Italy · 2026 itinerary
Siena 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Siena: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A stark Gothic church with St Catherine of Siena's relics and a fresco cycle of her life. Good views over Piazza del Campo from outside.
🕐 07:30-18:30 daily
Free entry💡 Check for free guided tours on Saturday mornings. The reliquary containing her head is eerie but fascinating.
Hotels near Basilica of San Domenico →A quiet botanical garden set on a hillside terrace, with Mediterranean plants, a small lake, and views of the city walls.
🕐 09:00-18:00 Tue-Sun (winter until 16:30)
Free entry💡 Bring a picnic. It's less busy than the main parks. Paths can be steep — wear flat shoes.
Hotels near Orto Botanico di Siena →53100 Street Food & Wine · ££
New York Cafe' · ££
Deeper Into Siena
The shell-shaped main square, famous for the Palio horse race. Paved in red brick with the Fonte Gaia fountain at its top.
🕐 Always open
💡 Go at sunset for the best light on the Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia. Early morning it's almost empty.
13th-century cathedral with black-and-white marble stripes, intricate mosaic floors and works by Donatello and Michelangelo.
🕐 10:00-19:00 Mon-Sat, 13:30-18:00 Sun
💡 Entry is €12 but the 'Porta del Cielo' rooftop tour costs extra. Go on a Sunday for free Mass entry — you still see the interior.
Pasticceria Buti
Osteria Di Nonna Gina
Final Favourites & Departure
A former medieval hospital complex opposite the Duomo, now a museum with Etruscan artifacts, frescoes, and archaeological tunnels.
💡 Free on the first Sunday of each month. Otherwise €9. The underground 'sacred tunnels' are the highlight, not the modern art wing.
Snack Bar
Charlie Mixology Bar
Getting Around Siena
Book a fixed-price transfer with Welcome Pickups or a local company like TaxiSiena to avoid surge pricing. Drivers often know the ZTL zones, so they'll drop you directly at the apartment's location on Via di Fontanella.
Take the T2 tram from FLR to Florence Santa Maria Novella station, then a direct regional train to Siena (95 min, €9.20). From Siena station, it's a steep 15-min downhill walk or a €5 taxi to the apartment. Avoid the Trenitalia Intercity trains—they're not faster.
Flixbus and Tiemme run direct coaches from FLR to Siena's bus station (Piazza Gramsci). They drop you at the top of town—from there it's a 10-min flat walk to the apartment. Sit on the left for views of the towers on the way in.
Only use official white taxis with the 'TAXI' sign. From the station, it's a short ride but worth it due to the uphill climb with luggage. Call 0577 49221 for a radio taxi if none are in the queue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Siena?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Basilica of San Domenico and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Siena?
See our full best time to visit Siena guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Country House Martina, Casa SoleLuna, Comfort Siena Design Apartment. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.