Siena is one of those Italian cities that takes you by surprise: small enough to explore in a day, yet filled with more beauty, history, and charm than you’d expect. We visited Siena in between Florence and Rome and loved the medieval streets, the rich architectural details, and the peaceful atmosphere that makes it feel very different from the big cities.
If you’re short on time, here’s how to plan the perfect 1-Day Itinerary in Siena, Tuscany, based on exactly what we did and recommend.
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Table of Contents
Itinerary
Plan Your Trip to Siena
Best Time to Visit Siena
Spring and early autumn are ideal. We visited in October, and the weather was perfect for walking. Summer can get hot and crowded, especially around Palio days.

Where to Stay in Siena
If you are planning on staying even for a night, staying inside the historical center is best — everything is walkable. Some great picks:
- Hotel Athena – Free parking and panoramic views.
- La Terrazza sul Campo – Direct views of Piazza del Campo.
- Il Battistero Siena – Boutique style steps from the Duomo.
How to Get There
We came from Florence and chose the train, and then went to Rome by bus, which is closer to the center than the train.
Bus (Tiemme or FlixBus): ~1h15 to Florence, ~2h50 to Rome
Train: ~1h30 to Florence, ~3h30 or more to Rome with changes (not worth it in my opinion). The Siena station is downhill from the center and requires a 20-minute walk or escalators.
How to Get Around
The city is small, walkable, and largely closed to traffic. Wear comfortable shoes, the hills and cobblestones are no joke.

Itinerary
Piazza del Duomo
This square is where you’ll find most of Siena’s top landmarks. It’s quieter than Piazza del Campo and beautifully framed by striped marble buildings. You’ll spend a good portion of the day right here.

Siena’s Cathedral (Duomo di Siena)
A true masterpiece. The façade is incredibly detailed, but the inside is even more breathtaking — black-and-white striped columns, carved pulpits, and stunning floors (that are usually covered for protection, but we were lucky enough to see them!). We got the Opa Si Pass, which was worth it to see everything (library + viewpoints included).
Tickets: From 8€ (basic), 13–18€ (Opa Si Pass)
Opening hours: 10:00 – 19:00 (check seasonally)


Piccolomini Library
Located inside the cathedral and included in your ticket, don’t miss it. The ceiling frescoes are incredibly vivid, and the room has an almost magical atmosphere with huge fairytale-like books. It’s small, but definitely a highlight of the visit.


Santa Maria della Scala Museum
Right across from the cathedral.This museum complex used to be one of the oldest hospitals in Europe. Today, it’s a mix of archaeological finds, chapels, and frescoed halls. We spent about an hour here, you can easily do more or less depending on your pace.
Tickets: 9€
Opening hours: 10:00 – 19:00


Piazza del Campo
Siena’s most iconic square. It’s shell-shaped and sloped, surrounded by cafés and historic buildings. This is where the Palio horse race takes place twice a year. Even on a quiet day, it’s an amazing place to sit and take in the view.

Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall)
Facing Piazza del Campo, this Gothic building houses the Civic Museum. It’s worth a quick visit to see Lorenzetti’s famous frescoes if you’re into art, otherwise, you’ll still pass through parts of it to access the tower.
Tickets: 6€ a single ticket, or 15€ combined with tower
Opening hours: 10:00 – 19:00

Torre del Mangia
One of the best viewpoints in Tuscany. The climb is steep and narrow (over 400 steps), but the view of the square and Siena’s rooftops is incredible. If you’re visiting in peak season, try to go early to avoid crowds.
Tickets: 10€ a single ticket, 15€ combined with Palazzo Communale
Opening hours: 10:00 – 19:00


Final Tips for Visiting Siena
- Get the Opa Si Pass if you plan to visit all the Duomo sites, it saves time and money
- Bring water – it gets hot, especially if you’re climbing towers
- Siena is small but hilly, give yourself time between stops
- Don’t skip the quieter streets, half of Siena’s charm is in its side alleys

Siena may be small, but it’s packed with charm, history and unforgettable views, making it a perfect one-day escape you won’t regret.
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I hope this article “1-Day Itinerary in Siena, Tuscany“ helped you plan your trip to Siena! Leave your opinion in the comments and follow me on social networks so you don’t miss my next trips. Use #travelplannerholic to get noticed.
With Love,
Catarina Vieira

