A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aix-en-Provence vs. Siena for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Aix-en-Provence or Siena?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aix-en-Provence or Siena, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a historic, vibrant, and laid-back town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Siena

Siena is a charming, medieval, and history city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aix-en-Provence and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aix-en-Provence or Siena?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Siena than Aix-en-Provence. While Aix-en-Provence is larger than Siena, Siena has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Siena is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Aix-en-Provence is more popular for its food and shopping. Siena is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Also, Siena is famous for Piazza del Campo. Aix-en-Provence is well known for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Aix-en-Provence different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Siena and Aix-en-Provence. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aix-en-Provence or Siena?

Siena is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Siena can be an interesting and educational experience. At the heart of the city is Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Piazza del Campo. Other world famous sights include Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico, Torre del Mangia, and Pinacoteca Nazionale.

Aix-en-Provence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Is the Food Better in Aix-en-Provence or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Aix-en-Provence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Siena has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is all about local flavors and many restaurants use local ingredients in their dishes. Pecorino of Pienza is the local cheese, and you'll also find many cured meats. Local pasta dishes include wild boar ragu and a local spaghetti. You'll also find local meats such as lamb, rabbit, chicken and pork.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Siena Better for Nightlife?

Siena is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Siena has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. Most visitors enjoy socializing in the evening and meeting friends at Piazza del Campo. There are often live performances which you can enjoy as well as many cafes and wine bars around town.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Siena has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The beautiful old town is filled with medieval brick buildings. At the heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, which is a lively square with many neighborhoods spreading out from there.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aix-en-Provence or Siena?

Aix-en-Provence is very popular for shopping. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Aix-en-Provence is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Siena. The main shopping street in town is Via Banchi di Sopra, which has many boutiques that sell clothing, bags, and other items. The town also has many leather goods, ceramics, and other local items available.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Siena Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Aix-en-Provence or Siena as a family destination.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

For families, Siena is not always the best place to visit. The beauty and history may be lost to the little ones but there is a great atmosphere that even the young ones will appreciate. Kids will enjoy climbing to the top of Torre del Mangia or visiting one of the many playgrounds around town.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is terrific for couples. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Siena has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its impressive beauty and long running history, this is a truly romantic city. The atmosphere is relaxed and there are plazas and neighborhoods that are great for exploring. There are also many great restaurants, superb wine, and world class sights that are not to be missed.

Aix-en-Provence is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aix-en-Provence and Siena are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Aix-en-Provence. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Siena is a good town to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers visit Siena as a daytrip from nearby Florence. While there are some affordable places to stay here, the atmosphere isn't as backpacker friendly as nearby Florence.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Siena Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence and Siena are excellent places to visit for students.

Aix-en-Provence is a great town to visit as a student. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Students come from all over to stay in Siena. It's home to one of the oldest universities in Italy, and it's a wonderful study abroad destination for any student who wants to spend some time in Italy.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Siena Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aix-en-Provence and Siena.

You'll find some public transit in Aix-en-Provence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

While Siena offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Siena a more walkable city?

Aix-en-Provence and Siena both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable destination. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

Siena is very walkable. The compact town center is best explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting? and Is Siena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Siena or Aix-en-Provence?

How long in Aix-en-Provence or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aix-en-Provence or Siena to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Aix-en-Provence than Siena because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Aix-en-Provence, and 1-2 days is enough time in Siena.

Families should spend more time in Siena than Aix-en-Provence. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Siena, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Siena than Aix-en-Provence. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Siena that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Siena than Aix-en-Provence if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Siena.

One day in Aix-en-Provence or Siena?

In Aix-en-Provence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this vibrant destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The medieval destination of Siena offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Aix-en-Provence or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aix-en-Provence. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The city of Siena offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Aix-en-Provence or Siena?

Aix-en-Provence is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Aix-en-Provence. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Siena is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Aix-en-Provence or Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Aix-en-Provence. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Siena. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Aix-en-Provence and Siena, we can see that Aix-en-Provence is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive? and Is Siena Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aix-en-Provence or Siena?

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Aix-en-Provence and Siena, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Aix-en-Provence or Siena?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Siena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aix-en-Provence and Siena. Most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Siena because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Aix-en-Provence is around the same temperature as Siena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aix-en-Provence in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Siena averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aix-en-Provence usually receives more sunshine than Siena during summer. Aix-en-Provence gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aix-en-Provence usually receives less rain than Siena. Aix-en-Provence gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aix-en-Provence as well as Siena. The autumn months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In October, Aix-en-Provence is generally around the same temperature as Siena. Daily temperatures in Aix-en-Provence average around 16°C (61°F), and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. In the autumn, Aix-en-Provence often gets more sunshine than Siena. Aix-en-Provence gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

Aix-en-Provence usually gets less rain in October than Siena. Aix-en-Provence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Aix-en-Provence are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Aix-en-Provence is around the same temperature as Siena in the winter. The daily temperature in Aix-en-Provence averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Aix-en-Provence usually receives more sunshine than Siena during winter. Aix-en-Provence gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aix-en-Provence usually receives less rain than Siena. Aix-en-Provence gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Aix-en-Provence during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Siena in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Aix-en-Provence is around the same temperature as Siena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aix-en-Provence in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Siena averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. In the spring, Aix-en-Provence often gets more sunshine than Siena. Aix-en-Provence gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Aix-en-Provence usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Aix-en-Provence gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Siena and Aix-en-Provence