comparisons
Perugia vs Siena
Two of central Italy's great university hill towns. Siena is the more polished medieval showpiece; Perugia is grittier, a bit younger, and less on the main tourist circuit.
Curatorial note
Choose Siena for the postcard medieval experience and the Campo. Choose Perugia for a less-touristed Umbrian base with a working university and a jazz festival. Siena is the better single visit; Perugia is the better base if you want to escape the crowds and radiate through Umbria.
Town · Umbria
Perugia
Perugia is worth a night as a base for Umbria, or a day trip paired with Assisi. It is livelier than Assisi and a real city. The historic center on top of the hill is the part that matters.
Town · Toscana
Siena
Siena is worth a night, or a long day trip from Florence. It is the best Tuscan base if you want a real city rather than a village. The Piazza del Campo alone justifies the visit.
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