In the Summer of 2025 we spent a couple of days in Florence. Whilst the cradle of the Italian Renaissance has lots to offer, we wanted to explore the surrounding area a little bit more. There are plenty of good options, each with their own charms and history. However, a day trip to Siena from Florence had to be the top of the list, and that is exactly what we did!
If you are planning such a day trip to Florence, this quick guide is for you! I’ll cover my route and everything that I did, along with some top tips to help you along the way.
Day Trip to Siena from Florence | Your Quick Guide
Getting to Siena from Florence
Getting from Siena to Florence couldn’t be easier for your day trip. There are regular trains and buses which run here throughout the year, and each option takes around an hour. Train travel is relatively cheap and you’ll be looking at the equivalent of £20 or so for a return. However, the trains are direct and run very regularly from Florence.
When we went in 2025 part of the line was closed. This seems to have cleared up now, but it added an extra half an hour, another train and a bus to the journey.
Once you arrive in Siena, you’ll be relatively close to the Old Town, the main part of Siena. We waited for a while for our bus, but discovered that you can easily walk there. It is a little unclear on Google Maps, but if you exit Siena station, turn left and walk across the car park, you should see a shopping centre. Simply go through here and climb all of the escalators to the top. The Old Town should then be on your left (you can’t miss the large gates).
Early Morning
Once you pass through the Old Town gates, you’ll be walking through the streets of Siena. I’d recommend getting here as early as possible. A day trip to Siena is really popular and you’ll soon be fighting to move.
At this point of the Old Town though you’ll also find some cute cafés along the way. I’d always suggest starting any day trip the Italian way; a cappuccino and a cornetto (an Italian croissant). From past experiences, this is also a quieter part of the Old Town, so you should have plenty of options.
After you’ve fuelled up, continue walking down the old road. You’re heading to the Piazza del Campo, the heart of Siena. Along the way, don’t miss the colourful street lamps, all dedicated to old families who inhabit the city. You’ll also pass by old sculptures and churches.
The Piazza del Campo is an incredibly impressive fan-shaped square. In it are the Palazzo Pubblico and adjacent Torre del Mangia, the latter of which has some really incredible views. This square is the home of the famous horse racing which takes place a few times each year. When it is empty, it is the main magnet for the tours that come here. If you can get here early, you’ll have the square to yourself. You could even stop for a drink at one of the nearby cafés but, be warned, you’ll pay the premium!
Late Morning
From the Piazza, it is a short (but uphill) walk to the Duomo di Siena. This has to be one of most beautiful buildings in Europe; it is a masterpiece. From the Piazza, you’ll arrive at the base of the Duomo. You’ll be able to see the wonderful exterior, but not the front. Nor can you get in this way.
To enter, you need to climb up. There are some stairs which are adjacent to the building or, what I’d suggest, there is a nearby road which is a gentle incline to the top.
Once you arrive at the Duomo, you’ll need to buy tickets before you enter. Basic entry is €8 per person, but you can pay €17 for all of the main attractions of the Duomo, including the terrace and crypt.
You’ll need to cover up shoulders before entering, but once you get inside you’ll be blown away. The declarations are incredibly intricate, as is the striking marble floor, easily one of the most striking in Italy.
Lunch
For lunch, you can really tuck in to Italian flavours. If I am honest, there is so much variety here that it is hard to go wrong. My one recommendation is to move away from the Piazza and the Duomo to find more authentic flavours. You’ll find that this is often cheaper and better, plus you won’t be surrounded by tourists! Whatever you do, make sure you enjoy a glass of the local Chianti wine – after all, you’re in Italy!
Afternoon
In the afternoon, you’ll notice that things start to get busy. I wouldn’t say that it is quite as bad as a day trip to Venice, but it isn’t far off.
Try not to let this get in the way. I’d spend the afternoon traversing the cobblestone streets of Siena and explore. Remember those street lamps? Each one is from its own district (contrast) and has its own specific symbol/ identity. The more you walk around the city, the more of these you will find. It is very similar to spending 24 hours in Bern, Switzerland, with all the fountains.
Along the way, there are some other key things to see. There are plenty of artisan shops along the way. In particular, you’ll find lots of leather goods here and many of the key rings are exclusive and beautiful. If you don’t come back with a few, you’ve done Siena wrong!
You could also head to the Basilica of San Domenico, which is an imposing brick church holding relics of St. Catherine. Alternatively, go back to the main square and go inside Palazzo Pubblico – you’ll find the civic museum which walks you through much of the history of this city.
Evening
For the evening, you can either choose to wait until 6pm or so to eat dinner or head back to Florence. With the former option, you’ll find that (like Venice) most of the tourists have departed by this point. You’ll have the pick of all the restaurants, including those on the Piazza.
Alternatively, a trip back to Florence early might also be worth it so you can relax before the next day travelling.
Final Thoughts | Day Trip to Siena from Florence
A day trip to Siena from Florence is one of the best things to do in Italy. The city has a fair amount to see, but (in my opinion) not quite enough to use it as a base. However, the small amount that it does have is incredibly unique and worth seeing for anyone.
