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

Should you visit Athens or Siena?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Siena. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a historic, ancient, and vibrant city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Siena

Siena is a history, beautiful, and romantic city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Siena?

You'll generally find more things to do in Athens than Siena. Athens is bigger than Siena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Athens is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Siena is more popular for its impressive beauty. Athens is well known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Siena is well known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Athens that are not to be missed. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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 Athens or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens 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.

Athens has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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 Athens or Siena Better for Nightlife?

Athens is very popular for nightlife. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Athens is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Athens or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the first-rate old town areas in both Athens and Siena.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

The rich history of Siena can be explored in its historical center. 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 the Shopping Better in Athens or Siena?

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

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Siena is a great destination for 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 Athens or Siena Better for Families?

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

Athens is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with 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 Athens or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Siena is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is very popular for backpackers. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Athens is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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 Athens or Siena Better for Students?

For students, both Athens and Siena are high quality places to visit.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Siena is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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 Athens or Siena Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens is notable for its public transit. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Athens is fairly effecient and thorough. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Siena has some 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 Athens or Siena a more walkable city?

Athens and Siena are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Athens?

How long in Athens or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Siena to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Siena because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Siena.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Siena 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Siena?

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

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 Athens or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. 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 Athens or Siena?

Athens is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Athens or Siena?

Each neighborhood in Athens has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic 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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Siena Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Siena?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens or Siena in the Summer?

Both Siena and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Athens is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Siena averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Siena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Siena. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Siena. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Siena. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Athens is generally a little warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Siena during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Siena. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Siena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Siena. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Siena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Athens is a little warmer than Siena in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Siena. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Siena. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In the spring, Athens is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Siena averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Siena during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Siena. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Athens