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

Should you visit Barcelona or Siena?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Barcelona and Siena can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a colorful, laid-back, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Siena

Siena is a medieval, history, and beautiful city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Barcelona and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Barcelona or Siena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Barcelona than Siena, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Barcelona is more popular for its nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Siena is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Barcelona is more touristy than Siena and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also home to Basilica Sagrada Familia. Siena is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Barcelona different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Barcelona and Siena have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Barcelona. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Siena. 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 Barcelona or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Barcelona and Siena.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Barcelona makes for a great culinary experience. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

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 Barcelona or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Barcelona is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

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 Barcelona or Siena Better for Music?

Barcelona is very popular for live music. However, Siena is not a live music destination.

Barcelona is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Siena is not a live music destination.

Is Barcelona or Siena Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Barcelona to enjoy the beach. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Barcelona or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The old town of Siena is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Is the Shopping Better in Barcelona or Siena?

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

Barcelona is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

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 Barcelona or Siena Better for Families?

Barcelona is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Barcelona is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

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 Barcelona or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is renowned for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Siena is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Barcelona or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Barcelona is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

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 Barcelona or Siena Better for Students?

Barcelona is very popular for students. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Barcelona. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Siena is a great city to visit as a student. 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 Barcelona or Siena Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Barcelona 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 Barcelona is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

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 Barcelona or Siena a more walkable city?

Siena is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Barcelona?

How long in Barcelona or Siena?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Siena than Barcelona. 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 Barcelona 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 Barcelona.

One day in Barcelona or Siena?

Each neighborhood in Barcelona 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Siena. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Siena has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Barcelona or Siena?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Siena. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Barcelona or Siena?

Barcelona is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Barcelona 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Siena. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Barcelona or Siena?

Each neighborhood in Barcelona 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.

Siena is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, 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 Barcelona and Siena, we can see that Barcelona 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona 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 Barcelona Expensive? and Is Siena Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Siena?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona 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 Barcelona 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 Barcelona or Siena in the Summer?

Both Siena and Barcelona are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Barcelona in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Barcelona is around the same temperature as Siena in the summer. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Siena. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. Barcelona usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during summer. Barcelona gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Siena. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Barcelona or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Barcelona during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Barcelona for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Siena because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Barcelona is around the same temperature as Siena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Barcelona in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Siena averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Barcelona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Siena. Barcelona gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

Barcelona usually gets more rain in October than Siena. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Barcelona or Siena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and Siena. The winter months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In January, Barcelona is generally a little warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 9°C (48°F), and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Barcelona usually receives more sunshine than Siena during winter. Barcelona gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Siena. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Barcelona or Siena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Barcelona as well as Siena. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Siena for the natural beauty.

Barcelona is around the same temperature as Siena in the spring. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In the spring, Barcelona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Siena. Barcelona gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Barcelona usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Barcelona gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Siena and Barcelona