A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Siena vs. Sarajevo for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Siena or Sarajevo?

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

Siena

Siena is a history, beautiful, and romantic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a overlooked, quaint, and historical city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Siena and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Siena or Sarajevo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sarajevo than Siena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sarajevo is very popular for its food, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Siena attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Siena is more touristy than Sarajevo and is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Sarajevo is famous for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. It is also well known for The Old Town.

How is Siena different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Siena and Sarajevo have high quality 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 Sarajevo can be an interesting and educational experience. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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

Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Siena and Sarajevo.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Sarajevo. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Siena or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Siena and Sarajevo are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

Siena has a world-famous historical 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.

The historic old town of Sarajevo is revered around the world. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

Is Siena or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Siena is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Sarajevo specifically for its hiking. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Siena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Siena or Sarajevo?

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

Sarajevo is an extremely popular place for shoppers. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

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 Sarajevo Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Siena or Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not always a place people visit with their families. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Siena or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Siena is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

Siena is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Siena or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

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 Sarajevo Better for Students?

Siena is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is not popular with students.

Many students visit Siena. 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.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo is fairly effecient and thorough. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

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 Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Siena is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Siena?

How long in Siena or Sarajevo?

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

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

One day in Siena or Sarajevo?

The beautiful city of Siena offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Sarajevo, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural 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 Sarajevo?

Siena is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Siena, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarajevo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Sarajevo?

Siena is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Siena is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Sarajevo. 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Siena or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Siena and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Siena during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Siena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Siena is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Siena in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In Sarajevo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Siena. In the summer, Siena often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. Siena gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets less rain in July than Sarajevo. Siena gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Siena and Sarajevo. Most visitors come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Siena is generally around the same temperature as Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 16°C (61°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Siena usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during autumn. Siena gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Siena usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Siena gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Siena or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Siena as well as Sarajevo. The winter months attract visitors to Siena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

Siena is a little warmer than Sarajevo in the winter. The daily temperature in Siena averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Siena often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. Siena gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Siena usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Siena gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Siena are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Siena this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Siena is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Siena in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Siena usually receives more sunshine than Sarajevo during spring. Siena gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In April, Siena usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Siena gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Siena