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

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

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a accessible, modern, and connected city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Siena

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

Frankfurt and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Siena?

You'll generally find more things to do in Frankfurt than Siena. Frankfurt is bigger than Siena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Frankfurt is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Siena is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Siena is more touristy than Frankfurt and is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Frankfurt is well known for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. Also, Frankfurt is famous for The Old Town Center.

The Old Town Center

How is Frankfurt different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Siena and Frankfurt.

Many visitors head to Frankfurt specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

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 Frankfurt or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Frankfurt and Siena can be an enjoyable experience.

Frankfurt has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Siena makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Frankfurt or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Frankfurt has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

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 Frankfurt or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Many visitors go to Frankfurt to see the historical old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or Siena?

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

Frankfurt is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

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 Frankfurt or Siena Better for Families?

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

Frankfurt is a very family-friendly place to visit. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

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 Frankfurt or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Frankfurt is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Frankfurt is a nice destination for couples. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

Is Frankfurt or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

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 Frankfurt or Siena Better for Students?

Frankfurt is very popular for students. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Frankfurt. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

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.

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

Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

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 Frankfurt or Siena a more walkable city?

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

Frankfurt is a very walkable destination. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Siena?

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

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

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

One day in Frankfurt or Siena?

Each neighborhood in Frankfurt 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Siena. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Siena has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Frankfurt or Siena?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Siena. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Frankfurt or Siena?

Frankfurt is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Frankfurt. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the history city of Siena. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Frankfurt or Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse big city of Frankfurt. 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 popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or Siena?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt or Siena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Frankfurt as well as Siena. The summer months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In the summer, Frankfurt is cooler than Siena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Frankfurt in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Siena averages at about 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 Frankfurt this time of the year. In the summer, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Siena. Frankfurt gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets more rain in July than Siena. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Frankfurt is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 11°C (51°F), and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Siena during autumn. Frankfurt gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Siena. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Siena in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Frankfurt. Frankfurt is much colder than Siena in the winter. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Siena. Frankfurt gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in January than Siena. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Frankfurt or Siena in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Frankfurt is cooler than Siena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Frankfurt in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Siena averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Siena during spring. Frankfurt gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Siena. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Frankfurt