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

Should you visit Annecy 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 Annecy and Siena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Annecy

Annecy is a storybook, charming, and stunning alpine town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Siena

Siena is a romantic, charming, and medieval city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Annecy and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Siena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Annecy. Although Annecy and Siena are popular destinations, Annecy has more sights and attractions for tourists. Annecy is very popular for its food, hiking, and small town charm, while Siena attracts visitors for its museums. Annecy is more touristy than Siena and is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also well known for Palais de l'Isle. Siena is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Annecy different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Siena is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Siena specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Annecy. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

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

Annecy 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.

Annecy has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

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 Annecy or Siena Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Annecy and Siena.

If you're looking for night time activities Annecy has a few options to choose from. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Siena. 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 Annecy or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Annecy and Siena are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

The old town of Annecy is one of the most recognized in the world. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Siena offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Is Annecy or Siena Better for Hiking?

Annecy is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Siena is not a hiking destination.

Annecy is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Siena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Siena?

If you're looking to go shopping, Annecy and Siena both offer plenty of nice spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Annecy. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Many visitors go to Siena to go shopping. 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 Annecy or Siena Better for Families?

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

Annecy is a very family-friendly place to visit. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

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 Annecy or Siena Better for Couples?

Both Annecy and Siena are fantastic destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Annecy has plenty to offer. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

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.

Is Annecy or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Annecy and Siena are nice places to visit.

Annecy is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

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 Annecy or Siena Better for Students?

Siena is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Annecy is not popular with students.

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.

Annecy is not popular with students.

Is Annecy or Siena Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Annecy and Siena both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Annecy offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Siena has a few public transit options. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

Is Annecy or Siena a more walkable city?

Annecy and Siena are very good when it comes to walkability.

Annecy is a very walkable alpine town. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Siena?

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

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

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

One day in Annecy or Siena?

Even though Annecy is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This alpine 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Siena. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Annecy or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Annecy or Siena?

Annecy is a fun place to experience. Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Siena. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Annecy or Siena?

Annecy is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Siena. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Annecy and Siena, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. And not only is Siena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Siena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Siena and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy than you might in Siena.

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

Which is Bigger, Annecy or Siena?

Siena has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Annecy 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 Annecy or Siena?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Annecy or Siena in the Summer?

Both Siena and Annecy during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In July, Annecy is generally around the same temperature as Siena. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 22°C (71°F), and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Siena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Annecy. In the summer, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Siena. Annecy gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets more rain in July than Siena. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Siena. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Annecy this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Annecy is cooler than Siena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Siena during autumn. Annecy gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Annecy usually receives less rain than Siena. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Annecy or Siena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Siena. Many travelers come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Siena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Annecy. In the winter, Annecy is much colder than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Annecy in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Siena. Annecy gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets less rain in January than Siena. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Annecy in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Annecy is generally around the same temperature as Siena. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 11°C (53°F), and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Siena during spring. Annecy gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Annecy usually receives around the same amount of rain as Siena. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Annecy