Top 6 Things to Do in San Gimignano, Italy

Written By Taylor Cready

San Gimignano is a picturesque walled-in hill town located in the province of Siena, Tuscany, about 30 miles southwest of Florence. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its medieval architecture and its surviving 14 towers that were built in the 13th and 14th centuries.

The towers, which are visible from many miles away, are a major tourist attraction, making San Gimignano a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. The town is also noted for its narrow cobblestoned streets and many churches and museums. There is also a great selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy while in town.

How to Get There

From Florence

Starting in Florence, it's an hour's journey to Poggibonsi by bus or train, followed by a 20 minute bus ride to San Gimignano. We opted to visit Siena first by train from Florence, then took the bus from Siena to San Gimignano. However, if you’d rather leave the logistics up to someone else, book a guided tour like this one that also stops in Siena and Pisa or this one that includes Siena and Monteriggioni.

From Rome

The easiest and quickest way to get to San Gimignano from Rome is to drive, which takes just under 3 hours, or take a guided tour like this one, as public transit options are quite lengthy and require multiple transfers.


Things to Do

Explore La Rocca di Montestaffoli and Enjoy the View

Try Award-Winning Gelato from Gelateria Dondoli

Climb the Torre Grossa

The Torre Grossa is San Gimignano's tallest medieval tower, standing at 177 feet tall. Climbing its 218 steps provides a breathtaking view of the town and surrounding area.

Check Out the Museo della Tortura (the Torture Museum)

Have Dinner at Le Vecchie Mura

Unfortunately, it was raining when we went, but if the weather permits, this romantic restaurant has a beautiful outside seating area with breathtaking panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.

Take in the View at a Panoramic Viewpoint (Punto Panoramico)

Where to Stay

If you’d like to stay longer than a day, look into these hotels for a peaceful town experience, absent of day-trippers.

  • Hotel La Cisterna - Rooms with stunning views and terraces are available in this 14th-century building with an on-site restaurant.

  • Hotel Bel Soggiorno - This hotel with an on-site restaurant is located in the heart of San Gimignano and offers rooms with beautiful views.

  • Hotel Leon Bianco - This hotel located in Piazza della Cisterna offers rooms with traditional wood-beamed ceilings and air conditioning. In the summertime, breakfast is served on the terrace.

  • B&B Palazzo Al Torrione - This family-run B&B offers rooms with picturesque views of the city and countryside, and it’s been completely renovated while still preserving its original architecture.

  • Torre Salvucci Medieval Tower Experience - This apartment-style accommodation, which is a little more expensive and centrally located in the city center, offers the unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience of staying in one of the original medieval towers.

Taylor Cready