If there's one thing that struck us during our visit to Siena in Tuscany, it's the sheer number of palaces to be found here! Not all of them are open to the public - some are now private or public institutions - but they all contribute to the beauty of this city. Every street reveals Italy and its historic wonders! From beautiful squares to palaces and exceptional museums, we take you on a journey to discover the best things to do in Siena in 3 days. Ready to go? Set off!
Day 1: What to do in Siena in 3 days Piazza del Campo, cathedral, crypt and Opera Museum
The tour begins in Siena 's must-see square: the Piazza del Campo.
Morning: Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico, Museo Civico and Torre del Mangia
Our 3-day escapade begins in one of Europe's most beautiful squares: the Piazza del Campo. Get out your cameras, because the view of this superb curved square is just perfect! Having arrived early, we were able to admire it at our leisure, before the masses of visitors arrived. One of our fondest memories of this square is of the Fonte Gaia, a beautiful fountain.
On this side of the square, we also visited the Palazzo Pubblicowith its elegant Gothic façade. Inside, it's a complete surprise to discover the Museo Civico and its splendid frescoes on the second floor. History and art lovers like us couldn't resist!
Right next door, the Torre del Mangia challenged us: a few hundred steps, no elevator, but a breathtaking panorama.
Read the article: Top 10 Italian cities to visit at least once in your life
Afternoon: Duomo, Crypt, San Giovanni Baptistery and Opera Museum
We recommend this low-cost combined ticket for Siena Cathedral and the Piccolomini Library, another must-see visit in Siena.
After tasting some excellent Pici All'agione, we were stunned to enter one of Siena's must-sees, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. From the outside, the white, black and red marbles of Siena's Duomo intertwine in perfect harmony. But it's inside that the magic happens: the marble pavement is a marvel! It extends over 3,000 m², highlighting inlaid biblical scenes created over six centuries... Nothing less!
Good to know the pavement is not always 100% visible, in order to be preserved. If you come between late June and mid-July, or mid-August and mid-October, you'll be lucky enough to see it almost completely uncovered.
Then it's on to the San Giovanni Baptistery, with its frescoed vaults. Just above the baptistery, we also visited the crypt, whose magnificently decorated walls rounded off these exciting visits.
To book: We recommend that you book the "OPA SI PASS" cumulative ticket here, which gives you access not only to the Museo dell'Opera, but also to the Duomo of Siena, the Baptistery and Crypt, the Piccolomini Library and the Facciatone belvedere.
Finally, before ending the first day of our 3-day visit to Siena, a visit to the Opera Museum is a must! If only to see Duccio's Maestà, it's simply unmissable. And above all, it's the only way to climb the Facciatone... for an unforgettable view of Siena!
Day 2: What can you do in Siena in 3 days? Palazzo Piccolomini, Pinacoteca, Museum and Botanical Garden
Between history, culture and nature, you won't be disappointed by this second leg of your 3-day visit to Siena!
Morning: Palazzo Piccolomini and Pinacoteca Nazionale
We pushed open the door of the Palazzo Piccolomini delle Papesse out of curiosity, and we were right to do so! This 15th-century Renaissance palace is a real eye-catcher. The Florentine influence is evident in every detail. From the city archives to the Biccherna tablet museum, the surprise was complete. The icing on the cake: a panoramic terrace awaits you, with a superb view of the Piazza del Campo!
We then decided to devote the rest of the morning to the Pinacoteca Nazionale, which takes at least two hours to visit. From surprise to curiosity, we discovered a real gem for lovers ofmedieval art. Housed in two historic palaces (Palazzo Buonsignori and Palazzo Brigidi), it brings together the finest works of the Sienese school.
Good to know combined tickets are available for the Pinacoteca Nazionale and the Museums of Santa Maria della Scala, one of the afternoon tours.
Afternoon: Santa Maria della Scala museum complex, Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden
It's precisely at the santa Maria della Scala museum complex that our afternoon begins! Housed in a former pilgrims' hospital, this is an immense and incredibly rich site. We've literally travelled through time and history , from the Etruscans to the Renaissance. At each level, we discover a different era, and always this impression of walking in the footsteps of the travelers of yesteryear..
After about two hours, we decide to head south to the Natural History Museum. From the 15-meter whale skeleton to the collection of naturalized animals, it's a really fun visit, especially with children!
Finally, if you still have time, the day comes to a gentle close at the Botanical Gardens. Located right next to the Natural History Museum, it boasts over 2,000 plant species.
Tip from Petit Futé: you don't have much time to visit Siena? Opt for a guided tour of the city's main points of interest by booking right here, including the Piazza del campo and its monuments, the Cathedral, the Opera Museum and the Piccolomini bookshop.
Day 3: What to do in Siena in 3 days Sanctuary of St. Catherine, Fontebranda and San Bernardino Oratory
Lucky enough to stay a third day? Then let's head north for a few bonus visits!
Morning: Sanctuary of St. Catherine, Fontebranda and Basilica of San Domenico
We began the morning in the footsteps of St. Catherine, the patroness of the city and indeed of Italy, at her sanctuary in the Fontebranda district. This is her childhood home, which we were able to visit, transformed into a complex of churches, oratories and loggias. A truly interesting visit! Just below us, the 12th-century Fontebranda fountain is famous for having supplied the entire lower town, including Catherine's family.
Our morning ended nearby, at the Basilica of San Domenico, massive, almost austere, but so full of history! In fact, this is where you'll find the head-relic of Saint Catherine.
Good to know: there are four different (and low-priced) passes to visit Siena's main points of interest (OPA SI PASS, then the packages beyond: Porta del Cielo, ACROPOLI PASS, and the most complete, which we opted for, ACROPOLI All Inclusive).
Afternoon: San Bernardino Oratory, Fortezza Medicea
Still have some time to spare before getting back in the car or on the plane? Head for theSan Bernardino Oratory. While it may not be Siena's most famous landmark, we found it very charming. In particular, the upper oratory was a real surprise: its luminous frescoes tell the story of the Virgin's life in a gentle style. Our steps then led us to the sacred art museum just next door, where one masterpiece follows another, from Sano di Pietro's Saint George to Ambrogio Lorenzetti's sublime Madonna of Milk. This museum has finally revealed itself as a well-hidden treasure!
Typical activity to book: Learn to prepare pasta and tiramisu in a popular Sienese restaurant by booking your cooking class here. You can also book this guided tour of Siena, including tastings and discoveries of unusual places.
To round off our 3 days in Siena in style, we finally head for the Fortezza Medicea. Its massive bastions and tree-lined ramparts drew us in, and we didn't regret it. Our fondest memory is of strolling along its walls in the golden evening light, taking in a magical view of the old town, the Duomo and the Torre del Mangia.
Good to know: this is where we found the city's only free parking lot, perfect for those visiting Siena in a day!
Where to stay in Siena for 3 days? Our selection of the best hotels
We advise you not to stray too far from the historic center, as points of interest are very close together in Siena.
- The perfect combo
The Palace Hotel Due Ponti succeeds in offering affordable prices while remaining close to the city center. A little out of the way, but a shuttle bus runs past the hotel every day to take you into the historic heart. Click here to book this beautiful, elegant hotel.
- The cheapest
At theAlbergo Tre Donzelle, prices remain reasonable, even in the height of summer! This is good news for an establishment located right in the heart of the city, close to all of Siena's must-see sights. Book your room here.
- The best location
Situated on a pedestrian street, theAlbergo Cannon d'Oro is appreciably quiet. Yet you'll find it right in the historic center! This establishment, which you can book here, offers low prices and simple, yet high-quality service for a 3-day stay in Siena.
You'll find a list of the best places to stay in Siena right here.
Will you be as charmed as we are by the beautiful city of Siena? If you can, we recommend that you continue your stay with a 15-day tour of Tuscany: magical! If you're tempted by the experience, check out our 15 must-do things to do in Tuscany, from its cities to its most beautiful villages, to make the most of it 100%. You know us: we're unconditional lovers of Italy. Perhaps you'll fall under our spell too, when you consult our 27 must-dos in Italy? Siena is just the beginning, you'll see: it's impossible to stop!
Discover the most popular things to do in Siena here:
