Tours and Activities to Do in Siena

On Tripadvisor, you can find many ideas for things to do in Siena, both in the city and its surroundings. However, I still want to give you some ideas for things to do mainly in the city center without having to use a car or public transportation. After all, you wouldn’t have chosen to stay in the heart of Siena, right? Where AmiRooms is located.

So here are my suggestions.

City Walking Tour

Some people like to prepare for their trip by reading books, articles, and posts from others who have already visited the destination, while others prefer to hear about a place’s history from knowledgeable professionals, like licensed tourist guides (this is important) in Siena.

There are many themed routes you can check out on the Guide Siena website. For now, I recommend booking the Classic Siena Tour. It’s a great way to get an introduction to Siena’s history and its iconic landmarks.

Bottini and Museo dell’Acqua (Water Museum)

Did you know that there’s an underground Siena made up of tunnels extending up to 25 kilometers, still supplying the city’s fountains and even some private households? Yes, and the even more interesting part is that you can visit one of these tunnels—the one that supplies the Fonte Gaia in Piazza del Campo.

To book, search for ‘Bottini’ on the City of Siena’s website. Availability is limited because, being a guided tour led by volunteers from an association (Associazione La Diana), visits usually happen on weekends.

Keep in mind that there are certain months of the year when the Bottini are closed.

In that case, or if availability is fully booked, I suggest not being disappointed and opting for a visit to the Water Museum. It’s a digital museum that showcases the history and features of the Bottini.

You’ll also get to see the small ‘bottino’ that supplies the beautiful Fonte di Pescaia, located at the base of the museum.

The Water Museum also requires advance booking on the City of Siena’s website.

Fun fact: At the beginning of the Bottino di Fonte Gaia, you’ll be shown what is called the “Florist’s Well.” Can you guess what it’s under? The florist’s shop in the building where AmiRooms is located! They say that when the florist is open, you can hear voices down there, and I believe it because I can hear them from up here too.

Visiting a Contrada

I don’t want to assume you already know everything about Siena, so I’ll give a brief, though not exhaustive, introduction that is necessary.

Siena is divided into 17 territories, defined by decree by Princess Violante of Bavaria in 1730, where the 17 Contrade—“districts”—are located. These Contrade can have relationships of alliance or rivalry for very ancient reasons, which can be decisive during the days of the Palio.

The Palio is the horse race that takes place twice a year in Siena in Piazza del Campo, on July 2 and August 16 (sometimes an “extraordinary” Palio is held in September/October), with only 10 of the 17 Contrade participating each time.

How are they chosen? When? You’ll find answers to these and many other questions in the book La Terra in Piazza. An interpretation of the Palio in Siena by Alan Dundes and Alessandro Falassi

Afterward, you’ll be ready to visit a Contrada.

You’ll be accompanied by a contradaiolo through the various areas of the Contrada, such as the Museum where, among other things, the winning banners are displayed, the Oratory dedicated to the Patron Saint, and the Fountain where the secular Contrada baptism takes place. You’ll hear directly from the people what books cannot convey.

If I’ve piqued your curiosity, I suggest you have this experience, and since AmiRooms is located in the Contrada Civetta, you might want to start there. You can take a look when you’re in Siena or book the visit in advance by directly contacting the Contrada Civetta.

Cooking Lesson

I’ve already written a post mentioning some typical dishes of Sienese cuisine. But if you love getting hands-on, a cooking lesson can be a lot of fun while you’re in Siena. I recommend Lella’s Cooking School, the first international cooking school founded in Siena in 1996. For availability and reservations, contact the School directly.

Yoga Class

It might not be the first thing you think of doing in Siena, but if you already practice Yoga and Meditation, it could be interesting to take a class at the nearby Yoga Studio Terra, founded by Marieke Bergamotti. You can easily book your class through the Eversports App or trough the site

Thai Massage

What could be better than a massage after exploring every corner of Siena?
Trust Noi for a wonderfully relaxing massage or a more energizing one.

Find her on Instagram or contact her by phone or WhatsApp at +39 324 614 2299.
Her studio is located at Via dei Rossi, 121.

Wine Tasting

You read “wine tasting” and perhaps thought of a red wine tasting, as Siena is famous worldwide for Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. But no, what I’m suggesting is a sparkling wine tasting at the Perlage Wine Bar, very close to AmiRooms. It’s an unusual experience right in the center of Siena. Book your tasting directly on their website, Perlage.

Art experience and more

With Siena Experience Italian Hub

All these activities can be easily done if you stay at AmiRooms.

Don’t forget to book your room. Click on the photo and choose the one that inspires you the most.

We look forward to welcoming you.