A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Siena vs. Como for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Siena or Como?

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

Siena

Siena is a charming, medieval, and history city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Como

Como is a scenic, trendy, and fun lake area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Siena and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Siena or Como?

You'll generally find more things to do in Como than Siena. Como is bigger than Siena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Como is better known for its food, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Siena is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Como is more touristy than Siena and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Also, Como is famous for the lakeside setting. Siena is well known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Siena different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Siena is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

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

Como 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.

Como has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

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 Como Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Siena and Como.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Como. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Siena or Como Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Como to enjoy the beach. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Siena or Como Better for its Old Town?

Siena is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

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.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Siena or Como Better for Hiking?

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

Como is a popular spot for hiking. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Siena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Siena or Como?

Como is very popular for shopping. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Como is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

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 Siena or Como Better for Families?

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

Como is a very family-friendly place to visit. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

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 Como Better for Couples?

Both Siena and Como are terrific 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.

Como has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

Is Siena or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como 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 Como. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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 Como Better for Students?

Siena is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Como is not popular with students.

Siena is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Como is not popular with students.

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

Both Siena and Como 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.

Como has some public transit options. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Siena or Como a more walkable city?

Siena and Como both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Como is a very walkable city. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Siena?

How long in Siena or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Siena or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Como due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Siena, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

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

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

One day in Siena or Como?

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 Como, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this scenic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This lake area 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 Como?

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 Como. 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 Como?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the romantic 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.

Como is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Como. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Siena or Como?

The romantic 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 nightlife and food around the trendy destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Como, we can see that Como 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como 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 Como Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Siena or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Siena and Como, 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 Como?

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 Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Siena during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Siena this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Como, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Siena. In the summer, Siena often gets more sunshine than Como. Siena gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets less rain in July than Como. Siena gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Siena and Como. Many travelers come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Como in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Siena is around the same temperature as Como in the autumn. The daily temperature in Siena averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Siena usually receives more sunshine than Como during autumn. Siena gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Como receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Siena usually receives less rain than Como. Siena gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Siena or Como in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Siena as well as Como. Many visitors come to Siena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Como for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Como can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Siena is a little warmer than Como. Typically, the winter temperatures in Siena in January average around 7°C (45°F), and Como averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Siena often gets less sunshine than Como. Siena gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Como. Siena gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Siena are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Siena for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Como because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

Siena usually receives more sunshine than Como during spring. Siena gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Siena usually receives less rain than Como. Siena gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Siena