We have 2 days to spend in Siena November 5-6. We're looking for some tips on the things that should not be missed. Also looking for good places to eat. 🙂
We will be arriving from Florence via train on the 5th and we'll be taking the train to Rome on the 7th to fly home the 8th.
Thanks!
You can visit the Cathedral and related structures (Baptistry, etc.) - there’s a ticket office across the way that sells various levels of tickets. You can visit the Piazza del Campo, the main square where Il Palio takes place. If you’re up for lots of steps, you could climb the tower there. You could visit a Contrada museum to learn more about Contradas and Il Palio. The one I went to is Contrada Capitana dell’Onda, and there are several more.
On my bucket list is a tour of Tuscany by Roberto, which leaves from Siena.
Thanks for the great advice. I also don't know how I missed the topic on the RS site. 🙂🤔
I loved going to Caffe A. Nannini to get delicious pastries, especially Ricciarelli, which are wonderful almond cookies. The Google rating of the bakery isn't good, but I went there twice during my two night stay in Siena and was very pleased both times.
When we were there, we just enjoyed walking about learning about the different contrada (neighborhoods). I found one which has the same colors as my Univ Illinois - blue and Orange, so I got pins and other tchochki from this contrada. It was also great that this contrada had won the Palia most recently. We also bought some of the special fruitcake from a bakery. We didn't climb the tower, as our climbing days are over. We actually did not make it into the Duomo, due to the line.
We enjoyed the bistecca Firenze at Osteria La Sosta di Violenta, a recommendation from a Sienese.
Thanks for the cafe and neighborhood recommendations! We're headed to Italy in a week!🙂
If you enjoy art, relics and artifacts, there is a museum in the piazza across from the entry to the Duomo. It was a former hospital in the 10th century. There are beautiful wall and ceiling frescos and religious Relics (a vial with the blood of Christ, a piece of a robe of the Virgin Mary and other Relics of Saints). In the lowest level are ruins and foundations from pre-Roman era dwellers. An interesting find and not a large collection. Santa Maria della Scala.
When staying in Siena for multiple nights, we always have one meal at Trattoria Papei. It's always been very good. and reasonable. They have large indoor and outdoor seating.
@lakertone40 , thanks for the museum tip! It's on my list now!
@frpfpp1 - sounds like a place that we'll plan on going to! Thanks!
If you’re comfortable driving, I highly recommend driving up SR222 through Greve. It’s a beautiful drive with plenty of stops along the way.
@ Rob,
Unfortunately we're not driving on this trip. How long of a drive is it from Siena?
So, looks like you’re finishing up your Siena visit - hope it’s going well, and that you’ll report back.
We spent four nights in Siena in October. Our favorite restaurant was La Taverna di San Giuseppe. It usually requires a reservation. The Duomo for us was amazing! We went first thing in the morning and had no problems getting tickets. The Santa Maria della Scala museum, across from the Duomo, was fascinating. The frescoes in the old hospital were beautiful but our favorite part was exploring the floors underneath with all of the Etruscan artifacts. It's fun just to spend time hanging out at il Campo too.
Visit the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, and climb the narrow spiral stairs to enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of Siena. You can also get a great view by climbing the Torre del Mangia, but this view is better because the Torre del Mangia is in the view.
