Local Resources for Day-to-Day Life in Siena

Helpful Numbers
  • Ambulance/Emergency: 118
  • Police: 113
  • Carabinieri: 114
  • Fire: 115
  • Taxi: 0577.49222
Health Information - English Speaking Doctors
You can visit the doctor in Siena for a minimal out of pocket cost. Call the numbers below for an appointment or for walk-in hours. Save all receipts to be reimbursed by your insurance company in the States. The doctors listed below speak some English, but to assist them and make sure you get the care you need speak slowly and clearly. Additional medical resources, including English speaking practices and psychiatric services are available in Florence.
  • Dr. Carlo Rossi - Il Pentagono - via Cesare Battisti 24 - 0577.40744
  • Dr. Franci - via Pantaneto 103 - 0577.42173
  • Dentist - Dr. Gasparri & Pagani - via Stalloreggi 6 - 0577.49204
  • Gynecologist - Dr. Monica Giovani - via Colombini 23 - 0577.594464
  • City Hospital - Policlinico Le Scotte - viale Bracci Mario 2 - 0577.585111
Meals and Grocery Shopping
For grocery shopping, there are many neighborhood green grocers (ortolani), bakeries (forni), and small food shops (alimentari). For housing supplies, look for the mesticheria in via Montanini near CET. For school supplies, try the 99 cent shop in via Montanini (cheap!) or Blu Office in Piazza Gramsci. Three good supermarkets near CET are the national chain Conad inside the Metropolitan shopping center in Piazza Matteotti, open 8:30am-8:30pm Mon-Sat and 9am-1pm, 4pm-8pm on Sundays; the Pam grocery store, located in the mall in Piazza Carlo Rosselli (directly across from the train station). The Coop, located in Strada del Paradiso, 1 (on the road that leads to the train station, just before you arrive at the station, you will see a bridge on your right. Cross this bridge; the Coop is located at the end of the bridge immediately to the right) is the biggest grocery store in Siena and also offers the best prices and selection.

Restaurants
Restaurant
Address
Phone number
Closing day
Bandierino
Piazza del Campo 64
0577 282217
Thursday
Buca di S.Pietro
Vicolo di S. Pietro 4
0577 40139
Sunday
Carla e Franca
Via Pantaneto 138
0577 284385
Wednesday
Da Divo
Via Franciosa 25
0577 286054
Sunday
Da Enzo
Via Camollia 49
0577 281277
Monday
Ficomezzo
Via dei Termini 71
0577 222384
Tuesday
Grattacielo
Via Pontani 8
0577 289326
Sunday
Grotta del Gallo Nero
Via del Porrione 67
0577 284356
Monday
Guido
Via Pier Pettinaio 7
0577 280042
Wednesday
Il Carroccio
Casato di Sotto 32
0577 41165
Wednesday
Il Ghibellino
Via dei Pellegrini 26
0577 288079
Monday
L’osteria
Via dei Rossi 79
0577 287592
Sunday
La Chiacchera
Costa di S. Antonio 4
0577 280631
Tuesday
La taverna di Cecco
Via C. Angiolieri 19
0577 288518
Wednesday
Le Logge
Via del Porrione 33
0577 48013
Sunday
Medievo
Via dei Rossi 40
0577 280315
Thursday
Mugolone
Via dei Pellegrini 8
0577 283235
Thursday
Nello
Via del Porrione 28
0577 289043
Monday
Trattoria Papei
Piazza del Mercato 6
0577 280894
Monday

Lodging for Your Guests in Siena
Budget:
  • Siena Youth Hostel "Guidoriccio" - www.ostelloguidoriccio.com
  • Tre Donzelle - www.tredonzelle.com
  • Alma Domus - www.hotelalmadomus.it
  • Albergo Bernini - www.albergobernini.it
  • Hotel La Perla - www.hotellaperlasiena.com
  • Rooms to Rent - extensive list at www.terresiena.it
Mid-Range
  • B&B Camollia - www.bb-camollia.it
  • Piccolo Hotel il Palio - www.piccolohotelilpalio.it
  • Cannon d'Oro - www.cannondoro.com
  • Hotel Chiusarelli - www.chiusarelli.com
  • Hotel Duomo - www.hotelduomo.it
  • Hotel Athena: www.hotelathena.it
  • Chiostro del Carmine: www.chiostrodelcarmine.com
  • Palazzo Ravizza - www.palazzoravizza.it
High-Range
  • Grand Hotel Continental - www.royaldemeure.com
  • Certosa di Maggiano - www.certosadimaggiano.com
  • Hotel NH Excelsior - www.nh-hotels.com
Nightlife and Daylife
One of the great things about Siena is that it’s a pedestrian city, so strolling along the downtown streets and sitting in Piazza del Campo are great ways to socialize. Here are also several cafes and bars:
  • Tea Room - cool, mellow cafe' tucked behind the Piazza del Mercato - make sure to reserve on weekend nights or when there are live performances!
  • Meet Life Cafe - via Pantaneto, near the University for Foreigners Pispini campus - this bar caters to a foreign crowd (come here for familiar drinks such as Caramel Macchiatos or Bailey's Coffee) but is loved by locals and outsiders alike. Tasty food, diverse coffee/drink menu, good aperitivo, tables for studying, reading or playing games
  • Libreria Caffetteria Sic - via Pantaneto - this newly opened bookstore/cafe' boasts themed aperitivos, literary brunches, talks, performances, readings, tastings - and good old coffee and books, of course! Not to be missed. 
  • Maudit - vicolo della Fortuna - This pub features a menu of panini and pizza, and is a local favorite. They often have live music and social events. Great place to meet Italians and other international students!
  • Al Cambio Musichall - via Pantaneto, 49 - For those who enjoy live music and dancing, this place is for you!
  • Dublin Post Irish Pub - Piazza Gramsci - a lively pub that is popular with students and travelers;
  • Cafe Ortensia - via Pantaneto 95 -alternative cafe' popular with Italian students.
  • Bar Key Largo - via Rinaldi 15 - on the corner of Piazza del Campo, this cafe has a nifty, tiny upstairs terrace that looks onto the square.
  • Bar San Paolo - vicolo di San Paolo 2 - this tiny pub just off of Piazza del Campo offers a huge hot sandwich menu and tasty beers on tap.
  • Enoteca Italiana - in the Fortezza Medicea - try this place if you're looking to sample some of Italy's best wine in an elegant setting. Also has a nice restaurant.
  • Kroeg Pub and Birreria - a rustic German themed pub located next to the Pian d'Ovile apartment - also serves bar food.
  • Barché - next to the Conad - good spot for lunch or aperitivo, nice view from outdoor terrace.
  • Fonte Gaia - Piazza del Campo - Right in the center of city, named after the famous fountain in the center of Piazza del Campo, this bar/restaurant is a great place for an aperitivo and even some dancing in the campo.
  • Good Gelato - Kopa Kabana in Via dei Rossi; Grom in via Banch di Sopra; Super Panna in via Banchi di Sotto; Il Gelato in Piazza del Campo. 
Free Time - Tempo Libero in Siena

Gyms:
  • Palestra Physical Center - via Vallerozzi 13, close to CET - weights, yoga, spinning, kick-boxing - fees from 45 Euros per month.
  • Palestra Gymnos - vicolo Provenzano 7 - aerobics, yoga, climbing - fees from 50 Euros per month.
  • Palestra Gold Gym - via Fiera Vecchia 9 - offers a variety of aerobics courses, martial arts, spinning, yoga, step, boxing, kapoiera, kick boxing  - monthly fee from 55 Euros per month plus 20 Euro membership fee.
Jogging - many people jog around the top of the Fortezza walls, there is a beautiful view of the city and well maintained paths and gardens - located at the end of La Lizza park (near Piazza Gramsci).

Swimming - Siena has several pools, the most convenient of which is located in Piazza Amendola, just outside of Porta Camollia. Ask the RD for information about joining.

City Parks - the botanical gardens and the Orto dei Tolomei, both on via Mattioli near Piazza Sant'Agostino, are very nice, as is the Orto dei Pecci, below Piazza del Mercato. The garden at the University of Siena Economics Library is Piazza San Francesco is nice for a study break and a good place to meet local students. The Fortezza near Piazza Gramsci has quiet gardens, pretty views from the ramparts and outdoor movies during the summertime. A good place to throw a frisbee, kick a soccer ball or just relax is at the park in Piazza Amendola, just outside of Porta Camollia, or at the Orto dei Pecci.

Bike Tours: local guide Marco Perugini arranges great half and full day private excursions. Call 347.9150376. Bike Rental: Rossi bike store on via Camollia 204, just before Porta Camollia.

Music and Vocal Lessons: Diapson School - www.circolodiapson.it

Dance Lessons: classical dance - www.sienadanza.it; hip-hop and belly dancing - www.lacortedeimiracoli.org; tango - www.tangosiena.it; pilates, Latin and belly dancing - www.ateneodelladanza.it

Photography Lessons: www.lacortedeimiracoli.org.

Religious Institutions in Siena

Catholic Churches

  • Cathedral - Piazza del Duomo - Mass on Sunday and Public Holidays at 8am; 11am; 12:15pm; 6pm (7pm in the summer)
  • Basilica of San Domenico - via Camporegio - Mass on Saturdays at 6pm; Sundays and public holidays at 7:30am; 9am; 10:30am; 12am; 6pm
  • Church of Saint Christopher - Piazza Tolomei - Mass on Saturdays at 8:30am; 10am; 5:30pm (6:30pm in summer); Sundays and public holidays 9am; 11am; 7:30pm.
  • Basilica of Saint Francis - Piazza San Francesco - Mass on Saturdays at 6pm; Sundays at 10am; 11:15am; 6pm.
There are many more Catholic churches in Siena; for a full list consult: www.comune.siena.it

Synagogue - vicolo delle Scotte 14 - www.sienaebraica.com - the Synagogue is open every Sunday with the following hours: 10am - 1pm; 2pm - 5pm. Booking is required for these days. The guided tours are organized by the Sigma Cultural Service Cooperative, tel. 055.234.6654, email cscsigma@tin.it. Feasts: Rosh Hashanà, Kippur, Sukkot, SimchatTorà, Channukkà, Purim, Pesach, Shavu'oth, Tish'à Beav.

St. Peter's Anglican Church - via Garibaldi 32 - celebrations Sunday at 6pm; second Sunday of the month 11am; Thursday at 7:30pm.

Evangelical Valdese Church (protestant reformed church, affiliate with the Methodist Chuch) - viale Curtatone - Celebrations every Sunday at 11am.

Jesus Christ's Church of the Saints of the Last Days - viale Don Minzoni 55 - Celebrations Sundays at 9am (Evangelical School); 10:45am (meeting for worship); Monday 7pm (family evening); Tuesday and Friday at 6pm, 9pm.

Christian Biblical Evangelical Church of the Brothers of Siena - via Pian d'Ovile 42 - Celebrations Sundays at 10am, meeting of praise and prayer, Thursdays at 8:30pm, biblical studies. 

Islamic Cultural Center of Colle Val d'Elsa - Piazza Scala 13 - Celebrations on Fridays from 12:30am - 9:30pm; Friday prayer starts at 1:30pm. Celebrations in Italian and Arabic. 
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