A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers London vs. Siena for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

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

London

London is a diverse, iconic, and global 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, live music, and food.

Siena

Siena is a romantic, charming, and medieval city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

London and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Siena?

You'll generally find more things to do in London than Siena. London is bigger than Siena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. London is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Siena is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. London is more touristy than Siena and is popular for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. Also, London is famous for Big Ben. Siena is well known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

Big Ben

How is London different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

London 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 London that are not to be missed. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

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 London or Siena Better for Theater?

London is very popular for theatre. However, Siena is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in London is world-class. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Siena is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both London and Siena.

London has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Siena makes for a great culinary experience. 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 London or Siena Better for Nightlife?

London is very popular for nightlife. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

London is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

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 London or Siena Better for Music?

London is very popular for live music. However, Siena is not a live music destination.

London is a world class music destination. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

Siena is not a live music destination.

Is London or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, London does not have a historic old town.

Siena has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

London does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in London or Siena?

London is very popular for shopping. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

London is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London or Siena Better for Christmas?

London is very popular for its Christmas activities. However, Siena does not offer Christmas activities.

London is a fantastic destination at Christmas. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Siena does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Siena Better for Christmas Markets?

London is very popular for its Christmas markets. However, Siena does not offer Christmas markets.

London has some of the best Christmas markets in the world. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Siena does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Siena Better for Families?

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

London is one of the most popular family destinations. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

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 London or Siena Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, London has plenty to offer. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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 London or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

London is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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 London or Siena Better for Students?

London is very popular for students. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

Siena is a great city to visit as a student. 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 London or Siena Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

London 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.

London has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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 London or Siena a more walkable city?

London is very popular for its walkability. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around London on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or London?

How long in London or Siena?

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

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

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

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

One day in London or Siena?

Each neighborhood in London has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Siena. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in London or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in London. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in London or Siena?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Siena. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in London or Siena?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the history destination of Siena. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, 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 London and Siena, we can see that London 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive? and Is Siena Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, London or Siena?

London has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London 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 London or Siena in the Summer?

Both Siena and London during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to London because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In the summer, London is cooler than Siena. Typically, the summer temperatures in London in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Siena averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Siena, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, London often gets less sunshine than Siena. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

London usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Siena. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Siena. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to London this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, London is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in London average around 12°C (53°F), and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Siena during autumn. London gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, London usually receives less rain than Siena. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit London or Siena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to London as well as Siena. Many travelers come to London for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 London. London is much colder than Siena in the winter. The daily temperature in London averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, London often gets less sunshine than Siena. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

London usually gets less rain in January than Siena. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and London are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to London in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, London is cooler than Siena. Typically, the spring temperatures in London in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Siena averages at about 12°C (54°F).

London usually receives less sunshine than Siena during spring. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, London usually receives less rain than Siena. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and London