Want to plan the perfect Siena day trip from Florence? This guide shows you exactly what to see, where to eat, and how to make the most of every moment — so you don’t miss anything and your day becomes unforgettable.
Siena is definitely manageable in just one day. It’s compact, which means you can easily see the main attractions without feeling rushed.
Located roughly an hour and a half south of Florence It’s often ranked among the best day trips from Florence, thanks to its beauty, compact size, and rich history.
Getting to Siena from Florence is pretty easy, and you’ve got a few good options depending on how you like to travel.
How to Get to Siena from Florence by bus
Buses leave Florence from the Autostazione Bus Terminal at Via Santa Caterina da Siena, which is just a short walk from the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station.
The line you’ll want is the 131R Rapida, which is the faster option with fewer stops. The ride takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the bus drops you off at Piazza Gramsci in Siena.
Piazza Gramsci is close to Piazza del Campo.
If you’re planning to take the bus, don’t miss our simple guide on how to buy bus tickets in Tuscany.
How to Get to Siena from Florence by train
Trains leave from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station and take about an hour and a half. Most trains require a quick change at Empoli, but it’s very straightforward.
When you arrive at Siena train station (Stazione di Siena), you’re not quite in the old town yet.
Right across from the station, you’ll find a series of escalators and elevators called the Scala Mobile di Risalita.
These escalators take you uphill and bring you near Porta Camollia.
Porta Camollia, it’s about a 15 to 20-minute walk through the charming old streets to reach Piazza del Campo.
It’s a lovely stroll, but good to know there’s still a bit of walking after the escalators.
How to Get to Siena from Florence by car
If you’ve got a rental car, the drive from Florence to Siena is beautiful and pretty quick.
Before renting a car, we recommend reading our complete guide to renting a car in Italy to get helpful tips for driving in Tuscany.
It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, mostly along a scenic highway called the RA3 (Raccordo Autostradale Firenze–Siena).
You can’t drive right into Siena’s historic center because it’s a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone), but there are good parking options just outside the old town.
Popular parking lots include Il Campo Parking and San Francesco Parking, both located a short walk from the main sights.
Driving is a great choice if you want to explore the Tuscan countryside along the way!
SIENA MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS
The list isn’t too long, which means you’ll also have plenty of time to wander the pretty streets, maybe do a little shopping, and definitely enjoy some tasty Italian food for lunch and dinner during your Siena day trip from Florence.
Siena Cathedral and the Duomo Complex
It includes the Cathedral itself, the Piccolomini Library with its incredible frescoes, the crypt down below, the baptistery, the Panorama from the Unfinished Façade (called the Facciatone), the Cathedral Museum, and even the Gate of Heaven.
Piazza del Campo
This is Siena’s main square, and you’ll definitely be spending some time here. It’s famous for its unique shell shape and is just a great place to soak in the atmosphere of the city.
Palazzo Pubblico
This impressive palace sits right on the Piazza del Campo. It used to be the seat of Siena’s government and now houses a museum with some fantastic art.
Torre del Mangia
Right next to the Palazzo Pubblico is this tall tower. If you’re up for a climb, the views from the top are absolutely worth it – you can see the whole city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
Santa Maria della Scala
This used to be one of the oldest and largest hospitals in Europe, and now it’s a fascinating museum complex with a long and interesting history.
Basilica of San Domenico
This is a beautiful and important basilica that’s worth a visit for its architecture and the history connected to it, including links to Saint Catherine of Siena.
Siena Duomo and Torre del Mangia: How to Visit Without Long Waits
The one spot where you might have a little wait is to see the view from the top of the Duomo’s unfinished front (the Panorama). They only let a few people up at a time, so even if the line doesn’t look long, it can take a while. It opens at 10 am. To try and skip the worst of the wait, think about going to the Cathedral Museum right when it opens or maybe later in the afternoon.
Now, if you also want to climb the Torre del Mangia, you’ll need to get your tickets earlier in the day. They usually only sell them at the ticket office there, and they can sell out by early afternoon. So, to be safe, try to get your tickets by around noon.
If you want to do both the tower and the Panorama, here’s the smart way to go: Book your tickets online for the Siena Duomo Complex, including the Panorama, ahead of time. This can help you get in line for the Panorama at a better time and save you some waiting. After you’re done at the Duomo, head over to the Torre del Mangia ticket office to buy your tickets. Try to do this by noon to make sure they aren’t sold out.
Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Siena Cathedral Complex
Getting to the Siena Cathedral
The Siena Cathedral is right in the middle of the city. Good to know: this whole central area is just for walking, so you can’t take a bus or taxi directly to it. But, the good news is that once you’re at the Cathedral, most other things you’ll want to see in Siena are just a short 5 to 10-minute walk away.
Best Time to Visit
The Siena Cathedral is super popular, so it gets pretty crowded all day long, especially between about 10:30 am and 3:00 pm.
If you really want to see the view from the Panorama without a long wait, here’s a tip: head to the Cathedral Museum right when it opens. From there, go straight to the entrance for the Panorama. Once you’ve enjoyed the view, you can take your time exploring the museum and then see the other parts of the Cathedral complex.
The Baptistery and the Crypt usually don’t have much of a line, or if they do, it’s usually pretty short. You might have to wait a little to get into the main Cathedral because everyone has to go through security, and there’s no way around that, even with a “skip the line” tour.
For the “Gate of Heaven” tour (the one where you walk on the roof), you book your time in advance, so you don’t have to worry about waiting in line for that.
Generally, it’s less busy towards the end of the day, so visiting the Cathedral and its sites between 5 pm and 7 pm might mean fewer crowds and shorter lines. Just make sure to double-check the closing times on the official website before you go, and remember that they usually stop letting people in about 30 minutes before closing.
Siena cathedral dress code
Just a heads-up about clothing: if you’re planning to go inside the Siena Cathedral, it’s a good idea to have your shoulders and legs covered. While they don’t always strictly enforce this rule, it’s better to dress modestly to avoid any chance of being turned away for wearing something like a tank top or really short shorts.
Siena Cathedral Itinerary
Here’s a possible plan for visiting the Siena Cathedral
- 10:00 am: Go straight to the Panorama from the New Cathedral for the views.
- 10:30 am: Explore the Cathedral Museum.
- 11:00 am: Visit the Baptistery.
- 11:10 am: Check out the Crypt.
- 11:20 am: Go inside the main Siena Cathedral and see the Piccolomini Library.
- 12:00 pm: Your booked time for the Gate of Heaven tour.
It’s important to note that the opening hours for the Siena Cathedral and its associated sites vary throughout the year. To ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your visit, please refer to the official Opera Duomo Siena website: https://operaduomo.siena.it/en/visiting/.
TICKET OPTIONS FOR THE CATHEDRAL
There are basically three main tickets you can choose from:
Cathedral Ticket
It costs €7 normally, but it goes up to €10 during those special times when the mosaic floor is completely uncovered. This ticket lets you see the main Cathedral and the beautiful Piccolomini Library. Just so you know, on the official ticket website (Vivaticket), this one is called the “NP-INTERO PREV” ticket.
Opa Si Pass
This one costs €16 normally, or €18 when the mosaic floor is fully visible. With this pass, you get into the Siena Cathedral, the Piccolomini Library, the Crypt, the Baptistery, the Cathedral Museum, and you can also go up to the Panorama for those fantastic views. On Vivaticket, this one is the “NP-OPASIPASS PREV” ticket.
Porta del Cielo Pass
This one costs €23. It’s the top-tier ticket because it includes the special “Gate of Heaven” tour (where you walk on the roof!) plus everything you get with the Opa Si Pass – so that’s the Cathedral, the Library, the Crypt, the Baptistery, the Museum, and the Panorama.
Good news is that all three of these tickets come with an audioguide, so you can learn more as you explore.
If you’re planning to do that cool “Gate of Heaven” roof tour, you’ll need to get the Porta del Cielo Pass, and that will also cover everything else in the whole Cathedral complex.
For all of these passes, you actually have three whole days to see everything they include. So, you don’t have to rush and cram it all into just one day. If you did want to see absolutely everything, it would probably take you around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Once you book your ticket online, it’s an excellent idea to either print a copy or take a screenshot of the ticket with the barcode. That way, even if your phone doesn’t have a good signal when you get to the Cathedral, you’ll still have your ticket ready to go!
And remember, for the most up-to-date prices and to buy your tickets in advance, it’s always best to check out the official website.
CATHEDRAL HIGHLIGHTS
One of the first things you’ll notice is the outside of the Cathedral, and guess what? Admiring its beautiful front is free! It’s a stunning mix of different architectural styles, a real feast for the eyes. As you walk around, you’ll see statues (though the real old ones are kept safe inside the museum).
Once inside, prepare to be wowed! The mosaic floor is like a giant, intricate painting made of marble, and the zebra-striped walls are something you won’t forget.
Keep an eye out for the colorful stained-glass and the amazing sculptures and paintings. It’s a place that can impress everyone, even kids! Plan for about half an hour inside to see the highlights.
Don’t miss the Pulpit, a beautifully carved platform that’s one of the oldest things in the Cathedral. It shows scenes from the life of Jesus. And keep an eye out for art by famous artists like Michelangelo and Donatello!
Piccolomini Library
Tucked inside the Cathedral is the stunning Piccolomini Library. The walls are covered in bright, story-telling frescoes, and it’s a really quick but worthwhile visit.
Panorama (Facciatone)
For some of the best views of Siena, you’ll want to head to the Panorama from the Unfinished Façade (also called the Facciatone). You get there through the Cathedral Museum. Be prepared that you might have a bit of a wait, as they only let a few people up at a time on the narrow stairs. But trust me, the views of the city and the Cathedral are incredible! A good tip is to try going early or later in the day to avoid the longest lines.
Cathedral Museum
Speaking of the Cathedral Museum, it’s home to many of the original artworks from the Cathedral, including a beautiful stained-glass round window and sculptures. The entrance to the Panorama viewpoint is on the top floor of the museum.
Crypt
Down below the Cathedral, you’ll find the Crypt, a hidden gem with surprisingly well-preserved old frescoes that were discovered quite recently. It’s a small space but full of history.
Baptistery
Connected to the back of the Cathedral is the Baptistery of San Giovanni. Inside, you’ll see more beautiful paintings and a significant baptismal font that famous artists contributed to.
Gate of Heaven
Finally, for a truly unique experience, consider the Gate of Heaven (Porta del Cielo) tour. This takes you up onto the roof and terraces of the Cathedral, giving you amazing and unusual perspectives inside and outside. It’s a guided tour with limited spots, so booking in advance is definitely recommended. You’ll get to walk on high walkways inside and out, with incredible views all around.
AFTERNOON & EVENING IN SIENA
If you’re planning a Siena day trip from Florence, pacing your afternoon and evening properly can really make the experience unforgettable.
LUNCHTIME (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
After a busy morning exploring the Cathedral complex, you’ll definitely be ready for a delicious lunch.
The area around Piazza del Campo has tons of options, from quick sandwich shops to sit-down trattorias. We had lunch at Bar Manganelli, right on the main square, with a perfect view of the Palazzo Pubblico.
We ordered two pizzas and two beers, and the total came to €59. Honestly, it was worth every euro — the pizza was good, the beers were refreshing, and the view was absolutely incredible. Sitting there, watching the life of the square go by, was one of those simple but unforgettable moments.
If the weather’s nice, it’s a great idea to grab an outdoor table and enjoy the atmosphere while you eat. Even if you pick another spot nearby, you really can’t go wrong with a meal in Piazza del Campo.
PIAZZA DEL CAMPO (2:30 PM – 3:30 PM)
Now it’s time to properly explore Siena’s famous main square. Piazza del Campo is one of the most beautiful medieval squares in all of Europe, with its unique shell shape and sloping brick pavement. This is where the famous Palio horse race happens twice each summer (July 2 and August 16), when the square transforms into a racetrack surrounded by cheering crowds.
Take some time to just soak in the atmosphere. Notice how the square slopes down toward the Palazzo Pubblico – this clever design helps with drainage when it rains. The square is divided into nine sections, representing the “Council of Nine” who ruled Siena during its golden age. If you’re in the mood for a coffee or gelato, the cafés around the edge of the square are perfect spots to relax for a bit, though prices are higher than elsewhere in the city.
In the center of the square stands the Fonte Gaia (Fountain of Joy), a beautiful white marble fountain that’s actually a copy of the original 15th-century version (the original panels are in the Santa Maria della Scala museum). It’s been providing water to the city since medieval times!
PALAZZO PUBBLICO (3:30 PM – 4:15 PM)
This impressive Gothic palace has been Siena’s town hall since the 1300s, and it’s still used for city government offices today. Inside is the Civic Museum (Museo Civico), which houses some incredible medieval and Renaissance art.
The absolute must-see here is the “Allegory of Good and Bad Government” fresco cycle by Ambrogio Lorenzetti. Painted in the 1330s, these huge frescoes show what happens when a city is governed well (prosperity, dancing in the streets) versus badly (crime, decay). They’re not just beautiful – they’re some of the first secular political paintings in European art history!
Don’t miss the Sala del Mappamondo with its magnificent “Maestà” by Simone Martini, showing the Madonna surrounded by saints and angels. The colors are still amazingly vibrant after all these centuries.
TORRE DEL MANGIA (4:15 PM – 5:00 PM)
Right next to the Palazzo Pubblico stands the 400+ steps of the Torre del Mangia, one of Italy’s tallest medieval towers at 87 meters (285 feet). Remember that you should have bought your tickets earlier in the day, as they often sell out!
The climb is definitely a workout – there are 400 steps, and some passages are narrow – but the view from the top is absolutely worth it. You’ll see all of Siena spread out below you, with its red rooftops and medieval towers, plus the gorgeous Tuscan countryside stretching off into the distance. On a clear day, you can even spot other hill towns in the region.
The tower got its funny name (“Tower of the Eater”) from its first bell-ringer, Giovanni di Balduccio, who was nicknamed “Mangiaguadagni” or “earnings-eater” because he supposedly spent all his money on food!
SANTA MARIA DELLA SCALA (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Just across from the Cathedral is this fascinating complex, one of Europe’s first hospitals. It was caring for orphans, the poor, and pilgrims as early as the 9th century! Now it’s been transformed into a museum that’s worth exploring.
The building itself is impressive, with multiple levels built into the hillside. Inside, you’ll find beautiful frescoes showing the hospital’s charitable work, ancient pilgrim dormitories, and an archaeological museum with Etruscan artifacts. Don’t miss the “Pellegrinaio” (Pilgrim’s Hall) with its stunning 15th-century frescoes showing scenes of hospital life.
One cool thing about this museum is how it reveals the city’s layers of history – there are even some ancient Etruscan and Roman remains in the lower levels!
BASILICA OF SAN DOMENICO (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Your last major stop of the day is this large brick church that looks simple from the outside but holds important treasures inside. The basilica was built in the 13th-14th centuries and is closely connected to Saint Catherine of Siena, one of Italy’s patron saints.
Inside, look for the Chapel of St. Catherine, which actually contains the saint’s head as a relic (the rest of her body is in Rome). There’s also a beautiful painting showing Saint Catherine receiving the stigmata, by artist Sodoma.
The church has a peaceful atmosphere and is usually less crowded than the Cathedral, making it a nice place to reflect at the end of your sightseeing day. The large stained-glass rose window is particularly beautiful when the afternoon light shines through it.
EVENING WANDERING (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Now that you’ve seen the major sights, it’s time to simply enjoy wandering through Siena’s charming medieval streets. This is when the city really shows its magic, as the evening light gives the buildings a golden glow and locals come out for their evening passeggiata (stroll).
Head into the side streets away from the main tourist areas. The neighborhoods (contrade) of Siena each have their own mascot animals or symbols, and you’ll spot flags and plaques showing which contrada you’re in – look for eagles, wolves, snails, dragons, and more!
This is also a great time for shopping. Siena is known for ceramics, leather goods, and local food products like panforte (a dense fruit and nut cake) and ricciarelli (soft almond cookies). The streets around Via di Città and Via Banchi di Sopra have lots of shops selling these local specialties.
DINNER (8:00 PM ONWARDS)
After a full day of exploring, you’ve definitely earned a delicious Tuscan dinner! Sienese cuisine is hearty and flavorful, with specialties including pici pasta (thick, hand-rolled spaghetti, often served with wild boar sauce), ribollita (bread and vegetable soup), and bistecca alla fiorentina (grilled T-bone steak) for meat-eaters.
For the best dining experiences, try to find places a few streets away from the main tourist areas. Restaurants often don’t get busy until after 8:00 PM, as Italians tend to eat dinner later than in many other countries.
If you’re looking for a cozy, authentic spot where locals dine, consider La Taverna di San Giuseppe. Located just a short walk from Piazza del Campo, this charming restaurant is known for its traditional Tuscan dishes and warm atmosphere. Their pici pasta with wild boar sauce is a standout, and the extensive wine list features excellent local selections. Be sure to make a reservation, as it’s a popular spot among both locals and visitors.
Alternatively, Trattoria Papei offers a no-frills, hearty dining experience. Situated near Piazza del Mercato, it’s renowned for its generous portions of grilled meats and classic Tuscan fare. The casual setting and friendly service make it a favorite among locals
If you’re staying overnight in Siena, consider a post-dinner walk back to Piazza del Campo to see it beautifully lit up at night – it’s a magical experience when the day-trippers have gone and the square is peaceful.
If you’re heading back to Florence, be sure to check out our local guide on how to spend 48 hours in Florence.
FINAL TIPS FOR A PERFECT SIENA DAY TRIP FROM FLORENCE
A Siena day trip from Florence offers the perfect mix of history, art, architecture, and authentic Tuscan atmosphere. By arriving early, planning your Cathedral visit smartly, and giving yourself time to wander the medieval streets, you’ll experience the best of Siena without feeling rushed.
If you have extra time in Tuscany you could also consider a day trip to San Gimignano, another charming medieval town just an hour from Florence.