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

Should you visit Dublin or Siena?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin 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.

Dublin

Dublin is a friendly, welcoming, and fun 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 charming, medieval, and history city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Siena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dublin than Siena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dublin is very popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Siena attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Dublin is famous for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also well known for The Guinness Storehouse. Siena is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Dublin different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Dublin and Siena.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dublin can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Siena. 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 Dublin or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Siena is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Siena. 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.

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Dublin or Siena Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is very popular for nightlife. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Dublin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

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 Dublin or Siena Better for Music?

Dublin is notable for live music. However, Siena is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Dublin. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Siena is not a live music destination.

Is Dublin or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is terrific for its old town. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Dublin is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or Siena?

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

Dublin is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

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 Dublin or Siena Better for Families?

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

Dublin is a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

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 Dublin or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Dublin is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Is Dublin or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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 Dublin or Siena Better for Students?

Siena is a great destination for students. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Dublin and Siena.

You'll find some public transit in Dublin, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

While Siena offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

Is Dublin or Siena a more walkable city?

Dublin 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 Dublin on foot. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dublin or Siena to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dublin 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 Dublin, and 1-2 days is enough time in Siena.

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

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

One day in Dublin or Siena?

In Dublin, many people enjoy the live music and food that this welcoming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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.

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 Dublin or Siena?

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

Dublin is a fun place to experience. In Dublin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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.

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 Dublin or Siena?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun destination of Dublin. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Siena?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Dublin 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 Dublin 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 Dublin or Siena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Siena. Most visitors come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Siena because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dublin is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 16°C (60°F), and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Siena during summer. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dublin usually receives more rain than Siena. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dublin or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Siena. The autumn months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

Dublin is cooler than Siena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Siena. Dublin gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets less rain in October than Siena. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dublin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Dublin is cooler than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dublin in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Siena during winter. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dublin usually receives more rain than Siena. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dublin or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Dublin during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dublin for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Dublin is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 8°C (47°F), and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Siena. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Siena and Dublin