San Marino travel guide
San Marino Tourism | San Marino Guide
You're Going to Love San Marino
Attractively peculiar, San Marino invites discovery with its length history and stability as one of the world's smallest microstates.
Existing in a mountainous region of northcentral Italy, medieval architecture and a minuscule population provide a taste of bygone centuries.
The country is progressively modern, with a sky-high per capita GDP and convenient amenities for visiting.
What to do in San Marino
1. Scale Torre Guaita
The oldest castle in San Marino sits atop Monte Titano and offers spectacular views across the city. Once used as a prison, Torre Guaita was built in the 11th century.
2. Walk Through Basilica di San Marino
Recognized as the most sacred church in San Marino, passing between the Corinthian columns at the entrance is an unforgettable moment.
3. Learn at the Palazzo Pubblico
Located within the town hall and government building of the state is an educational video that provides insight into the establishment and history of the country.
4. Browse the Museo di Stato
A significant archaeological collection includes artefacts from the Neolithic Age as well as exhibits from Greek, Roman, and Egyptian cultures.
5. See the Fountain in Giardino Dei Liburni
Take the time to enjoy a stroll through the peaceful park and marvel at the large basin that holds a floating sphere.
When to visit San Marino
Weather peaks between May and October at around 63-75°F, while July is especially popular with the Medieval Days festival that transforms the city of San Marino into a theatrical playground.
How to Get to San Marino
Entry requirements
Visas are not required for any nationalities when staying 10 days or less. An official permit must be obtained from the government if planning to stay beyond this period. There are no border checkpoints that must be passed, and roads are the only way to enter.
Car
Driving over the border from Italy is simple and hassle-free. Most travelers come from the seaside city of Rimini along the SS72 Highway, which gives the option of stopping in Dogana just over the border. Other major routes include via Gualdicciolo in the west and Montelicciano in the south.
Bus
A direct 50min bus can be taken from directly outside Rimini train station to the center of San Marino for approximately €5 ($5.50). The route is #72 and runs regularly between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm.
Where to stay in San Marino
There are limited accommodation options outside the city of San Marino, however, inside the historic city there is a range of two, three and four-star hotels that cater to a range of budgets. Many tourists also opt to stay in the resort town of Rimini and visit for a day trip.
Where to stay in popular areas of San Marino
Most booked hotels in San Marino
How to Get Around San Marino
Public Transportation
Regional buses are commonly used between towns, while a return aerial tramway can be caught from Borgo Maggiore to the top of Monte Titano for roughly €4.50 ($5). A cable car operates within the city of San Marino between Piazzale Campo della Fiera and Piazza della Libertà.
Bus
The #72 route between Rimini and San Marino stops in roughly 20 destinations, offering plenty of stops within the country, including Dogana, Borgo Maggiore, and Serravalle.
Car
The majority of the streets within the walled city are narrow, making smaller cars far more convenient. There is a substantial amount of parking to accommodate tourists, though it's best to find a space and then discover on foot.
The Cost of Living in San Marino
As a nation that is heavily centered around tourism, eating out can be rather expensive, with a standard lunchtime meal priced at roughly €25-30 ($28-33). Groceries are comparatively affordable and a dozen eggs cost approximately €3 ($3.30) while a bottle of wine is about €4 ($4.40). Credit cards are widely accepted by merchants throughout San Marino and there are plenty of ATMs available for cash withdrawal.