A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Porto vs. Siena for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Porto 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 Porto and Siena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a historic, cultural, and cosmopolitan port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Siena

Siena is a romantic, charming, and medieval city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Porto and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Siena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto than Siena, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Porto is more popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Siena is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Porto is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira. Siena is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Porto different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Porto or Siena.

Many visitors head to Porto specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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 Porto or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Porto has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

Siena has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Porto or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Porto has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

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 Porto or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its old town.

Siena has a world-famous historical area. 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 Porto to see the historical old town. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Siena?

If you're looking to go shopping, Porto and Siena both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Porto. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

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 Porto or Siena Better for Families?

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

Porto is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is very popular for romance. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its romantic activities.

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.

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Is Porto or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is very popular for backpackers. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Porto is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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 Porto or Siena Better for Students?

For students, both Porto and Siena are very good places to visit.

Porto is very popular with students. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

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

Porto 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 Porto is fairly effecient and thorough. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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 Porto or Siena a more walkable city?

Porto and Siena are very good when it comes to walkability.

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Porto?

How long in Porto or Siena?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Siena than Porto. 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 Porto 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 Porto.

One day in Porto or Siena?

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 shopping and museums that this history destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Porto or Siena?

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

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

Five days in Porto or Siena?

Porto is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A week in Porto or Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic big city of Porto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the history destination of Siena. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Siena?

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

Both Siena and Porto during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

Porto is cooler than Siena in the summer. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Siena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Porto. In the summer, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Siena. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Siena. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Siena. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Porto is around the same temperature as Siena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Porto in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Siena averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Siena. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Siena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Porto as well as Siena. Many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Siena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Porto is generally a little warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 10°C (50°F), and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Siena. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Siena. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Porto are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the natural beauty during these months.

Porto is a little warmer than Siena in the spring. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Siena during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In April, Porto usually receives more rain than Siena. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Porto