A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Piazza Armerina vs. Siena for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Piazza Armerina or Siena?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Piazza Armerina and Siena. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a authentic, historic, and charming town. It's also known for food and museums.

Siena

Siena is a history, beautiful, and romantic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Piazza Armerina and Siena: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Piazza Armerina or Siena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Siena. Although Piazza Armerina and Siena are popular destinations, Siena has more sights and attractions for tourists. Siena is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. It is also well known for Piazza del Campo. Piazza Armerina is famous for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

How is Piazza Armerina different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Piazza Armerina or Siena?

Piazza Armerina
Siena

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Piazza Armerina and Siena.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Piazza Armerina. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.

Siena offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Piazza Armerina or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Piazza Armerina
Siena

Siena is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Piazza Armerina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Piazza Armerina or Siena Better for Nightlife?

Piazza Armerina
Siena

Siena is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Piazza Armerina or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Piazza Armerina
Siena

Siena is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Siena offers plenty to see. 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 explore the old town while visiting Piazza Armerina. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.


Is the Shopping Better in Piazza Armerina or Siena?

Piazza Armerina
Siena

Siena is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Siena Better for Families?

Piazza Armerina
Siena

Most people don't think of either Piazza Armerina or Siena as a family destination.

Piazza Armerina is not the most family-friendly destination. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.

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 Piazza Armerina or Siena Better for Couples?

Piazza Armerina
Siena

Siena is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Siena is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Piazza Armerina is a good town for couples to visit. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.


Is Piazza Armerina or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Piazza Armerina
Siena

Siena is a good destination for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.

Is Piazza Armerina or Siena Better for Students?

Piazza Armerina
Siena

Siena is notable for students. However, Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.

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

Piazza Armerina
Siena

Both Piazza Armerina and Siena offer nice public transit options.

Piazza Armerina has a few public transit options. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.

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 Piazza Armerina or Siena a more walkable city?

Piazza Armerina
Siena

Piazza Armerina and Siena both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Piazza Armerina is a very walkable town. You can explore most of the old and new towns on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Piazza Armerina?

How long in Piazza Armerina or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Piazza Armerina or Siena to fill your time. In our opinion, Siena has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Siena than Piazza Armerina. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Siena than Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina 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.


  • How many days in Piazza Armerina or Siena? Ideal Length of Stay
    Piazza Armerina 1-2 
    Siena 1-2

One day in Piazza Armerina or Siena?

In Piazza Armerina, many people enjoy the food and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

The medieval destination of Siena offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Piazza Armerina or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Piazza Armerina. 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.

The city of Siena offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in Piazza Armerina or Siena?

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

Siena is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Piazza Armerina or Siena?

You'll find museums and food around the charming destination of Piazza Armerina. 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. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy, and The Best Adventure Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Siena or Piazza Armerina?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Piazza Armerina is €93, while the average daily cost in Siena is €133. 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 Piazza Armerina and Siena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Piazza Armerina 56
    Siena 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Piazza Armerina 112
    Siena 138
Compare Hotels in Piazza Armerina and Siena

Looking for a hotel in Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina


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: Piazza Armerina Hotel Prices and Siena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Piazza Armerina 4.29
    Siena 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Piazza Armerina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Piazza Armerina:

  • From Catania: Return Transfer to Piazza Armerina & Agrigento: $109

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: $152
  • PRIVATE TRANSFER from Siena to Florence with stop in S Gimignano & Monteriggioni: $169
  • Transfer Siena-Florence with visit to Chianti and wine tasting: $225
  • Transfer Siena-Pisa with stop in San Gimignano & Lunch: $253
  • From Florence: Private Siena Day Trip with Transfers: $357

Is it cheaper to fly into Piazza Armerina or Siena?

Prices for flights to both Siena and Piazza Armerina 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
    Piazza Armerina 33
    Siena 51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Siena

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

  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $98
  • Tuscan Dinner in a Villa in an Ancient Siena Olive Grove: $100
  • Siena Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $102
  • From Siena/Chianti: Dinner & Drinks in the Chianti Vineyards: $104
  • Family Cooking Class: Pizza and Tiramisù from Siena: $126
  • Small Group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $126
  • Siena countryside: cooking class in a real Tuscan farmhouse: $126
  • Small group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $129
  • Traditional Tuscan Cooking Class with Fresh Pasta: $132
  • Cooking Class in a historical villa in Siena Provence: $134
  • Tuscan Cooking Class in Central Siena: $135
  • Cesarine: Typical Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Siena: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Piazza Armerina 4.29
    Siena 3.75

Tours and Activities in Piazza Armerina

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

  • Villa Romana del Casale Guided Tour: $43
  • Piazza Armerina & Caltagirone Guided Tour: $52
  • From Catania: Agrigento-Piazza Armerina Audio-guided Tour: $132
  • Private Tour of Villa Romana del Casale & Valley of Temples: $214
  • Roman Villa del Casale Mosaics Tour: $247
  • Private Villa Romana del Casale Guided Tour: $274

Tours and Activities in Siena

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

  • Secrets of Old The Lost Treasure Adventure: $4.38
  • Digital Guide made with a Local for your Tour: $5.49
  • Palazzo Pubblico Entry Ticket: $6.59
  • Siena Cathedral and Piccolomini Library Entry Ticket: $8.78
  • Discovery Wine Experience: $22
  • Italian Opera in Siena Experience: $28
  • Guided Tour of the City and Cathedral in English: $33
  • Guided Tour of the City and Cathedral in Italian: $33
  • Guided tour of Siena INCLUDING the Cathedral or Museum: $34
  • Chianti: Wine and Olive Oil Tasting with Cellar Tour: $37
  • Wine Experience in an Organic Chianti Winery: $38
  • Tuscany: Self-Guided Video Tour with World's Top Experts: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Piazza Armerina 13
    Siena 2.19

Sample the Local Flavors in Siena

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Siena:

  • Wine Tasting at the Winery in the Panoramic Terrance: $28
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting Experience: $37
  • Wine tasting Experience with Tuscan Sparkling Wines: $38
  • Total Immersion Wine Tour in Chianti: $44
  • Tour and Wine Tasting in a Tuscan Private Castle: $47
  • Brunello di Montalcino Wine Tasting with Tuscan appetizer in ancient residence: $49
  • Lapi&Tour Guided tour of the cellars with wine tasting: $54
  • From Florence: San Gimignano, Siena, and Chianti Wine Tour: $56
  • Tuscany Hiking Tour from Siena Including Wine Tasting: $62
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $65
  • Tuscan Classics Wine Tasting Class with Aperitivo: $66
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting & Lunch in a Tuscan Castle: $66


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

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


Which is Bigger, Piazza Armerina or Siena?

Siena has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Piazza Armerina. When comparing the sizes of Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina or Siena in the Summer?

Both Siena and Piazza Armerina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Piazza Armerina for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Piazza Armerina is generally a little warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Piazza Armerina average around 26°C (79°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 Piazza Armerina. Piazza Armerina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during summer. Piazza Armerina gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Piazza Armerina usually receives less rain than Siena. Piazza Armerina gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Piazza Armerina 26°C (79°F) 
    Siena 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Piazza Armerina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

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

Piazza Armerina usually gets less rain in October than Siena. Piazza Armerina gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Piazza Armerina 19°C (67°F) 
    Siena 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Siena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Piazza Armerina and Siena. Most visitors come to Piazza Armerina for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Siena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Piazza Armerina is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Piazza Armerina in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Piazza Armerina usually receives more sunshine than Siena during winter. Piazza Armerina gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Piazza Armerina usually receives less rain than Siena. Piazza Armerina gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Piazza Armerina 10°C (51°F) 
    Siena 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Siena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Piazza Armerina as well as Siena. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In April, Piazza Armerina is generally a little warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Piazza Armerina average around 15°C (58°F), and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Piazza Armerina this time of the year. In the spring, Piazza Armerina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Siena. Piazza Armerina gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Piazza Armerina usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Piazza Armerina gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Piazza Armerina 15°C (58°F) 
    Siena 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Siena and Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina Siena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)