Florence or Siena?

We tried to go to Sienna in May, but our group (two couples) ended up in Florence because to get a decent hotel in the center of Sienna was extremely expensive. Look at the prices before you decide. Maybe a day trip in would be better. Maybe there is something going on in Sienna the time that we want to be there, I know it has a lot of colleges.

Having been to both, and after having delayed going to Firenze in favor of Siena, I would prefer in hindsight to stay in Firenze. The restaurants are better, IMO, and the ambiance is terrific. It's also easier to get around. Day trip to Siena to see it, if you like, but focus your time and energy on Firenze.

I agree with Laurel. I loved seeing Siena but I would rather stay in Florence and day trip to Siena than the other way around.

debbie,

I'd suggest spending the time in Florence. It's a larger city and there will be more to do there, more hotels to choose from, and as Laurel mentioned some great restaurants. With four nights it would be very easy to take a day trip to Siena. It's only about an hour each way by Corse Rapide Bus.

Firenze has better transportation connections, but if you go to Siena as a daytrip, try to get there very early and/or stay later, so that most of the big bus daytrippers are not there yet/gone.

I'll cast my vote. Florence is the clear winner with a day trip to Siena to stroll through Il Campo and see the stunning Siena Cathedral.

i guess it would be like choosing between new york city and Hasbrouk Heights, NJ.

I have usually stayed in both cities for two or more nights each, whether independently or with a Rick Steves tour. Being able to wander either one at all hours of the night and morning is a benefit, but you have to weigh that against moving luggage to a new hotel, which I think you prefer not to do.

I'll agree with the others that Florence is the better base, but with the IMPORTANT proviso that if you make a day trip to Siena, you should try to make it a long day and stay into the evening. Siena really changes personality and becomes magical as the sun goes down, most day trippers have left town, the business people and government workers have mostly gone home, and the lights come on to illuminate the public buildings. To only see Siena and its principal sites during the day is not to really experience Siena.
And Ralph, I lived in New Jersey for four years and never heard of Hasbrouk Heights, but if it is as lovely as Siena, I guess I better schedule a visit!

Having lived in Siena, and visited Florence several times - yes, they are different. My advice is to spend two days/nights in each. Take the bus, over the train, between the two. The bus and train station are together in Florence, but the bus station is closer to the Old Town area of Siena - where you want to be. And, the bus ride is delightful. Once you experience Siena in the late evening, you will see why I say you really must spend the night in Siena. Don't try to "do Siena" in just a day trip. You will miss much of what Siena really is. Pack in the museums in Florence. Kick back in Siena. Have a glass of wine at the Enoteca, have lunch in the Campo, join the locals for the after dinner evening passagiatta - a Siena tradition. Florence - unsurpassed for museums - is the "big city". Siena is "Italy". Do both.

My wife and I just visited Siena for several days earlier this week. If you stay there, consider staying at Antica Residenza Cicogna (www.anticaresidenzacicogna.it) as recommended in Rick Steves guide to Italy. We were impressed with the beautifully renovated old home, helpful staff, excellent breakfast, and central location. Price was right too.