Siena
Compact medieval Tuscan city built around the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, famous for the Palio. Beautiful and very walkable; day-trip crowds, steep lanes and a long bus or train ride from Florence are the downsides.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$2,140–3,040Comfortable, one person · €1,900–2,700Details
- Value for money38/100Better value than 37% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 32°CDetails
- Internet109 MbpsFixed broadband, Italy medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe to drink; public fountains are common, and bottled water is rarely necessary.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$68–135Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTiemme city and regional busesVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Siena
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro Storico (Piazza del Campo area) | Short stays: everything on foot, but steep and loud on Palio days |
| Porta Romana–Santa Maria dei Servi | Quieter residential side with local shops |
| Fontebranda / Camollia | Cheaper rooms, neighbourhood feel inside the walls |
| Outside the walls (Ravacciano, Taverne d'Arbia) | Cheaper apartments with parking, bus into town |
Apps that work in Siena
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Just Eat | Limited to the city and nearby outskirts |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Trenitalia: National rail tickets, delays and strike notices
- Italo: Private high-speed trains, often cheaper
- Taxis: Walk or book a radio taxi by phone; there are few ride apps. Most hotels can arrange transfers to Florence or the airports.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Italy.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Keep a little cash for small cafés, markets and some small shops.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use bank ATMs (Bancomat), not Euronet machines; always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Bills often include coperto (€1–4 per person) or a service charge; round up or leave a few euros for great service.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted; tap a bank card at metro gates in Rome and Milan.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen member: non-EU visitors are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (fingerprints and photo) instead of passport stamps.
- ETIAS is not running yet; the EU will announce its start date months in advance.
- Hotels and rentals must register every guest with police, so expect to show your passport at check-in.
Emergency numbers
Police 113 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 115 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F, L · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
TIM, Vodafone and WindTre sell prepaid tourist SIMs at airports and phone shops; passport needed. EU SIMs roam at home rates. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Italy
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.