- The Palio takes place in July and August, in Italy. It’s typically very hot, even if Siena is quite windy. For this reason some positions in the sun, but open on all sides, could be preferred by some people whilst others may be more comfortable in the shade, although but this could very close to a stone wall which could be warm because of the heat absorbed during the day.

- The best positions to follow the Palio are certainly those closer to the Mossa (start). The Mossa can take very long, it is very exciting but only if one knows (at least a little) what is going on. The main action, the one everybody wants to follow, can also be fully enjoyed from the San Martino and Casato bends, or from locations which do not offer a view of the Mossa.

- With exceptions, this is the hierarchy of the positions on the square (the last being the best): San Martino, Casato, Fonte Gaia, Mossa.

- Positions are typically accessible in July from 4:50pm, in August from 4:20pm. The historical parade lasts some two hours; nobody can tell how long the phases leading to the Mossa, (start of the race) will take. For sure everything is over by the time it’s dark, or the Palio will be postponed (an extremely rare occasion, but in more than three hundreds years sometimes it was the case).

- During the Palio days, Siena changes quite profoundly: flags, Contrada colours are to be found everywhere; horses stroll around the town, being escorted by several hundreds of people who sing (in harmonies), play drums, talk exclusively about horses and jockeys, tell anecdotes, compare the most imaginative statistics and facts and find signs predicting their victory all over the place. Nevertheless, the town remains open for business: after all 10 Contrade will race but 7 won’t, and in those places it’s going to be pretty calm. All shops are open (most close the afternoon of Palio day). Parking is never a real problem.

- Anybody of any nationality, if curious enough, can get in personal contact with the spirit of the Palio. It suffices to show the appropriate respect to the “owners” of the town (the Contradaioli), and it is very likely that you will get acquainted with some of them and get an invitation to one of the dinners. In this case your Palio experience will be truly unforgettable!