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

Should you visit Istanbul or Siena?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Siena, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a historic, diverse, and beautiful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Siena

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

Istanbul and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Siena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Siena, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Siena is known for its impressive beauty. Istanbul is more touristy than Siena and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Siena is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Istanbul different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Istanbul 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 Istanbul that are not to be missed. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

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 Istanbul or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Istanbul is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Istanbul has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

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 Istanbul or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Istanbul has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu 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 Istanbul or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul and Siena both have terrific historical old towns that attract visitors.

Istanbul offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

Siena has a world-famous historical area. 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 the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Siena?

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

Istanbul is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

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 Istanbul or Siena Better for Families?

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

Istanbul is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.

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 Istanbul or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Istanbul makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

Is Istanbul or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is very popular for backpackers. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Istanbul is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

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 Istanbul or Siena Better for Students?

Istanbul and Siena are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

Istanbul is a great city to visit as a student. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Students come from all over to stay in Siena. 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 Istanbul or Siena Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Istanbul 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.

Istanbul has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

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 Istanbul or Siena a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Siena both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Istanbul or Siena to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Istanbul than Siena because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-2 days is enough time in Siena.

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

Couples should spend more time in Istanbul than Siena. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Istanbul that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.

One day in Istanbul or Siena?

Each neighborhood in Istanbul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The beautiful city of Siena offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Istanbul or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Siena is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Siena, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Siena?

Istanbul is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Istanbul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Siena is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Istanbul or Siena?

Each neighborhood in Istanbul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Siena is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Siena?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Siena in the Summer?

Both Siena and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Siena because of the family-friendly experiences.

Istanbul is around the same temperature as Siena in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°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 Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Siena. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In the autumn, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Siena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Siena averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Siena. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Siena. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Siena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Siena. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Istanbul is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Siena during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Siena. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Siena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Siena. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the spring for the natural beauty.

Istanbul is around the same temperature as Siena in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Siena. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Siena and Istanbul