A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Reims vs. Siena for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Reims or Siena?

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

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

Reims

Reims is a relaxing, scenic, and cultural city. 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 charming, medieval, and history city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Reims and Siena: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • 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 Reims or Siena?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Siena than Reims. While Reims is larger than Siena, Siena has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Siena is better known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Reims is more popular for its food and shopping. Reims is well known for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. Siena is well known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Also, Siena is famous for Piazza del Campo.

How is Reims different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Reims
Siena

Siena is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.


Is the Food Better in Reims or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Reims
Siena

Reims 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.

Reims has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims or Siena Better for Nightlife?

Reims
Siena

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Reims and Siena.

Reims has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

If you're looking for night time activities Siena has a few options to choose from. 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 Reims or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Reims
Siena

Siena is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Reims does not have a historic 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.

Reims does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Reims or Siena?

Reims
Siena

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

Reims is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

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 Reims or Siena Better for Families?

Reims
Siena

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

Reims doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

For families, Siena is not always the best place to visit. 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 Reims or Siena Better for Couples?

Reims
Siena

Reims and Siena are both terrific to visit as a couple.

Reims has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

Siena is a great city for couples, as it 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.


Is Reims or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reims
Siena

Reims and Siena are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Siena is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Reims or Siena Better for Students?

Reims
Siena

Siena is well known for students. However, Reims 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.

Reims is not popular with students.

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

Reims
Siena

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Reims and Siena.

You'll find some public transit in Reims, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

While Siena offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.


Is Reims or Siena a more walkable city?

Reims
Siena

Reims and Siena both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Reims is a very walkable destination. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Reims?

How long in Reims or Siena?

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

Families should spend more time in Siena than Reims. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Siena than Reims 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 Reims or Siena? Ideal Length of Stay
    Reims 2-5 
    Siena 1-2

One day in Reims or Siena?

In Reims, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This 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 beautiful 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 Reims or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reims. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Reims or Siena?

Reims is a fun place to experience. In Reims, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Reims or Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Reims. 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 beautiful 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 Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Siena or Reims?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Reims is €131, 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 Reims and Siena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Reims 66
    Siena 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Reims 132
    Siena 138
Compare Hotels in Reims and Siena

Looking for a hotel in Reims 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 Reims


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: Reims Hotel Prices and Siena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Reims 39
    Siena 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reims

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Reims:

  • Private Transfer From Reims To Paris, 2 Hour Stop in Epernay: $227
  • From Transfer and Drive Through the Champagne Region: $856

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Siena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Siena:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Reims or Siena?

Prices for flights to both Siena and Reims 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
    Reims 40
    Siena 51

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.
    Reims 19
    Siena 3.75

Tours and Activities in Reims

Here are a few actual costs in Reims for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Reims Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.95
  • Guided Tour of Cathedral of Notre Dame de Reims: $9.62
  • Reims UNESCO site: Basilica of Saint-Remi Guided Tour: $9.62
  • Reims Art Deco guided tour: $9.62
  • Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame Guided Tour: $9.83
  • Reims : city-center discovery tour and champagne tasting: $16
  • Discovery tour (2 tastings): $20
  • Entrance ticket to Pressoria in the heart of Champagne with Tasting: $20
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $27

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
    Reims 22
    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: $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 comparing the travel costs between Reims 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 Reims Expensive? and Is Siena Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Reims or Siena?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Reims and Siena. Most visitors come to Reims for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Siena because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Reims is cooler than Siena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Reims in July average around 19°C (65°F), and Siena averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. In Reims, it's very sunny this time of the year. Reims usually receives less sunshine than Siena during summer. Reims gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Reims usually receives more rain than Siena. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Reims 19°C (65°F) 
    Siena 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Reims or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Reims as well as Siena. The autumn months attract visitors to Reims because of the shopping 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 October, Reims is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in Reims average around 12°C (53°F), and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Reims often gets less sunshine than Siena. Reims gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets less rain in October than Siena. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Reims 12°C (53°F) 
    Siena 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Reims or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Reims are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Reims this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Reims in the winter. Reims is much colder than Siena in the winter. The daily temperature in Reims averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Reims usually receives less sunshine than Siena during winter. Reims gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Reims usually receives less rain than Siena. Reims gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Reims 3°C (37°F) 
    Siena 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Reims or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Reims during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Reims for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Siena in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Reims is cooler than Siena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Reims in April average around 9°C (49°F), and Siena averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Reims often gets less sunshine than Siena. Reims gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Reims gets 43 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
    Reims 9°C (49°F) 
    Siena 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Siena and Reims

Reims Siena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 19°C (65°F) 52 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)