My husband and I are thinking about staying a month (September, 2024) in either Siena or Lucca. We don't plan to have a car, but we want to do day trips to other towns/cities, via train or day tours. We've been to Siena once, a long time ago, but we've heard great things about Lucca, too. Which would be a better base? And any recommendations about getting an apartment for a month? Really, any advice is appreciated.
Posted by
Chicago
7903 posts
Lucca, no daily human tourists traffic jams to deal with there compared to Siena.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7331 posts
I’ve stayed in both cities. I like the atmosphere of Siena better than Lucca, but they would both be fine. Lucca is flatter, and the perimeter wall of the old city is very nice to stroll or bike. It’s less busy than Siena, also.
For me, the deciding factor would be where you are wanting to take your day trips. Which one is handier to what you’re wanting to experience outside this city.
During our local travel group meeting this morning, one of our participants was asking what would be some good suggestions for an Italian city for a longer stay, and I also suggested looking at Arezzo.
Edit update: Oh, I just did a search on our forum, and here were some comments: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/a-month-in-arezzo
Posted by
North Italy
313 posts
They are both fantastic! Lucca will be quieter from the point of view of tourists. Siena could still be very busy in September. I would use Google Maps or similar to see which is more convenient for visiting the places you want to visit.
Personally I'd spend a couple of weeks in Lucca (easy train to Pisa, Florence, Pistoia etc) and then hire a car for a couple of weeks in the Siena area because a car is more convenient than public transport for visiting the area, especially tiny places like Monteriggioni
Posted by
Tucson, Arizona
437 posts
I loved Siena but was only there for two nights. I visited Lucca as a day trip from Florence. Lucca was nice but Siena just really charmed me. You probably can't go wrong with either, but I know for me, it would definitely be Siena as my choice.
Posted by
Florida, USA
230 posts
RE: recommendations about getting an apartment for a month? We spend 2-3 months every year in Italy. Usually, we spend 2 months in one city (Siena is our preference although we did spend a month in Lucca a couple of years ago and loved it). We rent apartments through VRBO or Airbnb. Regardless of the price listed on the site, the host is usually willing to provide a reduced price for those staying a longer time. Just send them a message through the site and ask if they can reduce the price for a longer stay.
I think choosing between Siena and Lucca comes down to determining where you want to side trip to. Additionally, if you have any physical limitations, Lucca is flat and Siena is hilly.
Either way, you can't go wrong. Have a wonderful trip.