Pisa or Siena from Florence
 

We'll be in Florence for 3 1/2 days in mid May. We will have about 8-10 hours for a side trip. With that limited time what do you recommend: Pisa or Siena? We'll be traveling by bus or train (no car). THANKS.

I haven't been to Pisa, but I think Siena would make a great day trip from Florence. It's worth a visit for the duomo and main piazza alone. It's also just a great town for strolling and eating.

Even though the Campo dei Miracoli is one of the finest architectural ensambles in the world, and though I love the atmosphere and pace of Pisa, specially at night, I'm 90% certain that Siena should prove a better choice for you. Its medieval atmosphere, with its narrow Gothic streets converging on the outstanding piazza del Campo provides an interesting contrast and welcomed respite to Florence's Renaissance.<BR>Go by bus!

Thanks for info on Siena, it sounds like that is the choice over Pisa. Mark

Was just in Pisa and Siena in october. Go for Siena. Loved it.

Not even close. Siena, Siena, Siena. You'll love it.

i will throw in one more option-- san gimignano. Siena is a fairly big city amd I am not sure that in your time frame that you can get a handle on it. San Gim is small. While most of the tourists are lines along the main street from the gate to the Duomo, a few feet away you are in much less touristed arreas with iinteresting stores and beautiful views. <BR><BR>But between Pisa and Siena, I prefer Pisa. Pisa is truly incredible and the food is great there. Try Osteria dei Cavelleri. There will be street music and lots of high energy. Also Pisa is convieniient by train, where Siena is a bus trip. Be sure to go to the Campo Santo and see the stunning freschi "il triunfo di morte".

More to see in Siena, easier to get to Pisa. With only 8 hours, you decide. You could spend several days in Siena, but a daytrip to Pisa is just about right.

We did San Gimegnano and Pisa in one day. San Gim is lovely! Great vistas from the midevil towers.....and Pisa...<BR>well, it has the famous Leaning Tower of....and how can you go to Italy and not see it. When we were in Pisa the tower was completely closed and cables were attached to it to help keep it from toppling over while they performed their engineering miracles on it, but it recently reopened and you can now go inside.<BR><BR>We didn't make it to Siena. Hopefully, we will on our next trip.......because you can't go to Italy just once! It's too wonderful!<BR><BR>