Gelato is a staple of Italian cuisine – one could not survive a summer vacation in Italy without having a refreshing cup of gelato to cool off. Siena is home to many gelaterias, so many so that it is almost overwhelming to choose which shop to go to.

The Piazza il Campo is the center of life in Siena – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the Palio horse race, which occurs twice a year: once on July 2^nd and again on August 16^th. If one is visiting Siena, they will not miss seeing the Campo on their trip. So, I have complied a list of five gelaterias to pay attention to: four not to miss, and one to definitely skip.

Ones to VISIT

#4: Brivido Gelateria

Where is it? Via Dei Pellegrini 1, 53100 Siena, Italy

Directly next to the Campo, Brivido Gelateria is a great option if one wants a big cup of gelato in a timely manner. There are lots of flavors – fruits such as pineapple and mango, different flavors of chocolate, and coffee are all great options at Brivido. I mention that this is a good one for big servings because their “small” is about the size of a “large” at most other gelaterias – and comes at a higher price at 6.50 Euros.

#3: Grom

Where is it? Via Banchi di Sopra 11/13, 53100 Siena, Italy

About a minute from the Campo, Grom is a great gelateria for tourists to visit, as their menu above the counter is in both Italian and English. A small cup at Grom gives one just enough gelato to satisfy, and is priced at 2.60 Euros. Friendly staff and an expansive menu that changes every month makes Grom one not to miss. Additonally, they have more locations around Italy, (and I’ve even been to one in NYC!) so if you like this one you can get it again, even after you leave Siena.

#2: Bar Gelateria

Where is it? Bar Pasticceria, Piazza il Campo 6, 53100 Siena, Italy

Bar Gelateria is literally on the Campo, to the right of the Palazzo Pubblico, or the town hall of Siena. A plethora of flavors greet you when you come in from the hot sun, and coffee can also be ordered here. There were over twenty different flavors to choose from, and this was the only place I saw my personal favorite flavor, Oreo, in a Siena gelateria. A small cup costs 2.50 Euros.

#1: Gelateria Nice

Where is it? Via di Pantaneto 137, 43100 Siena, Italy

Nice is a bit of an exception to this list, as it is a five to seven-minute walk from the Campo. However, it is NOT to be missed, as it is the best tasting gelato, and also best price-wise, at an affordable 2.20 Euros for a small cup. Flavors are changed frequently, so if your Siena stay lasts more than a day, you may catch some new ones you did not see before!

One to SKIP

Bar Gelateria la Costarella

Where is it? Via di Citta 33, 53100 Siena, Italy

Bar Gelateria la Costarella is right next to the Campo, so it will seem like a good option for gelato for the tired tourist. However, walk on past and find a different one. Their “small” cups are about the same size as other gelaterias around the Campo (not including Brivido) but cost 5 Euros – which is almost double the cost. Additionally, their gelato began to melt before I even obtained the cup, meaning I enjoyed a cup of gelato soup rather than yummy, frozen gelato. I was unimpressed; I didn’t even take a photo of this one. Cheaper and more tastier options are all around – skip this gelateria.