The norhern part of Siros is mountainous and the island stands out in general for the variety of the landscape in its hinterland, where hills alterntate with low-lying farming areas. The coastline is indented with inlets of all sizes between capes. There are two large bays, of Ermoupoli to the east and Finikas to the west. Archaeological excavations have shown that Siros was inhabited in Neolithic times.

Digs at Kastri and Halandriani have revealed a prehistoric acroplis, a settlement and a burial ground, and yielded artefacts of the early cycladic period. Among the most importand buildings are the Town Hall (to plans by Ziller) and the Appollo Municipal Theatre, which is a copy in miniature of La Scala, Milan. There is also a statue of Admiral Miaoulis.

Ermoupoli has numerous magnificent churches, the most interesting of which are those dedicated to the Transfiguration, the Dormition of Our Lady.

The quarter of the town known as Vaporia, where the sea-captains lived, is of special interest. Along its narrow streets stand neo-classical mansions.

At the very top of the town is the Catholic Cathedral of St George, next to which stands the Centre for Historical Studies. Not far below are the monasteries of the Jesuits and Capucins. In the centre of the town is the Town Hall, with the Historical Archives of the Municipality of Ano Siros, and the Museum devoted to the popular composer Markos Vamvakaris, revered as one of the masters of Greek music. Various folklore events take place in Ano Siros, generally during the summer.

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