How to Take the Perfect Day Trip to Siena from Florence
In the heart of Tuscany, Siena is one of Italy’s most culture-rich destinations. If you’re considering taking a day trip to Siena from Florence, I’m here to tell you that you absolutely should.
Between Siena’s fascinating history, magnificent cathedral, unique clam-shaped Piazza del Campo (where Palio, Siena’s bi-annual horse race, is held!), and the surrounding vineyards and olive groves, this is one of the best day trips from Florence!
Plus, Siena is only an hour away from Florence – so whether you want to go via public transportation, rental car, or guided tour, taking a day trip to Siena is a breeze.
I’ve taken a day trip to Siena from Florence four different times, so I created the ultimate guide just for you! It includes details on how to get to Siena; the best things to do, see, and eat; top guided tours; and must-know tips.
Day Trip to Siena from Florence: By Tour or Self-Guided?
If possible, I recommend spending at least three days in Florence, then adding on a day trip to Siena. “Should I go to Siena on my own, or with a guided tour?” you ask.
I’ve done both, and I’m convinced there are two right answers. You should either:
- Go on this fully guided day trip to Siena from Florence (which includes Siena, a nearby Chianti winery, and more!); OR
- Travel to Siena on your own and join this 2-hour city and Duomo walking tour, then do your own thing for the rest of the day.
In my opinion, there’s also a wrong answer. If you visit Siena, and if you don’t take a historical guided tour, you may as well not go at all. You’ll completely miss the point. If you’re short on time, consider seeing Tuscany in one day.
Siena is so much more than just a pretty place… It’s a historical and cultural gem, unlike anywhere else.
With a guide, you’ll learn about the Siena Cathedral (a Romanesque-Gothic masterpiece, filled with art by the likes of Michelangelo and Pisano); the centuries-long conflict with Florence (until Siena finally lost); Siena’s unique horse-racing festival (which is essentially the locals’ second religion – they live for Palio); the Basilica of San Domenico; the oldest operating bank in the world; and the meaning of the colorful banners flying around the city.
Best Guided Day Trips to Siena from Florence
If you’ve decided to go the fully guided route (great choice!), here are the day trips I recommend:
- Best of Tuscany Tour from Florence (Siena, San Gimignano, Chianti Winery & Pisa): If you want to see Siena, San Gimignano, a Chianti winery, and Pisa in one day, then go on this Tuscany day trip! I’ve done it twice and highly recommend it! You’ll love the charming destinations, engaging guides, and the fabulous farm-fresh lunch at the winery.
- Small-Group Siena, San Gimignano & Chianti Tour: If you want a slower-paced experience (with a smaller group!), then choose this Tuscany tour instead. The key difference is that you won’t visit Pisa – leaving more free time for wine-tasting and exploring Siena and San Gimignano.
- Private Day Trip to Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti: Prefer a private tour? This one’s for you.
How to Get to Siena from Florence (Self-Guided!)
The easiest way to get from Florence to Siena is on a guided tour. All you have to do is show up at the Florence meeting point, ready to have fun.
But if you want to explore Siena on your own schedule, it’s easy to do! You can either go by rental car (fastest), take the bus (cheapest, also fast), or catch the regional train (slowest).
By Bus
It takes about an hour to travel from Florence to Siena by bus. One-way tickets start at €8. Check the bus schedule and purchase tickets here.
There are several bus departure points near Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station, but the most common option is Firenze Autostazione. When arriving in Siena, there are two common arrival points: Antiporto Camollìa or Siena (Stazione FS). Most of Siena’s city center is pedestrian-only, so you’ll have a 15 to 30-minute walk on arrival.
By Rental Car
The journey from Siena to Florence takes around one hour by car.
If you want to combine your time in Siena with a local winery (like this nearby organic vineyard), or other nearby towns (like San Gimignano), then consider renting a car to explore Tuscany.
Getting a rental car for a one-day journey is kind of a hassle, but it enables you to reach destinations that trains/buses don’t.
By Train
There aren’t any high-speed trains between Florence and Siena – just regional trains.
The direct regional train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Siena (Stazione FS) operates roughly every hour and takes about 1.5 hours.
You can see the schedule and purchase your train tickets here. One-way tickets start at €12 – book in advance for the best rates!
Note: the Florence train station is a 15-minute walk from downtown Florence, while Siena’s station is a 30-minute walk to the heart of Siena. If you don’t want to walk, you can take taxis.
Best Things to Do & See During a Siena Day Trip from Florence
Logistics out of the way, let’s dive into the fun part… Here’s what you should see and do during your Siena day trip!
1. Explore the Historical Center
As you walk through Siena’s charming cobblestone streets, you’ll notice the brightly colored shutters, centuries-old brick buildings, festive flags and decorations signifying the different districts, and Sienese pride emanating from every local (in a good way!).
The best way to explore the historical center – and to learn about Palio (the horse race), the long-standing rivalry between Florence and Siena, and the city’s contrade (districts) and rich banking heritage – is on this Siena City and Duomo Guided Walking Tour!
I went on this tour last time I visited Siena and can’t recommend it highly enough!
The walking tour includes skip-the-line tickets for the Duomo, and visits little-known gems – like the Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico, which houses the relics of Saint Catherine, and quiet local neighborhoods.
From stories of Siena’s horse-blessing ceremonies to the meanings behind the contrade symbols (like the dragon and the caterpillar), to the priceless masterpieces within the Duomo, our guide shared so many interesting stories.
Don’t miss this Siena walking tour – it’s the best thing to do during a Florence to Siena day trip.
2. Visit the Duomo di Siena (Siena Cathedral)
There’s beauty everywhere you look in Siena. But the city’s absolute highlight – its crown jewel – is the Duomo di Siena. Since 1215, the Siena Cathedral has been regarded as one of Italy’s most beautiful Romanesque-Gothic cathedrals.
Inside and out, this cathedral is a masterpiece; every surface is adorned with something intricate, expensive, and positively dazzling. I promise, you’ve never seen anything like it!
Filled with treasure, inside you’ll see elegant marble mosaic inlay floors, white-and-green-striped marble pillars, Michelangelo’s first self-sculpture, the Piccolomini Library loaded with centuries-old books, and priceless frescoes and sculptures by Renaissance artists like Donatello, Pinturicchio, and Pisano. It’s best to visit Siena’s Duomo expert guide, so you know what you’re looking at!
As mentioned, this Siena City and Duomo Guided Walking Tour includes skip-the-line access, so you won’t have to wait in the sweltering heat to get in!
REMEMBER: You must dress modestly – with your shoulders and knees covered – to enter the cathedral! Ladies, I recommend wearing a long, flowy dress or skirt in the summer and bringing a lightweight linen shirt or scarf to cover your shoulders.
NOTE: If you have more time, be sure to explore the wider Duomo Complex – which includes the Piazza Jacopo della Quercia, the Facciatone Viewpoint, the Crypt of the Duomo, the Opera delle Metropolitana art museum, and the Baptistry of San Giovanni Battista.
3. People-Watch in the Piazza del Campo
The Piazza del Campo, Siena’s main (sloping, clam-shaped!) “square,” is the heart of town – featuring the 285-foot Torre del Mangia, the marble Fontana della Birretta, several notable medieval brick buildings, and touristy little cafés and bars. It’s also the stage for the Palio di Siena, a horse race with centuries of tradition held twice every summer.
At the base of the Piazza del Campo is the Gothic-style Palazzo Pubblico (town hall); inside there are several attractions well worth your time! Through the main gates, you’ll find a courtyard to one of the tallest medieval towers in Italy, a museum, and an opera house.
4. Climb the Torre del Mangia
Climbing the Torre del Mangia is a must-do during your Siena day trip from Florence! The panoramic views of the city, and the surrounding Tuscan countryside – are absolutely stunning.
Access to the tower is limited to 30 minutes, including the time it takes to trek the 300 steps up and back down. This gives you plenty of time to admire the views and snap all the photos.
NOTE: You have to reserve your time slot for the tower, so it’s a good idea to stop by first thing in the morning to purchase your tickets – particularly in the busy summer season. I recommend purchasing the combo ticket to also visit the Civic Museum within the Palazzo Pubblico.
5. Visit the Civic Museum
Next up, visit the Civic Museum, housed in Siena’s 13th-century town hall.
You’ll journey through Siena’s history, and see important governmental rooms, incredible frescoes, and fine furnishings while you’re at it. It’s well worth a look!
6. Try Typical Sienese Food & Wine
There’s a lot of delicious food and wine to discover in Siena! Here’s where you’ll find it!
First, stop by Bakery Il Magnifico for a traditional slice of panforte di Siena (Sienese fruitcake), filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. A must!
For amazing deli sandwiches crafted with only the best local artisanal meats and cheeses, Il Bocconcino is just the place.
7. Walk Along the Fortezza Medicea (Medici Fortress)
Lastly, make sure to visit the Fortezza Medicea (Medici Fortress). Commissioned on Duke Cosimo’s orders (before he became the first Grand Duke of Tuscany), the fortress was built between 1561 and 1563 and still bears the Medici coat of arms.
But nowadays, the fortress is a peaceful, leafy park offering different walking and biking trails and amazing views of Siena’s historic center and the surrounding countryside.
Florence to Siena Day Trip: Travel FAQs
Of all the Florence day trips you could take, a day trip to Siena is one of the most obvious choices! The easy journey from Florence to Siena takes about an hour – but, culturally, Siena feels a world away. This medieval city stands out for its charming historic center, featuring the lively Piazza del Campo (where, Palio di Siena, the Siena horse race is held every July and August), one of the tallest medieval towers in Italy, and the jaw-dropping Duomo di Siena (Siena Cathedral). This culture-rich city is a must-add to your Florence itinerary.
Walking through the contrade (districts), you’ll glimpse into Sienese life. You’ll see the contrade flags blowing in the wind (proud symbols of the districts’ horse-racing teams); admire Siena’s medieval buildings (constructed from local limestone, marble, and handmade terracotta tiles); visit insanely beautiful churches and piazzas; browse delis full of artisan products; and taste wine from the vineyards that blanket Siena’s rolling hills!
Not to mention, Siena is much less crowded than Florence – a major perk these days! (Well, unless you visit during Palio; in that case, it’ll be wall-to-wall with people!)
You can easily take a day trip from Florence to Siena – either on your own or with a guided tour. Direct buses and trains travel between the two cities frequently, and the journey only takes 1 to 1.5 hours one-way. I recommend going on this Best of Tuscany Tour from Florence, which includes Siena, the Chianti wine region, San Gimignano, and Pisa.
The direct regional train from Florence to Siena takes about 1.5 hours; this is the fastest train option. It’s actually 30 minutes quicker (and cheaper!) to take the bus to Siena! Click here to book your bus tickets.
The train ride from Florence to Siena takes you through the rolling hills of Tuscany, past vineyards, olive groves, medieval buildings and towns, and family-run farms. It’s one of the most beautiful regions in all of Italy!
You only need 3-4 hours to see Siena’s highlights. With even more time (up to one full day is perfect!), you can climb the Torre del Mangia, visit the Civic Museum, explore the wider Duomo complex, and see the Santa Maria Della Scala museum – which is housed in one of the world’s oldest hospitals.
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