The complex is completed by the baptistery, the crypt and the cathedral museum. Opposite the cathedral, the old hospital of Santa Maria della Scala is now a large museum space. Wandering through the different districts, each with its own fountain and emblem, is part of the visit.

Free tours and guided visits

There are free walking tours of Siena, a good way to get to know Piazza del Campo and the history of the contrade. There are also guided city tours with entry to the cathedral, private tours and tickets for the cathedral complex, with the baptistery, crypt, library and museum. If you are interested in wine, there are tastings in Siena itself and tours of the Chianti wineries.

How long to spend

In a full day you can see Piazza del Campo, the Palazzo Pubblico and the cathedral and stroll around the centre. If you sleep in the city, you will enjoy Siena in the evening and at night, once the day-trippers have left. With two or three days you can add nearby villages such as Monteriggioni, San Gimignano or Montalcino and a Chianti winery or two.

Where to stay

It is best to stay inside the walls, near Piazza del Campo or the cathedral, although the centre has restricted car access. If you are driving, outside the walls there are hotels with parking and good links to the centre. The surrounding countryside is full of agriturismi, ideal for combining Siena with the Chianti.