5 Historical Areas & Hotels in 2024
A rich history, fascinating culture and a welcoming atmosphere! I hope you’re ready to uncover this city’s secrets in this guide on where to stay in Siena in the Tuscany region.
I’ve recently visited Tuscany and I came back with lots of tips from my trip that I’m happy to share with you! I’ve included them in this post along with the best areas and hotels in Siena.
In short, Piazza del Campo is the best area to stay in Siena, as that’s where you’ll find some of the main attractions and gorgeous hotels. However, if you’d prefer something different check out the other 4 areas in this post.
I’d recommend booking your hotels for Siena in advance, especially if you’re coming during the high season (June, July, August) when all the hotels sell out months in advance.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Don’t have the time to go over the whole post? Then check out the shortlist below, which has the top hotels in town, all set in Piazza del Campo:
budget hotel
Best affordable accommodation in the center
Check out the map below! It’ll help you visualize all the areas to stay in Siena, Italy, that I’ll talk about in this post:
1. Piazza del Campo – where to stay in Siena for the first time
Looking for the perfect location to spend your holiday in beautiful Siena?
Then look no further because I’ve just found it for you!
The famous Piazza del Campo is the city’s main square, and it’s the best place to stay in Siena, Italy for those coming here for the first time!
Booking your hotel in this UNESCO World Heritage site means you’ll be just a minute’s walk away from all the attractions and from all the local restaurants that serve great food! Make sure you stop by Te Ke Voi? (map), where you can eat some traditional Italian sandwiches.
Piazza del Campo is packed with countless souvenir shops like Manufactus Siena (map), clothing stores, cafes and attractions like Loggia della mercanzia (map).
NOTE: If you’re visiting the city in February during Carnival or July and August during the Palio di Siena horse race, I recommend booking your hotel super early as lots of tourists come during that time of year.
For those who don’t know, the Palio di Siena is one of the oldest horse races in the world. The race takes place every year in Piazza del Campo. Every horse represents an area of Siena, and it’s a pretty unique race as there are practically no rules, and the riders don’t use a saddle!
Luxury hotel
Palazzo Del Papa, Piazza del Campo
A stunning hotel located close to all the attractions with some gorgeous rooms with stylish furniture, modern conveniences, and lots of space! This Sienna accommodation offers city and inner courtyard views.
Other accommodation options in Piazza del Campo
mid-range
A great hotel in the central square with comfortable rooms, antique furniture, and a restaurant on-site
budget
An affordable place that has rooms with city views, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom
airbnb
This place has a central location, and it offers spectacular views, stylish rooms, and a patio
Things to do in Piazza del Campo
- Check out the souvenir stores in the main square
- Visit the Museum of Torture Siena
- Go on a day trip in the Tuscan countryside
- Snap a pic of the Loggia della mercanzia
- Admire the gorgeous views and drink some wine at Bar Il Palio (map)
2. Torre – the best place to stay in Siena for history lovers
Siena is a paradise for those who love history!
All its areas, including Torre which is located right near Piazza del Campo, are packed with historic buildings, ancient traditions, and an atmosphere that will make you feel as if you’ve landed on the set of a period drama movie!
If you want to discover more towns like Siena in this region, check out my Tuscany itinerary where I included a couple spots that I’m sure you’ll love!
The area was named after Torre del Mangia, a tower built in the 1300s that you can visit.
That’s just one of the attractions in the area. You should also check out the Palazzo Pubblico and the Loggia del Papa (map).
The best way to explore Siena is to just walk around. You won’t really need a car to get around the city, unless you’re staying in some of the areas that are further away, outside the city gates, like Porta Romana (map).
However, if you’re planning to stay in the countryside around Siena, you’ll probably need a car. Generally speaking, the Tuscan countryside is best explored with a car, as there aren’t really buses that you can use to get around. That’s what we did when we visited Tuscany, so if you want to get a car too, make sure you check out my post on renting a car in Italy.
P.S. The hotels in the countryside or near the town borders in Tuscany are also cheaper, but bear in mind that you’ll then most likely need a car to visit the city.
Luxury hotel
Admire the stunning views of Siena and its surrounding hills from the terrace of this hotel that has a great location! The accommodation is decorated with elegant furnishings, and it has spacious rooms, a garden, and a bar.
Other accommodation options in Torre
budget
This family-run hotel overlooks the tower, and it comes with a restaurant and family rooms
airbnb
You’ll love this stylish apartment that offers spacious rooms, a kitchen, and great city views
Things to do in Torre
- Visit the Civic Museum and Palazzo Pubblico
- Admire the beautiful Torre del Mangia
- Enjoy a yummy dinner at Trattoria “La Porticina” (map)
- Go on a day trip to San Gimignano and Volterra
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3. Giraffa – where to stay in Siena for tranquility
Set just a 5 min walk away from Piazza del Campo, Giraffa is one of the oldest areas in Siena!
Giraffa is perfect for those who want to be just a stone’s throw away from the city center and all the attractions but also far enough from all the crowds.
The area is filled with cute little wine bars and restaurants where you can enjoy some delicious aperitivos alongside a bottle of wine. L’Osteria dei Rossi (map) and Tigella Emilia (map) are some fab spots where you can indulge in some yummy Tuscan food.
It also has some attractions of its own, like the Gothic-era San Francesco Basilica (map) which features 14th-century frescoes by the Lorenzetti brothers, and the church of Insigne Collegiata di Santa Maria in Provenzano (map).
Luxury hotel
Grand Hotel Continental, Giraffa
This gorgeous hotel is housed in a 17th-century building that looks incredible! You’ll feel like a king or queen in the fabulous rooms, which are decorated with antique furnishings and have four-poster beds. The accommodation also has ceiling frescoes and Tuscan terracotta floors!
Other accommodation options in Giraffa
mid-range
A beautiful hotel with great city views, rooms that have a seating area, and air-conditioning
budget
Enjoy your stay in the hotel set in a 15th-century building that offers a free airport shuttle, breakfast, and air conditioning
airbnb
Loving the mix of old and new in this apartment with a full kitchen, period furniture, and a TV
Things to do in Giraffa
- Visit the San Francesco Basilica
- Enjoy a yummy dinner at Tre Cristi Enoteca Ristorante (map)
- Wander around the historic streets
- Take a day trip to Castello di Casole D’Elsa
- Admire the beautiful Insigne Collegiata di Santa Maria in Provenzano
4. Aquila – the best place to stay in Siena for art lovers
The whole city of Siena is like a gigantic piece of art!
But if you want to get a closer look at some specific works, I’d recommend spending some time in Aquila, an area set just 5 min walk away from Piazza del Campo.
This is where you’ll find the famous Duomo Di Siena, which houses pieces by Donatello, Pisano, and Michelangelo!
Plus many other cool attractions like Palazzo del Capitano (map), Santa Maria della Scala, Opera della Metropolitana Museum and Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena where you can admire even more art and gorgeous architecture.
Oh my! There are so many things to do here! But don’t forget to stop every once in a while and enjoy an espresso or maybe a glass of wine at one of the restaurants and wine bars!
Luxury hotel
Residenza d’Epoca Palazzo Borghesi, Aquila
Once home to the noble Borghesi family, this hotel is set in one of the oldest buildings in town! The accommodation has rooms with period furniture, original frescoes from the 1800s, and great views of the city.
Other accommodation options in Aquila
mid-range
Set in a historic building, this hotel offers elegant rooms with wood-beamed ceilings and free Wi-Fi
budget
This great place for budget travelers offers family rooms with a flat-screen TV and a small kitchen
airbnb
You’ll never want to leave this stunning apartment that has a vintage decor and an indoor fireplace
Things to do in Aquila
- Admire the stunning Siena Cathedral
- See all the unique paintings at Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena
- Visit Palazzo del Capitano
- Check out the beautiful Piccolomini Library
- Explore Piazza del Duomo (map)
5. Lupa – where to stay in Siena on a budget
Traveling to Siena on a budget? Then you might consider staying in Lupa, a neighborhood that’s located just a 10 min walk away from Piazza del Campo.
Mostly a residential area, where you can get a taste of the real Siena, Lupa offers hotels at a lower price.
Although you won’t find any big attractions here, the streets are always buzzing and you’ll find lots of small bars and traditional trattorias around here too. Ristorante Campo Cedro (map) and Salefino Wine and Cuisine (map) are some great dining spots that I think you’ll really like.
While here make sure you check out Porta Ovile (map), which is one of the old city gates that dates back to the 13th century!
This neighborhood is also the closest to Siena Train Station (map), only a 20-minute walk or a 7-minute drive away. So, if you’re arriving by train to Siena and you’re planning to use the train to get around Tuscany and visit other cities like Florence or Montepulciano, you could stay in Lupa and easily get to the train station.
Luxury hotel
Housed in a 16th century building, this luxurious hotel comes with rooms that have frescoes on the ceilings and panoramic views of the city!
Other accommodation options in Lupa
Mid-range
A great hotel with a Neo-classical style that has family rooms, a restaurant and a terrace
Budget
Enjoy the city views from the terrace of this hotel that offers breakfast
Airbnb
This self-catering apartment comes with a small patio and free Wi-Fi
Things to do in Lupa
- Grab dinner at Salefino Wine and Cuisine
- Snap a pic of Porta Ovile
- Explore the old streets of Lupa
- Check out Fortezza Medicea near the Istrice area
- Eat some Tuscan-style pizza at Fonte Giusta Trattoria&Scuola di cucina (map)
| 👑 Luxury price: | €170 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | €120 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €70 |
| 📍 Best area: | Piazza del Campo |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Palazzo Del Papa |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | B&B Il Corso |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Attilio Camere |
BONUS: Top boutique hotels in Siena
Now that we’ve seen all these amazing areas to stay in Siena, I thought I’d leave you with a fabulous list of boutique luxury hotels in town, which I know you’ll love!
These places are pretty incredible, so if you love staying in one-of-a-kind places, then definitely check out the list below, which I ordered from most to least expensive so that you can easily pick your favorite! The prices are from €450 to €200:
- Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano – oh my! You’ll love this hotel that’s set in a former monastery! Perfect for a rural retreat, the accommodation is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, and it offers a lush garden, and a restaurant.
- Hotel Santa Caterina – enjoy your espresso in the garden while admiring the stunning views of Siena’s rolling hills at this incredible accommodation that’s set in an 18th century villa just a few steps from Porta Romana.
- Hotel Athena – this amazing hotel offers private parking, a great terrace that overlooks the valley, and an Italian restaurant. All the rooms come with a great design and tiled floors!
- Sangallo Park Hotel – chill by the of this great hotel that has a private garden and free parking spaces for the guests. The Siena accommodation also offers a great view of the Tuscan countryside!
- Villa Scacciapensieri – perfect for those who want a relaxing stay in Siena, this boutique hotel is set in an 18th-century building, and it has a tennis court, a swimming pool, a library, and a restaurant.
FAQs about where to stay in Siena
🤔 Which is the best area to stay in Siena, Italy?
Piazza del Campo is one of the best areas to stay in Siena, Italy! There you’ll find lots of attractions and some top hotels like Palazzo Del Papa.
💰 How much does it cost to stay in a hotel in Siena?
It costs around €200 to stay in a luxury hotel, €130 for a mid-range one, and €95 for a budget hotel.
🏨 Which are the best hotels to stay in Siena?
📅 How many days do you need in Siena, Italy?
It depends, you can spend 2 days if you just want to explore the city, but if you want to take tours like truffle hunting and wine tasting, then I’d recommend spending 3 to 4 days.
⚖️ Should you stay inside or outside Siena’s city walls?
It depends, stay inside the city walls if you want to get around just by walking or stay outside the walls if you have a car/you’re traveling on a budget.
🚶How to get around Siena?
You can get around Siena, Tuscany, Italy just by walking if you’re staying inside the city walls, or by car if you’re staying in the countryside of Siena.
🇮🇹 Is Siena a good base for Tuscany?
It can be, for those who have a car, but I think Florence would be a better base for those who don’t have a car as it has more train connections than Siena.
🚗 Do you need a car in Siena?
No, you don’t need a car in Siena, unless you’re staying outside the city walls or in the countryside.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Siena
This Tuscan city will definitely steal your heart! I hope that this guide on where to stay in Siena, helped you decide which area and hotel to pick.
Just make sure that you book your hotel here in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the high season (June, July and August).
If you’re still not sure which hotel to pick, here are my favorite top-rated hotels, both set in Piazza del Campo:
- Palazzo Del Papa – one of the top hotels with an unbeatable location in the city center and a stylish design.
- B&B Il Corso – this great hotel is housed in a 16th-century building, and it comes with exposed beam ceilings and comfortable rooms.
Have an amazing time exploring the city, and if you still have some questions about Siena or Tuscany, don’t hesitate to drop them below, I’d be happy to help you out!
Safe travels,
Yulia
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