One Day in Siena - Detailed Itinerary

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Siena a few times. Each visit has deepened my appreciation for this beautiful city. There’s just something about Siena that stays with you – the charming medieval streets, the warm and earthy buildings, and the vibrant colors of its traditions.

I’ve put together the ultimate one-day in Siena itinerary, highlighting the city’s must-see sights, unforgettable experiences, and top attractions. This guide will help you make the most of your time and fully enjoy the beauty and charm of Siena. Hopefully, this place will capture your heart just as it captured mine.

History: Siena played a significant role in medieval Europe, and its historic center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today it is home to Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the world’s oldest bank, founded in 1472. Siena is one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany famous for its wonderful cuisine, museums, medieval cityscape, and the Palio.

The Palio di Siena: is a centuries-old horse race held twice a year, on July 2 and August 16. This thrilling event occurs in the iconic Piazza del Campo, where ten riders, representing Siena’s rivaling Contrade (districts), compete in a fierce, bareback race. Though the race lasts just 90 seconds, it’s the grand finale of months of preparation and an important event for the city’s proud citizens. The racetrack is covered with a layer of earth composed of a mix of volcanic tuff and sand. It is on average about 15 centimeters thick, but varies at different points along the track.

Contrade: Each Contrada is more than a neighborhood, it is a tight-knit community with its own colors, coat of arms, and mascot. Just wander through the city and pay attention to little symbols to understand which district you are currently in.

One Day in Siena – Detailed Itinerary

9:00 Breakfast at Piazza del Campo

If you arrive in Siena early in the morning, you are in for a treat. The quiet, empty streets will lead you to the stunning Piazza del Campo, magical in the soft morning light.

Start your day like a local with a creamy cappuccino and a sweet brioche at a nearby café. Sit back, savor the moment, watch, and listen as Siena slowly comes to life around you.

10:00 Torre del Mangia

First things first, purchase your tickets for Torre del Mangia. Tickets cannot be purchased online in advance, so you’ll need to visit the ticket office located in the courtyard of Palazzo Pubblico. During the busier months (May through September), tickets often sell out by early afternoon. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to buy your tickets early in the day, even if you plan to visit later.

Brace yourself to climb more than 400 steps, passing by beautiful frescoes along the way. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with fantastic panoramic views of Siena.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: HERE

11:00 Palazzo Publico

Next head to the nearby Palazzo Pubblico, one of Siena’s most striking landmarks. It was built in the 13th century and serves as the seat of Siena’s government. It remains a symbol of the city’s rich history.

Inside, you can visit the Civic Museum, filled with beautiful frescoes that capture Siena’s past. One of the most fascinating pieces is Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s Allegory of Good and Bad Government, a captivating work displayed across three panels that illustrates the profound impact of leadership on society.

12:30 Lunch

If the weather is nice, grab a panino from Du’ Cose da Berna, just a short walk from the square, and head back to Piazza del Campo. Don’t be shy to sit on the warm stone ground like the locals do, and soak in the energetic atmosphere.

We loved the most Le Chiarine (with Pesto from pistachios, burrata, and mortadella) and La RIncorsa (with cream of gorgonzola and truffles, ground almonds, truffle honey, and ham).

13:00 Café e Gelato

After a tasty lunch, it is time to take a coffee the Italian way – standing at the bar and joining the locals. No trip to an Italian city would be complete without tasting some of its gelato!

We paid a visit to Gelateria Nice, close to Piazza del Campo, and had a great experience. They also sell other sweet desserts if you are not in the mood for ice cream.

With a Gelato in your hand, wander through the charming medieval streets of Siena, which is one of the best ways to spend your time in this city. Explore Palazzo Salimbeni, Porta Camollia, walk through Via della Galuzza, Via di Città, …

15:00 Siena Duomo Complex

The Cathedral

The Duomo Complex is one of Siena’s most beautiful and unforgettable experiences. The heart of the complex is the Siena Cathedral, an impressive example of Gothic architecture with its striking black-and-white striped marble facade.

As you step inside, you will be overwhelmed even more. The floor mosaics, which are uncovered from June to mid-October, the intricate details, and the soaring ceilings’ grandeur will immediately catch your eye. Take your time and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the ceiling painted deep blue with golden stars. It will give you almost a magical feeling.

The Piccolomini Library

One of the highlights is the Piccolomini Library, built in honor of Pope Pius II to protect the books he collected. Take a moment to stand in the quiet and admire the colors and details of the surrounding vibrant frescoes.

The Baptistery

Tucked underneath the cathedral, the Baptistery is easy to miss, but it’s worth the stop. The frescoes here are a bit faded, but the baptismal font is stunning. It’s a mix of marble and bronze, with work from some big names like Donatello and Ghiberti.

The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo

This museum holds a lot of treasures from the cathedral, like original sculptures and the famous Maestà by Duccio. It’s a great way to see pieces up close that you might otherwise miss in the grandeur of the cathedral.

The best part? You can climb up to the Panorama del Facciatone, where you get the most unique views of Siena, the cathedral, and the unfinished facade of the New Cathedral. Standing up there and looking out over the rooftops feels like a reward after taking in so much art and history.

18:30 Aperitivo

It´s Aperitivo time! As the late afternoon sun dips, locals and visitors alike start gathering at small cafes, chatting, laughing, and unwinding from their day before dinner. Piazza del Campo is a perfect spot for this. Find a seat at one of the cafes lining the square, order a classic like an Aperol Spritz or a Negroni if you like something stronger, and enjoy the view of the Torre del Mangia as the sky changes color.

The best part? The little plate of snacks that will arrive with your drink—crispy crostini, a few olives, and a handful of salty chips. Nothing fancy, but exactly what You´ll need in that moment after a long day of city exploring.

19:30 Dinner

If you have the chance to stay for dinner in Siena, find a local trattoria tucked into a side street, the kind of place where the scent of herbs draws you in before you even see the menu.

One of the most famous spots, which is mentioned in many guides, is La Taverna di San Giuseppe. The restaurant is located in the heart of the city, just 300 meters from Piazza di Campo. The menu offers ancient dishes as well as new ones linked to home-made Tuscan cuisine. Their cellar includes more than 600 labels of local and national wine. It is closed on Thursday and Sunday and you have to make a reservation upfront.