Top things to do in San Gimignano
Attractions, tours and activities in San Gimignano
Recommended museums in San Gimignano
Where to discover culture and the arts in San Gimignano
About San Gimignano
Including tips for the best time to visit San Gimignano
With its medieval towers, fortified 13th-century walls and winding, narrow streets, San Gimignano is the literal embodiment of charming rusticity. Popular with day-trippers from nearby Siena and Florence, this hilltop city has everything you could want from a visit to the beautiful Italian region of Tuscany.
San Gimignano has an abundance of eye-catching architecture, but the undeniable showpiece is its millennia-old towers that encompass the beautiful square of Piazza del Duomo. It’s here where you’ll also discover the Collegiata, a Romanesque cathedral known for its lifelike frescoes portraying events from The Bible and the life of the city’s patron saint, Fina.
The Tuscan jewel of San Gimignano is home to a variety of civic museums that showcase the city’s incredible history and majestic works of art. The Palazzo Comunale houses significant frescoes such as the ‘Virgin and Child’ by Lippo Memmi, but also gives access to the Torre Grossa (meaning big tower). You can take in soaring views over the Tuscan countryside from the top, but be sure to visit the small on-site museum before you leave. It’s also worth discovering the interactive experience at the San Gimignano 1300 museum, which features a faithful restoration of the city as it was in medieval times.
San Gimignano serves all the Italian staples you’d expect, with innovative ice-cream flavours served at Gelateria Dondoli and a native white wine in Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Traditional Tuscan dishes to try include wild boar or tagliatelle served in truffle sauce.
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| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | € 10 = £8.42 |
| Language | Italian |
| Average weekend price | £120 per night |
| Average weekday price | £122 per night |
| Typical stay | 2 nights |
San Gimignano reviews
What other travellers say about San Gimignano
The town is the quintessential Tuscany hill town.
9 May 2025
The town is the quintessential Tuscany hill town. However is is so commercialized and rebuilt for tourists that is almost feels artificial/disney-like. The church and cistern are authentic and if one looks up, the towers are interesting but the walking town is a disappointing result of the need to address the large masses of people who want to purchase food, drink, and junk. There are a few stores that offer authentic Italian artisan work of high quality.
Arrived mid afternoon had plenty of time to walk around and...
5 May 2025
Arrived mid afternoon had plenty of time to walk around and enjoy the town and dinner. Early morning without any crowds was a Good time for picture taking. Staff was friendly and helpful. Breakfast was delicious. Parking $15 for 24 hours was 3-4 blocks away.
Overall, I had a fantastic experience and would have loved...
28 April 2025
Overall, I had a fantastic experience and would have loved to explore the area more if I had more time. The only minor drawback was the lack of evening entertainment. I'm curious if that changes during the summer season.
A visit to San Gimignano is a must if you are visiting...
25 April 2025
A visit to San Gimignano is a must if you are visiting Tuscany. It is a wonderfully authentic medieval town. The stone buildings & towers create a magical atmosphere. A half day visit would provide you enough time to soak up the atmosphere but if you could stay overnight, well, you would not regret that.
San Gimignano is a true gem of Tuscany, where history, art,...
10 March 2025
San Gimignano is a true gem of Tuscany, where history, art, and tradition blend seamlessly. Its fourteen iconic towers, ancient churches, and artisan workshops create a timeless atmosphere where all seems to be on a standstill. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. With many parking facilities where you can leave your car and wander through its narrow stone streets, this medieval village offers visitors an unforgettable experience where every corner reveals a historical or artistic masterpiece. Enjoy crostini with chicken liver pâté, followed by cured meats and pecorino cheese. Many local restaurants serve typical Tuscan dishes. For the main courses, you can savor wild boar-based pasta dishes and a variety of meat dishes. Not to mention their typical Tuscan wine!
We were there for 4 days near San Gimignano.
28 October 2024
We were there for 4 days near San Gimignano. We only spent 1 day, plus some evenings in San Gimignano. We did day trips to wineries and other countryside attractions on most days. 4 days actually in San Gimignano is probably too long, but it you're doing day travels to other Tuscany attractions, 4 days worked very well for us and was just right. We visited other towns and attractions and used San Gimignano as a home base.
Popular places to stay in San Gimignano
Stay in some of the best accommodation San Gimignano has to offer
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Fabio Apartments San Gimignano San Gimignano City Centre, San Gimignano
From £107 per night
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Agriturismo I Pini San Gimignano, Italy
From £427 per night
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Villa Boccaccio San Gimignano, Italy
From £127 per night
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Casa Irene San Gimignano, Italy
From £111 per night
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Teruzzi Country House San Gimignano, Italy
From £207 per night
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Other accommodation in San Gimignano
Choose from a wide variety of places to stay in San Gimignano
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Apartments
From £38 per night
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Villas
From £125 per night
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Cottages
From £39 per night
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Serviced apartments
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Holiday homes
From £79 per night
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Guest houses
From £44 per night
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B&Bs
From £50 per night
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Country houses
From £76 per night
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Farm stays
From £39 per night
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Self catering accommodation
From £38 per night
