Start here · Attraction · Church
A huge brick Gothic church linked to St Catherine of Siena. The terrace outside has a classic view of the Duomo across the valley.
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The 6 stops
5 min walk
6 min walk
4 min walk
4 min walk
2 min walk
Is one day enough for Siena? Yes. The old town is compact and car-free, so you can see the main sights on foot in a day, as a day trip from Florence or on a Tuscany road trip.
This one-day Siena itinerary starts at the Basilica of San Domenico, goes down to the medieval Fontebranda fountain and up to the Duomo, then on to Piazza del Campo. It finishes along Banchi di Sopra, the main shopping street, at Piazza Salimbeni.
The walk between stops is only about 1.5 km, but Siena is hilly, with steep lanes and steps. Wear comfortable shoes.
Siena on Foot
About 1.5 km of walking between stops, with some steep hills and steps.
Open route in Google MapsStop 2 · Attraction · Medieval fountain
Siena's oldest and largest medieval fountain, a covered stone fountain with Gothic arches below San Domenico.
Tip: It's downhill from San Domenico and uphill to the Duomo, so take your time on the steps.
Stop 3 · Attraction · Cathedral
A striped black-and-white Gothic cathedral with an inlaid marble floor and the Piccolomini Library.
Tip: Buy the OPA SI Pass to see the cathedral, the Piccolomini Library and the Facciatone panorama terrace. The marble floor is fully uncovered only for a few weeks each year.
Stop 4 · Attraction · Square
Siena's shell-shaped main square, home of the Palio horse race, with Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia tower.
Tip: Climb the Torre del Mangia for the view over the square and the rooftops. Visits are by timed slot.
Stop 5 · Area · Shopping street
Siena's main street for shops, cafés and pastry shops, lined with medieval palazzi.
Stop 6 · Attraction · Square
A small square framed by Palazzo Salimbeni, the historic seat of Monte dei Paschi, one of the world's oldest banks.
Recommended hotels
Where to stay in Siena
Grand Hotel Continental Siena
Banchi di Sopra
Best for: Splurge
Five-star hotel in a 17th-century palazzo with frescoed rooms, next to Piazza Salimbeni.
Check pricesPalazzo Ravizza
Old town, near the Campo
Best for: Views
Family-run hotel since 1922 with a garden overlooking the Tuscan hills and private parking.
Check pricesRecommended activities
Things to do in Siena
2 hours
Siena walking tour
The Campo, the Duomo and the contrade (city districts) with a local guide.
BookFull day
Siena and San Gimignano day trip from Florence
A day tour with transport, often including a Chianti wine tasting.
Book3-4 hours
Chianti wine tasting
Visit a winery in the Chianti hills between Siena and Florence.
BookBefore you go
Good to know
- Don't drive into the centre
- The old town is a limited traffic zone (ZTL). Park outside, for example at Parcheggio Il Duomo or Santa Caterina, and walk or take the escalators up.
- Getting there from Florence
- Buses from Florence arrive near San Domenico, where this route starts. The train station is further out, below the hill.
- Try the local sweets
- Look for ricciarelli and panforte in the pastry shops on Banchi di Sopra.
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