Hello Fodor experts!

I am headed to Florence in about a week and would like to take a day trip to Siena. I have done some research but since I've never done it before, I thought those who have could give some tips. I plan to take the rapid bus as it will drop me off closer to the center of Siena. I have printed the bus schedule so I know the times of departing and arriving. I did read if I am having such a good time, the train leaves later than the last bus back. I figure we would try and see/do the following if time allows:

Piazza del Campo
Climb the Torre de Mangia
Piazza del Duomo
The Baptistery
The Opera del Duomo museum
Santa Maria della Scala
Stroll/wonder are the streets

I figured we would have lunch any place that looks welcoming unless anyone has any suggestions. My day trips on my own usually are a bust but the tours I found didn't seem appealing. If anyone even went before and did something great, I would like to here about it.

Thanks.

The duomo ITSELF. The nave floor mosaics alone are worth the trip to Siena IMO.

Yep another vote for the Duomo. Truly stunning. It will save you time by pre buying tickets - https://operaduomo.siena.it/en/sites/.

Avoid eating at the piazza. Tourist trap! I never dined here (next time) but it looks awesome - ANTICA OSTERIA DA DIVO | A cena nella storia in un?atmosfera suggestiva e unica. Try the gelato at Grom.

I did a day trip by bus to Siena from Florence and loved it. I subsequently went back and stayed 3 days but the day trip was fine. If you get a fairly early bus in the morning you'll have time to do what you say. The inside of the Duomo itself is gorgeous and the best part is the Piccilo library. Also under the Torre de Mangia, in the Palazzo Publico are some wonderful secular frescoes. Here's my photos, they are all labeled (hover over them to see the caption) so you can see what you may want to visit. https://andiamo.zenfolio.com/p41794234

Beautiful photos Isabel. Brings back lovely memories of my short stay there.

Wow Isabel! I am so excited.

Thanks Dukey and worldinabag. As I said, my do it yourself excursions most times are a bust but t think this time, it will be different.

A couple of thoughts come to mind. I believe Wednesday morning is market day, with food closer to the Fortezza parking areas. After that it's mostly the same pedestrian stuff that shows up in Italian non-food markets.

My latest memory of Siena was that timing was a bit constrictive. Lots of stores are shut tight in the middle part of the day. Not that big of a problem, but it does take a bit of the fun out of strolling. Early evening is very lively.