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

Should you visit Siena or Naples?

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

Siena

Siena is a charming, medieval, and history city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Naples

Naples is a colorful, fascinating, and historic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Siena and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Siena or Naples?

You'll generally find more things to do in Naples than Siena. Naples is bigger than Siena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Naples is better known for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Siena is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Siena is more touristy than Naples and is known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Naples is well known for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. Also, Naples is famous for Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Siena different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Siena and Naples have excellent 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 Naples can be an interesting and educational experience. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

Naples 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.

Naples has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

Naples is notable for nightlife. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Naples has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

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 Naples Better for its Old Town?

Siena is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is the Shopping Better in Siena or Naples?

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

Naples is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

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 Naples Better for Families?

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

Naples is a family-friendly place to visit. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

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 Naples Better for Couples?

Siena is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Naples is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Siena or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples 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 Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

Siena is well known for students. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Naples is notable 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.

Public transit in Naples is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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 Naples a more walkable city?

Siena and Naples both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Naples is a very walkable city. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Siena?

How long in Siena or Naples?

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

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

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

One day in Siena or Naples?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Siena. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Each neighborhood in Naples has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Naples?

Siena is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Siena. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Naples is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Naples. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Naples?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic destination of Siena. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic big city of Naples. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 comparing the travel costs between Siena and Naples, we can see that Siena 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 Naples Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Siena or Naples?

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

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 Naples in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Siena and Naples. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Siena this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Siena is generally around the same temperature as Naples. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 23°C (73°F), and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Naples this time of the year. In Siena, it's very sunny this time of the year. Siena usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Naples during summer. Siena gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Siena usually receives more rain than Naples. Siena gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Siena or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Siena as well as Naples. Many travelers come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Naples in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Siena is around the same temperature as Naples in the autumn. The daily temperature in Siena averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Siena often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Naples. Siena gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Siena usually gets less rain in October than Naples. Siena gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Naples in the Winter?

Both Naples and Siena are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Siena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Siena is cooler than Naples. Typically, the winter temperatures in Siena in January average around 7°C (45°F), and Naples averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Siena usually receives less sunshine than Naples during winter. Siena gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. In January, Siena usually receives less rain than Naples. Siena gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Siena or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Siena during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Siena for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Naples because of the activities around the city.

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

In the spring, Siena often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Naples. Siena gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Naples. Siena gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Naples and Siena