A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Siena vs. Milan for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Siena or Milan?

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

Siena

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

Milan

Milan is a cultural, trendy, and chic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Siena and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Siena or Milan?

You'll generally find more things to do in Milan than Siena. Milan is bigger than Siena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Siena is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Milan is well known for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. Also, Milan is famous for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Siena different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Siena and Milan have superb 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 Milan can be an interesting and educational experience. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

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

Milan 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.

Milan has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

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 Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is very popular for nightlife. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Milan is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

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 Milan Better for Music?

Milan is very popular for live music. However, Siena is not a live music destination.

Milan is a world class music destination. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Siena is not a live music destination.

Is Siena or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Siena and Milan 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 Milan is revered around the world. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

Is the Shopping Better in Siena or Milan?

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

Milan is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

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 Milan Better for Families?

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

Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

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 Milan Better for Couples?

Siena is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Siena is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Milan is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Is Siena or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan 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 Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

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 Milan Better for Students?

Milan 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 Milan. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

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 Milan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Milan is very popular for its public transit. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Milan has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Siena has some 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.

Is Siena or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan 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 Milan on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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 Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or Siena?

How long in Siena or Milan?

In either Siena or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Siena because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Siena, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

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

One day in Siena or Milan?

In Siena, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This 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 Milan?

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

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

Siena is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Siena. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Milan is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Milan?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the trendy big city of Milan. 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Siena and Milan, we can see that Milan 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 Milan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milan 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 Milan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Siena or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Siena and Milan, 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 Milan?

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 Milan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Siena as well as Milan. Many travelers come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Milan in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. In the summer, Siena often gets more sunshine than Milan. Siena gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Siena or Milan in the Autumn?

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

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

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

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

Should I visit Siena or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Siena during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Milan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

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

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

Should I visit Siena or Milan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Siena and Milan. The spring months attract visitors to Siena because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Milan and Siena