A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Siena vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Siena

Siena is a romantic, charming, and medieval city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a breathtaking, inspiring, and iconic island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Siena and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Siena. Although Siena and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations, Siena has more sights and attractions for tourists. Siena is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Mont-Saint-Michel attracts visitors for its museums and hiking. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Siena and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Siena is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. It is also well known for Piazza del Campo.

How is Siena different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel that are not to be missed. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Siena is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Siena is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Siena has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Siena is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Siena is revered around 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Siena is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Siena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Siena is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Siena offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not always a place people visit with their families. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Both Siena and Mont-Saint-Michel are fantastic 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Is Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Siena and Mont-Saint-Michel are nice destinations for backpackers.

Siena is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Siena is a great destination for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Is Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Siena and Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel has some public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Siena and Mont-Saint-Michel both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable city. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Siena Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Siena?

How long in Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. In our opinion, Siena has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Siena than Mont-Saint-Michel. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Siena than Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 Siena than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Siena.

One day in Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Siena, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, many people enjoy the food and museums that this historic destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This island 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the romantic city of Siena, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the romantic destination of Siena. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Siena is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and food around the religious destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Siena has a larger population, and is about 660 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Siena and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Siena and Mont-Saint-Michel. The summer months attract visitors to Siena because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In the summer, Siena is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Siena in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mont-Saint-Michel this time of the year. In Siena, it's very sunny this time of the year. Siena usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Siena gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Siena usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Siena gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Siena as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Siena this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Siena is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 16°C (61°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Siena often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Siena gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Siena gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Siena are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Siena is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter. The daily temperature in Siena averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Siena usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Siena gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Siena usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mont-Saint-Michel. Siena gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Siena or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Siena during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Siena in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Siena is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Siena in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Siena often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel. Siena gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Siena gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Siena