Backpacking San Marino Travel Guide (2025)

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Why Go Backpacking in San Marino? 

This microstate is not on many traveller’s radars, and maybe that’s what makes it special. Unlike places like Vietnam, Thailand or Indonesia, San Marino offers a completely different kind of backpacking experience.

I definitely think San Marino is worth a 3-day trip, especially if you are already visiting Italy. San Marino is a landlocked country in Italy. Many people stop at San Marino just to shop because it is a tax-free state, but there is so much more to enjoy. 

San Marino isn’t exactly the cheapest destination in Europe, but it offers plenty of free activities and affordable food options, which make totally doable for a budget backpacker. 

The first thing I noticed when I stepped into San Marino were the views. No matter where you are in the Old Town, you will have incredible panoramic views all around you. They are absolutely worth the trip – even if it’s short. San Marino is one of the oldest republics in the world, but it is also one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. 

If you are into history, love nature, or just looking to visit a destination your friends probably haven’t heard of, then you will love backpacking in San Marino.

Because of its size, and depending on your travel style, you may not want to spend more than 1 day in San Marino.

Some people visit San Marino only as a day trip, but I believe it is worth spending a few days in this country. An ideal amount of time to fully experience everything the country has to offer including doing some hiking is 3 days.

If you’re not into hiking abroad, then 1-2 days in San Marino is perfect. 

If You Have 1 Day in San Marino: A Quick Visit

Along the route, as you are climbing towards San Marino from Rimini, you will be impressed immediately by the views that you see of Italy, Adriatic Sea and the mountains around you. 

If you are arriving by bus from Rimini, you will be dropped off at “San Marino – Centro Storico Capolinea”. If you are doing a road trip and arriving by car, there is a parking lot and some parking on the street outside of Old Town. Make sure to check the parking laws and fees to be sure you don’t get ticketed. 

Whether you are arriving by bus or driving into San Marino, you will start your trip at Porta San Francesco – the main gate to the Old Town.

After you have settled in, hit the narrow streets and start exploring. The good thing about a small country like San Marino is that you can walk everywhere and explore every charming street.

If you love to collect stamps in your passport like I do, then make sure to go to the tourism office and get a pretty stamp in your passport for $5. This will be nice souvenir to collect right away. 

Wander through the cobble-stone streets and start your sightseeing at Piazza della Libertà, which is basically San Marino’s main square. This is where you will see nice stone buildings, cute cafes, restaurants and shops. Grab a coffee or a drink and sit and take in the awesome views. Pro tip: The view from here at sunset is so incredible. 

At the centre of the square, you will see the Statue of Liberty. And no, not like the one in New York. It is a marble status of a woman holding a flag symbolizing freedom and independence from Italy.

Continue exploring and make a stop at Palazzo Pubblico (Public Palace). This is a parliament building for government activities. For a small fee, enter the palace to visit inside and see the different decorated rooms. At specific times during the day, you can watch the changing of the guards outside of the palace.

Next, visit the Basilica di San Marino, the country’s most important church. The size is quite impressive from the outside and it has a very peaceful atmosphere inside. One of the fascinating and different things about this church is that the bones of Saint Marinus (founder of San Marino) is preserved in a special shrine beneath the alter. Definitely something you don’t see everywhere else. 

In the afternoon, hike the Passo delle Streghe (Witches’ Path) to the famous Three Towers. I could have spent hours on this trail. I enjoyed it so much that I actually did it twice. Once in the morning and once at sunset to really take in the awesome views. 

The hike starts with visiting Guaita Tower, the oldest and most impressive fortress. From there, continue to Cesta Tower. This is also where you can visit the Museum of Ancient Weapons if you are spending more time in San Marino. 

If you still have time on your hike and aren’t tired, then I definitely recommend visiting the third Tower. Most people head back to town after visiting the first two towers so the Montale Tower is less touristy, but still has some incredible views. 

As the sun starts to set, the views become from these towers become even better. The route to see these castles is very enjoyable and there is a very peaceful vibe around them.

If You Have 2 Days in San Marino: A More Relaxed Trip

Spending a night in San Marino will give you more time to explore more unique spots that you won’t get to see in Italy. 

On the second day visit corky museums, such as the Museum of Curiosities, San Marino Stamp and Coin Museum or the Torture Museum.

Next, from Old Town, take the cable car down to Borgo Maggiore. This charming town has a quieter, more local vibe. If you are searching for quieter, more authentic experiences, then explore the alleyways with old stone houses outside of the main square. There are also local restaurants that you can eat at. 

One of the best highlights of this town is the local market (Thursday only). The cable car costs $4 (roundtrip), but if you’re feeling like exercising a bit, you can save some money and take a winding path down. 

Another quiet town to visit is Montegiardino. This is a lesser-known village with beautiful streets and local restaurants. Relax at a wine bar and try San Marino’s local wines.

If you have 3 days in San Marino: Off the Beaten Path

Enjoy a nice breakfast at one of the cafes in the Old Town before heading off for an off the beaten path adventure. 

San Marino has an underground tunnel that many may not be aware of. These tunnels used to be a railway, and later used for military purposes, and even housed thousands of refugees during WWII. These tunnels are not advertised for tourists. The best way to find the exact location of the entrance, is to ask the locals. Some San Marino travel guides will also take you for a tour if you ask.

Later in the day, if you like to hike, head to Monte Cerreto, a lesser-known peak with amazing views. Enjoy the wooded trails, picnic spots, and fresh mountain air.

To do a longer trek, you can hike San Leo. This hike will take approximately 4 hours each way and you will arrive at the cute Italian town of San Leo.

Another hike to do is a forest trail named Sentiero della Rupe. This is a perfect trail for a peaceful morning walk.

San Marino is small but there are a few cool things you should not miss. Here is a list of top things you can do when visiting San Marino:

1. Visit the Three Towers

The Three Towers are for sure one of the biggest highlights in this country. Perched on top of Monte Titano, these fortresses are iconic and should not be missed. The oldest and most renowned is Guaita Tower, which dates back to the 11th century. Skipping them is kind of like not having Rome on your Italy itinerary, kinda crazy!

The second one is Cesta Tower. This is where you can find the Museum of Ancient Arms, with over 1,500 historical weapons. Last one is Montale Tower. This one if the smallest and not open to the public but very cool to see from afar.  The path that connects these towers makes for a nice visit with awesome views.

2. Ride the cable car

This is a short ride that will take you from historic center to Borgo Maggiore Castle (or vice versa). It shortens the walk or drive but also gives you amazing views all around.

3. Museums!

If you are a fan of museums, then you will love San Marino. For a small country, this country sure does have a lot of them to offer. Some of the main ones you can visit are Museo di Stato (State Museum), Museo San Francesco, Galleria Nazionale (National Gallery), Museo delle Armi Antiche (Museum of Ancient Arms), Museo del Francobollo e della Moneta (Stamp and Coin Museum).

And for a more quirky experience, visit these museums that are different than the usual: Museo delle Curiosità (Museum of Curiosities), Museo della Tortura (Torture Museum) or the  Museo delle Cere (Wax Museum)

4. Visit the Palazzo Publico and Piazza Della Liberta

This is the main square of the city, where you can watch the changing of the guards, sip on a drink or coffee at one of the cafes, and watch the most perfect sunset.

5. Explore the streets and alleys

Stroll through the narrow cobble stone streets, where you can get a feel for the city and its people. There are many restaurants, cafes, shops, and museums in these picturesque alleys that make for an enjoyable walk.

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San Marino is not a backpacker hotspot like many other cities in Europe. But you can still find some affordable accommodations that won’t break the bank. 

Because of the size of the country and limited number of budget accommodations, make sure to book your room in advance to avoid any disappointment. 

The Best Places to Stay in San Marino

Here are some suggestions for more affordable accommodations in San Marino. 

• Hostel San Marino
• Hostaria da Lino
• Above The Sky – Flying Apartment
• B&B Curva della Palma
• Hotel Quercia Antica

If these are out of your budget, there are rooms available on Airbnb as low as $30-50 per night. 

San Marino is not the first place backpackers will think about but if you plan in advance, you can definitely visit this small country on a budget. It’s more expensive than Italy, but still not quite like, say, Monaco.

A Daily Budget in San Marino 

A daily budget you will need is $80-100 per day. 

• Accommodation – $40-70 (hostel or guesthouse)
• Food – $10-20 (you can spend less if you grab food from the markets)
• Transport – $14 for the bus from Rimini and $4 for the cable car
• Attractions – $10-15 (many of the attractions are free!)

Money in San Marino

San Marino like many other European countries uses the Euro. Although the country is actually not part of the European Union. 

Credit cards are widely accepted. It is good to have some cash on you for the smaller shops or cafes. 

San Marino is a duty-free zone. So if you like to shop a bit, then this is the spot to do it! 

Travel Tips – San Marino on a Budget

This country is so small and can be explored very quickly. Here are some tips on how you can budget for your trip to San Marino:

• Staying in Old Town will be the most expensive option. So, if you want to save some money, consider staying in Borgo Maggiore. The accommodations here are usually cheaper than in the Old Town. The cable car makes it easy to get to Old Town from here.
• Skip the fancy, touristy restaurants and settle for small local eateries. They will serve you authentic, delicious food for much cheaper. You can find multiple of these in Borgo Maggiore. 
• It’s possible to see most attractions in the country without spending any money. The hikes and views won’t cost you a cent. 
• Because of its size, the country is very walkable. Make sure you have comfortable shoes and are ready to tackle those steep hills. You might not like this idea, but hey, you are not going to spend any money on transport so that’s a bonus!

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The best time to travel to San Marino is from May to September. Earlier in the spring, the temperatures will be cooler, especially since you are at an elevation. July and August are the warmest months, but also the busiest. In September the crowds will be less and the warm temperature still linger. 

You may want to consider going in December if you like the European Christmas market vibes. 

What to Pack for San Marino

Depending on the time of year you are travelling, you will need to pack accordingly – though you can expect it to look similar to your Italy packing list of course. 

In the summer months you can pack light, breathable clothing. However, in the cooler months, you will want to have jackets and layers. 

No matter the season, make sure to pack comfortable walking or hiking shoes. 

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San Marino is one of the safest places you can visit in all of Europe. You won’t have to worry about much while exploring this country. But as with any other trip, make sure to be aware of pickpocketing or scams. 

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in San Marino

There isn’t much of a nightlife scene in San Marino. It is actually pretty quiet at night (unlike neighbouring Rimini). Drugs are absolutely illegal (even cannabis). If caught with any substances, you will be fined – or worse. San Marino is not the place to experiment on the road.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting San Marino 

As with any other trip, make sure to purchase travel insurance before you go. The best way to ensure you have access to adequate medical care will be to also ensure you have travel insurance for Italy. For some medical emergencies or specific care, you might need to go into Rimini to receive the care that’s needed. 

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San Marino does not have an airport and if you don’t have a car, the best way to get into the country is by bus. The closest Italian city to San Marino is Rimini, where you can find buses that cost $14 (roundtrip) and take approximately 50 minutes. 

Make sure to check out their schedule to see what will work best!

Within the Old Town of San Marino, there are no vehicles, so once you arrive, you will be let off in the parking lot. This is where your exploration starts. 

You might be surprised to hear that San Marino actually has no airport but also no border control! So, this means that your entry is actually dependent on your entry into Italy. 

Entry Requirements for San Marino

For EU/Schengen Citizens, Italy does not require a visa. For US, UK, Canada and most non-EU visitors, San Marino and Italy are visa free for up to 90 days. 

For the countries that require a visa to enter Italy, you can apply for a Schengen visa to Italy. This same visa will allow you enter San Marino. San Marino itself doesn’t issue visas. 

Starting in 2026, travellers from visa-exempt countries will need an ETIAS authorization. You will need to fill out an online application form that will cost $7. Make sure to do this at least a few days before your departure to avoid any last-minute issues. 

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San Marino has a rich medieval heritage. The culture has a large mix of Italian traditions along with some authentic traditions. Italian is the official language, but English is widely spoken by most of the locals. 

Useful Travel Phrases for San Marino

Local phrases you can use, are those most common in Italian.

What to Eat in San Marino 

As in other things, the food in San Marino is heavily influenced by neighbouring Italy. You can expect a lot of fresh pasta, pizza, meat and local cheese. And of course, delicious desserts. All of these can be a bit different than what you are used to in Italy, with a local twist.

Must-Try Dishes in San Marino 

Five local dishes you must try are:

A Brief History of San Marino

San Marino was founded by Saint Marinus in 301 AD. This makes it one of the world’s oldest republics. 

In 1797, Napolean offered to expand the country. Napoleon promised to protect the independence of the Republic, but the offer was declined, and San Marino kept its independence. 

During the later phase of the Italian unification process in the 19th century, San Marino served as a refuge for many people persecuted because of their support for unification.

Around the same time, the government made US President Abraham Lincoln an honorary citizen.

During World War I, when Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary on 24 May 1915, San Marino remained neutral. Italy became skeptical and suspected that it could harbouring Austrian spies. After the war, San Marino suffered from high rates of unemployment and inflation, leading to increased tension between the lower and middle classes.

In WWII, San Marino remained neutral again. It accepted thousands of refugees. On September 1944, it was briefly occupied by German forces, who were defeated by the Allies in the Battle of San Marino. Allied troops occupied the nation for two months before departing.

It then became a member of the Council of Europe in 1988 and of the United Nations in 1992.

Although it may not be on top of your bucket list, I can tell you that visiting San Marino is definitely worth a visit. No matter if you want to stay for just 1 day or spend 3 days exploring every possible corner, you will enjoy your time. San Marino is located and built on an elevated terrain so make sure you are ready for a lot of uphill walking. 

Some final tips:

Dress modestly when visiting churches. 

Tipping isn’t mandatory but is appreciated in restaurants (rounding up the bill is common).

Make sure you soak in all of the views as much as possible!

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