We are staying in a villa about 45 minutes from Siena, and I was thinking about visiting Siena the day before the Palio. Has anyone done this, and can you offer any recommendations? My 70 year old mom can't stand all day waiting for the race, and my 12 year old nephew is somewhat claustrophobic in crowds (he didn't enjoy the Eagles Super Bowl parade too much!), so I figured that the actual Palio on the 2nd probably isn't the best idea for us.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12050 posts
I have not been there when the race happens, but with all the prep that is needed, I suspect the day before will be only marginally better, crowdwise, than the day of the race. The benefit is you would not be compelled to 'stand all day' in one spot.
If crowds are the issue I would plan a visit as many days before or as many days after the race as possible, dependent on how long you are in the area.
Posted by
98 posts
We were there for a few hours during the trials a couple days before the race last year and the place was packed. The Campo was very crowded and I'm sure getting to the the various sights around it was well near impossible. The streets immediately around the Campo were crowded but it wasn't to difficult to walk to the Duomo and other sights.
Posted by
3124 posts
I was there more like 5-6 days before, and the town was still packed. Siena is incredibly popular with tourists, and it seems everyone the world over has heard about the Palio and wants to catch a bit of the magic.
You'll also want to be aware that the town is quite hilly. If your mom is unsteady walking up and down hills on cobblestones, Siena might not be your best choice.