A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alicante vs. Siena for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Alicante or Siena?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Siena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

Alicante is a vibrant, cultural, and colorful city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Siena

Siena is a romantic, charming, and medieval city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Siena?

Both Siena and Alicante have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Alicante is very popular for its beaches, while Siena attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Siena is more touristy than Alicante and is known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Alicante is famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Alicante different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alicante or Siena?

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Alicante and Siena.

Many visitors head to Alicante specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

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.

Is the Food Better in Alicante or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Alicante and Siena.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Alicante. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

Siena has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Alicante or Siena Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Alicante and Siena.

Alicante has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

If you're looking for night time activities Siena has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Alicante or Siena Better for Beaches?

Alicante is very good for its beaches. However, Siena is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Alicante to enjoy the beach. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Alicante or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is terrific for its old town. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Alicante has an old town worth visiting. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Siena?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Siena and Alicante.

Alicante offers some nice shopping areas. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Siena has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Alicante or Siena Better for Families?

Alicante is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Alicante is a very family-friendly place to visit. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

Siena is not always a place people visit with their families. 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 Alicante or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Siena has plenty to offer. 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.

Alicante is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Is Alicante or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alicante and Siena are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Alicante is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

It's common for backpackers to visit Siena. 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 Alicante or Siena Better for Students?

Siena is well known for students. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Siena is very popular with students. 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.

It's common for students to visit Alicante. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

Is Alicante 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 Alicante and Siena.

You'll find some public transit in Alicante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

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 Alicante or Siena a more walkable city?

Siena is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Alicante is a somewhat walkable city. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Alicante Worth Visiting? and Is Siena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Siena or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Alicante or Siena to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Alicante 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 Alicante, and 1-2 days is enough time in Siena.

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

Couples should spend more time in Siena than Alicante. 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 Alicante 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 Alicante or Siena?

In Alicante, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. This city 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 beautiful city of Siena offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Alicante or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alicante. 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.

Siena is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Siena, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Siena?

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

Siena is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Alicante or Siena?

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

Siena is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Siena, we can see that Siena 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 Alicante Expensive? and Is Siena Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Siena?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Alicante 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 Alicante 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 Alicante or Siena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Siena. The summer months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In July, Alicante is generally around the same temperature as Siena. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 25°C (77°F), and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Siena during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Siena. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alicante or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Siena. The shopping scene are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Alicante is a little warmer than Siena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In the autumn, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Siena. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Siena. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Alicante is much warmer than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alicante in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Siena during winter. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Siena. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alicante or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Alicante during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Alicante in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Siena for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 16°C (60°F), and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the spring, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Siena. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Siena and Alicante