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

Should you visit Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a park-filled, industrial, and undiscovered city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Siena

Siena is a history, beautiful, and romantic city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Siena?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Siena than Saint-Etienne. While Saint-Etienne is larger than Siena, Siena has more sights and attractions for tourists. Siena is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its hiking. Siena is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. It is also well known for Piazza del Campo. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Siena?

Siena is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Siena. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Etienne or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Siena is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint-Etienne or Siena Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Saint-Etienne and Siena.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

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.

Is Saint-Etienne or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Siena Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Siena is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint-Etienne. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Siena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Siena?

Siena is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Saint-Etienne or Siena Better for Families?

Saint-Etienne is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to 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 Saint-Etienne or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Saint-Etienne or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Siena is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Saint-Etienne or Siena Better for Students?

Siena is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Saint-Etienne and Siena both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Siena has a few 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 Saint-Etienne or Siena a more walkable city?

Siena is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting? and Is Siena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Siena or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Siena than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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.

One day in Saint-Etienne or Siena?

In Saint-Etienne, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this park-filled destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the medieval destination of Siena. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Saint-Etienne or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or Siena?

Saint-Etienne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the destination of Saint-Etienne. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming destination of Siena. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Saint-Etienne or Siena?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Saint-Etienne. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Siena. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Siena?

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

Both Siena and Saint-Etienne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint-Etienne is generally around the same temperature as Siena. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 22°C (71°F), and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Siena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint-Etienne. In the summer, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Siena. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets more rain in July than Siena. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Siena. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Saint-Etienne is cooler than Siena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Siena during autumn. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Siena. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Siena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Siena. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Siena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint-Etienne can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint-Etienne is much colder than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint-Etienne in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Siena. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in January than Siena. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In April, Saint-Etienne is generally around the same temperature as Siena. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 11°C (53°F), and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Siena during spring. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint-Etienne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Siena. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Saint-Etienne