Our walk through Siena starts right at the train station and takes you step by step through the entire historic center. We show you not only what to see, but also the easiest route and the best order to visit each place, so you can avoid unnecessary backtracking and save your energy for Siena’s hills.
We begin with the escalators near the train station, which take you uphill toward Porta Camollia. From there, the route continues through Piazza Salimbeni, Loggia della Mercanzia, Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico, and Torre del Mangia. We then follow Via di Città to the cathedral before heading downhill to Fontebranda, visiting places connected with Saint Catherine of Siena, and finishing the walk at Fortezza Medicea.
We show the entire route in our “Siena Stroll” video. Below, you’ll also find our walking map and current opening hours for the main attractions.
Before You Go
Siena Cathedral – Buy Your Ticket in Advance
The cathedral complex is one of the places where you should plan to spend a little more time. It’s a good idea to buy your ticket online in advance, especially during busy travel periods.
A combined ticket for the Duomo complex is usually the best option, since the cathedral, Piccolomini Library, crypt, baptistery, Museo dell’Opera, and the Facciatone viewpoint are all located very close to one another.
Torre del Mangia – Amazing Views, but Not for Everyone
Climbing Torre del Mangia is best treated as an optional part of your visit rather than a must-do. There are about 400 steps to the top, no elevator, and the climb up and back down takes both time and energy.
It may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you have health issues, a fear of heights, or claustrophobia.
Also keep in mind that the tower closes in bad weather, so even with a carefully planned itinerary, you may not always be able to go up.
Facciatone – A Great Alternative to Torre del Mangia
If Torre del Mangia feels like too much of a climb, or if the tower is closed, Facciatone is an excellent alternative. It is part of the unfinished expansion of Siena Cathedral, and access is through the Museo dell’Opera. Admission is included with the cathedral complex ticket.
The viewpoint has two levels. If you don’t feel like climbing all the way to the top, you can stop at the lower level — the views of the cathedral, Siena’s rooftops, and the Tuscan countryside are already spectacular from there.
The upper level is reached by a narrow staircase, but the climb itself is not especially demanding.
