A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Newcastle upon Tyne vs. Siena for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Siena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a high energy, livable, and cultural port city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Siena

Siena is a romantic, charming, and medieval city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena?

Both Siena and Newcastle upon Tyne have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Newcastle upon Tyne is better known for its nightlife and shopping, while Siena is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Siena is more touristy than Newcastle upon Tyne and is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena?

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Siena and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Many visitors head to Newcastle upon Tyne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

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 the Food Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Newcastle upon Tyne and Siena can be difficult as they are each very good in their own way.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Newcastle upon Tyne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Siena offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Many visitors go to Newcastle upon Tyne to see the historical old town. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena?

Newcastle upon Tyne is notable for shopping. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Newcastle upon Tyne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena Better for Families?

Newcastle upon Tyne is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Siena 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a nice destination for couples. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Siena are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Newcastle upon Tyne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena Better for Students?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Siena are very good destinations for students.

Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular with students. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

Siena is a great port 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Newcastle upon Tyne is notable 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.

Public transit in Newcastle upon Tyne is fairly effecient and thorough. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne on foot. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Siena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Siena or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Siena than Newcastle upon Tyne. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena?

In Newcastle upon Tyne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Many people visit Siena for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The beautiful destination of Siena offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the high energy destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Siena. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers something for everyone. One week 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.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Newcastle upon Tyne and Siena, we can see that Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne Expensive? and Is Siena Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena?

Newcastle upon Tyne has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Siena. The summer months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne is much colder than Siena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Siena averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Siena. In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Siena. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in July than Siena. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Newcastle upon Tyne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally much colder than Siena. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 10°C (49°F), and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Siena during autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle upon Tyne. In October, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Siena. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Newcastle upon Tyne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne is much colder than Siena in the winter. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Siena. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in January than Siena. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Siena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Siena. Furthermore, most visitors come to Siena for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne is much colder than Siena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Siena averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Siena during spring. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Siena. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Newcastle upon Tyne