How to Take an Amazing Florence to Siena Day Trip

If you are wondering how to take a perfect Florence to Siena day trip, then this guide is for you!

We recently spent time in both Florence and Tuscany, and Siena was one of the most captivating cities we visited. With its magnificent black and white cathedral, breathtaking views over Tuscany, amazing Tuscan cuisine, and medieval streets, Siena makes a wonderful day trip from Florence. If you are only going to visit one of the Tuscan hill towns on your trip to Italy, then Siena is an excellent choice!

In this post, we’ll discuss the options for taking a Florence to Siena day trip, how to get to Siena from Florence, and what to do on a day trip to Siena. We’ll also give suggestions for a one-day Siena itinerary, how to get around Siena, and where to stay in Siena (if you choose to stay overnight). Finally, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about visiting Siena.

Florence to Siena Day Trip Options

When planning a Florence to Siena day trip, you can either join a guided tour from Florence to Siena or take a day trip on your own. To help you decide which option is best for you, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each below.

Join a Guided Tour from Florence

The first option for taking a Florence to Siena day trip is to join a guided tour from Florence. For example, here is the most popular guided Tuscany day trip from Florence (which includes Siena):

Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa & Lunch at a Winery
– Rated 5/5 stars (over 13,700 reviews)
– Spend a full day exploring Tuscany from Florence
– Includes 3 hours in Siena (walking tour + time to explore on your own)
– Includes stops in San Gimignano and Pisa and lunch at a winery

✔ Book your guided Tuscany day trip from Florence here!

Here are some of the pros of joining a guided tour:

• You won’t have to worry about transportation. With a guided tour, you won’t have to worry about missing the train, taking a bus, or driving into Siena on your own. This particular tour provides a private transfer from Florence to Siena and back.
• You will likely get to stop at a vineyard in Tuscany. The vineyards in Tuscany are beautiful but can be challenging to get to on your own without a tour. This particular tour includes lunch at a Tuscan winery (a worthwhile stop!).
• You will probably stop in several Tuscan hill towns in one day. Unless you are driving yourself, it can be difficult to visit more than one hill town in a day. With this particular tour, you don’t have to bother with any of the logistics and can see Siena, Pisa, and San Gimignano all in one day.

On the other hand, here are some of the cons of joining a guided tour:

• You will have limited time in Siena. With a guided day trip, you will have less time to explore Siena than if you had done the day trip independently. For example, on this particular tour, you only get about three hours in Siena.
• You will likely spend more money on a guided tour. As of the time of writing, the guided tour is $85 per ticket, while a two-way train ticket is around $22 per person.
• You will probably miss out on certain attractions. Due to having limited time in each city, you will only be able to see a few highlights in each city. For example, on a guided day trip to Siena, you may not have time to climb the clock tower or do the Gate of Heaven tour. However, you will still get to visit the Siena cathedral and see the main square.

Final thoughts: If you don’t want the hassle of planning your transportation and activities and would like to see several Tuscan hill towns in one day, then joining a guided tour is probably for you.

✔ Book your guided Tuscany day trip from Florence here!

Take a Day Trip from Florence to Siena on Your Own

The second option for taking a day trip from Florence to Siena is to do the day trip on your own. This is a great option if you don’t mind doing a little bit of planning (which this post will help with!) and want to have more time and freedom to explore Siena at your own pace.

Here are some of the pros of taking a day trip from Florence to Siena on your own:

• You will have more time to explore Siena. With a guided tour, you may only have a few hours to explore Siena. However, by taking a day trip on your own, you can get to Siena early and leave late, giving you almost a full day to explore the city at your own pace.
• You will likely save money by visiting Siena on your own. By taking a day trip independently, you will only need to purchase tickets for transportation and any admission tickets. As of the time of writing, a round trip from Florence to Siena by train is $22 per person, and the guided tour above is $85.
• You will get to choose your own activities. A guided day trip offers a walking tour of the city and limited time to explore the city on your own. On an independent day trip, however, you can prioritize the sights and experiences that interest you the most.

Alternatively, here are some of the cons of taking a day trip from Florence to Siena on your own:

• You will need to coordinate your own transportation. If you choose to take the train, you will need to look up the train schedule, buy your own train tickets, and make sure you arrive at the station on time.
• You will need to do more planning in advance. We would recommend buying admission tickets for the Porta del Cielo in advance and more or less planning out your day before you arrive (more on that below).

Final thoughts: If you don’t mind doing a little extra planning and would enjoy spending as much time in Siena as possible and exploring the city on your own, then taking an independent day trip to Siena is probably for you.

Getting to Siena from Florence

If you opt to take a day trip from Florence to Siena on your own, then you will need to decide how you are going to get there. From Florence, you have three main transportation options: train, bus, or car.

In short, we think the train is the easiest option for a Florence to Siena day trip, but we’ll explore each of these options below.

By Train

The easiest way to get from Florence to Siena is by train. While there is no high-speed train from Florence to Siena, the regional train only takes about an hour and a half. It leaves approximately every hour.

If you opt to take the train, we would recommend buying your tickets in advance and getting an early train out of Florence and a late train out of Siena.

You can book your train tickets with Trenitalia (the primary train operator in Italy).

By Bus

Another option for getting from Florence to Siena is by bus. Taking the bus is the cheapest option and takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

By Car

The last option for getting from Florence to Siena on your own is to rent a car. Renting a car is the most expensive option but will allow you to explore Tuscany at your own pace. The drive from Florence to Siena takes about one hour.

We would personally only recommend renting a car if you plan on spending multiple days in Tuscany, as some of the smaller hill towns are only accessible by car. If you do drive from Florence to Siena, we would recommend picking up the car at the Florence train station or airport (you should avoiding driving in the city center of Florence if at all possible) and parking just outside Siena.

For rental cars, we would recommend Discover Cars. You will need to get an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in Italy.

What to Do in Siena on a Day Trip

With one day in Siena, you can see most of what the city has to offer. However, it is important to note that you can’t do everything in one day, nor should you try! Siena is best enjoyed at a slower pace, lingering at each place and taking in the essence of Tuscany.

Whether you are sitting in the Piazza del Campo, enjoying a delicious Tuscan meal, or taking in the views from the rooftops of the cathedral, you won’t want to rush your time in Siena.

Here are the best things to do on a Florence to Siena day trip:

1. Visit the Siena Cathedral

The Siena Cathedral is an absolute must-visit on any trip to Siena. The entire cathedral is striped with black and white marble, making it one of the most striking Gothic cathedrals in Italy. Compared to the Florence Duomo, the interior of the Siena Cathedral is masterfully detailed. It also contains sculptures by Pisano, Donatello, Michelangelo, and other great sculptors.

Of all the cathedrals we visited in Italy, this one captivated us the most!

Hours: The cathedral is generally open from 10 am – 7 pm in the summer and from 10:30 am – 5:30 pm in the winter. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Tickets: You will need a ticket to enter the cathedral and the rest of the duomo complex. We recommend buying the Porta del Cielo ticket, which gives you access to the cathedral’s roofs (100% worth it) and to all of the museums in the complex. You can purchase tickets on the official website.

2. Take the Gate of Heaven Tour (Porta del Cielo)

If you are going to do only one climb on your day trip to Siena, this should be it! The Gate of Heaven tour (or the Porta del Cielo) is a short, guided tour from the Siena Cathedral, taking you up through the inner workings and passages of the cathedral and out onto the cathedral’s rooftop terraces.

The views over Siena and Tuscany from the rooftops of the duomo are heavenly! Of all the things we did in Siena, this was our favorite.

Hours: The Gate of Heaven tour is open during the same hours as the cathedral, but it is closed for part of January and February each year. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Tickets: You can buy timed entry tickets to the Porto del Cielo in person at the ticket office or online in advance here. With only one day in Siena, we would recommend reserving your spot in advance.

Tip: Another reason we loved this tour is because it was an easy and gradual climb to the top! The rooftop terraces of the cathedral also feel very safe. Unlike the Panorama, it is not a straight-down view to the ground, but rather a view across all of the beautiful, battered rooftops of Siena.

✔ Get your Porta del Cielo tickets here!

3. Visit the Piccolomini Library

Before you leave the Siena Cathedral, it is worth stopping by the Piccolomini Library. This colorful library is accessible from inside the cathedral and showcases a vibrant collection of books, manuscripts, and frescoes gathered by Cardinal Piccolomini, one of the archbishops of Siena.

Hours: The library is generally open during the same hours as the cathedral. Check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.

Tickets: Access to Piccolomini Library is included with the Porta del Cielo ticket.

4. Take in the Views from the Panorama

If you don’t mind narrow, winding staircases and towering heights, then you can climb to the top of the Panorama before leaving the duomo complex for another breathtaking view of Siena!

The Panorama was originally going to be part of an extension of the Siena Cathedral (called the “New Cathedral”). However, during the Black Death, the construction of the New Cathedral slowed to a halt, and the work was eventually abandoned. The facade of the New Cathedral (now called the “Panorama”) now remains, offering stunning views of the city from the top.

The Panorama is accessible from inside the Museo dell’Opera. You may have to wait a few minutes at the entrance for a guide to escort you for the climb, but the view is worth it.

This climb is rather steep, so it really is breathtaking.

Hours: The Panorama is open during the same time as the cathedral. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Tickets: Entry to the Panorama is included with the Porta del Cielo ticket.

Tip: If you are afraid of heights, we would recommend skipping this activity. I am generally okay with heights, but the Panorama made me a little dizzy and light-headed. (I would definitely do it again, though.)

5. Enjoy a Delicious Tuscan Meal

One of the best things you can do in Siena is enjoy a delicious Tuscan meal! Some of the local specialties in Siena include pici senesi (thick, rolled pasta), wild boar ragout (so good), gnudi senesi (similar to gnocchi), pappa al pomodoro (a Tuscan bread and tomato soup), and ribollita (a hearty Tuscan stew with beans, vegetables, and stale bread).

Of course, you also can’t go wrong with a classic charcuterie board as an appetizer – the cheeses in Tuscany do not disappoint!

The restaurants in Siena are cozy and warm, as many of them are built into brick and stone taverns. For a traditional Sienese meal in a rustic setting, try La Taverna di San Guiseppe, or try Osteria da Divo for a fine dining experience.

Tip: As tempting as it may be, resist the urge to eat at the restaurants directly on Piazza del Campo (the main square). You pay for the view, and most of them are overpriced tourist traps with mediocre food. If you just want to sit and enjoy the view, order something small like a coffee!

6. Stroll Through Piazza del Campo

No visit to Siena would be complete without a visit to Piazza del Campo, the central square in Siena. This huge square is surrounded by old, brick buildings, restaurants and cafes, the stately Palazzo Pubblico, and the iconic clock tower.

This piazza is also known for hosting Siena’s famous horse races (called the Palio) twice a year in the summer!

7. Visit Palazzo Pubblico

While at Piazza del Campo, be sure to explore Palazzo Pubblico, the main building in the square. The palace is now the town hall and seat of government in Siena, but the inner courtyard also houses several outdoor sculptures.

If you enjoy art, you can also take some time to visit the Siena Civic Museum. The entrance to the Civic Museum is inside Palazzo Pubblico. However, with just one day in Siena, we would only recommend visiting this museum if you are particularly interested in the artwork there.

Hours: The inner courtyard of Palazzo Pubblico can be visited at any time. The Civic Museum is generally open from 10 am – 7 pm (10 am – 6 pm in the winter). Check the official website for the latest hours.

Tickets: The inner courtyard of Palazzo Pubblico is free to visit. Tickets to the Civic Museum can be purchased online on in person at the ticket office. Combination tickets for the Civic Museum and the Torre del Mangia must be purchased in person.

8. Climb the Torre del Mangia

If you aren’t too tired from the Porta del Cielo and Panorama, you can also climb the iconic clock tower (the Torre del Mangia) in Piazza del Campo for one last long look over Siena!

The climb is over 400 steps, but the view from the top over Siena and Tuscany is stunning.

Hours: The tower is generally open March through October, 10:00 am – 1:45 pm / 2:30 pm – 7:00 pm (last entry at 3 pm and 6 pm); and November through February, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm / 1:45 pm – 4:00 pm (last entry at 3:15 pm). Check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Tickets: Tickets to the Torre del Mangia cannot be purchased online and can only be purchased in person at the Civic Museum ticket office. If you plan on climbing the tower later in the day, it is a good idea to pick up your ticket in the morning to ensure admission.

Tip: If you are going to do just one climb in Siena, we would recommend the Porta del Cielo at the Siena Cathedral. It is the easiest and has the best views of the city.

9. Stop by Fonte Gaia

Before leaving the main square, don’t forget to stop by Fonte Gaia, a monumental fountain located in Piazza del Campo. The name of the fountain means “Joyous Fountain,” named for the joy of the people when they first saw water arrive in Piazza del Campo.

10. Wander the Medieval Streets of Siena

Another one of the best things you can do in Siena is to wander its enchanting, medieval streets. Siena’s streets are beautiful, old, and notoriously hilly! Make sure you give yourself some time to wander around the historic streets of Siena before leaving town.

Just be prepared for a lot of uphill and downhill walking.

11. Walk Through the City Gate

Finally, if you arrived in Siena by train, you will likely walk through the city gate known as Porta Camollia on your way in and out of the city. On your way to the train station, don’t forget to glance up at the city gate as you say goodbye to Siena!

Florence to Siena Day Trip Itinerary

We’ve listed the items above in a sensible walking route. Here is a suggested itinerary for a Florence to Siena day trip:

Morning: Visit the Siena Cathedral, take the Gate of Heaven tour, visit the Piccolomini Library, climb to the top of the Panorama (if time)

Afternoon: Have lunch, enjoy Piazza del Campo, visit Palazzo Pubblico, climb Torre del Mangia (if interested), wander the historic streets of Siena, walk out through the city gate

Getting Around Siena

The best way to get around Siena is by walking. Siena is a completely walkable city, albeit a bit hilly!

It is about a 25 minute walk from the Siena train station to the Piazza del Campo.

Where to Stay in Siena

Siena is enchanting in the evenings. If you have a night or two to spare, we would recommend staying overnight in Siena!

If you choose to stay overnight, here are a few hotel recommendations:

• Residenza d’Epoca Campo Regio Relais ($$$): This romantic bed and breakfast is where we stayed in Siena, and we cannot recommend it enough! The owner was helpful and friendly, and the view of the city and the cathedral from our room was gorgeous. We particularly recommend Room 5, as it has a private balcony. Breakfast is served every morning on the terrace.

✔ Check prices at Residenza d’Epoca Campo Regio Relais here!

• Residenza d’Epoca Le Aquile ($$): This small but charming bed and breakfast is another great option. It has only four rooms and is located in the heart of Siena, just steps away from Piazza del Campo.

✔ Check prices at Residenza d’Epoca Le Aquile here!

FAQs: Visiting Siena

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Siena.

Is Siena worth a day trip from Florence?

Yes, absolutely! Siena is only an hour and a half away from Florence by train, and you can explore most of Siena in one day. With just one day in Siena, you can visit the beautiful Siena cathedral, take in the views from the cathedral’s rooftop terraces, enjoy a delicious Tuscan meal, visit the central square, and still have time to explore Siena’s medieval streets. A Florence to Siena day trip is absolutely worth doing.

Should I use Florence as a base for day trips or stay in Siena?

If you are already spending a few nights in Florence and have a few extra days to spare, then we would recommend using Siena as a base for day trips to Tuscany. While Florence certainly can be used as a base for Tuscany day trips, Siena is closer to the other hill towns and has a completely different feel from Florence. Plus, Siena is absolutely charming at night!

When is the best time to visit Siena?

The best times to visit Siena are in the spring and fall when the weather is cool and the crowds are at a minimum. We were in Siena in late March, and it was perfect! If you want to visit Siena during its famous horse races, then you should plan on visiting Siena on either July 2nd or August 16th. (Just be prepared for crowds!)

Conclusion: Florence to Siena Day Trip

If you are looking to get a taste of Tuscany, Siena is the perfect city to visit. Whether you want to take a guided Tuscany day trip or explore the city on your own, Siena makes a wonderful day trip from Florence. With its striking Gothic cathedral, stunning rooftop views, central square, and authentic Tuscan cuisine, Siena is definitely worth the trip.

We hope this guide has helped you plan an amazing Florence to Siena day trip!