Shopping in Siena’s city centre
Siena: a city of history, cultura… and shops!
When you think of Siena, the first things that come to mind are its historic rivalry with Florence, the famous competition of the Palio and the architectural beauties of the city, which historic center is protected by UNESCO. But only once you arrive in this beautiful city you have the chance to discover how many shops, boutiques and workshops of artists and artisans overlook the streets of the city, a few steps from the major historical and artistic areas of the city . Choosing to stay at the Relais degli Angeli, this world of small family-run businesses, but also stores of major international brands, will be at your fingertips: in fact, just leave the ancient noble palace that houses the structure to find the first shops and dive into shopping.
The main shopping streets
The most important shopping street of Siena is undoubtedly via Banchi di Sopra, overlooked by a large number of shops offering items by small and large fashion brands. To reach this area from the Relais degli Angeli and stock up on all kinds of clothes, bags and shoes, just walk a few meters in the direction of Piazza del Campo. Those looking for local crafts or souvenirs to take home can continue on Via di Città, where it will not be difficult to fall in love with leather goods, Tuscan specialties and jewellery displayed on the windows. Also on Via Pantaneto, which is located a few hundred meters from the Relais degli Angeli, you can find quality crafts and souvenirs, including, in addition to the classic postcards and miniatures, the flags of the districts that participate in the famous Palio. Moreover, every Wednesday morning, the weekly market of Piazza Gramsci takes place just a few steps from the hotel, a unique opportunity to shop at affordable prices. In the same square, every Friday, farmers from Siena’s countryside gather to sell their fresh and high quality products.
Shopping tips
The historic center of Siena is full of artisans workshops, often run by families, whose creations are a valid alternative to the classic souvenirs that are usually bought during a holiday. Walking through these streets, in fact, you can buy hand-painted ceramics, magnificent custom-made candles and well-crafted leather goods. It is impossible, however, to leave Siena before having tasted the local cuisine: those who have been bewitched by a liqueur, a sausage or a traditional dessert will not have difficulty finding a store where you can buy the product, even packaged, to give or to taste again back home. Even the wines produced in the hills around Siena are appreciated all over the world: a good bottle of Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino, especially if purchased in a wine shop in the center, will be an excellent memory of your pleasant stay in the city.