San Marino 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Exploring San Marino

This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience the charm and history of San Marino beyond just a day trip.

Day 1: Arrival & Historic Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in Rimini, Italy (San Marino doesn’t have its own airport), the closest major airport with direct flights.

  • Afternoon: Explore San Marino’s capital, San Marino City.

    • Visit the Piazza della Libertà and admire the Palazzo Pubblico (Government Palace)
    • Stroll through the historic streets and discover charming shops, hidden piazzas, and picturesque views.

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner with a view at a restaurant overlooking the city from one of the three towers.

  • Things to know:

    • San Marino is easily accessible from Rimini by train or bus (approx. 1 hour travel time).
    • You can visit the “Three Towers” (Guaita, Cesta & Montane) for historical insights and breathtaking panoramas.

Day 2: Exploring the Past

  • Morning: Visit the Museo di Stato to learn about San Marino’s rich history and culture.

  • Afternoon: Explore the historic center of San Marino City on a walking tour.

  • Key attractions:

    • Museo di Stato (State Museum): This museum houses artifacts from San Marino’s past, showcasing its ancient history and unique traditions.

  • Historic Sites: Explore the historical sites of San Marino, such as:

    • Museo della Storia del San Marino: Delve deeper into the history of this independent republic.
    • Basilica di San Marino: Admire the intricate architecture of San Marino’s oldest church.

  • The Three Towers:

Day 3: Nature & Views

  • Morning: Hike up Mount Titano, enjoying the stunning views along the way.
  • Afternoon: Relax and enjoy the scenery at the scenic viewpoints atop Mount Titano.
  • Things to know:

Day 4: Culture & Art

  • Museo d’Arte Contemporanea: Explore contemporary art by San Marino artists.
  • Piazza della Libertà: Experience the heart of San Marino City, a vibrant hub for cultural events and gatherings.
  • Evening:

Day 5: Exploring the Arts

  • San Marino National Gallery: Discover masterpieces from Italian and international artists.
  • Attend a concert or play: Check local listings for performances during your visit.

Day 6: Food & Shopping

  • Explore the local markets: Find fresh produce, regional delicacies, and unique souvenirs.
  • Sample San Marino’s culinary specialties:

Day 7: Relaxation & Departure

Things to know:

  • Local currency: The Euro (€) is the official currency of San Marino.
  • Currency exchange: You can exchange currency at banks in San Marino, but it’s generally advisable to have some Euros on hand as exchange rates are often better in your home country.

Visa Requirements:

  • San Marino is part of the Schengen Area, so citizens from most countries can visit without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Citizenship:

Transportation:

  • Public Transportation: San Marino City has a public bus service that connects it to other towns and villages in the country.
  • Walking: The best way to experience the charm of San Marino is on foot.
  • Car: Driving is the easiest way to get around, but remember there are no cars allowed within the city walls.

Getting Around San Marino City:

  • Public Transportation:

Things to know about visiting:

  • Currency Exchange: You can exchange currency at banks in San Marino City.
  • Currency: While you’ll likely be able to use credit cards for most purchases, it’s always a good idea to have some local currency on hand for smaller shops or stalls that might not accept them.
  • Schengen Visa: If you are from a country outside the Schengen zone and hold a non-Schengen passport, you will need a Schengen visa.

Things to note:

  • San Marino City is easily walkable.

  • Accommodation:

Things to do in San Marino:

  • Visit the Three Towers: Explore these iconic landmarks and enjoy the panoramic views from their summits.
  • Explore the historical center: Visit the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its unique charm and architecture.
  • Wander through the historic streets:

Things to see in San Marino:

  • Visit the Museum of Ancient Weapons: A fascinating museum with a collection of medieval and modern weapons.
  • See the works of art:

Day 7: Enjoying the Last Day:

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding countryside from the cable car.

  • Things to see in the city:
    • San Marino’s Historic Center: Explore its charming piazzas, medieval churches, and historic buildings like the Basilica di San Francesco and the Palazzo del Governo.

Enjoy the local atmosphere:

  • Visit a traditional “osteria” (pub) for an evening drink and a chance to mingle with the locals.

  • Attend the annual San Marino Grand Prix: This motorcycle race draws crowds from all over the world in July.

  • Transportation:

    • Public Transportation:

Things to see outside the city:

  • The Three: The three iconic towers of Monte Titano, the highest peak overlooking the city.

Day 7: Enjoying the Local Markets:

  • Visit the “San Marino Market” for souvenirs and local delicacies.
  • Enjoy local cuisine:

Things to see in the surrounding areas:

  • Explore the historical town of Rimini.
  • Visit the Museo della Storia del San Marino:

Day 7: A Taste of History:

  • The “Museo della Repubblica di San Marino” (Museum of San Marino) offers a glimpse into the history and culture of this unique nation.

Enjoy the local cuisine:

  • Sample the “piadina”:

This is just a starting point for your itinerary. You can customize it based on your interests and how much time you have to spend in San Marino. For example, you might want to add:

  • Visits to other towns or castles in the area (San Marino has many!)
  • Hiking trails to explore the beauty of the mountains.
  • Enjoying a traditional “romagna” meal and exploring local markets

Enjoy the local cuisine:

  • Explore the “Rocca di San Marino”: This is a popular attraction, a medieval fortress that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.