Major city · Italy
Siena
Give Siena 2 nights: one full day for the Campo and Duomo, one for the hill-town day-trip. Skip it as a Florence day-trip if you want the Palio or evening streets.
Siena is a walled medieval city on three steep hills, 70 km south of Florence, with a UNESCO historic centre and a horse race, the Palio, run twice each summer. The centre is car-free and walkable but hilly; most travellers come by bus or train from Florence. Two nights covers the Campo, the Duomo and one Chianti or Val d'Orcia day-trip without rushing.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and crowds), Palio weeks if you dislike crowds
- Airports
- FLR · PSA · BLQ
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Italy and Malta ↗The region's headline sights run on timed tickets that sell out: book the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, the Uffizi, the Last Supper and Malta's Hypogeum before you fix train and hotel dates.
- Italy and Malta ↗Budget for per-night city taxes in Italy (up to about €10 a person in Rome), Malta's per-night environmental contribution, and Venice's day-visitor fee on peak days; none are included in most online room prices.
- Italy ↗Italy is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Italy ↗Historic centres are ZTL limited-traffic zones: cameras fine any unauthorised car that enters, often months later through the hire company. Park outside and walk in.
- Italy ↗Regional train tickets bought on paper must be validated in the machine on the platform before boarding; digital tickets carry a time and need no stamping.
- Italy ↗Venice charges day-visitors an access fee on selected peak days; check the city's official site if you are not sleeping there.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Siena112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Siena, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Italy-wide
- SIM or eSIMTIM, Vodafone, WindTre and Iliad sell prepaid SIMs in shops and at airports; a passport and an Italian tax code (codice fiscale…Italy-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe unless signed otherwise; Rome's nasoni fountains run all day.Italy-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Coperto or service may already be on the bill; leave €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) a person or round up for good service.Italy-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F/L. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Italy-wide
- SafetySiena is a safe, small city; the real risks are steep streets, pickpockets in the Campo crowds and Palio-day crush.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €1 (≈ US$2).Italy-wide
- Emergency numbers112 General emergency · 113 police · 115 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany state museums close on Monday; the Vatican Museums close on most Sundays.Italy-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportFLR Florence Airport (Closest; bus or train link to Siena via Florence.).
- Getting aroundThe historic centre is pedestrian-only; cars need a hotel permit to unload luggage.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at the bar€1.20–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across the centrecheck€10–15 (≈ US$12–18)
- Metro or bus rideBus ticket (kiosk / driver)€1.50 (≈ US$2)more
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€15–30 (≈ US$18–35)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€35 (≈ US$45)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, central hotel or B&B, a night, per room€140 (≈ US$170)
- High-end bedDouble room, central hotel or B&B, a night, per room€280 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €70 (≈ US$85) · Mid €120 (≈ US$140) · High €220 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- FLR Florence Airport (Closest; bus or train link to Siena via Florence.) · PSA Pisa International Airport (Bus link to Siena; also rail via Empoli.) · BLQ Bologna Marconi Airport (Sena bus about twice daily, roughly 2 h 30 min.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Feb
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Mar
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Apr
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jun
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Dec
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Nov (10 rain days), driest Jul (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Siena: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
8 rd
Feb
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
8 rd
Mar
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
8 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
May
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Nov
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
Dec
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The historic centre is pedestrian-only; cars need a hotel permit to unload luggage. Walk, but plan routes along ridges rather than straight up and down the hills. Small Pollicino buses serve some central streets; city bus tickets cost about €1.50 from kiosks or tabacchi, more from the driver.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Montepulciano
goDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h
Bus or car south into the Val d'Orcia; rail via Chiusi
Wine town on a ridge; a full day by bus, easier by car.
Chianciano Terme
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Bus or car south via the Valdichiana
Spa town; check opening times before you go.
Castellina in Chianti
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus toward Florence on the Chiantigiana, or car
Chianti village; pairs with a winery stop.
Radda in Chianti
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Car is easiest; limited bus service
Thin public transport; go by car or tour.
Montefollonico
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Car via the Val d'Orcia and Montepulciano
Small walled village; car needed.
Valiano
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Car via Montepulciano
Hamlet near Lake Trasimeno; car needed.
San Casciano dei Bagni
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h
Car south via the Valdichiana
Thermal spa village; check spa hours and booking.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Around Piazza del Campo
Dead centre, steps from the sights; priciest and noisier at night.
North of the Campo (Camollia, San Domenico)
Near the bus station and Porta Camollia; quieter, still walkable to the centre.
Near the train station / Porta Siena
Cheaper, but 2 km (1.2 mi) and a climb from the historic centre.Cheaper, but 1.2 mi (2 km) and a climb from the historic centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, central hotel or B&B1 × 2 nights × €140 | €280 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €120 | €480 |
| Florence to Siena bus, one way2 × €8 · check | €17 |
| City bus ticket, one fare2 × €2 · check | €3 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €20 | €40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €82 |
| Trip total≈ €226 per person per day, bed included | €902≈ US$1,100 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at the bar | €1.20–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Plate of pici pasta | €10–16 (≈ US$12–19) |
| Glass of Chianti | €4–8 (≈ US$5–10) |
| Taxi across the centrecheck | €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) |
| Bus ticket (kiosk / driver) | €1.50 (≈ US$2) / more |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €15–30 (≈ US$18–35) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The centre is steep; allow more walking time than the map suggests.
- Driving inside the walls without a permit risks a fine; arrange the pass with your hotel first.
- Palio days (2 July and 16 August) fill the city and prices spike; book far ahead or avoid.
Emergency numbers
- General emergency
- 112
- Police
- 113
- Fire
- 115
- Ambulance
- 118
Pocket card
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SienaSiena
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A questo indirizzo, per favoreTo this address, please
Emergency
- General emergency112
- Police113
- Fire115
- Ambulance118
Embassy
Most countries: embassies in Rome, consulates in Florence; check your own before travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Florence SMN → Siena, train: about €10.20 (≈ US$12), roughly 1 h 30 min (check)
- Florence → Siena, bus: about €8.40 (≈ US$10), 1 h 20 min (check)
- City bus ticket: about €1.50 (≈ US$2) from kiosks (check)
Say or show
- Mi scusi — Excuse me / Sorry (mee SKOO-zee)
- Grazie — Thank you (GRAH-tsyeh)
- Quanto costa? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KOS-tah)
- Posso pagare con la carta? — Can I pay by card? (POS-soh pah-GAH-reh kon lah KAR-tah)
- Dov'è il bagno? — Where is the toilet? (doh-VEH eel BAH-nyoh)
- Il conto, per favore — The bill, please (eel KON-toh per fah-VOH-reh)
Coperto (cover charge) is normal on restaurant bills; tipping is not expected.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Siena. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and crowds), Palio weeks if you dislike crowds · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for FLR, PSA and BLQ: last bus and rail departures field-checked, taxi fallback.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Campo and Duomo, San Domenico and Camollia, Salimbeni and Banchi di Sopra.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Palazzo Pubblico, Duomo complex, Pinacoteca) and eat pages with last orders.
- Palio and hostile-arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialComune di Siena
- officialSiena Cathedral (Opera della Metropolitana)
- officialTiemme / Siena Mobilità bus schedules
- officialFlorence Airport
- officialPisa International Airport
- secondaryWikivoyage: Siena, revision 5293437 (CC BY-SA 4.0)