San Marino in One Day: The Perfect Itinerary

San Marino may be the fifth smallest country in the world, but it’s packed with character, and if you pack your day, you can see the highlights of San Marino in just one day.  The Republic is mainly perched high on Monte Titano and completely surrounded by Italy, and can easily be visited on a day trip from Rimini or even Florence.  There are cobbled streets here, medieval towers, and glorious views across the nearby Emilia-Romagna.  Combine this with hearty food and fabulous wine, and San Marino is ideal for a short visit.  Here’s my guide on how to visit San Marino in one day.

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It’s not complicated at all.  Most day visitors to San Marino will visit from Rimini, you’ll take the cable car up from Borgo Maggiore, and can easily spend the day sauntering through the historic center. Everything that you’ll want to see in San Marino is close together.  There’s no need to rush around; you get to soak up the glorious atmosphere in this stunning little country.

How to see San Marino in One Day – Itinerary

This itinerary gives you a step-by-step plan for one perfect day in San Marino — from your first views on the cable car to sunset from the ancient ramparts. I’ve covered more important details in the following articles.

• Here’s how to get to San Marino
• All you need to know about independent travel to San Marino
• My guide on what to eat in San Marino

Morning: Arrive and Take the Cable Car

However you arrive, start your day in Borgo Maggiore, a lively market town at the base of Monte Titano.  The easiest way to get to the historic center is to ride the Funivia di San Marino up into the historic center. The two-minute journey runs every 15 minutes and gives you sweeping views of the hills and, on clear days, the Adriatic coast.  Buy your ticket at the Cable Car station, or online here.  A single ticket costs €2.80 and a return ticket is €4.50.  If you arrive by bus from Rimini, the stop is right outside the cable car station, so it’s the natural next step for most visitors.  Taking the cable car up to the historic center is one of the best things to do in San Marino (check my guide for a full list here).

Once you’re at the top, you’ll want to wander into the Piazza della Libertà and stop for a quick coffee in one of the small cafés.  Remember, there’s no need to rush, and this is the perfect way to start your day before diving into the sights.

Late Morning: Explore the First Two Towers

Once you’re done with coffee, you’ll want to go to one of San Marino’s most famous landmarks. The Three Towers are it, and you’ll want to begin with the first two. Head to Guaita, the oldest and most dramatic, perched on the edge of Monte Titano. Climb the ramparts for incredible views and a sense of medieval life.

From here, follow the ridge path to Cesta, the second tower, which houses a small museum of ancient weapons. The walk between the two towers is, for me, a highlight of coming here to San Marino.  On a clear day, you can see across Emilia-Romagna and even out to the Adriatic.   For more details on each of the towers and other attractions, check my things to do in San Marino guide.

Lunch: Traditional Food in the Old Town

By now you’ll have worked up an appetite. Stop for lunch in one of the old town’s family-run trattorias or restaurants. Popular dishes include piadina (flatbread stuffed with meats and cheese), pasta with truffle, or hearty rabbit stew. For dessert, try torta tre monti, a layered chocolate-hazelnut wafer cake named after the Three Towers.  For a deeper dive into local food and see my guide on what to eat in San Marino.

Afternoon: Museums and Wandering

Spend the early afternoon exploring San Marino’s quirky museums. The State Museum covers archaeology and art, while the Torture Museum and Museum of Curiosities offer something a little different. If you only have time for one, the State Museum gives the best overview of the republic’s history.

Between museum visits, allow time to wander the narrow cobbled lanes, browse souvenir shops, and linger in small piazzas. Look out for San Marino’s unique stamps and coins — popular keepsakes that reflect the country’s independence.

Late Afternoon: Montale and Views

Continue your walk between San Marino’s towers to Montale, the third and smallest tower. It isn’t open to the public, but getting here is the adventure, and the peaceful setting and quiet views make it worth the walk. On the way, pause at the various viewpoints dotted along the ridge. These are some of the best photo opportunities of the day.

Evening: Sunset and Departure

If your timing allows, stay for sunset. The ramparts near Guaita and the viewpoints close to Piazza della Libertà are great spots to watch the light fade across the Apennines and the Adriatic beyond. It’s the perfect finale to a day in the world’s oldest republic.  Perhaps toast the sunset with an Aperol Spritz or a glass of the local wine – the red Sangiovese is lovely.

Afterward, head back down on the cable car to Borgo Maggiore. If you’re catching the bus to Rimini, the stop is right outside the station.

If you decide to stay overnight, you’ll see a completely different side of San Marino once the day-trippers have left. (and it is delightful!) For tips on where to stay and how to plan a longer visit, see my Independent Travel in San Marino guide.

Final Words on One Day in San Marino

San Marino is one of Europe’s easiest day trips — compact, scenic, and full of atmosphere. With this itinerary, you’ll cover the essentials: ride the cable car, walk the towers, explore the streets, enjoy a traditional lunch, and finish with unforgettable views.  One day is enough to fall in love with this tiny republic, but if you can, consider staying overnight. The magic of San Marino really comes out when the crowds leave, and the streets belong to you alone.

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