10 Best Things to Do and See in Siena
Exploring Siena on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Siena, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Siena. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Piazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo, in the heart of Siena, Italy, is one of the city’s most iconic squares. Fan-shaped and surrounded by medieval palaces, it offers a large paved space where visitors enjoy strolling, sitting on a terrace, or simply admiring the surrounding architecture. Its lively atmosphere reflects Siena’s historic charm, blending urban elegance with local life. It is also an ideal starting point for exploring the winding streets of the old town and enjoying one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.
2. Siena Cathedral
Siena Cathedral is one of the city’s most remarkable landmarks, with its striking light and dark marble façade that immediately catches the eye. Inside, visitors discover a vast, richly decorated Gothic interior, where elegant columns, ornate floors, and religious works of art come together. The site also impresses with its solemn atmosphere and the refinement of its architectural details, which reflect Siena’s prestige. It is a must-see for anyone wanting to admire art, architecture, and Italian heritage in an exceptional setting.
3. Medici Fortress
The Medicean Fortress in Siena is a vast stone fortress offering beautiful views of the city and its Tuscan landscapes. As you walk along its ramparts and open spaces, you discover a peaceful panoramic spot, popular both for strolls and cultural events. Its sober, imposing military architecture recalls Siena’s defensive past, while its paths and lawns also make it a pleasant place to relax. It is an appealing stop for combining history, heritage, and views over the city.
4. San Domenico Basilica
In Siena, the Basilica of San Domenico is a large religious building that attracts visitors with its understated architecture and contemplative atmosphere. As you discover it, you can admire a typical brick church of the city, with a spacious nave, side chapels and works of art that reflect Siena’s spiritual richness. The site is also valued for its religious importance and for the views it offers over the city from its elevated setting, making this basilica a memorable stop on a walking tour.
5. Antiporto di Camollia
The Antiporto di Camollia is a monumental gate located north of Siena, close to the city’s famous medieval entrance. This site attracts visitors with its historic character and its integration into the old fortifications, which recall the city’s defensive past. A walk here reveals a sober, evocative architectural ensemble, as well as a landmark transition point between the old town and the surrounding neighborhoods. It is also a pleasant spot to observe the urban atmosphere of Siena and walk to the historic center.
6. Palazzo Salimbeni
Palazzo Salimbeni, in Siena, is one of the most remarkable buildings in the historic center, with its elegant facade opening onto a picturesque square. This palace attracts visitors with its medieval and Renaissance architecture, typical of the city, as well as the refined atmosphere that surrounds it. As you discover it, you can appreciate the beauty of the stone details, the harmony of its proportions, and its integration into the Sienese urban landscape. It is an iconic place to experience the charm and prestige of Siena along the way.
7. Porta Pispini
Porta Pispini is a historic gate in the former fortifications of Siena, located in the south-eastern part of the city. As you approach it, you discover a stone passage that evokes Sienese medieval architecture and the still-visible outline of the old city walls. The site offers a beautiful glimpse of the old city, with its walls, narrow streets and peaceful atmosphere, far from the busiest squares. It is an interesting stop for exploring Siena’s defensive heritage and enjoying a walk through an authentic neighborhood.
8. Santa Maria della Scala Museum Complex
Facing the Duomo of Siena, the Santa Maria della Scala museum complex occupies a vast former hospital complex transformed into a museum. Visitors can explore underground and monumental spaces, chapels, reception halls and exhibition routes that trace the history of the site while presenting collections of art, archaeology and objects linked to the city’s social and religious life. The visit also offers a chance to admire the building’s preserved architecture and discover an essential site for understanding Siena’s heritage.
9. Duomo of Siena
The Museo dell’Opera Metropolitana del Duomo, in Siena, showcases a rich collection linked to the artistic and architectural history of the city’s cathedral. Visitors can discover sculptures, paintings, stained glass, and decorative elements from the Duomo, offering a deeper understanding of the evolution of this major monumental complex. The museum also offers beautiful views over Siena from its upper levels, making it a particularly rewarding visit for lovers of medieval art and religious heritage.
10. Porta Ovile
Porta Ovile is one of Siena’s ancient gates, integrated into the medieval walls that still surround part of the historic center. Located in an area of the city where the defensive remains bear witness to Tuscany’s past, it offers a glimpse of Siena’s architectural heritage and the city’s historic layout. As you discover it, you will mainly notice a simple fortified structure, typical of former urban entrances, as well as an environment that recalls the historical line of the walls. It is an interesting place to better understand Siena’s evolution over the centuries.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
