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

Should you visit Siena or Pisa?

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

Siena

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

Pisa

Pisa is a classic, charming, and iconic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Siena and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Siena or Pisa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pisa than Siena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Pisa is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Siena attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Siena is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Pisa is famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. It is also well known for The Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Siena different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Siena and Pisa have great 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 Pisa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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

Both Siena and Pisa offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Siena makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Pisa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Siena or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

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

Pisa has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

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 Pisa Better for Beaches?

Pisa is very good for its beaches. However, Siena is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Pisa to enjoy the beach. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Siena or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Siena is terrific for its old town. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Siena has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Is the Shopping Better in Siena or Pisa?

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

Pisa is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa Better for Families?

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

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

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 Pisa Better for Couples?

Siena is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Siena makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Siena or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa 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 Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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 Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa 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 Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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

Both Siena and Pisa 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.

Pisa has some public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Siena or Pisa a more walkable city?

Siena and Pisa both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Pisa is a very walkable city. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Siena?

How long in Siena or Pisa?

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

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

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

One day in Siena or Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Siena. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Pisa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this world-famous 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.

A weekend in Siena or Pisa?

Siena is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the romantic destination of Siena. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

The romantic city of Siena offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the world-famous destination of Pisa. 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 comparing the travel costs between Siena and Pisa, 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 Pisa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Siena or Pisa?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Siena and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Siena as well as Pisa. Most visitors come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

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

Siena usually gets more rain in July than Pisa. Siena gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Pisa in the Autumn?

Both Pisa and Siena are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Siena because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

In October, Siena is generally around the same temperature as Pisa. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 16°C (61°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. In October, Siena usually receives less rain than Pisa. Siena gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Siena or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa and Siena during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Siena this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

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

Siena usually gets less rain in January than Pisa. Siena gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Pisa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Siena and Pisa. Many travelers come to Siena for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pisa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Siena is around the same temperature as Pisa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Siena in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Pisa averages at about 13°C (55°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Pisa and Siena