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

Should you visit Ghent or Siena?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ghent and Siena. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Ghent

Ghent is a high energy, cultural, and historic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Siena

Siena is a history, beautiful, and romantic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Siena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ghent than Siena, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ghent is more popular for its nightlife and shopping, while Siena is known for its historical sights. Siena is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also home to The Fortress of Gravensteen.

How is Ghent different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Ghent and Siena have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Ghent. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

Siena offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Ghent or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Ghent and Siena both to be high quality destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ghent makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

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 Ghent or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Ghent is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

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 Ghent or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The historic old town of Siena is revered around 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Siena?

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

Ghent is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

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 Ghent or Siena Better for Families?

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

Ghent is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

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 Ghent or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Siena is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Ghent makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Is Ghent or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Siena are good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ghent. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Ghent or Siena Better for Students?

Ghent 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 Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

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

Ghent 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.

Ghent has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

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 Ghent or Siena a more walkable city?

Ghent and Siena both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Ghent is very walkable. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Siena?

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

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

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

One day in Ghent or Siena?

In Ghent, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this youthful 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. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Siena, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Ghent or Siena?

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

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

Five days in Ghent or Siena?

Ghent is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ghent. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Siena is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Siena. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Ghent or Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the youthful destination of Ghent. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Siena. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Siena?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Ghent 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 Ghent 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 Ghent or Siena in the Summer?

Both Siena and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Ghent is cooler than Siena in the summer. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Siena. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ghent. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Siena during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives more rain than Siena. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Ghent during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ghent in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Ghent is cooler than Siena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ghent in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Siena averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Siena. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in October than Siena. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Siena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Siena. Most visitors come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Siena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ghent can be very cold during winter. In January, Ghent is generally much colder than Siena. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 3°C (38°F), and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Siena during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ghent usually receives less rain than Siena. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Siena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Siena. The spring months attract visitors to Ghent because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

Ghent is cooler than Siena in the spring. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Siena. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Siena and Ghent