A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Siena for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a breathtaking, world-class, and stunning town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, food, and hiking.

Siena

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

Interlaken and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Siena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Siena. Although Interlaken and Siena are both popular with visitors, Siena has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Siena is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Interlaken is known for its skiing, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Siena and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Siena is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. It is also home to Piazza del Campo.

How is Interlaken different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Siena Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is very good for snow skiing. However, Siena is not a skiing destination.

Interlaken is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Siena is not a skiing destination.

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

Siena is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Siena specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Interlaken or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Siena both to be very good destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

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.

Is Interlaken or Siena Better for Nightlife?

Siena is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic 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.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Siena Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Siena is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Siena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Siena?

Siena is very good for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Siena Better for Families?

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

Interlaken is one of the most popular family destinations. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken or Siena Better for Couples?

Both Interlaken and Siena are fantastic destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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.

Is Interlaken or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Siena are both good destinations for backpackers.

Interlaken is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

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 Interlaken or Siena Better for Students?

Siena is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

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.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken is notable 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.

Public transit in Interlaken is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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 Interlaken or Siena a more walkable city?

Siena is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Siena?

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

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

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

One day in Interlaken or Siena?

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this world-class destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town 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.

With museums and nightlife around the beautiful city of Siena, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Siena, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Siena?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Siena, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or Siena?

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Siena, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Siena?

You'll find food and skiing around the adventurous destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Siena is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Interlaken and Siena, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. And not only is Siena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Siena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Siena 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken than you might in Siena.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Siena?

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

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

Interlaken is around the same temperature as Siena in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°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 Interlaken this time of the year. In the summer, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Siena. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Siena. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Interlaken is cooler than Siena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Interlaken in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Siena averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Siena during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Siena. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Interlaken or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Interlaken during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the skiing 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 Interlaken. In January, Interlaken is generally much colder than Siena. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Siena. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in January than Siena. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Siena in the Spring?

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

Interlaken is around the same temperature as Siena in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Siena during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Siena. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Interlaken