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

Should you visit Brussels 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 Brussels 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.

Brussels

Brussels is a authentic, colorful, and multicultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Siena

Siena is a history, beautiful, and romantic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brussels and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Siena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than Siena, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brussels is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Siena is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Siena is more touristy than Brussels and is known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt).

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Brussels and Siena have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Brussels. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

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 Brussels or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Brussels and Siena.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Brussels makes for a great culinary experience. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

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 Brussels or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Brussels has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

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 Brussels or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Siena?

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

Brussels is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

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 Brussels or Siena Better for Families?

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

Brussels is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

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 Brussels or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is renowned for romance. Also, Brussels is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Brussels is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

Is Brussels or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Brussels. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

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 Brussels or Siena Better for Students?

Brussels and Siena are high quality places to visit for students.

Many students visit Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

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

Brussels is very popular 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.

Brussels has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

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 Brussels or Siena a more walkable city?

Brussels and Siena both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Brussels or Siena to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Brussels than Siena because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 1-2 days is enough time in Siena.

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

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

One day in Brussels or Siena?

Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Brussels or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brussels. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 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 Brussels or Siena?

Brussels is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Brussels has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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.

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 Brussels or Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful big city of Brussels. 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 shopping. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Siena?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels or Siena in the Summer?

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

Brussels is cooler than Siena in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Siena during summer. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Brussels usually receives more rain than Siena. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Brussels or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Siena. Many visitors come to Brussels 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.

In the autumn, Brussels is cooler than Siena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brussels in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Siena averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Siena. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in October than Siena. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Brussels 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.

Brussels can be very cold during winter. In January, Brussels is generally much colder than Siena. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Siena during winter. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Brussels usually receives around the same amount of rain as Siena. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Brussels or Siena in the Spring?

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

Brussels is cooler than Siena in the spring. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Siena. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Siena and Brussels