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

Should you visit Siena or Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a authentic, historic, and charming capital city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Siena and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Siena or Ljubljana?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ljubljana than Siena, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ljubljana is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Siena is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Siena is more touristy than Ljubljana and is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Ljubljana is popular for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. It is also home to The Ljubljana Castle.

How is Siena different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Siena is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its sights and museums.

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.

Ljubljana offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

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

Siena is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Siena. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Ljubljana. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

Is Siena or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Siena and Ljubljana.

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 Ljubljana. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

Is Siena or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Siena is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its 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.

Ljubljana is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

Is the Shopping Better in Siena or Ljubljana?

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

Ljubljana is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

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 Ljubljana Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Siena or Ljubljana as a family destination.

Siena is not the most family-friendly destination. 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.

Ljubljana is not always a place people visit with their families. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is Siena or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

Siena is renowned for romance. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its romantic activities.

Siena has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Ljubljana makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Siena or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great for backpackers and budget 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 Ljubljana Better for Students?

Siena is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for 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.

Ljubljana is a good city to visit for students. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

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

Both Siena and Ljubljana offer good 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.

Ljubljana has some public transit options. There is a city bus system.

Is Siena or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Siena and Ljubljana both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Ljubljana is a very walkable city. It is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Siena?

How long in Siena or Ljubljana?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Siena than Ljubljana. 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 Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana.

One day in Siena or Ljubljana?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Siena. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Siena has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ljubljana, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This capital 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 Ljubljana?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Siena. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the medieval city of Siena. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ljubljana is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ljubljana. 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 Ljubljana?

Siena is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Ljubljana. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Siena and Ljubljana, we can see that Siena is more expensive. And not only is Ljubljana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ljubljana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana.

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

Which is Bigger, Siena or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Siena and Ljubljana, 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 Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana in the Summer?

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

Siena is around the same temperature as Ljubljana in the summer. The daily temperature in Siena averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. In the summer, Siena often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Siena gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Siena usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Siena gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Siena is a little warmer than Ljubljana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Siena in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Siena usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Siena gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In October, Siena usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Siena gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Siena or Ljubljana in the Winter?

Both Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ljubljana can be very cold during winter. In January, Siena is generally much warmer than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 7°C (45°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Siena often gets more sunshine than Ljubljana. Siena gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets less rain in January than Ljubljana. Siena gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Ljubljana in the Spring?

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

Siena is around the same temperature as Ljubljana in the spring. The daily temperature in Siena averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Siena usually receives more sunshine than Ljubljana during spring. Siena gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Siena usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Siena gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Siena