Boutique hotels in Siena

Visit in September or October for still-warm temperatures and countryside in glorious autumn livery. Alternatively, time your visit for July or August for the Palio di Siena; make sure to book in advance – it’s very popular.

One glance down a Sienese street and it’s clear that this city has a sweet tooth. Traditional bakeries serve indulgent regional treats such as the dense fruitcake panforte, or the delicate almond cookies known as ricciarelli. If you’re more savoury than sweet, Siena dishes up tantalising carnivorous fare: Tuscany’s melt-in-the-mouth pork and grass-fed beef are best enjoyed at Antica Osteria da Divo in the comfort of its ancient Etruscan rooms.

Sienese culture lends itself to long evenings spent over a bottle of wine at a street café. Zesty hotspot Bar Il Palio is the best place in the city to watch the sunset with an apperitivo. For a more intimate experience, try the Tea Room, where delicious cocktails are expertly mixed and served with plenty of Italian charm.