ITALY

Welcome to the medieval Manhattan, the small town of San Gimignano is a real highlight on any trip to Tuscany. Also known as the city of towers, it is without doubt one of the most impressive travel destinations in Italy.

San Gimignano is one of the most popular towns to visit in Tuscany – it’s easy to get to, fun to explore, and included within a lot of tours in Tuscany. There are so many amazing things to do in San Gimignano. A visit takes you back in time, by strolling through the picturesque stone alleys, marveling at historical attractions and enjoying the unique viewpoints from the high towers of the city. If you like, you can try possibly the best ice cream in the world or taste the delicious wines of the Chianti region.

In this travel guide we will provide you with all the best sights, and things to do. In addition, we show the best places to stay, where to eat and how to get here.

Plan Your Adventure

These are our favorite companies we use when planning a trip, they consistently have the best prices, great customer service, and overall, are better than their competitors.

SKYSCANNER – we always start here and usually always finish here.

TRAINLINE – this site is very reliable and easy to use.

ROME2RIO – the website allows you to travel from city to city the best and cheapest way.

FLIXBUS – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries, with usually the best deals.

 CAR RENTAL – We recommend using Discover Cars or RentalCars.com to compare rate

 BOOKING.com – is our go to for hotel searches around the world, we find they always have the cheapest rates.

HOSTELWORLD – is great if your traveling on a budget, and if you need a cheap place to stay.

SIGHTSEEING TOURS – Get Your Guide is our favorite; they have stacks of tours and excursions available in cities all over the world.

ARC’TERYX– is a go-to reliable brand for outdoor adventure and travel, their wide range includes lightweight, durable, easy to clean travel gear.

TRAVEL INSURANCE – WorldNomads.com offer some of the most competitive prices online.  World Nomads will let you purchase insurance when your already travelling.

Interesting information about San Gimignano

The most excellent medieval town in Tuscany, with about 8,000 inhabitants, it is located in the province of Sienna. Even from afar, you can tell what makes San Gimignano so special. The 15 majestic towers of the city are visible far and wide, rising into the sky. For this reason, the city carries the nickname Medieval Manhattan. Since 1990, the historic centre, with its many medieval Towers, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list and is now one of the most important places to visit in Tuscany along with the hotspots of Florence, Sienna and Pisa. San Gimignano is now one of the most visited places in Tuscany for tourists. The hilltop location is also unique where one can enjoy postcard views of the green vineyards and Mediterranean landscape.

The history of the town dates back to 300 BC. The time of the Middle Ages (11th to the 13th century) when the famous towers of San Gimignano were built, there was once 72 of the medieval partrician family houses. Today, 15 of them can still be admired and some of these towers can be climbed today. It is, above all, the large number of the still well – preserved towers that makes San Gimignano so special and unique in Italy.

BEST THINGS TO DO in San Gimignano

On our recent trip to San Gimignano we found that all of San Gimignano is an attraction in itself. We recommend you simply let yourself drift through the Old Town, amongst the main attractions are the high Towers, but also the many romantic Squares, side Alleyways, the interesting museums, and galleries. Here are the best things to do in San Gimignano.

Piazza del Duomo

Within the heart of the Old Town, you come to one of San Gimignano stunning main square, the Piazza del Duoma. This Square is incredibly charming, especially if you are lucky enough to catch it without the crowds. Around the Duomo Square there are many other attractions, such as Torre Grassa – the highest tower in the city, the town hall and the Collegiat Santa Maria Assunta. It is known for its artistic wall painting on its interior.

Piazza del Cisterna

As you approach the center of town you will arrive at Piazza Della Cisterna, its name is also no coincidence. The Cistern Square is named after the underground Cistern, built in the 13th century. Particular beautiful here are the ancient historic townhouses, which are home too many cosy cafes, ice cream parlors and small boutiques stores. Don’t miss out on the photo shoot on the triangular square, at the beautiful medieval stone fountain.

Our tip The big weekly market takes place at Piezza della Cisterna every Thursday. The market starts at 8 am to and ends at 1 pm.

Towers of San Gimignano

The towers are San Gimignano are the ultimate landmark and therefor the highlight of this historic City.  Today there are still 15 of the 72 Towers inside the Old Town, one of the most famous of these is the great Tower of San Gimignano. The so-called 54 meter high Torre Grossa which is definitely the tallest, is part of The Palazzo Communale (the town hall).

The great part about it is that you can climb up the Torre Grosse, approximately 220 steps. Only at the end you are rewarded with one of the best viewpoints of the city. From the top you can enjoy amazing views of the green Tuscan landscape, but also of the beautiful Old Town.

Gelateria Dondoli

Ice cream lovers of the world will get there money’s worth in San Gimignano because here you will find one of the best ice cream parlors in the world. The award winning Gelateria Dondoli on the main Square, Piazza Della Cristerna. Already several times awarded as ice cream world champion, a visit of the delicious ice cream creation is one of the best things to do in San Gimignano.

On the menu are traditional flavors, but you can also try some unusual Flavors, Walnut and Gorgonzola, raspberry & rosemary or cappuccino and rum. The queue is usually long but it’s worth waiting. Enjoy the experience and have fun picking your flavor

Stroll the historic old town

If you really want to see San Gimignano don’t hesitate to explore the side streets. The car free center of San Gimignano is not too big and can be explored comfortably on a city walk. Surrounded by a well-preserved city wall, 5 gates provide access to the Old Town. Wander off the main street for a little time, you never know what you may find, but there is a good chance you’ll come across small restaurants, Boutique shops, cozy cafes and wine bars.

Duomo di San Gimignono

The duomo, also called collegiata di Santa Maria, is a Roman Catholic Collegiate Church it is known as one of the most fascinating places to visit in San Gimignano. The church is famous for its fantastic mural paintings and famous fresco’s. Which depict scenes from the Old Testament cycle, the last judgment, and the Annuneiation. The interior is beautiful and makes this a must see, especially for art lovers

Palazzo comunale (Town Hall)

A visit to the town hall is definitely one of the best things to do is San Gimignano. It is located directly under the Torre Gross, in the Town Hall built into 1288, and contains works of art from the middle ages from the 13th to the 15th century worth seeing here is the Facade of the staircase, which in the past was used to announce now laws. The Pinacoteca is an art gallery which exhibits works of art by Florentine and sienese artists. The masterpiece is the altar piece that was created by Pinturicehio in 1511.

Torree Saluncci Maggiore

Even though word on the street is that Torre Crossa is the only tower in San Gimignano you can climb, it’s not entirely true. It is possible to climb up the Torre Salucci Maggiore (at certain times). This tower house is also an apartment you can rent, making it the most unique place to stay in San Gimignano.

If it’s not rented out, for a small fee, you can visit this tower and to the top four and another spectacular view of San Gimignano. As you climb link Torre Saluncci Maggiore link you visit different levels of this Tower House. You’ll see the kitchen living area bedroom sitting rooms and bathrooms all on different levels

Go shopping

We love shopping in San Gimignano we have bought many things for our home from here. It really is worth visiting their handmade crafts, pottery, small galleries, wine and souvenir shops.

We love this small delicatessen stores with local meats and cheeses, cosy cafes, wine bars and restaurants invite to take a break. Try the local dish, wild boar stew and wild boar ragu is one of the most traditional meals to have in San Gimignano.

How long to spend in San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a perfect day trip destination, even though it wouldn’t do this area justice. (the area is simply far too beautiful for a day trip) With a half day, you have enough time to stroll through the historic city center, climb Torre Grossa or Torree Saluucci Maggiore for the view, visit the Duomo di San Gimignano, do some shopping and have lunch or dinner.

We love this area around San Gimignano, we would highly recommend spend a few days here and explore the surrounding areas. San Gimignano is a fantastic home base for your *******Tuscan holiday link********* as it is located almost precisely in the middle of most popular travel destinations. *****Florence link****** only an hour away and ******Sienna******* is around 45 minutes.

Where to eat

La Mandragola

Absolutely superb, on a crowded day we went up a side alley and stumbled across this fantastic restaurant. La Mandragola is a restaurant inside an old home. It serves rich Tuscan dishes with a sweet touch.

La Verchic Mura                         

La Verchic Mura offers stunning views of the city from the terrace and dining room, both of which are popular for Tuscan classics.

PERUCA                                  

This restaurant has a rustic stone exterior and features exposed bricks that add to the traditional Tuscan favorites. We have been here a few times now; we have never let her down really is a gem. There is also a long wine list, with some of the best wine from Tuscany.

La Vecchia Nicchia

 is a budget friendly pizzeria that specialises in tuscan Salamis, cold meats olives, bread and cheese. The simple and tasty options make it perfect for lunch with a nice glass of wine.

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Gelateria Dondoli

As mentioned earlier, any meal must be finished off with a visit to this amazing gelateria

Where to stay in San Gimignano

Link**********       MORMORIA                      **************

Tuscan Estate offering wine tasting, scenic views of San Gimignano. Beautiful locations right in the middle of the vineyard

********** Hotel Leon Bianco ***************************

Great location right in the middle of the historic centre, with stunning countryside views. Modern amenities and peaceful surroundings.

************ Hotel Lantico Pozzo****** ***********

Set in the heart of San Gimignano on central via San Mattee spacious and beautiful rooms come and have breakfast In the Courtyard this really is a gem in San gimignano.

Beautiful apartment in the city center

********Casa Vesta******** Situated in the center of San Gimignano. Spacious 2 bedroom apartment with all the modern amenities also have your own private entrance.

Getting to San Gimignano

San Gimignano is located just under 60 Kms southeast of Florence and can be easily reached by car or bus, or with a **********organized tour********* link

If by bus

From Florence take the bus 131 to Poggibonsi.(about an hour travel time) in Poggibonsi, all you need to do is take the bus #130 to San Gimignano (about 30 minutes travel time) from Sienna take the bus 130A to Poggibonsi, some buses may continue to San Gimignano or you may have to transfer to a different bus.

By car

Which I think is the easiest and much better experience

Driving Distance

Florence                      60Km

Volterra                       30km

Pisa                             78Km

Lucca                          90Km

Siena                           41Km

Montepulciano            102Km

 Find a car Rental   link

*********Discover Cars********** includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing

***********Rental cars link********** is very similar, although they tend to list mostly with larger companies. It’s now owned by booking.com, which makes their prices very competitive.

Tours to San Gimignano

If you don’t want to rent a car while in Tuscany, you can visit San Gimignano on a tour. Which can save a lot of time, it also allows you to visit more than one town in a day.

THESE ARE LINKS GET YOUR GUIDE

DAY TRIP                               DAY TRIP                                           DAY TRIP

Pisa and                                  Lunch                                                  Siena

San Gimignano                       Chianti                                                 San Gimignano

                                                Winery                                                 Monteriggioui

                                                                                                            tour

Day trips from San Gimignano

There are several Tuscan Hill tours that can be added onto your visit to San Gimignano that’s why it’s worthwhile to stay a few days in this area. To do this, it is best to have a rental car.

*********Link volterra*********

is another hilltop town in Tuscany. Only 30km from San Gimignano with its medieval streets and Towers to climb is another highlight of Tuscany.

************Sienna link*************

Is a must visit while in Tuscany there is a lot to see here, so ideally you need a full day. On the way there you should not miss the small walled town of *****Monteriggioni******link

Florence   (LINK)

Is only about an hour away and can be visited during a day trip from San Gimignano

 More of Tuscany

Siena, Italy – The heart of Tuscany.

Pienza Italy – The ideal Renaissance city.

Lucca, Italy – The Gem of Tuscany.

Montepulciano – A guide to the wine city.

Best Day Trips from Florence.