Siena accommodation from AU$118

The Piazza del Campo is the heart of Siena and acts as a sort of town square. Here, you can climb the 500 steps to the top of the tower "Torre del Mangia" for an amazing view of the region. Visit the red brick town hall "Palazzo Pubblico", before wandering the halls of the Civic Museum, home to some of Siena's most famous paintings, including unique ceiling frescoes.

If you're here on July 2 or August 16, make sure you attend the Palio horserace around the piazza, which has been running for over 1,400 years and is the most important event of the year for Siena locals. Here's a fun fact for you James Bond fans: this world-famous horserace was featured in ‘Quantum of Solace’, so don't miss it!

History buffs will also be delighted by the Gothic cathedral, "Piazza del Duomo". You can snap photos of the exterior or for a small fee, take a tour inside the baptistery, crypt, Piccolomini Library and the Museum of the Opera del Duomo. The interior of the cathedral itself is laid with marble panels, designed and etched by some of Italy's most famous artists, including Donatello and Michelangelo, so the small admission price really is worth paying.

Getting Here

Florence Airport is about 80km away but if you're keen to see the Leaning Tower, you could fly to Pisa, which is about 170km from Siena. No matter which airport you arrive at, you'll easily be able to catch a train or bus to Siena and once you're in the city centre, you won't have any trouble getting around by foot. Alternatively, you can hire a car or scooter at the airport if you feel like doing some exploring.

So, wot are you waiting for? Check out these cheap flights to Florence or these affordable airfares to Pisa and book a room in one of our Siena hotels.