One day in Siena itinerary – what to do in Siena in one day

I’ve had the pleasure of exploring Siena multiple times—sometimes as a day trip, other times making it a base to explore the surrounding areas. Each visit only deepens my love for this cute city. 

Siena is located just 75 km South of Florence and it is the largest town among the Tuscan hills. With its charming streets, ancient history, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine, Siena is a must-visit destination. 

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I’ve packed all the best of the city in this one day in Siena itinerary which will guide you through the essential sights, experiences and attractions in Siena, ensuring that you make the most of your time in this beautiful city.

Follow along to discover the best of Siena in a single, unforgettable day.

One day in Siena itinerary

With only one day in Siena, you will be spending most of your time in and around Piazza del Campo which is the square in the heart of the city. The historic center is small and very walkable but being a city rich in history and remarkable spots with entry tickets likely to sell out fast, you’ll want to optimize your time as much as possible.

I have prepared the perfect itinerary for you to make the most out of the day when visiting Siena! 

I highly recommend you join this walking tour with Duomo visit to get acquainted with the city and the main sights.

If you like food (and who doesn’t?) you must join this walking tour with food tasting which will take you around the city while sampling amazing food and wine.

A knowledgeable guide will tell you all about Siena’s history and culture in both cases.

Book your guided tour:
Siena walking tour with Duomo skip-the-line tickets
Siena walking tour with food tasting

Morning – Siena Old Town

You’ll spend the morning exploring the Old Town and Torre del Mangia which is the main landmark in the city. I recommend starting here in order to avoid finding the Tower tickets sold out in the afternoon as they can not be purchased online.

9:00 AM: Breakfast at Pasticceria Nannini

You can’t start the day without a typical Italian breakfast! And Siena is dotted with hundreds of small coffee shops.

My absolute favorite is Pasticceria Nannini Conca D’Oro. This pastry and coffee shop is located just a short walk from Piazza del Campo and makes delicious pastries.

10:00 AM: Palazzo Pubblico and Civic Museum

Palazzo Pubblico is the town hall and the seat of Siena’s government in Piazza del Campo. The inner courtyard of Palazzo Pubblico is free to visit, but if you’d like to visit the Civic Museum inside, purchase this skip the line ticket.

Book your tickets:
Civic Museum skip the line ticket

10:30 AM: Torre del Mangia

Next, climb Torre del Mangia but be prepared to put in the work here. It is over 400 steps to the top and there is no elevator!

The ticket office is at Palazzo Publico and opens at 10 am (confirm hours here). Make sure to snag your access pass as soon as you get there as they often sell out.

Highlights include the frescoes in Sala del Mappamondo (the Hall of the Globe) and Sala dei Nove (the Hall of Nine), while from the top of Torre del Mangia, you get a breathtaking view over Siena and its surroundings.

11:30 AM: Piazza del Campo e Loggia della Mercanzia di Siena

When the visit to Torre del Mangia is finished, check out Piazza del Campo, the heart of the city. Here you’ll find Fonte Gaia, the most important fountain in town, made by Jacopo della Quercia.

On the back side of Piazza del Campo is Loggia della Mercanzia di Siena, one of the most famous buildings of the city. Its peculiarity is its facade’s architecture, which is different from all the other buildings, making it well worth a visit!

11:45 AM: Siena Old Town

After admiring Piazza del Campo and its buildings take a stroll through the alleys and streets of the old town or historic heart of Siena before lunch.

This part of the city is pedestrian only, which is great for wandering around. As you stroll through the city, you’ll pass by tiny squares, smaller churches, many cafes, bars, shops, and restaurants. 

Via di Città is one of the main streets near Piazza del Campo and it is the best place to go shopping in Siena.

If you want to explore Siena like a local I recommend booking this Secret Siena walking tour where a Siena city guide will take you to some hidden and unusual spots making your experience unforgettable.

Book your Siena tour:
Secret Siena walking tour

12:15 PM: Fontebranda and aperitivo

While strolling through the Old Town, a must-stop is Fontebranda. It’s the biggest fountain in the city and its structure resembles a small castle, making it a very interesting sight.

This neighborhood takes its name from the fountain and here’s located one of the best spots in town for aperitivo: Pino alle Fonti. With great wines and food it’s the perfect spot to enjoy aperitivo before lunch like a local, in fact I’ve come back here during all of my visits!

Afternoon – Lunch & Duomo complex

You’ll spend the afternoon exploring the Duomo di Siena Complex which is the other main landmark in the city. When it comes to what to visit in Siena in one day, the cathedral complex is a must!

1:00 PM: Lunch in the Etruscan Tombs

But before you head to the Siena Cathedral it’s time to enjoy a great lunch at Osteria da Divo! This is a fine dining restaurant set inside of some Etruscan tombs, making it a unique and peculiar setting and one of the best places to eat in Siena!

Choose from a diverse menu filled with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including mouthwatering pasta, flavorful meat, and their famous truffle-based dishes.

2:30 PM: Siena Cathedral Exterior

The Siena Cathedral is a breathtaking example of Gothic architecture renowned for its intricate façade, stunning frescoes, and impressive artworks.

The facade of the Siena Cathedral is a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. It was designed by Giovanni Pisano in the late 13th century. The facade features intricate sculptures, mosaics, and detailed marble inlays.

The Siena Cathedral is a complex that features several buildings and landmarks:

• the Siena Cathedral, also known as the Duomo;
• the Panorama from the Unfinished Façade (the Facciatone);
• the Museo dell’Opera, also known as Cathedral Museum;
• the Crypt;
• the Baptistery;
• the Piccolomini Library;
• and the Oratory of San Bernardino (which is located on the opposite side of town)

To visit the whole complex you’ll have to book this skip the line ticket which includes all sites. In high season I recommend purchasing this ticket well in advance since they are limited and selling very fast!

You can also visit the Cathedral Complex on a guided tour where a very knowledgeable guide will provide deeper insights into the Gothic architecture, stunning frescoes, and masterpieces by artists like Donatello and Pisano. 

Plan your Duomo di Siena visit:
Siena Cathedral skip the line tickets
Siena Cathedral guided tour

2:40 PM: Duomo – Panorama of the New Cathedral (il Facciatone)

Start your visit with the Panorama of the New Cathedral (also called the Facciatone and the Unfinished Façade). The Facciatone is a large, unfinished façade of the Siena Cathedral, part of a very ambitious expansion project started in the 14th century but later abandoned due to the Black Death and structural issues.

Today, the Facciatone serves as a panoramic viewpoint. Only a limited number of people can visit the terrace at a time, so there is usually a long, slow-moving line to do this, hence why I listed it as the first thing to do.

I strongly recommend purchasing this Skip-the-Line ticket which will save you a lot of time in case there are queues.

Plan your Duomo di Siena visit:
Siena Cathedral skip the line tickets
Siena Cathedral guided tour

3:00 PM: Siena Cathedral

You are bound to enter one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy. I like it even more than the one in Florence! Its black-and-white striped façade, intricate marble floors, and stunning frescoes are breathtaking.

The nave has a high vaulted ceiling decorated with stars on a blue background, adding to the heavenly ambiance. The columns that support the nave are also in the characteristic striped marble.

One of the most famous aspects of the cathedral is its floor, an extraordinary work of art in itself. The floor is made of marble inlay mosaics depicting biblical scenes, allegories, and historical figures. It was created between the 14th and 16th centuries by various artists, and the level of detail is astounding.

3:30 PM: Piccolomini Library

The Piccolomini Library is a stunning room within the Siena Cathedral famous for its vibrant 16th-century frescoes by Pinturicchio. Commissioned by Pope Pius III, it was designed to honor his uncle Pope Pius II and to preserve his collection of manuscripts.

The ornate, colorful decorations make this Library a highlight of the cathedral. For a more immersive experience book this private tour of the Cathedral where a guide will explain all there is to know about this stunning site.

3:45 PM: Baptistery

The Baptistery of San Giovanni, located at the back of the cathedral, is another important part of the complex. The interior of the Baptistery is adorned with frescoes and marble decorations.

The Baptistery features a stunning baptismal font with relief panels created by renowned Renaissance artists, including Donatello, Lorenzo Ghiberti, and Jacopo della Quercia.

4:10 PM: Crypt (Duomo Vecchio)

Before the current structure was built, there was an earlier cathedral on the site. The crypt beneath the cathedral was only discovered in 1999 and has since revealed a wealth of medieval frescoes that had been hidden for centuries.

These frescoes, dating from the 12th to 14th centuries, depict scenes from the Bible and are considered to be some of the most significant examples of medieval art in Siena.

4:30 PM: Gate of Heaven (Porta del Cielo)

The Gate of Heaven is a guided tour of the roof and terraces of the Siena Cathedral. The tour takes 25 minutes following a special route through hidden walkways and attics, providing stunning views of the cathedral’s interior and panoramic vistas of the city.

You’ll need to purchase a separate ticket once at the cathedral and will be required to make a reservation for a time slot.

5:00 PM: Cathedral Museum (Museo del’Opera)

Located next to the Siena Cathedral, the Museo del’Opera houses an extensive collection of artworks originally created for the cathedral, including sculptures, paintings, and relics.

Highlights include Duccio di Buoninsegna’s magnificent “Maestà,” a series of statues by Giovanni Pisano, and the stunning stained glass rose window. I found it extremely interesting because of its gothic sculptures and artwork.

5:30 PM: Gelato time

If you feel like eating some great gelato as your afternoon snack, you must go to Gelateria il Masgalano, where you’ll try the best artisan gelato in the city. They have some peculiar flavors like Cantucci e Vin Santo, my personal favorite is limoncello.

6:00 PM: Santa Caterina da Siena and Santa Maria della Scala

If your need for exploration is not yet fulfilled, you can squeeze in two more notable landmarks before dinner! 

Santuario di Santa Caterina da Siena is a complex of buildings including the birth place of Santa Caterina, the Chiesa del Crocifisso, some loggiati and porticati. It is well worth a visit for its stunning architecture and history.

Santa Maria della Scala was one of Europe’s first hospitals which has been converted into a museum. Make sure to book your entrance ticket here.

Plan your visit:
Santa Maria della Scala entrance ticket

Evening – Dinner and sunset

7 PM: Pici and tagliata

At dinner, don’t miss out on a plate of pici (a very typical type of pasta from Siena) and a mouthwatering tagliata (the Tuscan t-bone steak). They are a signature dish in Siena top restaurants and a must-try during your visit.

I particularly love La Taverna di San Giuseppe, such a great local place where you can get some of the best food and drinks in Siena.

9:00 PM: Sunset from Orto dei Tolomei

After dinner, head for another stroll through town. In summer you can head to Orto dei Tolomei, a true hidden gem and stunning park and garden with wonderful sunset views! This is my absolute favorite spot and is quite the hidden gem for tourists. In my opinion from here you get the best views over the city.

If you are visiting in shoulder seasons, sunset is a bit earlier so I recommend heading to Orto dei Tolomei first, and then make your way back for dinner after sunset

Where to stay in Siena

Staying in the heart of old town is your best bet during your Siena visit, as you’ll be within walking distance of all the major attractions. If you’re relying on public transport, pick accommodation near Piazza del Campo.

Getting to Siena

Siena is easily accessible from various parts of Italy and neighboring countries by train, bus or car. 

Tour: There are many day tours from nearby cities to Siena. You can book a private transfer from Florence and then visit the city by yourself or book this guided group tour of Siena where a local guide will give you insider facts and tips about the city. If you do not like group experiences then book this private guided tour.

By air: the closest airport to Siena is in Florence. Book this private transfer for a hassle-free journey.

If you are flying internationally from outside the EU, Rome airport might be your best bet and you can book a direct transfer to this airport as well.

By car: a rental car is surely the most convenient way of traveling to Siena because it’ll give you the freedom to move around and visit the countryside. Keep in mind that some roads on the hills are winding and traffic can be present 

By bus: buses are usually cheaper and faster than trains and run more often, tickets can also be purchased on board which makes it less stressful for planning

By train: trains are your best option for coming from bigger or further cities. They are more expensive than buses but worth the comfort for longer transfers. 

Getting Around Siena

The best way to navigate Siena, especially the historic center, is on foot. With its compact and walkable layout, walking lets you easily visit main attractions like the Cathedral complex, the town hall, Torre del Mangia and Piazza del Campo all within short distances from each other.

If you’re planning on exploring more of Tuscany, like the gorgeous Florence or San Gimignano, then hiring a rental car is recommended.

Best time to visit Siena

Siena is charming all year around but the best time to visit Siena is May through mid-June. The weather is nice and warm and the crowds are more manageable.

If you don’t mind the chance of rain, the end of September and beginning of October is also a nice time to visit, since crowds are lower.

You might consider visiting in July or August if you’d like to witness the famous Palio di Siena, a horse race that is held every year on July 2 and August 16.

What is the Palio di Siena?

The Palio is a hose race held in Piazza del Campo. Ten horses and riders compete, each representing their contrada, meaning neighborhood. Each contrada has its own colors and mascots, which you can see as you walk through the historic city center.

The Palio is a must see if you are in town during one of these races. There is also a chance to book a Palio di Siena private tour, which will give you the best insights about the Palio and the city.

Is Siena worth visiting?

Siena is a must-visit when in Italy. The Siena Cathedral, one of the most beautiful churches in Italy, it is a must-see and the view from the top of the Tower of Mangia is breathtaking.

Siena is one of my favorite towns, not only in Tuscany but in all of Italy. I love having a cup of coffee or aperitif in Piazza del Campo and wandering the medieval streets of the historic city center.