Is San Gimignano expensive to visit?
San Gimignano is a small yet captivating destination that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.
San Gimignano can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $83 (€73) per day, mid-range travelers spend $190 (€167) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $360 (€317) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to San Gimignano.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, San Gimignano is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Finale Ligure or Sestri Levante.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is San Gimignano Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to San Gimignano?
The average San Gimignano trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these San Gimignano travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to San Gimignano cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in San Gimignano, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $83 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to San Gimignano will want to visit Torre Grossa, San Gimignano 1300, or Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $190 per person, per day.
In San Gimignano, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Podere Sant'Elena is a fantastic option for families, and Locanda Viani is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for San Gimignano here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $360 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices.
Accommodation Budget in San Gimignano
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in San Gimignano can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in San Gimignano in the off-season is $113, but in the peak travel season it will average around $211. In general, you can expect hotel prices in San Gimignano to range from $80 to $368. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in San Gimignano for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $140 (€124). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $70 (€62) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in San Gimignano? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in San Gimignano include:
- Hotel La Collegiata starting at $238
- Villasanpaolo starting at $168
- Podere Le Grotte starting at $101
- Locanda Viani starting at $133
- B&B I Coppi starting at $97
Choosing to travel in the shoulder or low season and avoiding will help you save on lodging costs and escape the tourist rush.
Transportation Budget in San Gimignano
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $61 (€54) per person, per day, on local transportation in San Gimignano. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in San Gimignano is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$61
€54
Getting to San Gimignano is relatively easy, with several transportation options available. If arriving by train, the nearest stations are located in Poggibonsi and Certaldo, from where you can catch a bus or taxi to San Gimignano. Alternatively, renting a car provides flexibility and convenience, allowing you to explore the surrounding countryside at your own pace. Once in San Gimignano, navigating the town on foot is the best way to soak in its historic charm and discover its hidden treasures.
If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.
How much does it cost to go to San Gimignano? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in San Gimignano will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in San Gimignano
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in San Gimignano can vary significantly, the average cost of food in San Gimignano is $82 (€73) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$82
€73
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in San Gimignano is around $83 (€73) per person, with previous travelers spending from $37 to $155. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in San Gimignano are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $25
- Lunch: $12 to $33
- Dinner: $25 to $58
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $12
No visit to San Gimignano is complete without sampling its delectable culinary offerings. Treat your taste buds to traditional Tuscan fare at local trattorias and osterias, where you can savor rustic dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the town's renowned saffron-infused dishes, such as risotto alla Milanese or pappardelle al ragù di cinghiale (wild boar ragu). For a sweet finish to your meal, indulge in a scoop of gelato from one of the town's artisan gelaterias, or savor a glass of Vin Santo paired with cantucci, traditional almond biscuits.
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
Using a water bottle can save you money on drinks while being eco-friendly.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
If you want to experience the culture in San Gimignano, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Event: Romantic Valentine's Dinner in San Gimignano Winery for $85 details
- Home Restaurant Luxury Dinner with Wine for $90 details
- Tuscan Cooking Class for $158 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in San Gimignano
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in San Gimignano typically cost an average of $22 (€20) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$22
€20
Here are a few of the most popular sights with their prices:
- Torre Grossa for €13
- San Gimignano 1300 (Free)
- Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta for €5
- Church of Sant'Agostino (Free)
San Gimignano is renowned for its iconic skyline, characterized by its fourteen medieval towers that once served as symbols of wealth and power. Start your exploration at Piazza del Duomo, the heart of the town, where you'll find the majestic Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Admire its stunning Romanesque architecture and marvel at the frescoes adorning its interior. Next, wander through the town's cobblestone streets lined with ancient stone buildings, medieval palaces, and charming artisan shops. Don't miss the opportunity to climb the Torre Grossa, the tallest tower in San Gimignano, for unparalleled views of the surrounding countryside.
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of San Gimignano with a visit to its museums and galleries. The Museo Civico offers insights into the town's history and art, showcasing works by renowned artists such as Benozzo Gozzoli and Filippino Lippi. For a taste of Tuscan wine culture, embark on a wine tasting tour at one of the local wineries dotting the countryside. Indulge in a leisurely stroll along the ancient Via Francigena, a historic pilgrimage route that winds its way through San Gimignano, offering scenic vistas of vineyards and olive groves.
A nice way to explore destinations in San Gimignano is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Tuscan Lunch & Winery Tour with Tasting in San Gimignano for $89 details
- San Gimignano Private Walking Tour for $282 details
- Florence: San gimignano tour + Tasting Chianti Wines &Cheese for $915 details
San Gimignano, Italy
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.