A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santiago de Compostela vs. Siena for Attractions, Old Town, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Siena?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Siena? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a historic, religious, and inspirational city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Siena

Siena is a beautiful, romantic, and charming city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santiago de Compostela or Siena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Siena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its museums, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Siena attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Siena and is known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. It is also well known for the Cathedral of Santiago. Siena is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santiago de Compostela or Siena?

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Santiago de Compostela that are not to be missed. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Santiago de Compostela and Siena.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santiago de Compostela. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

Siena has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Santiago de Compostela or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Santiago de Compostela has plenty to do after the sun goes down. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Siena Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the world-class old towns in both Santiago de Compostela and Siena.

Santiago de Compostela has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

The old town of Siena is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Siena Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Siena is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Siena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or Siena?

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

Santiago de Compostela is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Siena Better for Families?

Santiago de Compostela is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Santiago de Compostela is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Siena makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city for couples to visit. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Siena Better for Students?

Siena is well known for students. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Siena is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

It's common for students to visit Santiago de Compostela. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Santiago de Compostela and Siena.

You'll find some public transit in Santiago de Compostela, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Siena a more walkable city?

Santiago de Compostela and Siena both are great when exploring on foot.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable city. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting? and Is Siena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Siena or Santiago de Compostela?

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Siena?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Santiago de Compostela or Siena?

In Santiago de Compostela, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this inspirational 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.

The city of Siena offers museums and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A weekend in Santiago de Compostela or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 medieval destination of Siena offers nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Santiago de Compostela or Siena?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Siena. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Santiago de Compostela or Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the iconic destination of Santiago de Compostela. 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.

Siena is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Siena. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours 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 Santiago de Compostela and Siena, we can see that Siena is more expensive. And not only is Santiago de Compostela much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santiago de Compostela would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

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

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Siena?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela or Siena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago de Compostela and Siena. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Santiago de Compostela is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 19°C (66°F), and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Siena during summer. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Santiago de Compostela usually receives less rain than Siena. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as Siena. Many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Santiago de Compostela often gets less sunshine than Siena. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santiago de Compostela usually gets more rain in October than Siena. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Santiago de Compostela is much warmer than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during winter. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. In January, Santiago de Compostela usually receives more rain than Siena. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Santiago de Compostela during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Siena because of the natural beauty.

In April, Santiago de Compostela is generally around the same temperature as Siena. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 13°C (55°F), and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Santiago de Compostela often gets less sunshine than Siena. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela usually gets more rain in April than Siena. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Siena and Santiago de Compostela