Siena in 24 Hours: A Gastronomic Itinerary Like a Local

Do you have only one day in Siena? Perhaps you are coming from Florence for the day, or you are touring Tuscany and stopping for 24 hours. This itinerary is designed to be lived like a local: eat well, see the best, and avoid the traps.

8:30 — Breakfast at the bar (€3-5)

Start at a historic bar in the center: cappuccino, cornetto, or hot schiacciata. Avoid the main squares (Campo, Duomo): simply move one street away and the price drops by half. Cost: €3-5 per person.

9:30 — Piazza del Campo + Torre del Mangia

Climb the Torre del Mangia as soon as it opens (times vary, check the official website) for a panoramic view of all of Siena and the hills. Then wander through Piazza del Campo on foot; only take a coffee at the outdoor tables if you want to pay a bit more for the view.

11:00 — Duomo and surroundings

Siena's Duomo is one of the masterpieces of Italian Gothic architecture. Visit the Cripta and the Battistero as well. In the Duomo area, you will find historic pastry shops where you can buy panforte and ricciarelli to take home.

13:00 — Quick but authentic lunch (€15-20)

For lunch, avoid restaurants with translated menus displayed outside. Look for an osteria with hand-written daily specials. Eat:

• A first course of pici cacio e pepe or pici all'aglione (€10-12).
• Half a liter of house wine (€4-6).
• Water and cover charge (coperto): €2-3.

Total: €15-20. Full but not weighed down — there is still half a day left.

14:30 — Pinacoteca, Santa Maria della Scala, or a stroll

If you love art, Santa Maria della Scala is the former medieval hospital turned museum: the frescoes of the Pellegrinaio are worth the ticket price. Alternatively, walk through the terzieri (the three historic districts): you will discover alleys and vistas that you won't see from the tourist paths.

17:00 — Aperitivo (€8-12)

Siena's aperitivo happens in an enoteca or a bar with outdoor tables. Order:

• A glass of Chianti dei Colli Senesi or Vernaccia di San Gimignano (€5-7).
• A platter of pecorino di Pienza and cinta senese cured meats (€10-15 to share).

In many places, the aperitivo includes free snacks or small platters if you order two glasses.

19:30 — Sunset in Piazza del Campo

Return to Piazza del Campo towards sunset: the light on the Palazzo Pubblico is unique. Many Sienese people sit directly on the bricks of the square with a gelato or a beer.

20:30 — Dinner: Choose your style

You have three options, depending on your mood.

Option A — Classic Tuscan Trattoria (€35-45)

A historic trattoria in the old town to finish with traditional dishes: pici with wild boar ragù, peposo, or if it is the season, a bistecca alla fiorentina to share. House wine, house dessert, bill under €45.

Option B — Authentic Neapolitan Pizza (€20-25)

If you feel like something lighter and less Tuscan, a Neapolitan pizza is perfect. Our choice: La Napoletana 2.0, in Viale Sardegna 37 (a 10-minute walk from the center or 5 minutes by car/bus). Frequently featured in 50 Top Pizza. Pizzas €12-16, full menu (pizza + drink + dessert) around €25. Try the mortadella, fiordilatte, and pistachio pesto.

Option C — Contemporary Dinner (€60-90)

For a special occasion: a contemporary Tuscan restaurant in the historical center. High technique, local ingredients, refined wines. Reservation required.

22:30 — Night Walk

Siena empties early at night (it is a city of the elderly and students, not of night-life tourists). Stroll through the illuminated alleys toward Piazza del Campo: you will have the square almost entirely to yourself. Pure magic.

Cost Summary

| Item | Expense | |---|---| | Breakfast | €4 | | Torre del Mangia + Duomo (tickets) | €15-25 | | Lunch | €18 | | Aperitivo | €12 | | Dinner (Option B — Neapolitan pizza) | €25 | | Total | €75-85 per person |

What to take home

• Panforte or ricciarelli from a historic pastry shop.
• A bottle of Brunello or Chianti dei Colli Senesi from an enoteca.
• A piece of pecorino di Pienza (ask for vacuum sealing for travel).

Further Reading

• What to eat in Siena: 12 typical dishes
• Best pizza in Siena: 7 places where locals go
• Where to eat in Siena: The honest guide

Do you have advice or questions about the itinerary? Write to us at redazione@visitsienaguide.it.