Where to Stay in Siena

Siena is one of Tuscany’s most enchanting cities, boasting a small yet characterful historic centre that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its main piazza, Piazza del Campo, hosts the Palio di Siena each year – an event that has become internationally renowned. The city’s historic centre is compact and enclosed within an ancient medieval wall. If you’re planning a visit to Siena, one of the key decisions to make is where to stay.

Given that the city is rather small, we’d recommend staying in the centre, within the city walls, so you can fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of its charming neighbourhoods. The city centre is divided into 17 small contrade (districts), each quite modest in size and often encompassing just a couple of streets. If you’re after quieter, less bustling areas, you could opt for accommodation outside the walls, where you’ll find not only more affordable lodgings but also properties with more spacious layouts. This area allows you to be close to key amenities like the train station whilst remaining within easy walking distance of the centre.

Staying in Siena’s historic centre

Elegant, captivating and steeped in history, Siena’s historic centre is a genuine gem to explore on foot, wandering through its characteristic cobbled alleyways. Here, amongst grand palaces, churches and artisan shops, you’ll reach Piazza del Campo, the true heart of the city. The Piazza houses the Museo Civico within the Palazzo Pubblico, the Torre del Mangia and the Fonte Gaia, along with numerous bars and eateries.

Siena offers various types of accommodation, from apartments to hotels housed in historic buildings that have been converted into comfortable guesthouses. The area within the city walls certainly commands higher price brackets than properties outside the walls, but staying here means being close to the city’s main attractions.

Piazza del Campo is considered a gathering place for locals and becomes particularly lively in the evening from aperitivo time onwards. It’s a vibrant zone perfect for those who enjoy evening entertainment. If you prefer a quieter location, we’d suggest choosing accommodation near the Duomo, an area often favoured by families with children.

Staying outside the walls

Those seeking more affordable accommodation that’s still reasonably close to the historic centre can stay just outside the walls. You’ll find hotels with all the necessary facilities here, ideal for those who prefer not to lodge in the very heart of the city.

The area outside the walls is also perfect if you’re arriving by train, as the train station is located outside the city walls and is about 15–20 minutes’ walk from the historic centre. Staying outside the walls could also be the ideal solution if you’re driving, as parking is considerably easier to find away from the centre.

Staying around Siena

For those seeking a stay characterised by peace and quiet, the ideal option is to lodge at one of the properties in villages in the surrounding area of Siena, perhaps nestled in the Tuscan countryside. The area between Siena and Florence is famous for its rolling hills that host vineyards producing the renowned Chianti Classico, and it’s dotted with farmstays and small B&Bs.

Some of the most recommended locations are Colle Val d’Elsa and Monteriggioni, which offer accommodation often equipped with all mod cons and additional facilities such as a swimming pool, gardens or a spa. These charming towns make perfect bases if you want to visit Siena and other Tuscan locations on day trips.