San Gimignano

There are lots of historical villages in the Chianti region, and San Gimignano is definitely not one to overlook. You could spend hours getting lost in the winding streets. There are a plethora of shops and restaurants, selling everything from gifts and clothing to meats and cheese to gelato and pizza. If you are looking for some climbing and adventure there is a large tower that you can climb. We held off because it was a super hot day, but apparently it's a great way to get the best views of the area. We also had some of the best gelato of our trip here. I'm forgetting the name of the shop, but it's right in the center square and you'll know it based off the line. The fig was unforgettable, and I didn't see fig gelato anywhere else during my trip to Italy so that felt unique. Be mindful of parking and walking -- we had to park pretty far away and it was a hefty walk into the center of town. Parking is very limited in the area, and the town is very hilly. Be sure to wear comfy shoes. The brick buildings are gorgeous and there are so many unexpected charming details like ivy covered buildings, brightly colored doors and narrow cobblestone alleyways. It's a great spot to snap a few highly grammable pics! For sure worth a visit.

Tuscany is a beautiful part of Italy. The landscape, the food and wine....and old towns like this! After visiting Volterra two years ago we looked for a similar place. And we've found charming San Gimignano. Sitting on top of a hill it boasts beautiful views all around. Parking is simple (P2 at the southern end) if you arrive early enough. The main drags here are the Via S. Giovanni and then Via S. Matteo. Both lead through the whole old town and through the Piazza della Cisterna / Piazza Delle Erbe and Piazza Del Duomo with its lovely Duomo. Countless meat and cheese shops (Try the "Forme D'Arte" at the northern end) and even more Restaurants and Enotecas (go for the Enoteca Gustavo). The town is know as the Town of Fine Towers, the many beautiful towers around town giving it its name. Some are open to public. Also be sure not to miss some of the beautiful but quiet side streets. Outside of the walls there are some great views. Some restaurants are there too, if you feel like sitting down. We came here in Spring on a weekday, and there were plenty of visitors. Arrive before lunchtime to get in easy. It's definitely worth (a longer) trip. If you are anywhere near it, don't miss this gem!

Our group had less than an hour to explore San Gimignano as part of a Tuscan wine and countryside tour. In that time, we: - Snagged gelato from a "world champion" gelateria. (I understand the title.) - Found decent public restrooms. Didn't cost too much. - Took scenic selfies with the countryside below. - Bought pretty jewelry from a souvenir shop. - Took touristy pictures in Piazza del Duomo. - Gawked at olive oil. So much olive oil! - Walked from a gate on one side of the village all the way to the other end, where our guide picked us up. The town itself is way up on a hill. It's quite the sight to see as you're driving toward it! If you happen to be in the Siena region, you should certainly swing by this historic and beautiful village to browse for an afternoon.

One of the most memorable days of my recent trip to Italy was the day I spent in San Gimignano. Firstly, the ride to get here through the Tuscan countryside is amazingly scenic. If you can, stop at a winery along the way. We stopped at Tenuta Torchiano winery which made our San Gimignano day even more lovely and memorable. Once we finally reached San Gimignano we were met with an imposing looking stone fortress. However inside it is charming and adorable. Tons of unique little shops are inside the stone walls, and they are much nicer than most souvenirs stores in Italy. I scored a pair of beautiful leather boots as well as some hand sewn baby gifts which were a hit. And the gelato is definitely not to be missed. The views from this place are sweeping and completely breathtaking. There are so many lookouts to take amazing pictures from and admire the Tuscan scenery. While I'm sure the history of this spot is interesting, I don't really remember any of it. I came for the shopping and the views, and was not at all disappointed. If time allows, this is a must for any Italian vacation.

San Gimignano is a small city located on top of a hill/mountain. There's really only one way to go if you're a tourist and that road goes uphill once you're past the wall. There are shops and eateries lining the road until you get to a town square type thing. Then if you go down a little more there's a church. I tried some of the cured boar meat from one of the shops. Really good and cheap (2 slices of leg and 2 slices of salami 1.50 euros). There's a gelateria here that has won world champion of gelato before. Very cool architecture here as well.

I absolutely love this city I highly recommend that you stay there for at least three days there's so much to do my husband and I just love wandering around town tasting wine shopping having pizza eating cheese it was pretty amazing I highly recommend

We really enjoyed touring around the wonderful city of San Gimignano. There are some wonderful little shops, bakeries and restaurants up and down the streets. The historic gateway arch going into the old city is a beautiful structure and the architecture around the city is something you should see when you visit. There is also a famous Gelato Shop,Gelateria Dondoli, here that you do not want to miss.

One of the big towns in the Sienna region with a lot of history and some fabulous architecture. As much as I loved it, it was busy and not as nice as some of the smaller towns and villages in the area. The main streets were lined up with tourist shops and this took away from the town in my opinion. If you are driving parking is very tight and there are 4 public car parks and some others however, they are reserved for residents only. Parking is expensive at €2 per hour. There are some great restaurants in town and I am guessing there are also some markets regularly that might be worth visiting.

Great historical medieval village town with amazing towers. The town sits high up on a hill and is an incredible place to visit for it's gothic and Romanesque architecture. It really is a great day trip while staying in Tuscany in and near the Siena area! The vast countryside around it is filled with typical tuscan fields of sunflowers and vineyards. As you drive up here from the countryside you see the amazing towers peaking up into the sky and the walled town. There are roughly 15 left from over 72 originally. The village had it's heyday in the 1300's. Quite amazing! When we drove up here and there are a few parking lots (by 11:00 AM the first was full) so we had to go to one that was a bit further away down the hill a bit. The village is a bit of a tourist trap where there are many tourists shops and restaurants. You can however get some really good gifts to take back home ranging from shirts, clothing to wine, Olive products and most anything touristic you can think of! It is however a bit of a shame that this has been turned into Times-square, Fisherman's wharf style tourist shops and the more natural feel of the village cannot be kept. However where there is a buck errr I should say euro to be made they will think of ways to sell you something for it! In some of the village piazza's there are food vendors and clothing vendors. The food vendors had some interesting Paninni porketta sandwiches (that grossed out my wife a bit) but she ate one with me! Quite well seasoned and tasty! Otherwise there are a bunch of food carts and pizza shops. This is the cheaper food available. Otherwise there is a plethora of restaurants! Come check it out, pretty slick for an activity for the day!

Love the town in it's essentials. 1500 years old, classic towers, walls very well preserved. Walking in is definitely like stepping back 1000+ years. Pretty cool. Then it stops. It is now a full blown quintessential tourist trap. My wife had a great time. I had a great time also as I LOVE holding up the side of a 1000 year old building waiting for her to shop for yet another Pinnochio souvenir. Ladies, we know you love to shop. Guys don't.

Very historic and beautiful town in Tuscany. Beautiful panoramic views of the valley through a dark passage.

Great medieval mountain top town in Tuscany.

Love this place. Second time here. Nice small town with gelato everywhere at the square and next to visitors' center.