A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cagliari vs. Siena for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

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

Cagliari

Cagliari is a laid back, relaxed, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Siena

Siena is a romantic, charming, and medieval city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cagliari and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Siena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cagliari than Siena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cagliari is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Siena attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Siena is more touristy than Cagliari and is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Cagliari is famous for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also well known for Castello.

How is Cagliari different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Cagliari specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology Museum.

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 Cagliari or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cagliari and Siena can be difficult as they are each very good in their own way.

Cagliari has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The cuisine mixes the island's sea and mountain settings. You'll find many local pastas, breads, seafood dishes, and cheeses. There's a wealth of diversity in the food and you should definitely step away from the more traditional Italian flavors and try something uniquely Sardinian.

Dining out in Siena is an experience not to be missed. 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 Cagliari or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Cagliari has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a thriving nightlife scene that is mostly centered around tourists. You'll find a number of the best bars in the Castello district and the atmosphere is usually relaxed and laid back, like the town itself.

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 Cagliari or Siena Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is notable for its beaches. However, Siena is not a beach destination.

Cagliari is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. While you'll find some nice beaches in town, if you're willing to head to the surrounding areas just outside of town, you'll be rewarded with amazing beaches. The beaches are enjoyable any time of the year.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Cagliari or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Many visitors go to Cagliari to see the historical old town. The Castello district is the city's old town. It's filled with narrow alleys, historic castles, and a truly unique atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Cagliari or Siena?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Cagliari and Siena.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cagliari. Head to the Marina district for some of the city's best shopping opportunities. There are a number of shopping malls to choose from. For souvenirs and other handicrafts, the port area has a few shops.

Many visitors go to Siena to go 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 Cagliari or Siena Better for Families?

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

Cagliari is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of activities for kids to enjoy in the areas surrounding the city. If you're willing to get about an hour out of town, you can check out the Water Park of Pula. In town, there's a little train that young kids will enjoy. And, of course, there are the beaches!

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 Cagliari or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Cagliari frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The waterfront setting and nice beaches make this a great place for couples. There's also the Castello district, which is fun to wander through, and many parks and outdoor walking areas.

Is Cagliari or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cagliari and Siena are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Cagliari is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

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 Cagliari or Siena Better for Students?

Siena is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Siena is very popular with students. 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.

Cagliari is popular with students. There are some study abroad opportunities in town, and with the nearby beaches and wonderful weather, many international students enjoy their time here.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Cagliari and Siena.

Cagliari has some public transit options. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently.

You'll find some public transit in Siena, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

Is Cagliari or Siena a more walkable city?

Cagliari and Siena are very good when it comes to walkability.

Cagliari is a very walkable city. While the city is very walkable, it is built on a large hill so come prepared for some steep climbs.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Siena?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Siena than Cagliari. 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.

One day in Cagliari or Siena?

In Cagliari, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid back destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Cagliari or Siena?

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

Cagliari is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cagliari. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Cagliari or Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Cagliari. Most people come for the beaches. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Siena?

Cagliari has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Cagliari 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 Cagliari 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 Cagliari or Siena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Siena. The summer months attract visitors to Cagliari because of the beaches, 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, Cagliari is generally around the same temperature as Siena. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 24°C (75°F), and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Siena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cagliari this time of the year. In the summer, Cagliari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Siena. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in July than Siena. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Cagliari is a little warmer than Siena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Siena during autumn. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Siena. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cagliari or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Cagliari during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Siena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Cagliari is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cagliari in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Siena. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in January than Siena. Cagliari 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 Cagliari or Siena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Siena. Many visitors come to Cagliari in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Siena for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Cagliari is generally a little warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 14°C (57°F), and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Cagliari, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cagliari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during spring. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Siena. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Cagliari