A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Minsk vs. Siena for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Minsk or Siena?

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

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

Where Should I go: Minsk or Siena?

Minsk

Minsk is the capital city of Belarus, centrally located. Situated on the Svislac and Niamiha rivers, it is also capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and was the capital of the former Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919-1991. It is a modern city dominated by monumental Stalinist architecture with many of its museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions.

Siena

Located in Tuscany, Siena is a medieval city that is about 70 kilometers south of Florence. One of its most famous events is the horse race, Il Palio, which occurs twice a year during the summer. The race puts a lot of emphasis on neighborhood pride and competition. It is a local tradition that is of great importance to the residence, so it is not an event that is held specifically for tourists. It dates back to the Medieval times and is associated with the area's religion, pageantry and rivalry. In addition to the city's strong neighborhood pride, rich history, and impressive architecture, Siena was also the home of many famous artists including Duccio, Simone Martini, and Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Siena or Minsk?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Minsk is $64, while the average daily cost in Siena is $142. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Minsk and Siena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Minsk $32
    Siena $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Minsk $64
    Siena $148
Compare Hotels in Minsk and Siena

Looking for a hotel in Minsk or Siena? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Minsk


Hotels in Siena


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Siena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Minsk $12
    Siena $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Siena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Siena:

  • Rome Fiumicino Airport: Shared Transfer to/from Siena by Bus: $11
  • Arrival transfer Siena Airport SAY to Siena City by van or car: $148
  • Private transfer from Siena to Florence: $202
  • Transfer Siena-Florence with visit to Chianti and wine tasting: $218
  • Transfer Siena-Pisa with stop in San Gimignano & Lunch: $245
  • From Florence: Private Siena Day Trip with Transfers: $348
  • Siena - Rome Transfer Tour with Orvieto & Montepulciano: $1,059
  • Luxury Private Transfer Between Siena and Genoa: $1,118
  • Siena to Milan Linate Airport 1-Way Private Transfer: $1,305
  • Siena to Milan Malpensa airport private transfer: $1,433

Is it cheaper to fly into Minsk or Siena?

Prices for flights to both Siena and Minsk change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Minsk $21
    Siena $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Siena

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Siena.

  • Siena food tour and Chianti wine: $60
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $95
  • Tuscan Dinner in a Villa in an Ancient Siena Olive Grove: $98
  • Siena Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $99
  • From Siena/Chianti: Dinner & Drinks in the Chianti Vineyards: $102
  • Siena countryside: cooking class in a real Tuscan farmhouse: $123
  • Cooking Class in a historical villa in Siena Provence: $130
  • Tuscan Cooking Class in Central Siena: $131
  • 4 Hour Private Cooking Class Unique Tuscan Experience in Siena: $131
  • Family Cooking Class: Pizza and Tiramisù from Siena: $138
  • Small Group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $138
  • Small group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $141

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Minsk $20
    Siena $4.02

Tours and Activities in Siena

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Siena are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Palazzo Pubblico Entry Ticket: $6.42
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $6.95
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Siena Cathedral and Piccolomini Library Entry Ticket: $8.56
  • Siena Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Italian Opera in Siena Experience: $27
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
  • Guided tour of Siena INCLUDING the Cathedral or Museum: $33
  • Chianti: Wine and Olive Oil Tasting with Cellar Tour: $36
  • Wine Experience in an Organic Chianti Winery: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Minsk $14
    Siena $2.34

Sample the Local Flavors in Siena

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Siena:

  • Wine Tasting at the Winery in the Panoramic Terrance: $27
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting Experience: $35
  • Total Immersion Wine Tour in Chianti: $43
  • Lapi&Tour Guided tour of the cellars with wine tasting: $52
  • From Florence: San Gimignano, Siena, and Chianti Wine Tour: $55
  • Tuscany Hiking Tour from Siena Including Wine Tasting: $60
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $61
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $63
  • Tuscan Classics Wine Tasting Class with Aperitivo: $64
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting & Lunch in a Tuscan Castle: $64
  • Wine and Food Pairing Class with Tuscan Wine Tastings: $75
  • Organic Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Siena: $80


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Minsk and Siena, we can see that Siena is more expensive. And not only is Minsk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Minsk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Minsk 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 Minsk.

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


Which is Bigger, Minsk or Siena?

Minsk has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Minsk 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 Minsk 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 Minsk or Siena in the Summer?

Both Siena and Minsk are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Siena because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Minsk is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around 19°C (66°F), 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 Minsk. Minsk usually receives less sunshine than Siena during summer. Minsk gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Minsk usually receives more rain than Siena. Minsk gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Minsk 19°C (66°F) 
    Siena 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Minsk during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

Minsk is much colder than Siena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Minsk often gets less sunshine than Siena. Minsk gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets less rain in October than Siena. Minsk gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Minsk 8°C (47°F) 
    Siena 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Siena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Minsk and Siena. Furthermore, many travelers come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Minsk in the winter. In the winter, Minsk is much colder than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Minsk in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Minsk usually receives less sunshine than Siena during winter. Minsk gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Minsk usually receives less rain than Siena. Minsk gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Minsk -5°C (22°F) 
    Siena 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Minsk or Siena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Minsk as well as Siena. Additionally, many visitors come to Siena in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Minsk is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around 8°C (46°F), and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Minsk often gets less sunshine than Siena. Minsk gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Minsk usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Minsk gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Minsk 8°C (46°F) 
    Siena 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Siena and Minsk

Minsk Siena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (22°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb -4°C (25°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)