Best way for a day trip to Palio Festival in Siena from Florence?

• No tickets. In the middle of the Piazza del Campo is free and that is how I've always seen it. There are some stands set up and also some local people who put their balcony at your disposal for a fee. I have no idea where to find those tickets.
• No trains or bus reservations. As long as there is room, you can get on board. I've always commuted there from Florence by motorcycle (for easier parking), but I don't think you'll have trouble getting on board. Trains for sure will have room, although the buses are faster and take you to the top of the hill.
• Atmosphere is incredible. The Senesi are sick in the head and go bananas whenever they see a horse. Most Tuscan jokes making fun of the Senesi involve their abnormal adoration of horses.

Thank you for the comments Roberto! Is this a crazy idea for us to do, when we only have 3 full days in Florence? It looks like a lot of stand and wait time (3-4 hrs?). But, a once in a lifetime celebration. Also, will we have trouble if we don't speak Italian?

It's up to you, but personally I would go. It's a unique experience.
If you have 3 days in Florence, spending 2 in Florence and 1 in Siena is optimal. Unfortunately on the day of the Palio you won't be able to see the museum inside the Palazzo Pubblico (The City Hall), which is the most important museum in Siena.
Speaking Italian is not at all necessary for visiting Siena or seeing the Palio.
However the ability to neigh like a horse is an advantage and is very appreciated by the Senesi.
Below is a typical young Senese:
http://cavallomagazine.quotidiano.net/cavallomagazine/2011/08/04/boxes/1135835-hab_dich.JPG

I suspect the Senese relationship to the horse is more understandable to Americans than is the Veronese relationship to the horse:
http://flic.kr/p/9V1uY2

Thanks! Nice pics. Sounds like I'll be planning a day trip to Sienna. I'm sure it will be unforgettable!

laura,

Seeing the Palio will be a memorable holiday experience, but it will be one of the most crowded and chaotic venues you've ever seen. If you're in the back row you may not have an optimal view of the race, but it will still be a lot of fun. Keep in mind that the actual race only lasts for a minute or two. As the crowd will be packed like Sardines, be sure to wear a Money belt as it's likely that pickpockets will be operating.

Thank you Ken. It does look like quite a crowd on the video! I'm not sure if we'll try and get bleacher room or stand in the middle. Twenty years ago I witnessed pickpockets, a women and a group of children, zeroing in on my mother. We stopped them before they got away with our wallet but I sure learned to be cautious. Appreciate your added words though.

The piazza where the Palio takes place is claustrophobic, disorganized, crowded. I'd not go anywhere near the place during the Palio.

Check some Youtubes and ask yourself whether you'd be okay standing up for hours until a short race happens, of which you'll have limited visibility.

Definitively not my cup of tea, but certainly some people like it.

We were lucky enough to see it on our last trip, I would highly recommend it! We got to the town early, the buzz was incredible as you could sense the excitement. We saw the parade go through town and then secured a spot in the middle. Worth the standing all day. Many people sat on small chairs or blankets early on before it became too crowed. Bring a snack but no glass or alcohol. (First hand experience :) We took the bus from Florence, easy 30 to 40 minute ride.

Michael,
Very funny comment. Laura, if you are ever in Verona make sure you don't order cavallo unless you like eating horses. It's on almost every menu in Verona.

are you going to the July 2nd or August 16th race? I'll be in Siena for the August 16th race and looking forward to it.