The Best Way to Spend the Full Day in San Gimignano with Kids (Tuscan Village)
San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.
Only a little over an hour train ride from Florence in the Tuscany Region of Italy
Since we were only spending one day here, we wanted to make the most of it. We got here early and it was not as busy yet, plus less stressful with kids. If you are driving, the parking does fill up so make sure to plan for that. We did some research before coming here to know what to expect with kids and it was very kid friendly! The history was cool and exciting and didn’t feel boring or overdone. I told my kids facts about the town as we walked around including all the information below!
The reason this is a UNESCO world heritage site if for a few key reasons:
Unique skyline of medieval towers
Originally had 72 towers built by wealthy families competing for status
Today, 14 towers remain, creating a skyline that’s almost unchanged for centuries. This is extremely rare—most medieval cities lost these structures over time
It’s a rare, almost perfectly preserved medieval town, famous for its iconic towers and authentic historic atmosphere.
When you visit, you’re not just seeing a pretty town—you’re seeing a place that has stayed remarkably close to how it looked 700+ years ago, which is exactly what UNESCO aims to protect.
Morning
Start with coffee and croissants at one of the cafes. You can get it to go and enjoy it as you start to walk around and explore. There are lots of shops to wander in and around and amazing views, architecture and things to see.
🏰 Activity
Skip Torre Grossa - the main tower. Right around the corner do Torre Salvucci Maggiore. It is almost just as high and the views were just as beautiful but was essentially almost empty, we took our time and there are little areas between each flight of steps but it is steep and small. (It wasn’t too bad if you are claustrophobic as we are). It is climbing about 170 stairs though so not stroller friendly though so if you have small kids like under 1, bring a carrier. The top is a rooftop with amazing views of the Tuscan countryside.
Tickets costs: Adult - €7 & Kids 10 & under - €3
🍝 Lunch
There are lots of options of places to eat. Most of them will have kid-friendly option like pizza or pasta for kids.
We sat in the main Piazza so the kids could run around while we ate. We ate at Bar La Cisterna in Piazza della Cisterna. They had amazing pizza, pasta, and even salad options.
Tip: Sit outside so kids can move a bit and people-watch
🏰 Activity
Walk the Town Walls - Walking the 13th-century town walls of San Gimignano offers a roughly 2-kilometer, scenic, and historical journey with panoramic views of the Tuscan hills, often referred to as a "journey through time". The route covers five medieval gates—including Porta San Giovanni and Porta Quercecchio—Head toward quieter edges of town (less crowded) Great for letting kids roam a bit safely.
Afternoon
🌳 Picnic/Snack Time
Grab some snacks or sandwiches and sit at Rocca di Montestaffoli. A true hidden gem! It is an old fortress ruins with open grassy space and beautiful spot for pictures and views. If you brought a blanket you can sit in the grass here, if not you can sit on benches.
Perfect for kids to run around and play freely while adults get amazing vineyard views and can enjoy a glass of wine or coffee. This was a highlight for us because the kids were able to run around and burn some energy while we relaxed in the shade.
🍨Gelato break
Head to Gelateria Dondoli (world-famous). There may be a long line but it does go fast. Let kids pick fun flavors - they have unusual ones like saffron or rosemary. If you don’t want to wait in this line there are multiple other places within 3 minutes to walk to as you wonder around.
Evening
🍝 Dinner
If you stay into evening, which we highly recommend because it is much quieter as tour buses and big groups leave. Enjoy a nice sunset dinner. Choose a restaurant with a view outside the busiest square - like Antica Osteria Il Rifugio or Le Vecchie Mura. Just be aware is a lot of the restaurants close from about 3-7pm! You could still get food from pizza stands or sandwich shops but just so you can plan ahead or make a reservation. This is common in almost all of Italy - that restaurants will close during this time as Italians tend to eat dinner late.
🧸 Souvenir Shopping
Let kids pick one thing. The prices of things were very reasonable. I usually give my kids a set budget. You can choose what works for you, like letting them pick one thing or giving them a set amount.
There was lots of cute shops to choose things like small toys, postcards, local treats like candy, etc.
Practical Tips for Visiting with Kids:
Bring a blanket for rest times
Wear comfortable shoes (lots of cobblestones) - wasn’t the most stroller friendly but we did have one and it was fine.
Take breaks often
Keep expectations flexible as you don’t need to plan too much or buy tickets for anything here ahead
FAQ
Q: What is San Gimignano famous for?
A: San Gimignano is famous for its medieval towers, which create a unique skyline that has earned it the nickname “Medieval Manhattan.” It’s also known for its well-preserved historic center and beautiful Tuscan views.
Q: Is San Gimignano worth visiting?
A: Yes, San Gimignano is absolutely worth visiting. It’s one of the most picturesque towns in Tuscany, offering a mix of history, architecture, and scenic countryside—all in a compact, walkable setting.
Q: How much time do you need in San Gimignano?
A: Most visitors spend 3–5 hours in San Gimignano. This is enough time to explore the main sights, climb a tower, enjoy a meal, and wander the streets. A full day allows for a more relaxed pace.
Q: Is San Gimignano a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
A: Yes, the Historic Centre of San Gimignano has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990 due to its exceptional preservation of medieval architecture and its iconic towers.
Q: How many towers are left in San Gimignano today?
A: Originally, there were around 72 towers. Today, 14 towers remain, still giving the town its distinctive silhouette.
Q: How do you get to San Gimignano from Florence?
A: The easiest way is by car (about 1–1.5 hours). You can also take a train to Poggibonsi and then a short bus ride to San Gimignano.
Q: Can you visit San Gimignano as a day trip?
A: Yes, San Gimignano is a popular day trip from Florence, Siena, or Pisa thanks to its small size and central location in Tuscany.
Q: Is San Gimignano better in the morning or afternoon?
A: Morning is best to avoid crowds and heat, especially in summer. Late afternoon and early evening are also great.
