Things to do in Florence

Plan a trip from Florence to Siena

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As the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region and the birthplace of the Renaissance, the beauty and rich history of Florence definitely requires more than a few days to soak in. However, if you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of tourists, a day trip from Florence to Siena is right up your alley. Siena is the perfect spot – not only is it just over an hour away, it is also a World Heritage Site that’s best known for its art, cuisine, medieval history and culture, and museums. This Tuscan town is definitely worth a visit if you’re in for the full Italian experience!

Day Trip From Florence to Siena - In A Nutshell


Distance From Florence To Siena

78.3 KM

Travel Duration

1 hour, by car

Cheapest way to travel from Florence to Siena

By Bus

Fastest way to travel from Florence to Siena

By Train

Best Time To Visit Siena

Late September and October, April and May

Why Take a Day Trip from Florence to Siena?


florence to siena

Short Ride Away

Siena is just an hour from Florence, making for the perfect day trip destination. You won't have to spend much time (and money) on commute and you'll have a lot more time in hand to explore Siena.

Best of Tuscany

For a sumptuous taste of the Tuscan region, Siena is exactly where you should head. The sun shine, vineyards and renaissance architecture adorning the backdrop of this hilly region - Siena is Tuscan dream.

Wine & Dine

You may want to have more than 3 meals in Siena and that's okay! The fresh produce here is ought to have you wanting for more; pair that with wine and you've got yourself the best few meals of your Italian vacation in this countryside.

Close Proximity To Chianti & San Gimignano, or Pisa

Why visit just Siena when you can venture a little off-track and visit nearby cities like Chianti, San Gimignano or Pisa? For just €80 you can take true blue Tuscan adventure on a coach guided tour from Florence to Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa with an authentic lunch and sightsee the best of each city.

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Going From Florence To Siena - All Your Options Listed


Whether you're planning to travel via public transport, make a road trip of it or join an organized tour group, here are all your options for going from Florence to Siena.


By Bus


Typical Duration: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
There are two available options: Rapida (the fast bus), which travels non-stop from Florence to Siena for about 1 hour 15 minutes; and Ordinaria (the slower bus), which makes two stops on the way and takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. Usually, two buses leave every hour.


By Train


Typical Duration: 2 Hour 15 Minutes
There are up to 16 trains that traverse this 85 km distance, which leave once per hour. Weekends and holidays typically mean less frequent service, and sometimes longer travel times.


By Car


Typical Duration: 2 Hours
One can hire a car and drive to Siena, taking around 1-2 hours. However, this option may prove to be expensive.


Guided tours from Florence to Siena


Typical Duration: 11-12 Hours
With a pre-booked tour, transport is covered in the cost of the tour, and you also get to explore Siena and surrounding areas extensively, in a hassle-free manner. This definitely makes for an easier option if you are travelling with children, or simply want a relaxed holiday!

Best Guided Tours From Florence To Siena


If you're looking for an all-inclusive guided tour from Florence to Siena and a few other neighbouring towns, here are our top picks. They are economical and allows you to cover maximum ground over a day with a finely articulated itinerary! Check them out.

Want more insight into planning a day trip from Florence to Tuscany? Find out more with this one-stop comprehensive guide!

Siena Day Trip Itinerary


If you're planning a self-guided day trip to Siena, here's all that you must cover in your itinerary.

things to do in siena

Piazza del Campo

This is the city square of Siena and is known for its beautiful architecture. Built on the site of a Roman marketplace, the square is lined with trendy cafes and restaurants that are among the best places to eat in town. The famous Palio di Siena or traditional horse race is held twice a year around this square.

things to do in siena

Siena Cathedral

The Siena Cathedral, constructed between 1215 and 1263, contains works by Donatello, Pisano and Michelangelo. This stunning Gothic piece of architecture also houses the Piccolomini Library and the Chapel of St. John the Baptist. Don’t miss the intricate mosaic floor and beautifully designed pulpit!

things to do in siena

Torre del Mangia

Torre del Mangia is a 102m tall tower, located in the Piazza del Campo, and was supposed to be around the same height as the Siena Cathedral to signify the equivalence of power between the church and the state. The name of the tower means ‘Tower of the Eater’, referring to its first bellringer, Giovanni di Balduccio, nicknamed Mangiaguadagni for his gluttony and idleness.

things to do in siena

Museo Civico

Museo Civico is located on the first floor of the city hall, the Palazzo Publico. It features frescoes and paintings that depict the history of Siena, and also of its culture and traditions. Admire the famous Maestà in the Sala del Mappamondo or ‘World Map Room’, depicting the Madonna with the child surrounded by angels and saints and protecting the city.

Best Places To Eat In Siena


What's a day trip without sampling some of the city's best cuisine? Here are our top picks for the best restaurants in Siena. Make sure to grab a bite from either of these - it's a true Italian treat!

Food in Siena
La Taverna di San Giuseppe

Enjoy the city’s most authentic recipes - pici, a home-made pasta and bistecca alla fiorentina, a thick, succulent steak prepared from locally grown beef. The restaurant also boasts a wonderful wine list with local and national wines.

Food in Siena
Tre Cristi

Located in a 15th-century building, the interior is a mix of 1920s furnishings and boiseries with medieval-inspired paintings on the walls. The kitchen prepares exquisite Mediterranean food, and is particularly renowned for its fish dishes.

Food in Siena
La Bottega dei Sapori Antichi

Make your way to this small eatery for irresistible paninis prepared with Tuscan bread and a large selection of traditional, mouth-watering cold cuts and cheeses. They also offers a selection of local wines to pair with the panini, as panfortes and cantucci.

Food in Siena
Osteria Da Divo

A homelyinn, with tuff-stone vaults crisscrossing the ceiling, Osteria is an intimate spaces for customers to enjoy their meal in unrivaled privacy. Expect typical dishes from Tuscany’s gastronomy, prepared with quality local produce and changed seasonally to make use of the freshest ingredients.

Consider Before Going On A Day Trip From Florence To Siena


It is best to consider these factors before booking a trip from Florence to Siena:

Time In Hand

The first thing you've got to think about is how long have you got to explore Siena? If you can spare a day, it's best to take a day trip, as a day trip will show you a side of Siena that is impossible to see in a half-day trip. Additionally, it is better to take a day trip to Siena rather than spend more than a day there, as a day trip will show you all the main sights without wasting any time.

Guided Vs Self-Guided

The tour to San Gimignano, Siena and Pisa has an option to include a tour guide. While this option may be more expensive, it is also more convenient, especially in the small towns of Italy where not everyone may speak English. You will also get tips and suggestions form your guide as to where to eat and what to see, and you may also learn more about the history of the places you visit, hence saving you a lot of hassle on your trip!

Best Time To Visit Siena

The best months to visit Siena are April, May, June, September, and October. Springtime in Tuscany can be very pleasant with beautiful and lush landscapes and charming showers of rain. Autumn has similar weather, though perhaps a little sunnier, and is a great time to go exploring.

Quick Tips For You Siena Day Trip


  • Be sure to try out the local bakeries – not only are they reasonably priced, but they are great places to try out some fresh bread, pastries and sweets!
  • Siena is a great place to walk around and explore, but the hills are a bit steep – be sure to carry your walking shoes!
  • The city has a pretty efficient public transportation system - Pollicino buses - that cruising the streets from early morning until late at night. Pick up tickets at the kiosk prior to travel to save money.
  • If you are visiting Siena in the summer, don’t miss the Palio, a bareback horse race held every July 2 and August 16 on Siena’s Piazza del Campo.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Florence to Siena?

You can travel from Florence to Siena via bus, train , car or on a guided tour. While trains are the fastest mode of transport, buses are the cheapest. 

Which is better Siena or San Gimignano?

Siena is larger, the food, the Cathedral and its way of life (Palio etc.) is less devoted to mass tourism than San Gimignano, especially if you wander apart from the most touristy spots (the Campo and the Duomo). However, on a day trip from Florence, you can visit Siena and San Gimignano.

Is a day trip sufficient to cover all of Siena?

Yes. You can cover most of Siena within a few hours. 

What are the best recommended day tours from Florence to Siena?

Here are the best recommended day tours from Florence to Siena