Which place is cheaper, Siena or Cologne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Cologne or Siena? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Cologne is a vibrant, colorful, and fun city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.
Siena is a beautiful, romantic, and charming city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
You'll generally find more things to do in Cologne than Siena. Cologne is bigger than Siena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cologne is better known for its nightlife, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Siena is more popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Cologne is well known for its large and detailed cathedral, its festive Christmas markets, and its location along the Rhine River. Also, Cologne is famous for The Cologne Cathedral. Siena is well known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Siena and Cologne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Cologne or Siena.
Cologne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. At the heart of the city is Cologne Cathedral, which is stunningly intricate and highlights High Gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Other famous sights around town include Cologne City Hall, the Wallraf-Richartz & Ludwig Museums, and Hohenzollern Bridge.
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.
Siena is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
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.
There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cologne. The food scene consists mostly of brewhouses and pubs, where you'll find local cuisine. There are also a number of international restaurants around town if you want something a little different. In particular, you'll find many Turkish kebab shops near the train station. Local dishes from Cologne include Halve Hahn (an open face sandwich), Hämmche (pork with sauerkraut or potatoes), and Mettbrütche (minced pork bread roll). For a sweet treat, there is no shortage of donut shops with decadently decorated toppings.
Cologne is notable for nightlife. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.
Cologne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head to one of the many beerhalls to check out the local nightlife scene. Make sure you try the local beer, Kölsch. Some of the most popular places for night include Ona Mor, Pepe, and Engel & Weiss.
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.
Siena is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.
With a famous historical old-town, Siena offers plenty to see. 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.
Cologne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Old Town is large, but its mostly been rebuilt with modern buildings. There are plenty of shopping areas where you can buy name brand clothing or sample sweets.
Cologne is notable for shopping. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.
Cologne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There is no shortage of clothing shops around Cologne. You'll find all of the major European chains with many souvenir shops mixed in. Schildergasse is a major shopping street in town, but there are also many shopping malls to choose from. For local markets, head to Wilhemplatz.
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.
Cologne is very popular for its Christmas activities. However, Siena does not offer Christmas activities.
Cologne is a fantastic destination at Christmas. Cologne is one of the top Christmas destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.
Siena does not offer Christmas activities.
Cologne is very popular for its Christmas markets. However, Siena does not offer Christmas markets.
Cologne has some of the best Christmas markets in the world. Cologne is one of the top Christmas market destinations in Germany. You'll find many different markets spread around town that offer ice skating, curling, warm drinks, and local dishes. Foodies will appreciate the many samplings of local holiday favorites while shoppers will be able to pick up gifts and Christmas decorations that are locally made.
Siena does not offer Christmas markets.
Cologne is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.
Cologne is a very family-friendly place to visit. In addition to the stunning cathedral and impressive bridge, this city has many great playgrounds including Rheinpark, right across the river from old town. Kids who like high places will enjoy the view from the top of KölnTriangle. Popular kid-friendly museums in town include Odysseum and the Chocolate Museum. And if you have a day to spare, head to the indoor waterpark at Aqualand.
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.
Siena is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Cologne is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Siena makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.
Cologne is a nice destination for couples. The city has a number of activities that couples will enjoy such as walks along the river, dining at nice restaurants, and Rhein River cruises. Also make sure you put a lock on the Hohenzollern Bridge to declare your commitment to each other.
Cologne and Siena are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Cologne. There are a few good hostels around town and many free sights that make this a budget-friendly destination for backpackers.
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.
Cologne and Siena are great places to visit for students.
Cologne is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is large enough to attract international students for all types of studies. It's also well connected to the German train system so it's easy to get out and explore the area.
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.
Cologne 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.
Cologne has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. KVB operates the system that includes trains, trams, and buses. The city is also easily connected to other nearby towns so it makes a great base for exploring the entire area.
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.
Cologne and Siena both are great when exploring on foot.
Cologne is a very walkable destination. If you stick to the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, you'll be able to explore easily on foot.
Siena is very walkable. The compact town center is best explored on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Cologne Worth Visiting? and Is Siena Worth Visiting?.
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cologne or Siena to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cologne 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 Cologne, and 1-2 days is enough time in Siena.
Families should spend more time in Cologne than Siena. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cologne, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Siena than Cologne. 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 Cologne 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 Cologne.
Each neighborhood in Cologne has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.
In Siena, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cologne. 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.
In Siena, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Siena has to offer.
Cologne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Cologne. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
Siena is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
You'll find food and shopping around the accessible big city of Cologne. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Siena. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Siena. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Cologne is €161, while the average daily cost in Siena is €133. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cologne and Siena in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Cologne or Siena? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Siena:
Prices for flights to both Siena and Cologne change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cologne:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cologne.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Siena.
Here are a few actual costs in Cologne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Siena are as follows:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cologne:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Siena:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cologne and Siena, we can see that Cologne is more expensive. And not only is Siena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Siena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Siena 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 Cologne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cologne than you might in Siena.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cologne Expensive? and Is Siena Expensive?.
Cologne has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Cologne 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.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Siena. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cologne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Cologne is cooler than Siena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cologne in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Siena averages at about 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Siena during summer. Cologne gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Cologne usually receives more rain than Siena. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Siena. Many travelers come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Cologne is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 12°C (54°F), and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Siena. Cologne gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.
Cologne usually gets less rain in October than Siena. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Siena and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cologne in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Cologne can get quite cold in the winter. Cologne is much colder than Siena in the winter. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Siena during winter. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cologne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Siena. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Siena and Cologne during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cologne for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Siena because of the natural beauty.
In the spring, Cologne is cooler than Siena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cologne in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Siena averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In the spring, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Siena. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.
Cologne usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
Cologne | Siena | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
May | 14°C (58°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
Sep | 16°C (61°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |