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

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

Budapest

Budapest is a cultural, artistic, 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, shopping, and museums.

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.

Budapest and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Siena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest than Siena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Budapest is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Siena attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Budapest is famous for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Siena is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Budapest different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Budapest and Siena.

Many visitors head to Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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 Budapest or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Siena is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Budapest has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Budapest or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is terrific for its old town. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Siena has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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 go to Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Budapest or Siena?

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

Budapest is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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 Budapest or Siena Better for Families?

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

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

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 Budapest or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Siena 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.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Budapest or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Budapest is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest or Siena Better for Students?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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

Budapest 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.

Budapest has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Budapest or Siena a more walkable city?

Budapest is very popular for its walkability. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Budapest on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Siena?

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

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

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

One day in Budapest or Siena?

Each neighborhood in Budapest 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.

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 Budapest or Siena?

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

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

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 Budapest or Siena?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the cultural big city of Budapest. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, 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 Budapest and Siena, we can see that Siena is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Siena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Siena than you might in Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Siena?

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

Both Siena and Budapest during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In July, Budapest is generally around the same temperature as Siena. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 21°C (70°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 Budapest. In the summer, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Siena. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Siena. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Siena. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Budapest is cooler than Siena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Siena during autumn. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Budapest usually receives less rain than Siena. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Budapest or Siena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Siena. Many travelers come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 Budapest. In the winter, Budapest is much colder than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Budapest in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Siena. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in January than Siena. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Siena in the Spring?

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

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

Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Siena during spring. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Budapest usually receives less rain than Siena. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Budapest