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

Should you visit Marbella or Siena?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella 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.

Marbella

Marbella is a ritzy, glamorous, and fun-filled resort town. 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 charming, medieval, and history city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Marbella and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Siena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marbella than Siena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Marbella is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Siena attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Marbella is famous for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also well known for Plaza de los Naranjos. Siena is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Marbella different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Siena is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Siena is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Marbella is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Siena Better for Music?

Marbella is notable for live music. However, Siena is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Marbella. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Siena is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Siena Better for Resorts?

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Marbella is a perfect choice. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Siena is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Siena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Marbella is not to be missed. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Siena Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Marbella is a very popular vacation destination. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is very popular for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Siena?

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

Marbella is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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 Marbella or Siena Better for Families?

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

Marbella is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

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 Marbella or Siena Better for Couples?

Marbella and Siena are both terrific to visit as a couple.

Marbella has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Siena is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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 Marbella or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella and Siena are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marbella. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Siena is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. 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 Marbella or Siena Better for Students?

Siena is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Marbella is not popular with students.

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.

Marbella is not popular with students.

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

Siena is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Siena a more walkable city?

Marbella and Siena are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Siena?

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

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

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

One day in Marbella or Siena?

In Marbella, many people enjoy the live music and food that this high energy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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 Marbella or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

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 Marbella or Siena?

Marbella is a fun place to experience. In Marbella, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. 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 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 Marbella or Siena?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Marbella. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Siena?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Siena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Siena. Most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Siena because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Siena. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 25°C (77°F), 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 Marbella this time of the year. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Siena. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Siena. Marbella 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 Marbella or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene, the music 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.

Marbella is a little warmer than Siena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

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

In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Siena. Marbella 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 Marbella or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Marbella during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Marbella is much warmer than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marbella in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).

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

Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Siena. Marbella 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 Marbella or Siena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Siena. Many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Siena in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 16°C (60°F), and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

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

In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Siena. Marbella 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 Marbella