Why should you visit Siena
Siena Tuscany is known for its mediaeval charm and hosts the famous Palio horse race in the iconic Piazza del Campo. This, of course, is not a draw for me as I don’t want to see this kind of animal cruelty and I don’t want to support it. The city’s narrow streets and historic architecture however offer a unique and authentic Italian experience for visitors looking to experience the classic Tuscan vibes.
What you will find here
Here you’ll find some of the sights that I have personally visited and can actually recommend! This post includes photos and opinions that are my own experience.
What Is there to do in Siena Tuscany?
Piazza del Campo
Nestled in the heart of Siena, Piazza del Campo is an iconic space renowned for its role as the venue for the Palio horse race, a historic event that draws locals and visitors alike during summer.
Duomo di Siena
The Duomo di Siena, located in the heart of Siena, is a stunning mediaeval cathedral renowned for its intricate Gothic architecture and distinctive black and white striped exterior. The cathedral houses important artworks, including masterpieces by Italian artists like Donatello and Michelangelo, making it a must-visit destination for art and history enthusiasts.
What is the best vegan food in Siena?
There is one vegetarian restaurant that has vegan options called Biovita Ristorante Bio Vegetariano that is just outside of the inner Siena township. You can also find a bunch of sandwich shops where you can build your own sandwich using focaccia bread in the inner Siena township.
When is the best time to visit Siena?
Because this is one of the busiest towns of Tuscany, I highly recommend you arrive early. However, there is a lot more parking options here than in the other smaller towns so you should still be able to find somewhere to park at most times of the day.
How do you get to Siena?
I highly recommend driving around Tuscany because it is the most convenient way. If you don’t drive or do not want the pressure of driving on Italian roads, the next best option is to join a tour! This town is one of the easiest to get to. It also has a lot of parking options. We parked in the town in the underground car park. This made it very easy to walk around.
What are the best hotels to stay in when visiting?
You can stay in the town of Siena! Find the best hotels, apartments, or b&bs here.
VERDICT
Is Siena worth visiting?
Siena was definitely not my favourite Tuscan town. If you’re a vegan or care about animal welfare this town is probably not going to be for you. If you must go, make sure you don’t accidentally turn up on Palio di Siena, the 2nd of July or 19th of August, which is the day the horse races are held. There are so many other Tuscan towns that are far better than Siena, however Siena is the biggest and one of the easiest to get to.
Did this article speak to you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you’re on Instagram, you can find me over here: @apicturesquelife so feel free to reach out or use #apicturesquelife and I’d be happy to connect!