A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gothenburg vs. Siena for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Gothenburg or Siena?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg 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.

Where Should I go: Gothenburg or Siena?

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

Siena

Located in Tuscany, Siena is a medieval city that is about 70 kilometers south of Florence. One of its most famous events is the horse race, Il Palio, which occurs twice a year during the summer. The race puts a lot of emphasis on neighborhood pride and competition. It is a local tradition that is of great importance to the residence, so it is not an event that is held specifically for tourists. It dates back to the Medieval times and is associated with the area's religion, pageantry and rivalry. In addition to the city's strong neighborhood pride, rich history, and impressive architecture, Siena was also the home of many famous artists including Duccio, Simone Martini, and Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Sweden, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Siena or Gothenburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $97, while the average daily cost in Siena is $142. 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 Gothenburg and Siena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $40
    Siena $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $80
    Siena $148
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Siena

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg


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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices and Siena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Siena $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
  • Transfer From Gothenburg Hotel To Gothenburg Museum of Art: $32
  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $64
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $95
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $110
  • Are Resort to Trondheim Vaernes Airport(TRD) - Departure Transfer: $114
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Siena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Siena:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Siena?

Prices for flights to both Siena and Gothenburg 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
    Gothenburg $38
    Siena $54

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.
    Gothenburg $15
    Siena $4.02

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Universeum Entry Ticket: $21
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $30
  • Hop-On Hop-Off 24-Hour Sightseeing Boat: $30
  • Lilla Bommen: 4-Hour Guided Boat Tour to Vinga Island: $31
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $31
  • Land & Water Amphibious Bus Sightseeing Tour: $31
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
  • Paddan Sightseeing Cruise on the Savean River: $33
  • Guided boat tour to Vinga in Gothenburg: $33
  • Archipelago cruise with guide: $36
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37

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
    Gothenburg $20
    Siena $2.34

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 Gothenburg and Siena, we can see that Siena is more expensive. And not only is Gothenburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gothenburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg.

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


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Siena?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Siena. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Gothenburg is cooler than Siena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gothenburg in July average around 16°C (61°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 Gothenburg this time of the year. In the summer, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Siena. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets more rain in July than Siena. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Siena 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Siena. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 9°C (47°F), and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Gothenburg usually receives less sunshine than Siena during autumn. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Siena. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Siena 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Gothenburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Gothenburg can get quite cold in the winter. Gothenburg is much colder than Siena in the winter. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Siena. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Siena. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Siena 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Siena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Siena. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Siena because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Gothenburg is much colder than Siena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gothenburg in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Siena averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during spring. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Gothenburg usually receives less rain than Siena. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Siena 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Siena and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Siena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 7°C (45°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)