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

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Siena?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a beautiful, stunning, and cultural island. 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Palma de Mallorca and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Siena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palma de Mallorca than Siena, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Palma de Mallorca is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Siena is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Siena and is popular for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. It is also home to the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Siena is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Siena?

Siena is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Siena offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Siena. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Palma de Mallorca is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Siena Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is notable for live music. However, Siena is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Palma de Mallorca. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Siena is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Siena Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is notable for its resorts. However, Siena is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Palma de Mallorca. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Siena is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Siena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Siena Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is very popular for its beaches. However, Siena is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Palma de Mallorca is a very popular vacation destination. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

The rich history of Siena can be explored in its historical center. 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 people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Siena Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Siena is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Palma de Mallorca. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Siena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Siena?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Palma de Mallorca and Siena.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Siena offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Siena Better for Families?

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

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca is notable for backpackers. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Palma de Mallorca. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Siena Better for Students?

Siena is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Palma de Mallorca and Siena.

Palma de Mallorca has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

You'll find some public transit in Siena, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Siena a more walkable city?

Siena is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Siena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Siena or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Palma de Mallorca or Siena to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Palma de Mallorca than Siena because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 1-2 days is enough time in Siena.

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

Couples should spend more time in Siena than Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Siena?

In Palma de Mallorca, many people enjoy the live music and food that this cultural destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island 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.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Siena, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the charming city of Siena, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Siena?

Palma de Mallorca is a fun place to experience. In Palma de Mallorca, 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming destination of Siena. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Siena?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the historic destination of Palma de Mallorca. 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 popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Palma de Mallorca and Siena, we can see that Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Siena Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Siena?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Siena in the Summer?

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

Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Siena in the summer. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, 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 Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the summer, Palma de Mallorca often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Siena. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in July than Siena. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the hiking trails, 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.

In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Siena averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Siena during autumn. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Siena. Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Siena in the Winter?

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

In January, Palma de Mallorca is generally much warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 11°C (52°F), and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Siena. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in January than Siena. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Siena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Siena. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the spring for the natural beauty.

Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Siena in the spring. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Siena during spring. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Siena. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 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 Palma de Mallorca