A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Siena for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Messina or Siena?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Messina and Siena can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Messina

Messina is a historic, bustling, and local port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Messina travel costs.

Siena

Siena is a medieval, history, and beautiful city. The famous beauty of Siena is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Siena travel costs.

Messina and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Siena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Messina than Siena, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Messina is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Siena is known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Siena is more touristy than Messina and is known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Messina is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo.

How is Messina different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Siena is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

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

Siena is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Messina or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Messina has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

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 Messina or Siena Better for Beaches?

Messina is a moderate port city for its beaches. However, Siena is not a beach destination.

Messina is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is renowned for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Siena is one of the most recognized in 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.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Siena?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Siena and Messina.

Messina is a great destination for shopping. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

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 Messina or Siena More Beautiful?

Siena is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Messina is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Siena is one of the main draws. It's considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany. There's a central plaza with neighborhoods spreading out from there. The buildings are made of a distinct medieval brick and the atmosphere is enjoyable.

Messina is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Messina or Siena Better for Families?

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

Messina is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

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 Messina or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is renowned for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Siena is a great city 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.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Messina or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Siena are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Messina is a good port city to visit for backpackers. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Messina or Siena Better for Students?

Siena is well known for students. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Messina and Siena.

You'll find some public transit in Messina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

While Siena offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

Is Messina or Siena a more walkable city?

Messina and Siena both are superb when exploring on foot.

Messina is very walkable. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Messina?

How long in Messina or Siena?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Siena than Messina. 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 Messina 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 Messina or Siena?

In Messina, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this local destination offers. This port 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.

In Siena, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Messina or Siena?

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

In Siena, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Siena has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Siena?

Messina is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Messina. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Siena is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the bustling destination of Messina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Siena. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Siena. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Siena?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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 Messina 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 Messina or Siena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Siena. Many visitors come to Messina in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Messina is a little warmer than Siena in the summer. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives less rain than Siena. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Messina as well as Siena. Most visitors come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Siena because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Messina is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Messina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Siena averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Siena. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Messina usually gets more rain in October than Siena. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Messina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In January, Messina is generally much warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 13°C (55°F), and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Siena during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Messina. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Siena. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Messina during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Siena for the natural beauty.

Messina is a little warmer than Siena in the spring. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Messina. In the spring, Messina often gets more sunshine than Siena. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Siena and Messina