Where to stay in Siena

Siena is one of the most fascinating cities in Tuscany thanks to its small but characteristic historical centre, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its main square, Piazza del Campo, hosts the Palio di Siena every year, an event that has become internationally famous. The historical city centre is small and collected within an ancient city wall built during the Middle Ages. If you have decided to visit Siena, one of the details to think about is where to stay.

Since the town is not very large, the advice is to sleep in the centre, within the city walls, to be able to fully experience and breathe the atmosphere that characterises its surroundings. The city centre is divided into 17 small districts that are not very large and often comprise only a couple of streets. If you are looking for a less chaotic and quieter area, then you can choose accommodation outside the walls where you will find not only cheaper accommodation but also more spacious accommodation. This is an area that allows you to be close to points of interest such as the station but at the same time within walking distance of the centre.

Sleeping in the historic centre of Siena

Elegant, fascinating and rich in history, the historic centre of Siena is a real gem to explore on foot, walking through its characteristic cobbled streets. Here, among stately palaces, churches and shops, you can reach Piazza del Campo, the true heart of the city. The Piazza hosts the Museo Civico located in the Palazzo Pubblico, the Torre del Mangia and the Fonte Gaia, as well as several bars and clubs.

Siena offers various types of accommodation, such as flats and hotels located in old historical residences that have been converted into accommodation facilities with all comforts. The area within the Sienese walls certainly boasts higher-priced accommodation than those outside the walls, but sleeping here means being close to the main points of interest.

Piazza del Campo is considered a meeting place for the Sienese and is very popular in the evening from aperitif time onwards. This is a very lively area for those who enjoy evening entertainment. If you want to stay in a quieter area, we suggest you choose accommodation near the Duomo, which is an area often chosen by families with children.

Sleeping outside the walls

Those who are looking for cheaper accommodation but at the same time not too far from the city centre can stay just outside the walls. Here you will find hotels with all amenities that are perfect for those who do not like to stay in the centre.

The area outside the walls is also ideal for those travelling by train, as the railway station is located outside the city walls and is about a 15-20 minute walk from the historical centre. Sleeping outside the walls may also be ideal for those who reach the city by car, as it is much easier to find parking outside the centre.

Sleeping around Siena

For those looking for a quiet and peaceful stay, the ideal solution is to stay at one of the facilities in a location in the surroundings of Siena, perhaps immersed in the green countryside. The area between Siena and Florence is famous for its hills that are home to the vines that produce the famous Chianti Classico wine and is full of agritourisms and small B&Bs where you can stay.

Some of the most recommended locations are Colle Val d’Elsa and Monteriggioni, where accommodation is often equipped with all comforts and extra services such as a swimming pool, garden or spa. These towns are also a perfect starting point for those who want to visit Siena and other Tuscan localities during the day.