San Gimignano in 1 day

One day is enough if you start early, before the day-trip groups from Florence and Siena. Squares and a tower fill the morning, the ramparts and frescoes the afternoon, and a glass of wine ends it.

Morning, while the square is empty

You arrive on the 130 bus from Siena, and inside the walls none, all on foot. Start on Piazza della Cisterna, then cross to neighbouring Piazza del Duomo and go into the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta. It is open 1 Apr–31 Oct: Mon–Fri 10–19.30, Sat 10–17, Sun 12.30–19.30; 1 Nov–31 Mar: Mon–Sat 10–17, Sun 12.30–17, entry €5. Before ten both squares are nearly empty, which won't be true after midday.

Then climb the Torre Grossa in the Palazzo Comunale, €10, open 1 Apr–31 Oct: 10–19.30 (last entry 19.00); 1 Nov–31 Mar: 11–17.30 (last entry 17.00). You reach the top while the groups are still on the road, and the whole ring of walls lies below.

GuideSiena, where the only direct bus here sets off from:Siena →

Afternoon, uphill then down

After lunch head uphill to the Rocca di Montestaffoli. It is a park in the ruins of a fortress, with no set hours, so it is always open. From there you drop down to Sant'Agostino, with Benozzo Gozzoli's 1464–65 frescoes (free), and pass the Museo della Tortura on the way, €12, open daily 10–19; outside season Sat–Sun only.

The day ends with a glass of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the local white wine. Wine bars along the main street pour it with a view of the towers, early enough to catch the last bus back to Siena.

FoodWhat to eat alongside that glass, and where:What to eat in San Gimignano →

When to goWhat time of day and year keeps the squares empty:The best time to visit San Gimignano →

Day tripsVolterra and Certaldo, if a second day is on the cards:Day trips from San Gimignano →