A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Siena vs. Rijeka for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Siena or Rijeka?

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

Siena

Siena is a romantic, charming, and medieval city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a slow-paced, coastal, and accessible town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Siena and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Siena or Rijeka?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rijeka than Siena. Rijeka is bigger than Siena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rijeka is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Siena is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Siena is more touristy than Rijeka and is known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Rijeka is well known for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. Also, Rijeka is famous for Trsat Castle.

How is Siena different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Siena is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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

Siena is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Siena is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Siena or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

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

Rijeka has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

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 Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Rijeka is a moderate town for its beaches. However, Siena is not a beach destination.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Siena or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Siena is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic 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.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Siena or Rijeka?

Both Siena and Rijeka are notable shopping destinations.

Siena is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Siena or Rijeka Better for Families?

Rijeka is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Rijeka is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

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 Rijeka Better for Couples?

Siena is renowned for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Siena or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Siena and Rijeka are notable 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 Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Siena or Rijeka Better for Students?

Siena is a well-known place for students. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

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

Both Siena and Rijeka offer notable 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.

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Siena or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Siena is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Siena?

How long in Siena or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Siena or Rijeka 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 Rijeka. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Siena than Rijeka. 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 Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

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.

In Rijeka, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this diverse destination offers. This town 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka. 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 Rijeka?

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.

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

A week in Siena or Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming 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 diverse destination of Rijeka. 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Siena or Rijeka?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Siena and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Siena are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Siena because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In July, Siena is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 23°C (73°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Rijeka. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Siena. Siena usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Siena gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Siena usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Siena gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Siena or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Siena during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Siena this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Siena is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Siena averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Siena often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka. Siena gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rijeka. Siena gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Siena and Rijeka. Many travelers come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rijeka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Siena is a little warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Siena in January average around 7°C (45°F), and Rijeka averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Siena usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Siena gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Siena usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Siena gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Siena or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Siena as well as Rijeka. Many visitors come to Siena in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Rijeka for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Siena is generally cooler than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 12°C (54°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Siena often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Siena gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Siena gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Siena