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

Should you visit San Sebastian or Siena?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a fun-filled, beautiful, and splendid city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Siena

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

San Sebastian and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Sebastian or Siena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Sebastian than Siena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. San Sebastian is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Siena attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. San Sebastian is famous for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. It is also well known for La Concha Bay. Siena is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is San Sebastian different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Sebastian or Siena?

Siena is notable for its sights and museums. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around San Sebastian. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

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

San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

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 San Sebastian or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

San Sebastian has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

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 San Sebastian or Siena Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is very good for its resorts. However, Siena is not a resort destination.

San Sebastian has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Siena is not a resort destination.

Is San Sebastian or Siena Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is notable for its beaches. However, Siena is not a beach destination.

San Sebastian is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is San Sebastian or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is very popular for its old town. However, San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Sebastian or Siena?

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

San Sebastian is an extremely popular place for shoppers. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

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 San Sebastian or Siena Better for Families?

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

San Sebastian is a very family-friendly place to visit. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

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 San Sebastian or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

San Sebastian makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

Is San Sebastian or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

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 San Sebastian or Siena Better for Students?

San Sebastian and Siena are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

San Sebastian is a great city to visit as a student. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

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

Both San Sebastian and Siena offer nice public transit options.

San Sebastian has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

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 San Sebastian or Siena a more walkable city?

San Sebastian and Siena both are excellent when exploring on foot.

San Sebastian is a very walkable city. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or San Sebastian?

How long in San Sebastian or Siena?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Siena than San Sebastian. 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 San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

One day in San Sebastian or Siena?

In San Sebastian, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming 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 San Sebastian or Siena?

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

San Sebastian is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of San Sebastian. Lots of people come for the food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the history 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 San Sebastian or Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the fun-filled destination of San Sebastian. Most people come for the beaches. 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 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, 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 San Sebastian and Siena, we can see that Siena is more expensive. And not only is San Sebastian much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Sebastian would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

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

Which is Bigger, San Sebastian or Siena?

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

Both Siena and San Sebastian are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Siena because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, San Sebastian is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 20°C (68°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 San Sebastian. San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Siena during summer. San Sebastian gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Siena. San Sebastian gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and San Sebastian during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

San Sebastian is around the same temperature as Siena in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Siena. San Sebastian gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in October than Siena. San Sebastian gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Siena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Sebastian and Siena. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, San Sebastian is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Sebastian in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).

San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Siena during winter. San Sebastian gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Siena. San Sebastian gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Siena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to San Sebastian as well as Siena. Many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, San Sebastian is generally around the same temperature as Siena. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 12°C (54°F), and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Siena. San Sebastian gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in April than Siena. San Sebastian gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Siena and San Sebastian