Starter Day in Siena, Italy, Siena, Italy

Whether you have the chance to stay in Siena over an extended period of time, or you're just in town for the day, Siena has plenty to offer in sights, walks, and Italian history. I was able to spend a sunny early afternoon in Siena on a day trip from Florence during our Christmas trip this year.

*I would note that there are several articles on the internet about whether or not to take the bus or train from Florence to Siena. I decided to take the bus there, but after a crazy trip of winding roads and listening to a child vomit several times, I definitely opted to return to Florence by train. The price is only about €1 different, and the train had an easy and familiar comfortable cadence to it. If you take the train, then it's simple to take a Siena city center bus to the main square, or you can opt to use the extensive escalator system that lifts you from the train station at the bottom of the hill all the way up to the historical city center. I personally enjoyed walking downhill from the center and seeing a few extra sights on my way back to the train station.

Once you've made your way into the city center of Siena, there are lots of options of churches, museums, and piazzas to enjoy. Here is a great starter list for your first time in Siena to get to know the city. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).