A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Delphi vs. Siena for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Delphi or Siena?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Delphi or Siena, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Delphi

Delphi is a historic, fascinating, and world-renowned archeological site. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food and museums.

Siena

Siena is a charming, medieval, and history city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Delphi and Siena: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Temple of Apollo
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Delphi or Siena?

You'll generally find more things to do in Delphi than Siena. Delphi is bigger than Siena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Delphi is better known for its museums, while Siena is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Delphi is more touristy than Siena and is popular for its world renowned archeological ruins and its connection to Greek mythology. Also, Delphi is famous for The Temple of Apollo. Siena is well known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Delphi different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Delphi
Siena

Delphi is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Delphi that are not to be missed. This is one of the most popular archeological sites in Greece. You will find the Temple of Apollo and most of the monuments are dedicated to this God. There is an Ancient Theatre, an Ancient Stadium, as well as an Archaeological Museum. There's also the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea and the Treasury of the Athenians.

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 Delphi or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Delphi
Siena

Siena is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Siena has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Delphi offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of restaurant options in the area, some of them offering spectacular views. There are traditional Greek restaurants as well as modern cafes with international cuisine. You'll find all of the standard Greek staples such as gyros, lamb chops, and seafood.

Is Delphi or Siena Better for Nightlife?

Delphi
Siena

Siena is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Delphi is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Delphi for the nightlife. This is a quiet town that shuts down in the evening. If you're looking for more of a nightlife scene, head to nearby Arachova, which is just a 10 minute drive away.

Is Delphi or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Delphi
Siena

Siena is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Delphi does not have a historic 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.

Delphi does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Delphi or Siena?

Delphi
Siena

Siena is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Siena has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Delphi or Siena Better for Families?

Delphi
Siena

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

Delphi is a family-friendly place to visit. The archeological ruins are world class, and kids who enjoy mythology and history will love this place. It's the perfect place for kids to let their imagination run wild.

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 Delphi or Siena Better for Couples?

Delphi
Siena

Siena is renowned for couples. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for romance.

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.

Delphi is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination that is a great addition to any couple's itinerary to Greece.


Is Delphi or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Delphi
Siena

For backpackers, both Delphi and Siena are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Delphi. There's a hostel or two in the area, and the prices are reasonable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Siena is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. 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 Delphi or Siena Better for Students?

Delphi
Siena

Siena is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Delphi is not popular with students.

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.

Delphi is not popular with students.

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

Delphi
Siena

Delphi and Siena both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Delphi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel to Delphi from Greece.

Siena has a few 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 Delphi or Siena a more walkable city?

Delphi
Siena

Delphi and Siena are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Delphi is a very walkable destination. Both the museum are archeological site are within walking distance of the town. The town is also small enough to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Delphi?

How long in Delphi or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Delphi or Siena to fill your time. In our opinion, Siena has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Siena than Delphi. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


  • How many days in Delphi or Siena? Ideal Length of Stay
    Delphi 1-2 
    Siena 1-2

One day in Delphi or Siena?

In Delphi, many people enjoy the food and museums that this historic destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This archeological site offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Delphi or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Delphi. 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.

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 Delphi or Siena?

Delphi is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Delphi. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Delphi or Siena?

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Delphi. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Siena or Delphi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Delphi is €102, 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 Delphi and Siena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Delphi 59
    Siena 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Delphi 118
    Siena 138
Compare Hotels in Delphi and Siena

Looking for a hotel in Delphi 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.

Hotels in Delphi


Hotels in Siena


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Siena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Delphi 8.57
    Siena 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Siena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Siena:

  • Siena to Milan Malpensa airport private transfer: $1,433
  • Siena to Milan Linate Airport 1-Way Private Transfer: $1,305
  • Luxury Private Transfer Between Siena and Genoa: $1,118
  • Siena - Rome Transfer Tour with Orvieto & Montepulciano: $1,059
  • From Florence: Private Siena Day Trip with Transfers: $348
  • Transfer Siena-Pisa with stop in San Gimignano & Lunch: $245
  • Transfer Siena-Florence with visit to Chianti and wine tasting: $218
  • Private transfer from Siena to Florence: $202
  • Arrival transfer Siena Airport SAY to Siena City by van or car: $148
  • Rome Fiumicino Airport: Shared Transfer to/from Siena by Bus: $11

Is it cheaper to fly into Delphi or Siena?

Prices for flights to both Siena and Delphi 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Delphi 36
    Siena 51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Siena

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Siena.

  • Siena food tour and Chianti wine: $60
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $95
  • Tuscan Dinner in a Villa in an Ancient Siena Olive Grove: $98
  • Siena Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $99
  • From Siena/Chianti: Dinner & Drinks in the Chianti Vineyards: $102
  • Siena countryside: cooking class in a real Tuscan farmhouse: $123
  • Cooking Class in a historical villa in Siena Provence: $130
  • Tuscan Cooking Class in Central Siena: $131
  • 4 Hour Private Cooking Class Unique Tuscan Experience in Siena: $131
  • Family Cooking Class: Pizza and Tiramisù from Siena: $138
  • Small Group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $138
  • Small group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $141

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Delphi 11
    Siena 3.75

Tours and Activities in Delphi

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Delphi.

  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in Earth's Navel: $4.60
  • Audiovisual self-guided tour with 3D models: $7.48
  • Delphi Audiovisual Self-guided Tour with 3D Representations: $7.59
  • Delphi Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Ticket with Audio Tour: $13
  • Ticket & Audio Tour for Delphi's Oracle. Listen to Ancient Echoes: $13
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Ticket with Audio Guide: $16
  • Self-Guided Virtual Tour Experience from your Home: $17
  • Self-guided Virtual Tour of The Google of the Ancient world: $17
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Refundable Ticket with Audio: $18
  • Audio Guided tour of the sites in French or English: $19
  • Athens: Mythology of Delphi and Museum Guided Day Tour: $26

Tours and Activities in Siena

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Siena are as follows:

  • Siena tour: Piazza del Campo & Duomo exploration: $125
  • Walking Tour of Siena with food & Chianti wine: $71
  • “Secret of Siena” City E-bike tour: $134
  • 2 hour Siena Private Guided Walking Tour : $273
  • 4-Hour Guided Bike Tour for Small Groups in Chianti: $180
  • 500 Vintage Tour and Chianti Roads from Siena: $160
  • 500 Vintage Tour: Chianti Roads Experience with Lunch from Florence: $164
  • Afternoon Semi Private Chianti tour from Siena: $88
  • Badesse: Vespa & Chianti Tour in the Tuscan Hills: $138
  • Brunello di Montalcino wine experience with a sommelier : $262
  • Chianti Classico E-Bike Tour: $284
  • Chianti: Wine and Olive Oil Tasting with Cellar Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Delphi 13
    Siena 2.19

Sample the Local Flavors in Siena

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Siena:

  • Wine Tasting at the Winery in the Panoramic Terrance: $27
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting Experience: $35
  • Total Immersion Wine Tour in Chianti: $43
  • Lapi&Tour Guided tour of the cellars with wine tasting: $52
  • From Florence: San Gimignano, Siena, and Chianti Wine Tour: $55
  • Tuscany Hiking Tour from Siena Including Wine Tasting: $60
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $61
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $63
  • Tuscan Classics Wine Tasting Class with Aperitivo: $64
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting & Lunch in a Tuscan Castle: $64
  • Wine and Food Pairing Class with Tuscan Wine Tastings: $75
  • Organic Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Siena: $80


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Delphi and Siena, we can see that Siena is more expensive. And not only is Delphi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Delphi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Delphi 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 Delphi.

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


Which is Bigger, Delphi or Siena?

Delphi has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Delphi 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.