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

Should you visit Granada or Siena?

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

Should I visit Granada 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.

Granada

Granada is a historic, beautiful, and charming city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Siena

Siena is a beautiful, romantic, and charming city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Siena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Granada than Siena, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Granada is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and hiking, while Siena is known for its food. Granada is popular for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. It is also home to The Alhambra. Siena is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Granada different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada 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 Granada that are not to be missed. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

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 Granada or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Siena is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Granada has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

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 Granada or Siena Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the world-class old towns in both Granada and Siena.

The historic old town of Granada is revered around the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

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.

Is Granada or Siena Better for Hiking?

Granada is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Siena is not a hiking destination.

Granada is a popular spot for hiking. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Siena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Siena?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Granada and Siena.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Granada. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Siena offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Granada or Siena Better for Families?

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

Granada is a family-friendly place to visit. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

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 Granada or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Siena makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Couples visit Granada frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Is Granada or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada 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 Granada. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

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 Granada or Siena Better for Students?

Both Granada and Siena are great destinations for students.

Granada is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Siena is very popular with students. 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 Granada or Siena Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Granada and Siena.

Granada has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

You'll find some public transit in Siena, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

Is Granada or Siena a more walkable city?

Granada and Siena are great when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Granada?

How long in Granada or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Granada or Siena to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Granada than Siena because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 1-2 days is enough time in Siena.

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

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

One day in Granada or Siena?

In Granada, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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.

In Siena, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Granada or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

In Siena, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Siena has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Siena?

Granada is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Granada. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Granada or Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Granada. 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 museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Siena. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Siena. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Siena?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada or Siena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Granada as well as Siena. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences.

Granada is around the same temperature as Siena in the summer. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Siena fluctuates around 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 Granada this time of the year. In the summer, Granada often gets more sunshine than Siena. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Siena. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Siena in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Granada is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Granada in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Siena averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Siena during autumn. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Granada usually receives less rain than Siena. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Granada or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Granada during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Granada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Granada is generally much warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 12°C (54°F), and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Granada often gets more sunshine than Siena. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in January than Siena. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Siena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Siena. Most visitors come to Granada for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Siena because of the natural beauty.

Granada is a little warmer than Siena in the spring. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Siena during spring. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Siena. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Granada