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

Should you visit Siena or Florence?

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

Siena

Siena is a charming, medieval, and history city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Siena and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Siena or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence than Siena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Florence is more touristy than Siena and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also well known for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Siena is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Siena different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence 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 Florence that are not to be missed. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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 Siena or Florence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Florence 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.

Florence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Siena and Florence.

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 Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Siena or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Siena and Florence are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

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.

The historic old town of Florence is revered around the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Is the Shopping Better in Siena or Florence?

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

Florence is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

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 Florence Better for Families?

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

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

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 Florence Better for Couples?

Both Siena and Florence 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.

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

Is Siena or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is very popular for backpackers. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Florence is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Florence Better for Students?

Florence is very popular for students. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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.

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

Both Siena and Florence 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.

Florence has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Siena or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence 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 Florence on foot. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Siena?

How long in Siena or Florence?

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

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

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

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

One day in Siena or Florence?

The beautiful city of Siena offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Florence, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A weekend in Siena or Florence?

Siena is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Siena, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Siena is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Florence is a fun place to experience. In Florence, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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 Florence?

Siena is a great place to explore. 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. This city offers something for everyone.

In Florence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this iconic 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. 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 comparing the travel costs between Siena and Florence, we can see that Florence is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Siena or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Siena and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Siena as well as Florence. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Siena this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Siena is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Siena in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. 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 Florence. Siena gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Siena gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Siena are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

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

In October, Siena usually receives less rain than Florence. Siena gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Siena or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Siena during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Siena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Siena is around the same temperature as Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Siena averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

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

Siena usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Florence. Siena gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Florence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Siena and Florence. Most visitors come to Siena for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Florence because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Siena is cooler than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Siena in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Siena usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florence during spring. Siena gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Siena usually receives less rain than Florence. Siena gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Siena