Siena or Lucca?

If you have to choose, go to Siena, but it is, of course, much better to be able to do both Siena and Lucca.

Definitely Siena, especially if you're interested in history, art and architecture. The Siena cathedral and museum are really fantastic. I can easily spend 4 hours on those 2 sights alone. Also, the bus to Siena drops you off within short walking distance of the center so you're not using time getting to and from Lucca's train station.

Agree with tonfromleiden. If you can find time for both, they are both worth seeing. If not, Siena would be my choice. Both Siena and Lucca are delightful cities for walking and exploring. Siena has more historical significance, as it was an important medieval capital until it was undone by the plague and was defeated by the Duchy of Florence. Seeing Siena is a great contrast with the Renaissance magnificence of Florence, as it maintains much of its medieval character.

I agree with the previous posts, especially Lane's about the relationship between Firenze and Siena.

I would also choose Siena. In case you are able to manage both, the train station in Lucca is a 5 minute walk from the walled town.

Thank you, all for your great advice! Siena is now for sure on my list. I'll have to figure out if I have enough time for Lucca. Does anyone have any advice in regards to San Gimignano. Should I skip it?

if I had to pick one, I'd pick Siena also.

I'd pick Siena too. If you have time to check out other of the hill towns in that area they are beautiful. I liked San Gimignano if you have time. But Siena can easily take up your entire day.

I agree with Sienna if you have to choose, but Lucca is great too and less crowded with tourists.

We have a similar question but are looking for a place to stay a few days. Also travelling with three kids age 10-15. The plan is 4 nts Venice then 4 nts in either lucca or Siena and then 3 nts in cinque terre. We plan to visit Pisa as a day trip from lucca or maybe en route to cinque terre from Siena. We won't have time to stay in both I expect.

Thanks for the great responses! I've decided on actully trying to do a few small towns with Siena since everything is so close to Florence. I was going to take a tour through Viator that included only Siena, Pisa and San Gimignano but I've decided just to have a train day on my own. I can't wait. This will my first trip to Europe and I'm traveling alone. Did I say that I can't wait??? lol

You will have a fantastic adventure Eve. Good travels!!

Eve, buses might be more convenient than trains for some of your daytrips.

We home based in Florence for a week and took day trips to both Siena and Lucca. One day we took a direct bus from Florence to Siena and had a wonderful full day exploring Siena. Another day we took the train to Lucca and rented bikes to ride around the wall. Both were easy and exceptional day trips!

Lane nailed it, while both are awesome, between the two, Siena should be your choice. I stayed in Lucca for nearly a week last Fall, it's a fun little town and it's half-way between Firenze and Cinque Terra. However, Siena has much greater historical significance, both architecturally and spiritually, not to mention the rivalry with Florence which spurred both factors.. Take the early train or, bus, get ahead of the crowds and soak it in.

Thank you so much, zcorsair and Lane! Siena sounds absolutely perfect! I think I can squeeze Lucca in also but playing that by ear. Siena is definitely on my itinerary.

Hands down, Sienna. Much more interesting. I stayed in Lucca for 4 days and though the wall was pretty neat, I just didn't love it. Unlike Sienna.

Eve,
Viator is a 3rd party re-seller, they are not a tour company, they do not provide tours. This can make it difficult to resolve issues should problems arise. Go with the actual tour company, and not a third party.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187895-i68-k6930336-Viator_bad_review-Florence_Tuscany.html

I agree with previous poster...hands down Siena. I've been there 3 times and loved it each time. I've been to Lucca once and thought it was just okay but would not return. Siena seemed more vibrant to me and there's more to see and do there.

Just to provide a "minority report," I actually preferred Lucca to Siena - strongly. However, I was there in 1989 - who knows how I'd feel now?

Rick's books have details on how to get from Florence to surrounding cities. While you can take a bus or a train to Lucca or to Siena, in each case the bus gets closer to the center.

Thanks so much, everyone!