Siena Tours & Things to Do
Discover the best Siena tours and things to do in the heart of Tuscany: stand in the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, marvel at the striped marble Duomo, taste Chianti and Brunello in rolling vineyards, visit the towers of San Gimignano and the villages of the Val d’Orcia, and explore on an easy day trip from Florence. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
Explore Siena by interest
Whatever brings you to Siena — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Siena
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Piazza del Campo
Shell square.
Siena Duomo
Striped marble.
Chianti
Wine country.
San Gimignano
Medieval towers.
Val d’Orcia
Tuscan hills.
Torre del Mangia
City tower.
Montalcino
Brunello wine.
Monteriggioni
Walled village.
30 min awayChianti
Wine country.
45 min awaySan Gimignano
Medieval towers.
1 hr awayVal d’Orcia
Tuscan hills.
1 hr awayMontalcino
Brunello wine.
20 min awayMonteriggioni
Walled village.
Centre awaySiena City
Piazza & Duomo.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Siena visitor asks before booking.
Spring (Apr–Jun)
Warm, green and blooming — lovely for the countryside.
Summer (Jul–Aug)
Hot and busy; the Palio races are in July and August.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Grape harvest, golden hills and ideal weather.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Cool and quiet, with atmospheric medieval streets.
For the Palio
The famous horse race runs on 2 July and 16 August.
Best overall
May, June and September are ideal.
One day
The Piazza and Duomo.
Two days
Add a Chianti wine day.
Three days
Add the Val d’Orcia.
For wine
Chianti and Montalcino.
For towns
San Gimignano and Monteriggioni.
With kids
The Campo and gelato.
On foot
The medieval centre is compact and pedestrian.
Tours & transfers
Guided tours are easiest for Chianti and the Val d’Orcia.
Buses
Regional buses link Siena with Florence and towns.
Car & parking
The centre is a restricted zone; park outside the walls.
Where to stay
Stay inside the historic walls for the best atmosphere.
Euro
Siena uses the euro; cards are widely accepted.
Book wine tours
Chianti and Montalcino tours sell out — reserve ahead.
Duomo pass
Consider a combined pass for the Duomo, crypt and museum.
Palio dates
For the Palio, book far ahead for 2 July or 16 August.
Wear good shoes
The old town’s streets are steep and cobbled.
Try local food
Sample pici pasta, pecorino and panforte.
Shoulder season
Visit May, June or September for the best balance.
Wine tours
Chianti and Montalcino tours sell out — book ahead.
San Gimignano
Tuscan town tours fill up — reserve early.
Duomo visits
Guided cathedral tours book out in peak season.
Florence day trips
Siena day trips from Florence fill up — reserve ahead.
Cooking classes
Tuscan cooking classes have limited spots — book early.
Summer & Palio
July, August and Palio days are busiest — book everything ahead.
City tour
Around €25–50 for a Siena walking tour.
Chianti wine
About €60–120 for a Chianti wine day.
San Gimignano
Roughly €55–100 for a Tuscan towns tour.
From Florence
Around €70–130 for a Florence day trip.
Cooking class
About €70–130 for a Tuscan cooking class.
How to save
Join group tours and combine towns with a wine lunch.
Siena through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Green & mild.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lovely.
- Best for
- Palio & buzz.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Hot.
- Best for
- Harvest & gold.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
- Best for
- Quiet & mild.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cool.