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World Travel Guide > Guides > Europe > Italy > Siena

Local time Siena

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Getting around Siena

Public transport

To savour Siena, simply trust your feet. The city is mostly pedestrianised, so walking around is one of its greatest joys. It is hillier than it looks though, so invest in a pair of designer trainers, Sienese-style.

The limited Pollicino bus service, operated by TRAIN (tel: +39 0577 204 111; www.trainspa.it), mainly covers areas outside the city walls but passes through a few central streets too. Tickets are available from tobacconists or the La Lizza information centre. You can also buy a day pass for city bus travel within the central zone (Tariffa A Urbana) from the tourist information office.

Taxis

Siena's main taxi rank is on Piazza Matteotti, and there is another outside the train station. The reputable Taxi Siena (tel: +39 0577 49222) can be booked over the phone. Tipping is not expected.

Driving

Medieval Siena was not designed for cars. The city is closed to traffic but visitors with hotel reservations are generally allowed to drive in, if only to park. A number of car parks lie outside the city walls. The most convenient are Parcheggio Il Duomo on Via del Nuovo Asilo (for the centre), and Parcheggio Stazione on Piazzale Fratelli Rosselli (for the railway station).

Car hire

Drivers must be at least 23 years old to hire a car and all drivers without an EU licence must carry an International Driving Permit. For competitive quotes, check the usual suspects online, otherwise try Hertz (tel: +39 0577 45085; www.hertz.com) and Europcar (tel: +39 0577 288 938; www.europcar.com).

Bicycle hire

DF Bike (tel: +39 0577 271 905; www.dfbike.it/en) is a reliable bicycle rental and repairs company. Elsewhere, Siena Bike Tour (tel: +39 377 670 4235; www.sienabiketour.com) has electric bikes to hire.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Grand Hotel Continental

This 5-star hotel, conveniently situated on the city's smartest shopping street, has colourful frescoes in many of the sumptuous rooms: a reminder that it was once a wealthy family's villa. The SaporDivino restaurant is considered one of the best in the city.

Certoso di Maggiano

This former monastery on the outskirts of Siena is now a luxurious hotel with just 17 rooms. Founded in 1316, it has airy, vaulted rooms. Set in 30 acres of grounds, Certoso di Maggiano has a heated outdoor pool, tennis courts, Renaissance chapel, a vineyard and a helipad.

Hotel Italia Siena

Well situated for those arriving at the city by train, this friendly 3-star hotel is set outside the city walls and is convenient for drivers as it has a few private parking spaces. Rooms are clean and bright, and its superior and executive rooms have soundproof windows.

Hotel Athena

Inside the historic centre, just a 10-minute walk from the Piazza Campo, this smart hotel boasts a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a cocktail and watch the sun turn Siena's buildings rose-coloured. Rooms have tiled floors, many also have balconies, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout.

Hotel Alma Domus

In the heart of the city centre, this hotel is actually part of ancient compound containing the Sanctuary of Saint Catherine. Watch the world go by from your balcony or take in the wonderful views of the cathedral. Rooms are basic but not shabby. Free Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast also included.

Campo Regio Relais

Renovated in 2012, this boutique hotel oozes style and luxury from its six well-appointed rooms. On a quiet cobbled street in the medieval old town, marble floors, frescoed walls and antiques abound. There are fabulous views from its terrace and from many of the rooms too. Enjoy a tot of grappa from its honesty bar.

Introducing Siena

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