Where to Stay in Siena (5 Best Places & Areas)

👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Siena | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ

Siena is only a 40-minute drive from my hometown, and over the years, I’ve developed a special connection with this place. I’ve explored many corners of this city in the heart of Tuscany, and now I’ve created this guide to help you find the best places to stay on your visit.

If it’s your first time in Siena, you should stay inside the medieval walls in the historic Siena City Center. You can stay at the luxurious Gran Hotel Continental, housed in a 16th-century building with elegant and beautiful rooms. 

Or stay in Il Campo if you prefer to be close to nightlife. Here, I recommend Il Giardino di Pantaneto Residenza d’Epoca, a beautiful bed and breakfast in an ancient house near Piazza del Campo. Guests can enjoy the private garden, a peaceful corner of nature among medieval palaces.

I can also suggest Residence Le Meridiane in the San Prospero Quarter, which is ideal if you are travelling with children. This structure is surrounded by olive trees and has comfortable apartments, a swimming pool, and a free parking area. 

Even if the city itself is small, there are many other places to stay in Siena. In this article, I will tell you the best areas to stay for different needs and suggest beautiful hotels, tasty restaurants, and cool cafeterias or wine shops. Let’s begin with a summary of the best hotels.

Best Places to Stay in Siena

If you’re short on time, these are my top hotel picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Il Giardino di Pantaneto Residenza d’Epoca
• 📍 Best Location – Il Giardino di Pantaneto Residenza d’Epoca or B&B Le Logge Luxury Rooms
• 💎 Best Luxury – Gran Hotel Continental
• ❤️ Best for Couples – Palazzo del Papa
• 👪 Best for Families – Residence Le Meridiane
• 🛎️ Best Boutique – Albergo Centrale
• 🚅 Best Near Train Station – Hotel Italia
• 🌃 Best Near Nightlife – Il Giardino di Pantaneto Residenza d’Epoca
• 💵 Best Budget – Hotel Alma Domus
• 🛏️ Best Hostel – Residenza del Capitano
• 🏡 Best Farm Holiday – Villa Il Castagno Wine & Resort

Ok, now scroll down for a deep dive into the pros (and cons) of each area of Siena: 

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Siena

Siena is one of the most famous Tuscan cities. Located at the center of the region, it’s the ideal place to begin your travel around Tuscany. The city itself is pretty small and has only 53,000 citizens.

The historic centre is still intact inside the town walls. From Porta Camollia in the north and Porta Romana in the south, there’s only a bit more than a mile. Piazza del Campo, the square where the Palio di Siena horse race takes place, is exactly in the middle. 

Newer areas of the city are just outside of the town walls and can also be good places to stay, as well as the surrounding countryside.

Siena City Center (Inside the City Walls)

👉 Best Area For First-Timers & Art Lovers | ✨ Best Siena City Center (Inside the City Walls) Hotels: Albergo Centrale • Hotel Alma Domus • Alla Scala 1746 • I Merli di Ada • Gran Hotel Continental • Residenza del Capitano

If it is your first time visiting Siena and you love history or art, you should stay inside the walls of the historic Siena City Center. 

This area is divided into three parts – Terzo di Città, Terzo di Camollia, and Terzo San Martino. And those three areas are divided into 17 contradas (districts) that run the world-famous Palio di Siena. While strolling around Siena’s narrow streets, look up to find colorful lanterns and flags which mark the entrances to the different contradas.

Siena City Center is pretty small, but you won’t get bored while you’re here. It has many of the main attractions, like Duomo di Siena and the Sanctuary of Saint Catherine. Siena is becoming a bit more touristy, but unlike Florence and Pisa, it has retained more of its medieval roots. 

The city is not as well-connected as the northern cities of Tuscany, as only regional trains arrive here. However, you will find many hotels, like Albergo Centrale, which is a short walk from Piazza del Campo and offers modern rooms on the fourth floor of a 12th-century building.

Hotel Alma Domus is in Via Camporegio, close to the Basilica of St. Dominic and the Sanctuary of Saint Catherine. The hotel is quite affordable, with breakfast included. It also offers one of the best views of the city.

If you’re looking for luxury, book a stay at Gran Hotel Continental, a 5-star hotel in Via Banchi di Sopra, the shopping area of the city. Budget travelers looking for a hostel should book a room at  Residenza del Capitano. It’s only a few minutes’ walk from the Duomo and Piazza del Campo.

Pros of Staying in Siena City Center (Inside the City Walls):

• Beautiful streets and architecture
• Many museums and art exhibitions
• Lively area rich in restaurants, bars, and cafeterias
• Modest nightlife

Cons of Staying in Siena City Center (Inside the City Walls):

• Can get a bit more crowded
• Absence of free parking areas

Il Campo

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best Il Campo Hotels: Palazzo del Papa • La Terrazza Sul Campo • Il Giardino di Pantaneto Residenza d’Epoca • B&B Le Logge Luxury Rooms 

Il Campo is located inside the city walls of the Siena City Center, but this is the area where you can find more local businesses open till late in the night. Il Campo is where you will find Piazza del Campo and its adjacent street, Via Pantaneto. 

Other streets of the historic center are pretty quiet at night, but Il Campo is a great area for nightlife. I suggest choosing an accommodation in this confined area if you are young or travelling with your partner or friends and don’t want to walk far for nighttime entertainment.  

Palazzo del Papa is less than 100 feet from the central square and offers modern accommodation at reasonable prices. Also located a few steps from Piazza del Campo, both La Terrazza Sul Campo and B&B Le Logge Luxury Rooms have beautifully furnished rooms with marvellous views of the center. In both lodgings, contemporary style contrasts with the historic location. 

In Via Pantaneto, the street of Sienese nightlife, there’s a hidden and quiet treasure called Il Giardino di Pantaneto Residenza d’Epoca. What makes this place special is its outdoor terrace and beautiful garden. It is a delightful nature escape among old medieval palaces and the bustling nightlife.

Pros of Staying in Il Campo:

• Great nightlife
• Lively area of the city
• Many restaurants, bars, and cafeterias

Cons of Staying in Il Campo:

• Can be busy
• Several minutes walk to get to the train station or parking areas
• Very small area

San Prospero Quarter

👉 Best Area For Families & Outdoor Activities | ✨ Best San Prospero Quarter Hotels: Villa Elda Boutique Hotel • La Villa • Residence Le Meridiane 

If you’re travelling with children or hoping for a relaxed stay in a residential area, I suggest staying in the San Prospero Quarter. It is located very close to the Fortezza Medicea (Medici Fortress) near the town walls, as well as some green spaces like Parco della Rimebranza.

The fortress itself offers recreation areas for children, nice paths for walking and jogging, and has free equipment for exercising outdoors. There are not as many accommodations, restaurants, and cafeterias in San Prospero as in the historic center. However, there are several accommodation options that those hoping for a peaceful trip will enjoy.

Villa Elda Boutique Hotel and La Villa are just outside the town walls, a mere 10-minute walk from Piazza del Campo. Both structures offer a cozy retreat in old villas with beautiful gardens. 

Residence Le Meridiane is a bit farther out but very close to a bus that brings you to the city center in ten minutes. This old farmhouse, surrounded by olive trees, has a seasonal swimming pool and a free parking area. It’s ideal for families with children.

Pros of Staying in San Prospero Quarter:

• Outdoors activities
• Quiet area
• Free parking areas

Cons of Staying in San Prospero Quarter:

• Farther from the city center (about a 10-minute walk)
• Nightlife basically absent
• Fewer restaurants, shops, and cafeterias

Stazione and San Miniato Quarters

👉 Best Area For Students & Train Trips | ✨ Best Stazione and San Miniato Quarters Hotels: Hotel Italia • Sangallo Park Hotel • Hotel Executive 

The Stazione and San Miniato Quarters can be the ideal place to stay if you are travelling by train and need accommodation near the train station. Students coming to Siena for studies will also want to stay here. 

While this quiet area is outside of the historic center, it is also slightly more affordable. Several hotels in this area are fairly close to the train station, yet not so far from the town walls.

Hotel Italia is just outside of Porta Camollia, near both the train station and the University for Foreigners of Siena. It’s only a few steps from a bus stop, and a 20-minute walk from Piazza del Campo. This three-star hotel offers many comforts at reasonable prices. 

Located in a more residential area, Hotel Executive is a four-star hotel that’s ideal for anyone looking for a quiet stay. It’s a 10-minute walk from the train station and a bit farther from the historic center. Modern and elegant, the hotel has a restaurant with traditional Tuscan cuisine, and the prices per night are very good for the available services. 

A bit further north, Sangallo Park Hotel is a three-star hotel surrounded by greenery. Here, you’ll have magnificent views of both the Siena town walls and the countryside. It has a private seasonal swimming pool, a free parking area, and, during the day, bus services to the historic center are freely provided by the reception.

Pros of Staying in Stazione and San Miniato Quarters:

• Close to the train station
• Quiet area
• A less expensive area to stay

Cons of Staying in Stazione and San Miniato Quarters:

• Nightlife basically absent
• Longer walk to get to the historic center
• Fewer restaurants, shops, and cafeterias

Siena Countryside

👉 Best Area For A Relaxing Vacation | ✨ Best Siena Countryside Hotels: Agriturismo Podere Camollia • Agriturismo Il Poggiarello • Agriturismo La Collina • Villa Il Castagno Wine & Resort 

Like the idea of a calm vacation outside the crowded city? Consider having a quiet farm holiday. These can also be a good choice for those traveling with kids. 

You will definitely need a car if you choose this. These farm holiday accommodations are often a few miles from the urban centers, and they are not served by public buses. There are many farm holidays around Siena, and you can find lodgings with a variety of great amenities.

Only 4 miles from the historic center, Agriturismo La Collina offers apartments with large green spaces that are great for families. 

A bit further south is Agriturismo Il Poggiarello. Here, guests can enjoy a seasonal swimming pool, a garden, and a terrace with a marvellous view of Siena. You’ll also have access to a private barbecue and can opt to have breakfast included. Five minutes away, Agriturismo Podere Camollia offers the same services at similar prices. 

Looking for a more luxurious stay? You should choose Villa Il Castagno Wine & Resort, a five-star accommodation, just 6 miles from Piazza del Campo. This unique farm holiday is situated in a dreamy place among the Sienese hills. It has a seasonal swimming pool and wide green areas. You can also eat at the resort’s restaurant and go for a wine tasting of their local wines. 

Pros of Staying in Siena Countryside:

• Relaxing stay for those who love nature
• Beautiful surroundings 
• No problem finding parking 

Cons of Staying in Siena Countryside:

• You’ll need a car to move around
• Can be more expensive
• Most farm holidays do not have meals included – you will need to buy food at the supermarket or look for a nearby restaurant

Tips for Staying in Siena

Be respectful of local traditions

Although Siena is small and has a modest population, the pride and history that the Sienese people have passed down for generations is not. 

When visiting Siena, you will learn that the Palio di Siena is not simply a horse race. This event showcases the Sienese identity and their pride in belonging to one of the most important cities in Tuscany. So pay attention to sarcastic comments and do not mock these historic traditions. 

Don’t be a “hit-and-run” tourist 

Siena’s historic center inside the medieval walls can be visited in half a day… but don’t be that kind of tourist. I highly recommend spending more time here than just a few hours.

Siena has much to offer: from historic churches to museums of art and natural history. It has well-maintained green areas and very tasty restaurants and cafeterias. It’s one of the best places to visit in Italy, and spending only half a day in Siena barely scratches the surface of all the activities you can do here.

Take your time

Don’t be in a hurry when passing through Siena’s narrow streets. Wander slowly and allow yourself to get “lost.” Don’t worry, all streets will lead you to the main square: Piazza del Campo. 

Get to know, experience, and live the Tuscan lifestyle while here. Sit for a while, admire what surrounds you, take beautiful pictures, eat something typical, or drink a good glass of red wine. Remember to relax and take your time.

Be careful when speaking about your contrada preferences

Sienese people are very proud of the contrada (district) they belong to. Sons and daughters of at least one Sienese citizen are baptized in the contrada, and from that day they belong to it.

Some contradas (especially ones close to one another) are rivals, so be careful when mentioning your preferences for one contrada over another. Some can take jokes about them seriously.

Prepare to exercise your legs on the hilly streets

Feeling guilty for eating and drinking too much? Don’t worry – Siena takes care of your physical exercise! 

Located on a hill, the historic center of the city is characterized by constant ups and downs, which will keep you awake, and challenge you a bit. At the end of a day of walking, you definitely won’t regret the ice cream!

Just make sure that your packing list for Italy includes comfortable shoes so you don’t get blisters while going up and down those hills.

Consider renting a car for visiting rural areas

I recommend renting a car if you want to stay in Siena but plan to visit the surroundings. Only regional trains arrive in Siena, but they do not stop at many rural areas, and you risk being constricted with their timetable. 

If you want to see the Sienese countryside and discover the many things to do in Tuscany without limits, you should rent a car. Check rentals on Discover Cars to compare rates and find a car that matches your needs. 

FAQs about Siena

How many days is enough for Siena?

2 days in Siena is probably enough if you want to walk around the city and see several of the top attractions. But you would need more time if you are looking for a more immersive experience, want to see other attractions, or take daily trips in the surroundings.

What areas of Siena should I avoid staying in? 

Siena is considered one of the safest cities of Italy and Tuscany, and there are no areas where you should avoid staying in. 

The historic Siena City Center is great for pedestrians and is quiet. The city becomes more crowded in summer and during the Palio di Siena celebrations. If you are travelling by car and you want a free parking area, then you should consider staying outside the city walls.

What are the best parts of Siena to stay on a budget? 

Hotel and apartment costs throughout much of Siena are similar. But if you’re traveling on a budget, farm holidays outside the urban center and more residential areas, such as Stazione and San Miniato Quarters, may have lower prices. However, this all depends on the services provided. On average, you should consider around 100-200 euros per night. 

What are the best parts of Siena to stay with kids?

If you are traveling with kids, I suggest booking a farm holiday in the Siena Countryside with a swimming pool and green spaces where children can swim and play. Both Agriturismo Il Poggiarello and Agriturismo La Collina are good options.

Otherwise, I suggest staying in the San Prospero Quarter for its proximity to playgrounds, parks, and the historic center. This area is less crowded and quieter, especially at night, while the streets adjacent to Piazza del Campo can be busier.

What are the best parts of Siena to stay for a weekend?

If you only have a weekend in Siena and it is your first time visiting, I suggest staying inside the town walls in Siena City Center or Il Campo so you can experience the city’s history and traditions. 

What are the best parts of Siena for a long stay?

For a long stay, I suggest staying in the northern area of the city in quarters like Stazione and San Miniato, and Vico Alto. 

Staying close to the train station will be helpful if you plan to visit other places in Tuscany, like Florence or Pisa. Close to the train station, there’s also the University for Foreigners of Siena, so this quarter would be less expensive for students. 

Otherwise, I suggest the San Prospero Quarter, which is very close to the town walls. This quarter is quiet, residential, and near many outdoor activities.

📚 Related Reading: Where to Stay in Tuscany (8 Best Places & Areas)

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I hope I’ve helped you find the best place to stay in Siena according to your needs. If you have any questions, I will be here, grateful to help you. Just leave a comment below!

For help deciding what to put on your itinerary, read my guide to the best things to do in Siena next!