A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Siena vs. Rome for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Siena or Rome?

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

Siena

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

Rome

Rome is a fun-filled, popular, and ancient 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 Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Siena or Rome?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rome than Siena. Rome is bigger than Siena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rome is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Siena is more popular for its historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Siena and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. Also, Rome is famous for The Colosseum. Siena is well known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

The Colosseum

How is Siena different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome 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 Rome that are not to be missed. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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 Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rome 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.

Rome has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

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

Rome is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome Better for Music?

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

Rome is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Siena is not a live music destination.

Is Siena or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Siena is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Siena offers plenty to see. 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.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Siena or Rome?

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

Rome is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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 Rome Better for Families?

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

Rome is a very family-friendly place to visit. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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 Rome Better for Couples?

Siena is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Rome is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Rome is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Siena or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is very popular for backpackers. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rome is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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 Rome Better for Students?

Rome 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 Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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

Rome 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.

Rome has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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 Rome a more walkable city?

Rome 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 Rome on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Siena?

How long in Siena or Rome?

Both Siena and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Siena. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Siena, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

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

One day in Siena or Rome?

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.

Each neighborhood in Rome has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Siena or Rome?

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 Rome. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Siena or Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the medieval 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.

Rome is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Rome has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Siena or Rome?

The medieval 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.

Each neighborhood in Rome has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Rome, we can see that Rome 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Siena or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Siena and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Siena and Rome. Many travelers come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Rome 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 Rome. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 23°C (73°F), and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome 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 Rome during summer. Siena gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Siena usually receives more rain than Rome. Siena gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Siena or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Siena as well as Rome. Many visitors come to Siena in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Rome 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 Rome in the autumn. The daily temperature in Siena averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Rome fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Siena often gets less sunshine than Rome. Siena gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets less rain in October than Rome. Siena gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Rome in the Winter?

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

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

Siena usually receives less sunshine than Rome during winter. Siena gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Siena usually receives less rain than Rome. Siena gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Siena or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and Siena during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Siena because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

In April, Siena is generally cooler than Rome. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 12°C (54°F), and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Siena often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rome. Siena gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets more rain in April than Rome. Siena gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rome and Siena