Florence or Siena?
 

If you had to choose between Florence and Siena for a short visit in May (and you have never been to either), which would you choose?

"short visit" - - does this mean that you are traveling there - - and no where else in Italy? (Europe?) Are you actually from Zaire? How short a visit? Isn't it a long way to travel?<BR><BR>But without the answers to any of these questions, I would say Florence. It's not really such an informed nor objective answer, as I have never actually been to Siena (I still really want to). Even in a short visit to Florence, you can make a day trip or overnight excursion to Siena easily, you know.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Florence, hands down. But it really depends on what you like. I thought Florence was a great walking city and there was just more to do - the musuems, the piazze, the gardens, the walks along the river, the duomo, the food, etc., etc., etc. Siena was nice but I was bored after a couple of days. It's a very good base to see Tuscany if that's what you're interested in. It also has a great piazza, an intriguing duomo, and, as if I really needed to mention this, great food and wine. Depending on how long the stay is you can make an easy day trip to Siena from Florence.

I'll take the opposite stance --- definitely choose Siena. Especially if it's a "short visit" (how short ???). Siena is smaller than Florence, so you won't feel rushed or deprived that you're unable to do all the sites. Siena is one of Tuscany's best old walled medieval cities --- strolling along the cobblestone streets. You REALLY feel a sense of the history. Does have many visitors, as the tour buses bring in the daytrippers. Yet, Siena is more laid back than Florence. <BR>Florence can be noisy depending on where your hotel room is located. On other hand, if you're an devotee of Renaissance art, then Florence may be better suited. It's where "David" lives ! Uffizzi Museum ! And definitely the place to shop for leather items (should that be an interest).

Website with good info -<BR>http://www.florenceitaly.net/<BR><BR>Now I forgot the name of other post in which Heather was traveling from Venice to Siena. Anywhoooo ... the above URL has many links for those who will be going to Florence, w/timetable for trains, airport, bus. You'll scroll down to locate the 'timetables' link.

FLORENCE. Under the biggest disappointments in Europe, Bob the Navigator (an expert of Italian travel) says that a dismal day in Siena drastically reduces its enchantment, I went to Siena on an overcast day and it was nice, but not wonderful. The Duomo in Florence was awesome.

The David and Vivoli's put Florence above Siena and that doesn't include the Duomo, Pitti Palace, Fiesole, Uffizzi, shopping for shoes and leather, etc.

topping for Paula...<BR>

Definitely Siena. Florence is, IMHO, one of the biggest tourist traps in the world. <BR>Siena is a great, real city.

Florence - A much larger city with much to see yet very easy to get around and we found it quite peaceful. But if your looking for a typical Tuscan Hill Town I would go to San Gimiagno (sp) this is a walled city with a walking path around the outside of the wall and many enchanting vistas.

Thanks all for your replies! A split decision - so I think we may have to try to fit them both in! Short stay, for those who asked is 2 or 3 days. BTW Rex, we're from South Africa, but yes it's still a long way to travel. Going via the UK to Italy and back to SA. Regards Paula

I would stay in Siena and take the train to Florence. You will find Siena more charming. Florence is worth seeing once you get to the river, but remember, it is a large city. I was there one year ago. I had stayed in some charming areas and flew out of Florence. I was surprised by all the traffic and noise. Make sure you check out the leather school in Florence and the gardens.<BR>Jill

That sounds like a good idea Jill, <BR>Thanks<BR>Paula

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