Both Siena and Florence are quintessentially Tuscan towns, caught between Italy’s central region and the mountainous north. Tuscany is known for its beautiful emerald countryside, punctuated by luscious olive groves, enchanting vineyards, and fragrant cypress trees.
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Speaking of artwork, the Siena National Gallery provides access to classic works from predominately local artists, including Guido da Siena and Lorenzetti. Meanwhile, Parco Sculture del Chianti not far from the city offers contemporary sculptures and installations in an incredible forest setting.
There is also a direct train to Siena from Florence every hour which costs around €8 and takes an hour and 30 minutes.
Siena’s nightlife is significantly more subdued, although there is the odd low-key party to be had for those that seek it. The liveliest bar is probably Al Cambio, which is popular with university students and stays open until 2 am.
The Santa Croce district is the place to head for drinks and dancing, with an incredible array of restaurants and pubs, alongside Via Fiesolana, which is full of excellent wine bars. To quench your thirst with a typically Tuscan tipple, head to the Santo Spirito district, where you’ll find the Florence-born Negroni being shaken up in every bar and speakeasy-style venue around.
Visitors to Siena will find yet more history to uncover, with its center having been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to preserved gothic architecture and fortified city walls. The sprawling Piazza del Campo is where you’ll find the domineering Palazzo Pubblico, a medieval palace with some stunning interior frescoes. Visitors can climb to the top of the 102m Torre del Mangia for unrivaled views over the city and the rolling hills of Tuscany beyond.
Florence is the capital of Tuscany and is situated in land to the north east of the region, closer to other popular cities and towns such as Lucca and Pisa, with excellent transport links. Siena is technically more central to the region, yet surrounded by countryside. This offers easy access to some of Tuscany’s most beautiful scenery and vineyards, as well as hopelessly charming rural towns and villages.
Florence is a larger city but designed in the Renaissance period when walking was still the primary mode of transportation. The charming cobbled streets are easy to navigate and most attractions are within walking distance of one another, but you can easily hop on an ATAF bus or hail a taxi if you get tired.