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

Should you visit Siena or Bari?

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 Bari can help you decide which place is right for you.

Siena

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

Bari

Bari is a authentic, local, and cultural port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Siena and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Siena or Bari?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bari than Siena. Bari is bigger than Siena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bari is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Siena is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Siena is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Bari is well known for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. Also, Bari is famous for San Nicola.

How is Siena different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bari 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 Bari?

Both Siena and Bari have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

Many visitors head to Siena specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bari can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Bari 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.

Bari has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Bari Better for Nightlife?

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

Bari has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

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 Bari Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Bari to enjoy the beach. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Siena or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Siena is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

Siena has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Siena or Bari?

Both Siena and Bari are notable 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 Bari. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Siena or Bari Better for Families?

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

Bari is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Bari Better for Couples?

Siena is terrific for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Siena or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari 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 Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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 Siena or Bari Better for Students?

Siena and Bari are both high quality destinations for students and younger travelers.

Siena is very popular with students. 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.

Bari is a great city to visit as a student. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

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

Both Siena and Bari offer notable 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.

Bari has some public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Siena or Bari a more walkable city?

Siena and Bari both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Bari is a very walkable city. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Siena?

How long in Siena or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Siena and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bari than in Siena. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Siena, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bari 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 Bari.

One day in Siena or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Siena. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Bari, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port 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 Siena or Bari?

Siena is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. 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 Siena or Bari?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Siena. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bari is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bari. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Siena or Bari?

The beautiful city of Siena offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Bari. 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 plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Bari, we can see that Siena is more expensive. And not only is Bari much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bari would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bari 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 Bari.

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

Which is Bigger, Siena or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Siena and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Siena or Bari in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Siena as well as Bari. Many visitors come to Siena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Siena is generally around the same temperature as Bari. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 23°C (73°F), and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. In the summer, Siena often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Siena gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Siena gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Siena are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bari because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Siena is cooler than Bari in the autumn. The daily temperature in Siena averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Siena usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during autumn. Siena gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Siena usually receives more rain than Bari. Siena gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Siena or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and Siena during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Siena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In the winter, Siena is cooler than Bari. Typically, the winter temperatures in Siena in January average around 7°C (45°F), and Bari averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Siena often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Siena gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bari. Siena gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Bari in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Siena and Bari. The natural beauty are the main draw to Siena this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bari for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Siena is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 12°C (54°F), and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. Siena usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during spring. Siena gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Siena usually receives more rain than Bari. Siena gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Siena