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

Should you visit Lagos 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 Lagos 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.

Lagos

Lagos is a scenic, adventure-filled, and dramatic resort town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Siena

Siena is a history, beautiful, and romantic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lagos and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Siena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lagos. Although Lagos and Siena are both popular with visitors, Lagos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lagos is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Siena is known for its museums and historical sights. Lagos is more touristy than Siena and is known for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to Ponta da Piedade. Siena is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Lagos different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Siena is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Siena. 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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Lagos and Siena offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lagos makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

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 Lagos or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Lagos has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

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 Lagos or Siena Better for Resorts?

Lagos is very popular for its resorts. However, Siena is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Lagos is a perfect choice. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Siena is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Siena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Siena Better for Beaches?

Lagos is very popular for its beaches. However, Siena is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Lagos is a very popular vacation destination. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Siena can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Lagos or Siena Better for Hiking?

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

Lagos is a popular spot for hiking. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Siena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Siena?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Siena and Lagos.

Lagos is a great destination for shopping. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

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 Lagos or Siena Better for Families?

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

Lagos is one of the most popular family destinations. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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 Lagos or Siena Better for Couples?

Lagos and Siena both first-rate destinations for a couple.

Lagos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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.

Is Lagos or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Lagos is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy 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 Lagos or Siena Better for Students?

Siena is well known for students. However, Lagos is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Siena is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Siena a more walkable city?

Siena is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lagos or Siena to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lagos than Siena because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 1-2 days is enough time in Siena.

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

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

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

One day in Lagos or Siena?

In Lagos, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this dramatic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This resort 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.

In Siena, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this medieval 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 Lagos or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lagos. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

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 Lagos or Siena?

Lagos is a fun place to experience. In Lagos, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Lagos or Siena?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the dramatic destination of Lagos. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Siena?

Siena has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos 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 Lagos or Siena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Siena. Many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Lagos is around the same temperature as Siena in the summer. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Lagos usually receives more rain than Siena. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lagos or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Siena. Many visitors come to Lagos in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Lagos is much warmer than Siena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lagos in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Siena averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lagos usually gets more rain in October than Siena. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Siena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Lagos is generally much warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 27°C (81°F), and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In January, Lagos usually receives less rain than Siena. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lagos or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Lagos during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

Lagos is much warmer than Siena in the spring. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in April than Siena. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Siena and Lagos