City of San Marino
Visitors come to walk the ridge of Mount Titano to three medieval towers, with views over the hills and, on clear days, the Adriatic.
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San Marino is an independent republic in the Apennine hills of central Italy, surrounded on all sides by Italy. Its capital, also called the City of San Marino, sits on the ridge of Mount Titano, where a medieval old town runs between three stone towers: Guaita, Cesta and Montale. The historic center and the mountain are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Local tradition links the republic to Saint Marinus, a stonecutter who settled on the mountain in the early 4th century.
Most of a visit happens in the old town: its narrow streets, the towers, the lookout points along the ridge and the cafes near the main squares. The climb between sections is steep, so wear comfortable shoes. Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable months for walking, and summer is hot and busy. A day trip covers the main sights, and an overnight stay lets you see the town after day visitors leave. It is a common stop from the Adriatic coast or from nearby Italian cities.
City of San Marino in five
- Set up a data plan before you crossSan Marino is a separate state surrounded by Italy, so your home plan may charge roaming on arrival. Install an eSIM before you leave home.Phones and eSIM
- Take the bus from Rimini stationRimini station is the usual gateway from the Adriatic rail line. Buses climb from Rimini to the walls, so the day trip works without a car.Getting around
- Carry euro coins for small purchasesSan Marino mints its own euro coins with national designs, and they are legal across the euro area. Keep small change for cafés and small purchases.Money and costs
- Walk the ridge to the three towersGuaita, Cesta and Montale stand on the ridge above the old town, linked by footpaths. Wear shoes with grip, since the stone paths are steep.San Marino
- Stay a night inside the wallsMost day visitors arrive by bus and leave by evening. A night inside the walls gives you the old town after the coaches have gone.Where to stay
Things to do in City of San Marino
See all attractions in City of San Marino
Need to know
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; check with the Italian consulate for yours
- Emergency
- 112 general emergency
- Tipping
- Optional; rounding up a restaurant bill is common
- Time
- UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer (daylight saving)
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, quiet
- FebruaryCold, quiet
- MarchMild, changeable
- AprilSpring walks
- MayMild, clear
- JuneWarm, long days
- JulyHot, busy
- AugustHot, crowded
- SeptemberWarm, quieter
- OctoberAutumn color
- NovemberCool, damp
- DecemberCold, quiet
Right now in City of San Marino
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
13
- Feels like
- 9°
- Humidity
- 74%
- Wind
- 25 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 45%
Borgo Maggiore
02:14 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today11°8°45%Tuesday: Rain. High 11°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 45%.
- Wed12°8°23%Wednesday: Rain. High 12°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 23%.
- Thu11°9°20%Thursday: Fog. High 11°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Fri11°8°61%Friday: Rain. High 11°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 61%.
- Sat9°8°63%Saturday: Rain. High 9°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 63%.
- Sun14°7°18%Sunday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 18%.
Updated 10:07 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Day trips by train
- Riminibus from RiminiSeafront, the Roman Arch of Augustus and the usual base for the bus up.
- Urbinoby car, about an hour or moreA hilltop Renaissance city with the Ducal Palace and the birthplace of Raphael.
- Ravennaby train from RiminiEarly Christian mosaics in its basilicas, a short ride from the coast.
Before you go to City of San Marino
Rules for City of San Marino, checked
- Check visa rules for your passport with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Italian consulate before you book.Source
- Carry a passport or national identity card, since you may be asked to show it.
- Cover shoulders and knees when you enter churches, as in other Italian churches.
- San Marino is not in the EU, so check whether your data plan covers it before you cross.
Plan around City of San Marino
Rooms inside the walls and in Rimini, by budget
Read the guideGetting around San MarinoBuses from Rimini and the ridge paths
Read the guideMoney and costsEuro coins and what a day costs
Read the guideVisas and entryPassport rules for Italy and San Marino
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData plans for arriving from Italy
Read the guideEurope travel guidesOther countries and cities for a wider trip
Read the guideCity of San Marino FAQ
How many days do you need in San Marino?
One day covers the old town and the walk to the three towers. Stay a night if you want the walls in the evening, after day visitors have left.
Is San Marino worth visiting?
Yes, for the old town, the three towers and the views from the ridge. It is a short trip from Rimini.
Do I need a visa for San Marino?
Many passports need no visa for short stays. Check with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Italian consulate for your passport before you book.
What currency is used in San Marino?
The euro. San Marino mints its own euro coins with national designs, and they are legal across the euro area.
Can you visit San Marino as a day trip from Rimini?
Yes. Rimini is the usual base for a day trip, and buses run up to the old town. Plan the ridge walk and the old town in one day, then return.