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

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

Cannes

Cannes is a luxury, lavish, and glitzy resort city. 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 romantic, charming, and medieval city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cannes and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cannes or Siena?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cannes than Siena. Cannes is bigger than Siena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cannes is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Siena is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Cannes is more touristy than Siena and is known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. Also, Cannes is famous for Boulevard de la Croisette. Siena is well known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Cannes different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Siena is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Siena specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cannes or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cannes is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Cannes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

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 Cannes or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Cannes has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

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 Cannes or Siena Better for Music?

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

Cannes is a world class music destination. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Siena is not a live music destination.

Is Cannes or Siena Better for Resorts?

Cannes is very popular for its resorts. However, Siena is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Cannes is a perfect choice. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Siena is not a resort destination.

Is Cannes or Siena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Cannes. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cannes or Siena Better for Beaches?

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

Cannes is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Cannes or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its historic old town.

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 Cannes to see the historical old town. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cannes or Siena?

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

Cannes is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

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 Cannes or Siena Better for Families?

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

Cannes is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds 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 Cannes or Siena Better for Couples?

Both Cannes and Siena are fantastic destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Cannes has plenty to offer. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

Siena has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Is Cannes or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Siena is very good for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Siena is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

Is Cannes or Siena Better for Students?

Siena is a well-known place for students. However, Cannes is not popular with 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.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Both Cannes and Siena offer notable public transit options.

Cannes has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

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 Cannes or Siena a more walkable city?

Cannes and Siena both are very good when exploring on foot.

Cannes is a very walkable destination. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cannes or Siena to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cannes than Siena because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cannes, and 1-2 days is enough time in Siena.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cannes than Siena. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cannes that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Siena than Cannes 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 Cannes or Siena?

In Cannes, many people enjoy the live music and food that this glitzy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort 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 Cannes or Siena?

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

Cannes is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cannes. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Cannes or Siena?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the luxury destination of Cannes. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 romantic 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 Bicycle Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Cannes or Siena?

Cannes has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Cannes 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 Cannes 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 Cannes or Siena in the Summer?

Both Siena and Cannes are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In the summer, Cannes is around the same temperature as Siena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cannes in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Siena averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Cannes usually receives less rain than Siena. Cannes gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cannes or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Cannes during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cannes this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cannes is generally around the same temperature as Siena. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 17°C (63°F), and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cannes. Cannes usually gets more rain in October than Siena. Cannes gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Siena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cannes and Siena. Many travelers come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Siena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cannes is a little warmer than Siena in the winter. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In January, Cannes usually receives more rain than Siena. Cannes gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cannes or Siena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cannes as well as Siena. Many visitors come to Cannes in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Siena for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cannes is around the same temperature as Siena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cannes in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Siena averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Cannes usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Cannes gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Siena and Cannes