Siena Holidays

Q: Does Siena have a market?

There’s a weekly market around the Fortezza, Siena’s old fort. You’ll find a wonderful array of produce, as well as clothes and handbags. There’s sometimes a farmers’ market here too. If antiques are more your thing, there’s a monthly market in Piazza del Mercato to browse. However, you’ll find plenty of traditional souvenir shops and modern boutiques in Siena too. So, there’s no shortage of places to go shopping.

Q: Is Siena family-friendly?

Holidays to Siena are good for all the family. As well as climbing the old towers and visiting the nature parks, you'll have lots to do. You'll find a Natural History Museum and Children’s Art Museum. You'll also have swimming pools and playgrounds for the active younger ones. The traditional sweet treats made here will be a hit with adults and children alike. And the city’s landmarks are perfect for any age to explore. You’ll find Siena holidays are just as good for couples too.

Q: Do I need a car in Siena?

You could do without a car if only staying in Siena, but you’d miss out on some of the wonderful, winding drives through the jewel-green countryside that surrounds the city.

Q: Should I hire a car in Siena?

Hiring a car on a holiday to Siena can be a good idea. It will give you the freedom to explore outside the city. Ideal for visiting the scenic valleys, hot springs and lakes in the region. You could also take a trip to Tuscany’s capital city of Florence or to one of the vineyards. However, there’s plenty to do in Siena without needing to travel – the cathedral, museums and the grand Mangia Tower, as well as the historic square, old fortifications and impressive city hall.

Q: What is Il Palio in Siena?

Il Palio is a contest among Siena’s 17 districts, which culminates in a horse race around the main square. It takes place on 2 July and 16 August annually.

Q: How long do you need to see Siena?

Siena holidays are all about sightseeing. So, it’s up to you how much you want to explore. For a shorter holiday, you could stick to a few of the city’s highlights. But you could easily spend much longer here. As well as the main square and ancient buildings, there are many day trips you could take, whether it’s into the hills and vineyards or to other towns and cities in Tuscany. Alternatively, you could combine your Siena holiday with a few days in Florence or Livorno.

Q: Does Siena have an old town?

Siena has kept much of its medieval architecture. But the historic centre of this city is where you’ll find the large square known as the Piazza del Campo. This is one of the city’s highlights. Surrounding the square, you have narrow winding streets that are fun to explore. All around this historical city you’ll find ancient palaces, towers and churches. Some of these now house museums and galleries.

Q: What is Siena known for?

Siena is best known for its ancient buildings and monuments. This wonderful old city is full of beautiful architecture. The Piazza del Campo is world-renowned for its unusual shape and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has palaces, towers and a lovely fountain. The square is also famed for a horse race, the Palio, held in July and August. Other than its medieval buildings, and a paint pigment, Siena is famous for its food and wine. This region produces the classic Chianti. Cheers!

Q: Is it good year-round?

Siena is wonderful year-round: sunny in summer (when it hosts its extraordinary Il Palio horse race), balmy in spring and autumn, and cosy and enchanting in winter.

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Tuscany’s most romantic city

Siena is a glorious city, beautiful from a distance as well as close up, with terracotta-hued buildings set in an emerald-green landscape. Its historic centre, made up of a collection of peach and russet medieval palaces and churches, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s focal point is its grand oval piazza, Il Campo, and spiderwebbing out from it are 17 distinct, wonderfully preserved medieval districts. The centrepiece of the city, with its graceful humbug-striped tower, is an astonishingly beautiful white, green, black and white marble cathedral. There is so much to enjoy on Siena holidays. Having a sundowner in a sun-dappled piazza, browsing the city’s small boutiques crammed with exquisitely made artisanal products, snacking on delicious pastries, dining on incredible Tuscan dishes, and wandering around this work-of-art cityscape. It’s no surprise that Siena is considered one of Tuscany’s loveliest cities.

Hang out in Il Campo
Siena’s sloping central piazza is called Il Campo, literally ‘the field’. It’s overlooked by some beautiful buildings, and it’s a great place to hang out in the sunshine.
Visit the cathedral
Siena’s cathedral is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside, with a inlaid marble floor, soaring striped columns, and heavenly blue ceiling spangled with stars
Climb a tower
On the main piazza, you can visit the elegant, medieval town hall, and its Torre del Mangia, whose steps you can climb to see dazzling, panoramic views.

Explore our map of Siena

Why book with us?

Your Siena questions, answered

Do I need a car in Siena?

Is it good year-round?

What is Siena known for?

Is Siena family-friendly?

What is Il Palio in Siena?

Does Siena have an old town?

Does Siena have a market?

How long do you need to see Siena?

Should I hire a car in Siena?

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Siena Holidays

Tuscany’s most romantic city

Hang out in Il Campo

Visit the cathedral

Climb a tower

Tuoro beach

Terme di Petriolo

Bagno Vignoni

Why book with us?

Your Siena questions, answered

Hotels in Siena

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