Local Guides World

Top Tourist attractions in Siena, Italy

Top Rated Tourist attractions in Siena

Top Reviewed Tourist attractions in Siena

Reviews

A Siena favorite.
Large basilica, with a lot of nativity scenes in 2023. The entrance was free, and the basilica was basically empty. You can see the unchanged communion from a long time ago supposedly, but I didn’t see it anywhere.
Nestled amidst the picturesque Tuscan landscape, the Basilica of San Francesco stands as a majestic testament to the artistic and religious heritage of Siena, Italy. Dedicated to the revered Saint Francis of Assisi, this awe-inspiring Gothic structure has captivated visitors for centuries with its intricate architecture, captivating artworks, and profound spiritual ambiance.
The basilica's construction began in the 13th century, evolving from a humble Romanesque building into a grand Gothic edifice. Its imposing facade, adorned with contrasting stripes of white and green marble, mirrors the grandeur of Siena's iconic Duomo. A magnificent rose window, crafted by the renowned Francesco di Giorgio Martini, adorns the center, casting a warm glow within the church's interior.
Whenever I’m in Siena, I always enjoy coming to this church & visiting St Catherine’s relics. Beautiful art & it’s usually not packed with people.
Beautiful church; pretty ascetic design, but completely related to the christian philosophy and movement to which the church belongs. There are kept part of bodies of Saints Catherine of Siena.
There is also very nice book shop, with very interesting books, not only about religious topics, but also about art.
Very cool place to see in Siena, lady in the gift shop was very friendly and helpful. You can see the head and thumb of St Caterina, it’s odd but cool to see.
Super
Marco in New York
at 2023 Oct 16
Marco in New York
at 2023 Oct 16
Magnificent cathedral with mindblowing details to discover.
Do your best to visit when the mosaic floor is “open” (once a year)

The organization could be better though.
- If you buy the ticket in advance you have to print it in high quality (see my pic attached) really? In 2023? The barcode on the ticket is not enough?
- the audioguide is not that detailed. 40-90secs per section is not enough. do your best to read about it before going there to have a better experience.
- going to the gift shop/bathrooms is weird. The corridor intersects with a booth (they sell tickets?) anyway they place a tiny red label on your clothes so they can recognize you.

Overall: go visit it!
Mitch Green
at 2023 Oct 14
Mitch Green
at 2023 Oct 14
One of the many famous Piazzas in Florence. This one has beautiful statues, including one of the replicas of the David. If you don’t want to go to the Academia, you can see the David in this Piazza. It is just down the street from the Iffuzi museum.
Lilli P.
at 2023 Oct 12
Lilli P.
at 2023 Oct 12
A very beautiful cathedral. The marble paintings in the floor are very worth seeing, although you have to know your way around to understand them. The entire cathedral, like many churches in Italy, is done in a zebra look, black and white everywhere. Here especially a lot, as the colors of the city are also black and white. There is still such a side room, which you should look at the end, because the rest seems ugly after that, it is also quite nice. But never forget to cover your shoulders and legs, or you'll be in trouble. Even though most of the statues are more than lightly dressed. There the Italians are consistent. A visit is worthwhile if you like churches.
Vee Browse
at 2023 Oct 08
Vee Browse
at 2023 Oct 08
It might be busy but you could still get a spot and watch the crowd. Still somewhat relaxing amidst a big crowd. It’s a sight to behold. Best time of the year to visit for less crowd and weather - March/April
Vee Browse
at 2023 Oct 08
Vee Browse
at 2023 Oct 08
It’s been a few months but forever in my heart. It was absolutely fabulous! Real time masses held. That’s the time they would limit visitors. Either go in to join the mass for free or wait outside for your timed entry.
Das historische Zentrum von Siena gehört wohl zu den schönsten von Italien. Man kann auch zu fairen Preisen etwas essen in dieser tollen Atmosphäre...
Jim Mannoia
at 2023 Oct 03
Jim Mannoia
at 2023 Oct 03
A unique Italian Piazza....1. Shape is semi circular, 2. Pavement is sloped, 3. Only the perimeter has eating and seats so the main space is for sitting on the ground to eat gelato and talk with friends!
Sabiha Sultana
at 2023 Oct 02
Sabiha Sultana
at 2023 Oct 02
The most beautiful cathedral in Italy! The interior especially took my breath away due to the high ceilings, marble mosaics on the floor, black and white marble columns and the ornate carvings. The ceiling in the library is breathtaking as well. If you purchase a ticket via GetYourGuide, you must line up on the LEFT side of the cathedral to exchange your pass for a real ticket. Then you will have skip the line access into the cathedral.
Jie Bo Ti
at 2023 Sep 29
Jie Bo Ti
at 2023 Sep 29
A welcoming square that invites one to just sit and people-watch on the floor. We were able to drop by in the morning and had the whole square for ourselves (okay and maybe a few enterprising merchants setting up shop for the day)
Jie Bo Ti
at 2023 Sep 29
Jie Bo Ti
at 2023 Sep 29
Try to get your tickets in advance. We tried visiting close to 4PM and there was still a queue for it. Only downside to booking online is the timed-entry that you'll need to adhere to.
We visited when the floor mosaics were uncovered so that really enriched our visit.
Be sure to also visit the Duomo Museum for stunning views of the city.
L RR
at 2023 Sep 27
L RR
at 2023 Sep 27
There are many rhings to see inside the plaza, like la torre del mangia and the museum right next to it. You have to pay to go to these places inside but its worth it
L RR
at 2023 Sep 26
L RR
at 2023 Sep 26
Its a marvelous place! You can go super early in the morning or later in the afternoon / sera for taking pictures. During thw day, the lqnes for going to the different buildings can be a little crowded. But in Siena, they have constantly different art activities going on.
S S
at 2023 Sep 22
S S
at 2023 Sep 22
Absolutely stunning cathedral in Siena. Impressive is not just the black and white building, but also the floors. The queue can be quite long. If you want to visit the viewpoint, you need to buy the highest ticket category which also includes the museum. For the viewpoint, there's an extra waiting line up to one hour in the museum. The museum itself is interesting and worth a visit. The cheapest ticket category only includes the cathedral without baptistery and museum.
Ruhiger als im Touristentrubel und dennoch sehr schön.
In Siena kann die italienische Gotik bewundert werden. Am Piazza del Campo ragt der Turm in die Höhe, eine tolle Aussicht wird garantiert. Das Rathaus und alle Gebäude ringsum geben die Kulisse bei den traditonellen Pferderennen der Bezirke der Stadt. Der Dom mit seiner bizarren Fassade befindet sich etwas abseits in der Stadt, bringt das architektonische besondere Erlebnis.
Jen Gordon
at 2023 Sep 10
Jen Gordon
at 2023 Sep 10
Lovely piazza and church. Go elsewhere for food, though. It's very crowded and the restaurant staff don't seem to want customers.
Wow wow wow so beautiful all the buildings
Konnten wir nur von größerer Entfernung ansehen da wir schon auf dem Weg nach Hause waren.
Very impressive medievial building and square.
Loukas Kontis
at 2023 Sep 02
Loukas Kontis
at 2023 Sep 02
Perhaps the largest historic medieval square in Europe. Known for the horse races that take place around the perimeter of the square twice a year for centuries. Lots of restaurants around but I suggest you eat outside the square to pay a lot less.
Judy Hung
at 2023 Sep 01
Judy Hung
at 2023 Sep 01
Lovely spot!
Free entrance, no photo allowed for the interior. A great spot to see old town Siena
Gabe Loftin
at 2023 Aug 15
Gabe Loftin
at 2023 Aug 15
Such a beautiful piazza! We were fortunate to be here during the horse races so the outer ring was packed with dirt for the races. The whole city was alive with the energy of supporting their neighborhood for the races. While there was extreme partisanship for their neighborhood all the people were still very friendly. One woman told me that while they are part of their neighborhood they are all Siena first. If you can visit during this annual event do so such fun.
Not the most impressive church but worth a stop when in Siena
del7w
at 2023 Aug 05
del7w
at 2023 Aug 05
Amazing place. The square makes a big impression. One of the most beautiful places you can visit in Tuscany
del7w
at 2023 Aug 05
del7w
at 2023 Aug 05
There would be no Siena without this building. History is inscribed in every square inch of this town hall.
Tony Ray
at 2023 Aug 04
Tony Ray
at 2023 Aug 04
Fantastic historical place wish I had more time there
Beutifull place
B T
at 2023 Jul 24
B T
at 2023 Jul 24
They set up for a concert, so the view of the buildings was disappointingly obscured. The arrangement of the Piazza provides no shade in the hot summer, so it is extremely difficult to cross the area and the only way to hide from the sun was to buy a drink and sit down at one of the surrounding cafes. I'd suggest avoiding this visit during the hottest summer days.
The charming Tuscan town Siena is a must see. Siena hosts the Palio di Siena which is the famous horse race that is held twice a year (it can be seen in the Quantum of Solace James Bond movie), personaly recommend. Beautiful town with alot of great scenery, food and drinks. Don't forget to visit the magnificent cathedral and also climb to the top of Torre del Mangia.
Interesting architecture. Again a beautiful example of retaining the beauty of the past within the modern times.
Spent a relaxed afternoon as a part of the best of Tuscany tour.
Valerie Roy
at 2023 Jul 03
Valerie Roy
at 2023 Jul 03
The Palio di Siena was truly an amazing experience that should be experienced at once in a lifetime. Tickets must be purchased months in advance and be sure to dress for hot weather and to use sun protection.
Varun Loomba
at 2023 Jun 27
Varun Loomba
at 2023 Jun 27
Beautiful church. This Piazza is a good place to stop and relax. Specially in the evening after the church closes - scanty crowds and serene views.
Nice building with a museum inside with lots of frescos and religious art pieces. We bought the pass with Torre Mangia climbing, this museum and another one for €20. Clean toilets and no crowds inside.
Dan Edwards
at 2023 Jun 23
Dan Edwards
at 2023 Jun 23
Amazing Day in Siena, great walkable city but don’t go down hill you can traverse the city as a horseshoe
The vantage point that the Basilica Cateriniana has within the western side of the walled city of Siena is quite high (though not quite dramatic as San Leo-see my review on this town). The building itself is enormous and there are a number of focal points within the basilica itself to worship at. The interior is nice, but not nearly ornate as the nearby Duomo. Still a definite draw especially if you see the exterior facade which is far more grand than the interior.
Darth Rum69
at 2023 Jun 11
Darth Rum69
at 2023 Jun 11
A magnificent piece of architecture, all of the front façade with its intricate masonry and sculpture and the inside is a large "WOW". Don't hold your breath as you will faint. I attach some photos as a tease to make you want to visit.😀. Either book tickets in advance if arriving there after 10:30 - 15:00 otherwise expect a bit of a queue. If in the queue you can buy online there and then go straight down the reservation line to get the tickets you have purchased. My wife and I purchased €20 tickets each, which covers all areas, what I call "The Full Monty" ticket!! This includes, inside the cathedral, up through the roof space and balconies looking down, crypt, museum and museum tower visit for a view of Siena. We were there for 3 - 4 hours, it takes to see and marvel.
Swee Sien Lim
at 2023 Jun 09
Swee Sien Lim
at 2023 Jun 09
Beautiful and majestic cathedral. Strongly recommended to get a ticket to visit the interior, it only costs 7€! Tall pillars of marble, very high ceilings and beautiful paintings. It's the size of an average church, but you can easily take hours, sitting there quietly, admiring the craftsmanship.
They had a map, helped with the bus and lots of flyers about siena with nice to know information about siena - what I expected and hoped for.
Although in Siena you will find several things to do this Basilica it's worth a visit.. you can find the head of Saint Catherine that is very well devoted in Siena
We visited the Basilica on a Saturday, but didn't have to wait at all to enter. I didn't take pictures from the inside, but it is beautiful. A must-see if you are visiting Siena.
Enrico Chua
at 2023 Apr 24
Enrico Chua
at 2023 Apr 24
Enchanting, this is my third time to visit this place and i can’t get enough of it’s medieval charm. A must see place to visit when you are in Tuscany, there are plenty of restaurants and bars , you can relax and chill out while being captivated by it’s beauty.
the church itself is nice. However, some information stated that you can overview the old city here, it is not true
Too many churches to see and photograph in Italy for one lifetime. This one is almost entirely open space, with small but remarkably beautiful stained glass windows.
Very serene. Combination of old and new. Saw St. Caterina’s thumb and head - the 2 most important relics in Siena. Entrance is free. But no photos. I understand that - respect. Inside is quite pared back with a few little chapels. It’s cavernous! Outside the view is amazing! Good panoramic view of the duomo and tower.
Sushant Jeurkar
at 2023 Feb 12
Sushant Jeurkar
at 2023 Feb 12
Beautiful Piazza- lots of restaurants to eat nearby- parallel street has great shops if u want to shop- amazing views of the city. Great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Thank you! Siena's tourist office was SO helpful and informed! They helped me and gave me valuable information for the Siena region. They were fantastic! Thanks again!
If you are a Pilgrim and consider sleeping here: DONT. 15€ for Ice cold water in the showers, cold rooms, unfriendly Pastor, DISGUSTING Kitchen and Bathrooms.
I dont ask for much as a Pilgrim, but when they set a price, then I want at least something for it. And I feel like I got scammed here.
They should just not offer accommodation
Silvia Bardotti
at 2022 Dec 15
Silvia Bardotti
at 2022 Dec 15
Simply stunning! It’s worth the visit! If you are visiting Siena take time to visit the palace and it’s wonderful terrace. We didn’t climb the tower due to knee problems.. what a pity…
This is about the Tourist Infor Office by the Duomo.
Our tour guide told us there is a free restroom there.

The man at the left side of the counter told me I had to PAY FOR THE MUSEUM to use a restroom inside of the museum.

I asked our tour guide again, and she said it has always been free, so I returned there and found a restroom just around the corner from him, where tourists were using for free.

I went back to him and asked why he told me I had to pay, when everyone else was using it for free.
He insisted there was no public restroom, only at the cafeteria and museum.
I asked again why all other people were using it for free while he told me I had to pay, and if he had a problem with me.
He said, "I don't know".
A liar and discriminator!
Beautiful place to see! Amazing history and culture! Love it! Must see!
Beautiful building and here’s a pinterest view from a street!
The simplicity of Francis. The serenity of his soul in stark beauty. No fuss or elaboration, just the peace of the saint. Truly an experience you should not miss.
Evan Engel
at 2022 Sep 21
Evan Engel
at 2022 Sep 21
Beautiful courtyard area with shops and restaurants. Lots of history here if you read up on it. Don't ride your bike through the square! The cops will stop you!
Another impressive church to visit with beautiful stained glass and paintings. Worth a visit.
Moshe Pereg
at 2022 Sep 09
Moshe Pereg
at 2022 Sep 09
324 steps. The best view on the plaza
if you go around the church you’ll be lead into this garden where you can have a nice view of the city and watch a beautiful sunset.
Nakarin P.
at 2022 Aug 15
Nakarin P.
at 2022 Aug 15
Very beautiful from outside but they should not have small aside the building. Make the scene look so ugly!
It is incredibly pretty, bit it is WILD to me that the streets around the duomo are used as a parking. Lessons to learn from other nearby cities.
A perfect place to connect with God. Praying in front of the miraculous eucharist gives you the feeling of God being with you at that particular moment. Please visit this church when you are in Siena.
Piazza del Campo is an amazing square, unique in the world.

The scenery, its story, the experience, the yearly horse racing, the surrounding bars and restaurants, it's all contributing to a unique experience not to be missed.

Siena has even more to offer and to discover. Enjoy! 👌
Andrew
at 2022 May 17
Andrew
at 2022 May 17
The duomo is absolutely beautiful. I really enjoyed walking through the piazza taking in the beauty of the architecture. This is a must see place when it Siena.
It is a beautiful space with gorgeous building around. Sit in one of the places around and enjoy seeing people in the square. Read and see photos about the Palio event in the plaza
Ghaith Ayadi
at 2021 Oct 15
Ghaith Ayadi
at 2021 Oct 15
It's easy to dismiss this place after seeing the one in Florence. This one is not even close. But it's still extremely impressive by any other standard
Better ssk a cat, not inside!!! Why it is open??? Make it tratoria!!!
They dont now, the name of the next street 2 meters away!!!!
From the garden next to church, is a beautiful view point to Siena old town.
A very nice church on the outskirts of Siena. It’s a very nice walk from the city center to here. The church is very famous for the stories of the Saint Francesco. The church is free to visit and if you like you can get a guided tour.
The woman at the desk knew good English and was helpful and thorough. She provided us with a map and noted on it which route we should follow. The souvenirs sold there weren't particularly good.
Matt C
at 2019 Jul 03
Matt C
at 2019 Jul 03
Wow! Great to see the old building standing tall in the center of Sienna. One side has a cafe outside so you can admire the architecture, the others a wide open square
The feel is much more than what you see on TV. It is grand and full of life. A cup of coffee in the late afternoon while viewing the Piazza is a worthy excursion
I’m hesitant to give it 5*. Only because I don’t want this beautiful gothic church to be overrun. Peaceful, with stunning views of Siena - a must if you’re visiting Siena.
Nice monument with amazing artwork. It must have taken a long time to sculpt the pieces as there is a lot of detail.
Debi Slinger
at 2018 Nov 24
Debi Slinger
at 2018 Nov 24
This was my second visit 25 years apart and it still took my breath away, sneaking up on my when I least expected it.
You need at least two days here to see at least most of it but certainly not all. There are wonderful galleries, sites, views, shops, eateries and more that it's an amazing place.
I'd recommend good footwear, take some snacks so you're not buying too much food as it's expensive and always try to use some Italian as it goes along way. Extra charge for your camera or phone essential because you'll be snapping away all the time.
Everyone says the Duomo in Florence is a must, but the Basilica in Sienna is far grander. If you have to pay to get in, do it. Your jaw will drop at what human beings have made without concrete.
Alex Sim
at 2018 Jul 28
Alex Sim
at 2018 Jul 28
We visited in October 2017. Good museum inside and a wonderful view from the top across Sienna. You have to get up a tall winding tower to get there and sometimes this is closed but luckily open when we visited. Well maintained for a building from 1297. 9 Euros to enter but totally worth it.
A bit disorganised. Maps are not labelled clearly and have to ask staff there for help from time to time. It also takes quite an effort to figure out which ticket to buy.
It used to be better - now lots of merchandise and books in italien
Positive: the bar cafe
Top Aussicht vom Platz direkt vor der Basilika. Von innen ist sie aber eher wenig spannend. Die Aussicht auf die Stadt macht das allerdings wett!