Looking for a travel guide to San Gimignano, Italy? You’re in the right place!
After spending a week there, I’m excited to share my firsthand experience with you. In this guide, I’ll cover the must-see sights, where to eat, and how to fully embrace the town’s unique vibe.
San Gimignano, nestled in Tuscany, offers breathtaking views of rolling vineyards and olive groves stretching across picturesque hills.
With its iconic medieval towers and delicious local cuisine, this charming town has so much to offer.
I’ve also included practical tips on getting there, the best times to visit, and other useful information to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Ready to explore the best of San Gimignano? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What Makes San Gimignano’s Towers So Unique
San Gimignano, tucked between Siena and Florence, is famous for its stunning medieval towers—many of which have stood tall since the 12th century.
These towers weren’t just built for looks. Some were defenses during the intense rivalry between the Guelphs and Ghibellines.
Others might have been status symbols for wealthy textile merchants during the town’s booming trade years.
Here’s a fun twist: the towers also helped protect the secret of a rare yellow dye made from saffron, a prized ingredient back in the day.
At its peak, San Gimignano had around 70 towers. Today, 14 still remain, giving this charming town its unforgettable skyline and a magical, time-travel feel.
Best Things to Do in San Gimignano
Piazza della Cisterna
One of the best things to do in San Gimignano is visit Piazza della Cisterna. This cute square is right in the heart of the city and stands out with its cool triangular shape.
It’s named after the 13th-century well in the center, which was once super important for the town’s water supply.
The square is surrounded by historic buildings like the Salvestrini house and the Palazzo Tortoli, both dating back to the 1200s.
You can’t miss the iconic towers of Torre del Diavollo and Ardinghelli that add to the picturesque vibe of the place.
And, of course, Piazza della Cisterna is the perfect spot to grab a bite or a drink—plus, it’s home to some of the best gelato you’ll ever taste!
Piazza del Duomo
No trip to San Gimignano is complete without checking out Piazza del Duomo, just a short stroll northwest of Piazza della Cisterna.
On the east side, you’ll find the beautiful Palazzo Podesta, a 13th-century former town hall with a cool loggia and the towering Rognosa tower that reaches over 50 meters (164 feet) high.
But the real highlight here is the Collegiata di Santi Maria Assunta, a gorgeous cathedral dating back to the 12th century.
It was later expanded by Giuliano da Maiano, and it’s a perfect example of Romanesque architecture.
Inside, you’ll be wowed by stunning frescoes showing stories from the Old and New Testaments, painted by famous 14th-century Sienese artists.
The southern aisle even has some amazing paintings of Christ’s life by Barna da Siena.
And as you walk up the wide stone steps to the church, you’ll definitely feel the history of the place.
Like much of San Gimignano, the church is proudly on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Practical Information
- The cathedral is open for visits during the following hours:
- From April 1 to October 31:
- Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- From November 1 to March 31:
- Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- From April 1 to October 31:
- The entry ticket costs €5. For more details, visit the official website.
Palazzo del Popolo and Torre Grossa
Another must-see in San Gimignano is the beautiful 12th-century Palazzo Del Popolo, right next to the collegiate church in Piazza del Duomo.
Also called the Palazzo Comunale or Municipal Palace, this historic building is the hub of local government and is home to the impressive 54-meter (177 feet) Torre Grossa.
If you’re up for it, climbing the tower is totally worth it—it offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings, but be prepared to tackle over 200 steps!
While the ground floor is used for city business, the upper floors hold the Museo Civico, which showcases some fantastic art from Florentine and Sienese artists.
And don’t miss the Grand City Chamber on the first floor, also known as Dante’s Hall after the famous poet’s visit in 1300.
Here, you can check out the stunning Maestà by Lippo Memmi and some cool paintings of hunting scenes.
Practical Information
- During the season (April 1 – October 31), the Museo Civico is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
- A ticket gets you into the museum and the tower for two days — it’s 10 euros for adults and 8 euros for kids and seniors.
Best Places to Eat in San Gimignano
Osteria Quattro Gatti
If you’re looking for a great place to eat in San Gimignano, check out Osteria Quattro Gatti, located on a charming side street off Via Quercecchio.
It’s not just the fantastic Tuscan food that makes this spot special—it’s also the peaceful terrace where you can enjoy your meal under the shade of trees.
Their menu has some amazing regional dishes like beef tagliata with truffles, rabbit in white wine with olives, and of course, the famous Florentine steak (bistecca alla Fiorentina). Main courses usually range from 15 to 40 euros.
When I visited, I tried the classic pasta with fresh truffles and some incredibly flavorful ravioli with spinach in saffron sauce.
With a side of pecorino cheese and a glass of local wine, it was an unforgettable Italian meal.
I definitely recommend this place for an authentic Tuscan dining experience in San Gimignano.
Practical Information
- Osteria Quattro Gatti is located at Via di Quercecchio, 9.
- It’s open from Friday to Thursday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
- The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
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Gelateria Dondoli
While you’re in San Gimignano, you’ve got to try the world-famous gelato at Gelateria Dondoli on Piazza della Cisterna.
Trust me, you’ll want to go back more than once! These gelatos are practically legendary, and the long lines outside prove it.
It’s all thanks to the award-winning maestro Sergio, who has created some seriously amazing and unique flavors like:
- Crema di Santa Fina (gelato with saffron and pine nuts)
- Champelmo (sorbet with pink grapefruit and sparkling wine)
- Dolceamaro (vanilla gelato with aromatic herbs)
- Vernaccia Sorbet (sorbet with Vernaccia di San Gimignano, an old Italian white wine)
All the gelato is made with top-notch ingredients, mostly local, including organic milk, fruits, and saffron grown in the region for centuries. No wonder it tastes so exceptional!
Prices are pretty reasonable: €3.50 for two flavors, €5.00 for three, €6.00 for four, and €7.00 for five.
I couldn’t resist and always ended up leaving the gelato shop with four scoops! After all, how often do you get the chance to try the best gelato in the world?
Practical Information
- Gelateria Dondoli is located at Piazza della Cisterna, 4.
- It’s open daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM during the summer season.
Il Ceppo Toscano
For those craving the ultimate regional treat, the famous Florentine steak, a visit to the hidden gem Il Ceppo Toscano is a must.
This classic Tuscan dish, known as bistecca alla Fiorentina, features a thick cut of tender beef, usually from native breeds like Chianina or Maremmana.
The steak weighs about one and a half kilograms (around 3.3 pounds) and is grilled over a wood-burning fire for that juicy, melt-in-your-mouth taste.
But fair warning, it’s a bit of a splurge—my half-kilo portion (about 1.1 pounds), bone included, set me back around 75 euros.
To finish it off, I couldn’t resist the classic tiramisu—it was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable meal!
Practical Information
- Il Ceppo Toscano is located at Via delle Romite, 13.
- It is open from Friday to Thursday, with hours from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
- The restaurant is closed on Mondays.
Osteria San Giovanni
While exploring the historic center of San Gimignano, be sure to check out the Osteria on Via San Giovanni.
Some tables are set up outside right on the historic street, creating a unique vibe, especially in the evening.
What sets this place apart is its excellent service and traditional Tuscan dishes.
Try the fettuccini with truffles, the famous ribollita (bean and cabbage soup), or grilled lamb in pea sauce.
For starters, I enjoyed beef carpaccio and a platter of meats and cheeses, followed by saffron risotto as the main course.
Everything was delicious, and the total came to 66 euros. It’s a must-visit for a memorable meal in San Gimignano!
Practical Information
- Osteria San Giovanni is located at Via S. Giovanni, 6.
- It is open from Friday to Thursday, with hours from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.
Spizzicheria Le Chicche Toscane
When you’re in San Gimignano, you’ve got to check out Spizzicheria Le Chicche Toscane.
This cozy place to eat serves up tasty, simple dishes and snacks at great prices. Plus, you can sip on some excellent local wine.
The vibe here is really relaxed, making it a perfect spot for a laid-back evening with good food and drinks. Dishes cost between 20 and 30 euros.
Definitely try the bruschetta with burrata and tomatoes and the mushroom ravioli—they’re fantastic!
You can also dig into pasta like pappardelle with ragù, penne with pesto, and lasagna. For dessert, the tiramisu is a must-try.
Practical Information
- Spizzicheria Le Chicche Toscane is located at Via S. Martino, 5.
- It’s open daily except Tuesdays.
- On weekdays, from Friday to Thursday, you can visit from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
RiccaPizza
If you miss the restaurant’s hours, don’t worry—head over to Ricca Pizza for a tasty slice of crispy pizza.
They’re open every day from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, so it’s a handy spot for a quick bite. You can get a big slice to go or enjoy it at one of their bar tables for just 3 euros.
If you love affordable, delicious Italian pizza, this place is a must-try!
Practical Information
- Ricca Pizza is located at Via S. Giovanni, 94.
- It’s open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Palagetto Winery
No trip to San Gimignano is complete without a visit to a local winery. If you’re around, definitely swing by Azienda Agricola Palagetto for a wine tasting.
This family-run winery has been around for generations and offers a great selection of wines like Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vernaccia di San Gimignano. You can also try their homemade olive oil.
They offer various tasting options, including a light lunch for €37.
This includes tasting four different wines, a platter of Tuscan meats and cheeses, bruschetta, a main course, and for dessert, Cantucci with Vin Santo del Chianti.
It’s a fantastic way to enjoy local specialties and get a taste of Tuscan winemaking and olive oil production.
Practical Information
- Azienda Agricola Palagetto is located at Via Racciano, 10.
- It is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Reservations are recommended.
Best Time to Visit San Gimignano
The best times to visit San Gimignano are in spring (April to June) and fall (September to November).
The weather’s really nice during these months, with temperatures between 15°C (59°F) and 25°C (77°F), plus some light showers that won’t mess up your plans.
Plus, there are fewer tourists, so you’ll likely find better deals on accommodations.
That said, summer (July to August) is warm and sunny, with temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F). But, it’s also the busiest time of year, so expect higher prices and more crowds.
I visited in both August and September, and while August was super crowded, September was way quieter, though the sunny weather stayed just as nice.
Lastly, winter (December to February) can get chilly, with temperatures ranging from 0°C (32°F) to 10°C (50°F), and more rain.
How to Get to San Gimignano
The best way to get to San Gimignano is by flying into one of Italy’s closest airports. Here’s how to do it:
From the USA
Book a flight to either Florence Airport (FLR) or Pisa International Airport (PSA), the two closest major airports to San Gimignano.
Flights from the East Coast usually take 8-9 hours, while from the West Coast, it’s around 11-13 hours.
If you’re flying into a bigger city like Rome or Milan, you can catch a connecting flight to Florence or Pisa, which takes about 1 hour.
From Europe
If you’re already in Europe, you can easily fly directly to Florence or Pisa from many major cities. Flights are usually 1-3 hours, depending on where you’re coming from.
Alternatively, you can take a train to Florence from other parts of Italy.
For example, the high-speed train from Rome to Florence takes about 1.5 hours, and from Milan, it’s around 2 hours.
Once you land, renting a car is the easiest way to get to San Gimignano. The drive from Florence takes about 1 hour, and from Pisa, it’s around 1.5 hours.
Just a heads up: San Gimignano is a small town, and its historic center is pedestrian-only.
If you’re driving, you’ll need to park outside the city walls, and it’s about a 10-15 minute walk to the town center.
Where to Stay in San Gimignano
If you’re after a cozy, authentic Tuscan village vibe, Villa Podere Sant’Elena is the spot for you.
Just fifteen minutes southwest of San Gimignano, it’s set in Chianti’s beautiful countryside, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
This charming place offers comfy rooms and a pool with breathtaking views of San Gimignano.
Barbara and Marisa, the lovely owners, really make you feel at home.
They serve a tasty breakfast each morning with local treats like cheese, cured meats, frittata, panini, homemade preserves, and top-notch extra virgin olive oil.
And you’ll get unlimited coffee and fresh pastries from Gianni’s bakery (Barbara’s husband) in town. What more could you want?
More Travel Tips for San Gimignano
- Wear comfortable shoes: The town has steep, cobbled streets and many stairs, so comfy footwear is essential.
- Buy the San Gimignano Pass: This combined ticket gives you access to major attractions at a great price, starting at €14 for adults.
- Bring a water bottle: There are drinking water fountains around San Gimignano, which saves on drinks and is eco-friendly.
- Rent a bike or scooter: It’s a great way to explore the surrounding hills and Tuscan towns.
- Remember the siesta: Many shops and attractions close from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Use this time for lunch or a rest.
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The Ultimate Guide to San Gimignano: Conclusion
San Gimignano is the perfect spot for a Tuscan getaway. With its beautiful landmarks, amazing food, and stunning views, it’s definitely a place that’ll leave you impressed.
Whether you’re just visiting for a day or sticking around a bit longer, this charming town will win you over.
You can explore the famous towers, stroll through the cozy streets, and enjoy some seriously good food and wine. It’s the kind of place where you can just relax and take in all the beauty around you.
I hope this guide to San Gimignano has been helpful! If it has, feel free to share it with your friends.
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I can’t wait to get out and travel more! and Tuscany is one of those places I’ve always wanted to explore more, so thanks for the inspo!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
I’ve visited Tuscany just recently but loved it from the first sight!
I cannot believe I have never heard about San Gimignano before reading your article! It’s super interesting to discover it with you! And after seeing all of this yummy Italian food I am hungry 😀
San Gimignano is a true hidden gem! Italian food is absolutely amazing. I love the fact that it is simple combination of superfine and fresh ingredients. That is the essence of great cousine for me. Even totally different – in this respect (fresh and simple) it reminds me of Thai cuisine.
I’ll admit I came here for the food. I heard there was ice cream?! Tuscany looks just beautiful but the food looks next level amazing. That gelato – I’m definitely going to have 6 scoops if I go.
This looks like a beautiful part of Tuscany to visit! I’m definitely going to add it to my itinerary when I go back to Italy.
You brought back such wonderful memories! It’s been 16 years since I visited San Giminagno. I remember it being such a quiet and quaint town and so unique for its high towers. Would love to go back and try some of the restaurants as they sound delicious!
This was such a great read! I only spent a few hours in San Gimigiano, but now I feel like I need to go back and stay for a few days!