Southern EuropeSan Marino is a tiny country surrounded by Italy. Its mountain-top capital, also called San Marino, has old buildings, small museums, restaurants and wide views of the countryside.
Why go
Visit Guaita and Cesta, two towers on Mount Titano with views of San Marino, Italy and the Adriatic Sea.
Explore the narrow, cobbled streets of the walled capital.
See the historic centre and Mount Titano, listed as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Enjoy Piazza della Libertà after dark, when its buildings and statue are lit up.
Getting there
By air
- San Marino has no airport. The nearest major airport is Federico Fellini International Airport at Rimini.
- From Rimini airport, drive to San Marino or reach Rimini train station for the bus.
- Other airports are at Ancona, Bologna and Forlì.
By land
- San Marino is only accessible through Italy. There are no border controls between the two countries.
- San Marino has no railway station. The nearest major train station is at Rimini.
- A bus runs daily from Rimini to San Marino about once an hour. It stops in Dogana, Serravalle, Domagnano and Borgo Maggiore.
Customs
- For stays longer than 30 days, you need a government permit.
- You can get a passport stamp for €5 at the Tourist Office, Contrada Omagnano, 20.
Getting around
Walking
The walled capital is small enough to explore on foot and has very few cars. Many streets are steep and cobbled, which can make walking difficult for people with limited mobility. Elevators around town help with moving between levels. Costa dell'Arnella is a shaded stone path between the capital and Borgo Maggiore. It is quite steep. Outside the capital, pavements are often missing, especially between towns.
Cable car
The cable car connects the City of San Marino with Borgo Maggiore. Listed fares from August 2024 are €3 one way and €5 return. There is plenty of parking near the Borgo Maggiore cable car station.
Bus
The Rimini bus can also help with travel between towns. San Marino has its own bus system.
Car
Drive on the right. Roads can be steep, narrow and winding, so carry a map. The main road from Rimini is called the Superstrada. Left turns are limited, and some routes require a right turn followed by a tunnel. Other drivers may honk or drive impatiently. Some roads have a posted limit of 70 km/h even where a safe speed may be only 30–40 km/h. You must carry a red warning triangle.
What to see and do
Guaita Tower
This small castle on Mount Titano is a symbol of San Marino. It offers views over the country, Italy and the Adriatic Sea.
Cesta Tower
The largest tower contains the Museum of Archaic Arms. Its collection includes weapons and armour from the Middle Ages to the 1800s.
Montale Tower
The smallest of the three towers was once a prison. It is not open to visitors.
Basilica di San Marino
San Marino's main Catholic church is dedicated to Saint Marinus, the country's founder and patron saint. The current building dates from the 19th century.
Piazza della Libertà and Palazzo Pubblico
This small square has wide views and the town hall, whose council chambers contain wall paintings. The buildings and central statue are lit up at night.
State Museum
See collections of art, architecture and archaeology at Piazzetta del Titano, 1. Its ticket also covers Palazzo Pubblico.
Food and drink
Italian dishes
Pasta and pizza are easy to find. Some restaurants have tables with wide views.
Gelato
Gelato is Italian ice cream and is available in San Marino.
Conad
A supermarket at Azzurro Shopping Center, V M Moretti 23, Serravalle. Supermarkets are relatively scarce in San Marino.
Sma Supermercati
A supermarket at Via del Passetto 113, Fiorentino.
Local beer
Local beers include those made by Titanbräu and Birrificio.
Limoncello
This lemon-flavoured spirit is commonly available.
Money
Euro (€; currency code EUR). One euro equals 100 cents.
- Euro banknotes and coins from other countries using the euro are accepted.
- San Marino issues euro coins with its own designs. You may receive them as change or buy sets in souvenir shops.
- Check souvenir coin sets before buying, as some lack the €1 and €2 coins.
- The tobacco shop in front of Rimini train station takes only cash for bus tickets. The bus accepts cash or card.
Typical costs
- Rimini to San Marino bus: €7 one way, listed for May 2026.
- Cable car: €3 one way or €5 return, listed for August 2024.
- Tower entry: €3 for one tower with a Yellow Card, or €4.50 for both with a Red Card.
- State Museum: €8, including entry to Palazzo Pubblico, listed for July 2023.
- St. Francis' Museum: €4.50, listed for June 2020.
- Tourist Office passport stamp: €5.
Language
- Italian is the official language.
- English is taught at school.
Staying safe
- San Marino is very safe, and major dangers are unlikely.
- Watch for pickpockets and keep an eye on your belongings.
- Walk carefully on steep paths in the capital. Do not run on them.
- Roads can be narrow, steep and winding. Choose a safe speed for the road conditions.
Local customs
Do
- Recognise San Marino as a separate country with its own identity.
- Be respectful when taking photos with guards. A smile is welcome.
- You can ask about the country's politics, which local people take seriously.
Don't
- Do not act as though San Marino is part of Italy.
- Do not confuse Sammarinese people with Italians.
- Do not make funny faces or hand gestures when posing with guards.
Staying healthy
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- If you become ill, medical procedures are the same as in the European Union.
- Serious medical conditions will likely require transfer to Rimini.
Phone and internet
- Free Wi-Fi is available in parts of the city.
Where to stay
- San Marino has a few hotels.
- The seaside resort of Rimini has many more places to stay and is probably cheaper.
Outdoor adventures in San Marino
San Marino offers hiking trails on Mount Titano, cycling and outdoor activities at San Marino Adventures. You can also fish at the lake in Faetano.
Parco naturale del Monte Titano hiking trails
HikeMount Titanonear City of San Marino
Go to Cesta Tower. Walk through the gateway to the right of the museum entrance to find the hiking trails.
Cycling with San Marino Experience
Cycling
Rent an electric bike from San Marino Experience to explore by bike.
San Marino Adventures suspended trails
More to doParco di Montecerreto
Visit San Marino Adventures in Parco di Montecerreto for trails suspended above the ground.
San Marino Adventures rock climbing
ClimbingParco di Montecerreto
Visit San Marino Adventures in Parco di Montecerreto, which offers rock climbing.
San Marino Adventures ziplines
More to doParco di Montecerreto
Visit San Marino Adventures in Parco di Montecerreto to use its ziplines.
Fishing at San Marino lake
More to doFaetanonear Faetano
Go to San Marino lake in Faetano, where fish can be caught.
People and safety in San Marino
Religion
Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.
- Christian92%
- No religion7%
- Other<1%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal
- Same-sex couples can form civil unions, but not marry.
- Legal gender change is not recognised.
- Laws protect against discrimination.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 98 of 198 countries can visit San Marino easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required98
- Visa required100
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Europe43 of 45 countries
- Americas26 of 35 countries
- Oceania10 of 14 countries
- Asia16 of 50 countries
- Africa3 of 54 countries
Questions
How do I reach San Marino by public transport?
Travel to Rimini train station in Italy, then take the bus from across the street by Hotel Napoleon. It runs daily about once an hour.
Can I buy my bus ticket in person?
Yes, on the bus with cash or card, or with cash at the tobacco shop in front of Rimini station. Buying on the bus does not reserve a seat, and it may be full.
Is the capital easy to walk around?
It is compact, but many streets are steep and cobbled. Elevators around town help people move between levels.
Which towers can I enter?
Guaita and Cesta are open to visitors. Montale is not accessible.
What money does San Marino use?
San Marino uses the euro. Euro coins and banknotes from other countries using the currency are accepted.
What language is spoken?
Italian is the official language. English is taught at school.
What food can I expect?
Italian dishes such as pasta and pizza are common, along with gelato, which is Italian ice cream. Restaurants are easy to find.
Should I stay in San Marino or Rimini?
San Marino has a few hotels. Rimini has many more and is probably a cheaper option.
Can I drink the tap water?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink.
Is free Wi-Fi available?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in parts of the city.
Reviewed by @snuck