Once served as a layover for the Romans during their pilgrimages up north to France, San Gimignano is a perfectly preserved historical city enfolding a reputable history as a wealthy financial center of Italy.
Peppering this tranquil and whimsical old town is a massive series of ancient churches and towering castles that stand the test of time after thousands of years. Today, there are 14 beautiful old towers for history buffs to explore the ancient washed-out stoned houses built from the 3rd to the 15th centuries.
In this article, I’ll be showing you how to get there from Siena, Italy, and recommending things to see and do so you can map out a perfect day trip.
How To Get To San Gimignano From Siena?
Get To San Gimignano From Siena By Bus
From Siena, take bus #130A and get off in Poggibonsi to catch another bus #133 on the last leg of the journey. Tickets are available for sale at the ticket office at the bus station and can also be purchased directly from the driver but more expensive.
Sign Up For A Day Trip To San Gimignano From Siena
Hailing a bus is a budget-friendly option if you’re on a shoestring. However, this is the last option I recommend since you have to rely on public transport when getting around.
If you’re short on time, I recommend signing up for a day trip. There are multiple packages setting out from Florence or Siena. They include a visit to Arezzo, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Monteriggioni you can consider and pick the best itinerary you’re interested in.
Since both Arezzo and the Leaning Tower of Pisa are easily accessible by train, I opted for the one-day guided tour starting out from Florence with a stop at Siena and Monteriggioni before ending up at San Gimignano.
Without further ado, let’s go over some of the coolest attractions in San Gimignano!
3 Best Things To See And Do In San Gimignano
Via San Giovanni
The historic street running from the square of Piazza della Cisterna to the gate of Porta San Giovanni is a time capsule of architectural landmarks and traditional stores offering leather goods and workshops. Italy is home to some of the best leather tanneries in the world, producing premium leather goods using skilled tanning processes and excellent materials.
Hiding in the shades of these massive old buildings are beautiful terraces and town squares as well as gorgeous gardens, bars, and eateries.
Piazza della Cisterna
Dubbed as the most sprawling and charming plazas in all of San Gimignano, Piazza della Cisterna is where medieval towers and nobility buildings make a statement. Piazza della Cisterna once served as a cultural hub where festivals, marketplaces, and performances took place. It teamed up with Piazza del Duomo positioned as a religious and political center to be a strategic stronghold in the medieval city of San Gimignano.
No visit to San Gimignano is complete without a stop at a gelato shop. Here, Gelateria Dondoli is inarguably the best ice cream parlor in town. The brand has repeatedly received standing ovations from celebrities and travel bloggers around the world thanks to Dondoli’s impressive flavors and unique creations.
Crema di Santa Fina (saffron and pine nuts), Champelmo (pink grapefruit and sparkling wine), and Dolceamaro (cream with aromatic herbs) are some of the best sellers here. You scan the QR code at the entrance of the store to browse the menu with over 40 different flavors to choose from. They also offer various cone shapes to choose from as an add-on at an extra fee.
Piazza del Duomo
Today, Piazza del Duomo is a busy square playing host to many scenic cafes, gelato shops, town halls, a dome, and centuries-old buildings. If you’re a history buff, don’t forget to obtain an all-inclusive pass that covers major landmarks in Piazza del Duomo and other parts of San Gimignano with a free entrance.
Get ready to be amazed at these medieval buildings piercing through the sky at a whopping height, a result of an ever-lasting competition between wealthy families in a race to show off their affluence.
Piazza del Duomo is also the perfect base for souvenir shopping. Authentic goodies such as home appliances, kitchen utensils, wine, cheese, and ham are the main thrills here. Don’t miss out on the truffle oil!
San Gimignano, Siena, and Monteriggioni make a perfect trio to plan your one-day excursion. Check out my travel guides to Siena and Monteriggioni below before you venture out:
- A Day In Monteriggioni: The Best Things To See And Do
- Siena, Italy: A 2023 Travel Guide + Transport Guide, Attractions, & Best Buys