A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Siena vs. Amalfi for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Siena or Amalfi?

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 Siena and Amalfi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Siena

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

Amalfi

Amalfi is a stunning, dramatic, and charming town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Siena and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Siena or Amalfi?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Amalfi. Although Siena and Amalfi are popular destinations, Amalfi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Amalfi is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Siena attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Amalfi is more touristy than Siena and is known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also well known for the dramatic coastline. Siena is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Siena different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Amalfi 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.

Amalfi has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around 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 Siena or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

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

Amalfi has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

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 Siena or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Siena or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Amalfi is very good for its beaches. However, Siena is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Amalfi to enjoy the beach. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Siena or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Siena is an amazing city to visit for its old town. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Is Siena or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Siena is not a hiking destination.

Amalfi is a popular spot for hiking. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Siena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Siena or Amalfi?

Both Siena and Amalfi are nice shopping destinations.

Siena is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Amalfi. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Siena or Amalfi Better for Families?

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

Amalfi is a family-friendly place to visit. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

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 Siena or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Both Siena and Amalfi are amazing destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Amalfi has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

Is Siena or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Siena is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Siena or Amalfi Better for Students?

Siena is well known for students. However, Amalfi is not popular with students.

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.

Amalfi is not popular with students.

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

Both Siena and Amalfi offer nice public transit options.

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.

Amalfi has some public transit options. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Siena or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is very popular for its walkability. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Amalfi on foot. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Siena?

How long in Siena or Amalfi?

Both Siena and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Siena. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Siena, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

Couples should spend more time in Amalfi than Siena. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Amalfi that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Siena than Amalfi 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 Siena or Amalfi?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Siena. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Amalfi, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This town 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.

A weekend in Siena or Amalfi?

Siena is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Siena or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Siena. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amalfi is a fun place to experience. In Amalfi, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. 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.

A week in Siena or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the medieval destination of Siena. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Amalfi, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this dramatic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. 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 often enough time to do most activities.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Siena and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi is more expensive. And not only is Siena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Siena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Siena 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 Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi than you might in Siena.

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

Which is Bigger, Siena or Amalfi?

Siena has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Siena and Amalfi, 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 Siena or Amalfi?

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 Siena or Amalfi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Siena and Amalfi. Many travelers come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Amalfi in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Siena is around the same temperature as Amalfi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Siena in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Amalfi averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amalfi this time of the year. In Siena, it's very sunny this time of the year. Siena usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during summer. Siena gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Siena usually receives more rain than Amalfi. Siena gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Siena or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Siena as well as Amalfi. Many visitors come to Siena in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Amalfi for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Siena is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 16°C (61°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Siena often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Siena gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Siena usually gets less rain in October than Amalfi. Siena gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Amalfi in the Winter?

Both Amalfi and Siena are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Siena is cooler than Amalfi in the winter. The daily temperature in Siena averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Amalfi fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Siena usually receives less sunshine than Amalfi during winter. Siena gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Amalfi. In January, Siena usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Siena gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Siena or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Siena during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Siena because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

In the spring, Siena is around the same temperature as Amalfi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Siena in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Amalfi averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Siena often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Siena gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Amalfi. Siena gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Siena