Siena: Seeking to avoid Palio in August

I was in Siena two years ago two days before the Palio and the city was wonderful. All the pennants were up and there was a very energetic vibe to the city. It will be busy but if it's your only time to visit I would go. It's great fun and very interesting. I also have to say that the Palio and everything that goes along with it is "normal Siena".

Donna

I was in Italy for last summer and I visited Siena for the 3rd or 4th time. I cannot express how wonderful the Palio was. It was one of the best experiences that I have had in all of Europe.

I was there last August and built my whole trip around the Palio and stayed in Siena for 5 nights. It was amazing !!!! The dinners we got to experience in different contrada's with the residents were special. It was beautiful to see all the flags around town and the pre race events. If you want to avoid the crowds then just stay out of Il Campo during the palio race itself (what 50,000 packed in there), and also during the last 2-3 trials which are practices around the campo. Some of the earlier trials like 3 days before were not as packed. The passion the Sienese have for the race is someting you have to see during the week up to the palio. You can even watch the amazing parade that is put on before the palio in spots around the town where the crowds aren't as big. That parade is beautiful.

Here is a good video story piece that Kenny Mayne from ESPN did about the Palio. He did a great job with it. I found this after I visited for the palio. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GYvns0ejV4

We were in Siena for the late June Palio and it was one of the best travel experiences we've had. The medieval pagentry and parades are wonderful.