Siena Guide

We visited Siena as a day trip from Florence and found it to be one of the easiest Tuscan cities to enjoy with kids.

The train ride from Florence was simple and comfortable, making Siena an ideal destination if you want to explore Tuscany without renting a car.

For many travelers, Siena works perfectly as a day trip from Florence. The train connection is straightforward, and you can see the highlights of the city in a single relaxed day.

One logistical note is that the train station sits below the historic center. The medieval city itself sits on a hill, which means getting up to the old town requires either a bus, escalator system, or taxi.

With kids, we found taxis to be the easiest option. They quickly bring you up to the historic center so you can start exploring without beginning the day with a steep climb.

Siena’s biggest strength is its atmosphere. The city feels authentic, charming, and welcoming rather than overwhelmed by tourism.

The historic center is compact and full of beautiful streets that naturally lead toward Piazza del Campo, the city’s famous shell-shaped square.

Restaurants and cafés are everywhere, and the overall feeling is relaxed and friendly. Locals were kind and patient, which made the experience especially pleasant while traveling with kids.

Siena’s medieval layout means plenty of hills and stone streets. Comfortable shoes and a slower pace make a big difference.

Fortunately the city is small enough that you never feel like you need to rush. You can explore for a while, stop for lunch or gelato, and then continue wandering through the historic streets.

The central piazzas also provide natural breaks where kids can move around a bit before continuing to the next area.

We stopped at Il Bandierino during our visit and it ended up being one of the highlights of the day.

The restaurant sits just off Piazza del Campo and offers classic Tuscan dishes in a relaxed setting. After walking the hills of Siena, it was a great place to sit down, recharge, and enjoy a slower meal before continuing to explore the city.

• Il Bandierino

Siena works extremely well as a Florence day trip, especially for families who want to see a classic Tuscan city without complicated logistics.

The train ride is easy, the historic center is beautiful, and the overall atmosphere is warm and welcoming. With a relaxed pace and a taxi ride up to the old town, it becomes a very manageable and enjoyable stop.