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

Should you visit Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Siena

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

Bilbao and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Siena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao than Siena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bilbao is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Siena attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Siena is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also well known for The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Bilbao different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Bilbao and Siena.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bilbao. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

Siena offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Bilbao or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Siena is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Siena. 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.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is Bilbao or Siena Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is notable for nightlife. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Bilbao has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

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 Bilbao or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Bilbao has an old town worth visiting. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Siena?

Bilbao is notable for shopping. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Bilbao is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

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 Bilbao or Siena Better for Families?

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

Bilbao is a family-friendly place to visit. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

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 Bilbao or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Bilbao is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is Bilbao or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Bilbao or Siena Better for Students?

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

Many students visit 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.

It's common for students to visit Bilbao. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

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

Bilbao 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 Bilbao is fairly effecient and thorough. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

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 Bilbao or Siena a more walkable city?

Siena is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao 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.

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable city. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Siena?

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

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

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

In Bilbao, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping 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.

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 Bilbao or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. 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 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 Bilbao or Siena?

Bilbao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bilbao. 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 Bilbao or Siena?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the medieval 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Siena?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao or Siena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Siena. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bilbao is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 20°C (68°F), and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Siena during summer. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Siena. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bilbao or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Siena. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bilbao is around the same temperature as Siena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 16°C (62°F) in October, and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Siena. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bilbao usually gets more rain in October than Siena. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Siena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bilbao is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bilbao in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Siena during winter. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In January, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Siena. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bilbao or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Bilbao during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

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

In the spring, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Siena. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in April than Siena. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Siena and Bilbao