Piazza del Campo, the heart of the city, is famous worldwide for the twice-yearly Palio horse race. Marvel at the Palazzo Pubblico facades, which house the Museo Civico and its stunning frescoes, with a climb of the Torre del Mangia, the sublime bell tower.
The Siena Cathedral is an architectural marvel crowned by its black-and-white-striped central dome. The Museo dell'Opera houses masterpieces including Duccio's Maestà, an altar painting done for the cathedral between 1308 and 1311. The Baptistery, built in 1325, features bronze Giovanni Pisano door panels and great frescoes.
The Pinacoteca Nazionale contains a fabulous collection of Sienese trecento and quattrocento masterpieces, from Duccio and Lorenzetti to Silvestro dell'Aquila and Sano di Pietro. Continue to the Chiesa di San Domenico to see the relics of Saint Catherine's incorruptible head and thumb.
Make your way to the Fortezza Medicea, a massive fortress built by Cosimo I de' Medici, for a mind-blowing view of the city. End your trip with a guided wine tasting in the Enoteca Italiana, where you can sample the best Tuscan wines and purch
Most points of interest in Siena are within walking distance, and the city center is closed to traffic. However, buses are available for destinations slightly farther afield. Bus tickets cost €1.50 ($1.80) per trip and can be bought at tobacco shops or directly on board. Train access to and from Siena is also available at affordable prices with Trenitalia, Italy's main train operator.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to nearby Tuscan gems such as San Gimignano and Montepulciano. Alternatively, add some relaxation time at Terme di Petriolo, a hot spring with some natural pools 23 miles away. If time is an issue, reduce the stay at the Pinacoteca Nazionale and try a quick Tuscan meal at Osteria Le Logge, one of the best restaurants in town.
Siena does not have its airport, but the nearest airports are Florence Airport (FLR), 37 miles north-east from the city center, and Pisa International Airport (PSA), 68 miles south-west. Florence Airport is a hub for several low-cost carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Vueling, whilst Pisa Airport is home to several international airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa, and Delta Airlines.