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

Should you visit Siena or Sibenik?

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 Sibenik 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Sibenik

Sibenik is a undiscovered, charming, and authentic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Siena and Sibenik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Siena or Sibenik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sibenik. Although Siena and Sibenik are both popular with visitors, Sibenik has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sibenik is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and small town charm, while Siena is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Siena is more touristy than Sibenik and is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Sibenik is popular for its photogenic beaches, charming old town, and surrounding natural beauty. It is also home to Krka National Park.

How is Siena different from Sibenik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Siena and Sibenik 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 Sibenik can be an interesting and educational experience. Despite being skipped by many international tourists, the town has a number of historical landmarks such as Sibenik Cathedral, St. Michael's Fortress, and the fascinating the Dalmatian Ethno Village.

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

Both Siena and Sibenik offer high quality 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.

Sibenik has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The restaurants are local and delicious. The old town has cafes that spill into the squares, so dining is a truly delightful experience. This is a hidden gem on the Adriatic.

Is Siena or Sibenik Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Siena and Sibenik.

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 Sibenik. During the summer months you'll find people filling the terraces and squares at night. There are also a number of festivals in and near town. If you're looking for nightlife, it's best to visit during one of these festivals.

Is Siena or Sibenik Better for Resorts?

Sibenik is very good for its resorts. However, Siena is not a resort destination.

Sibenik has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town has gained popularity in recent years and its become a popular summer resort destination for Europeans.

Siena is not a resort destination.

Is Siena or Sibenik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sibenik is a moderate town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Sibenik. There aren't as many snorkeling trips leaving from this town as other, more popular beach destinations in Croatia.

Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Siena or Sibenik Better for Beaches?

Sibenik is notable for its beaches. However, Siena is not a beach destination.

Sibenik is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are less crowded than those in the more popular nearby cities, but they are gaining popularity. In town, Banj Beach is a pebbly beach that is easy to access. Nearby Jadrija Beach is considered to be one of the most photogenic in the area and St. Nicholas Beach is one of the more remote.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Siena or Sibenik Better for its Old Town?

Siena is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Sibenik. The charming old town is car-free and filled with quaint streets and lovely cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Siena or Sibenik?

Both Siena and Sibenik are good 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 Sibenik. You'll find some local shops selling interesting trinkets and souvenirs.

Is Siena or Sibenik Better for Families?

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

Sibenik is a very family-friendly place to visit. It has grown into a popular summer resort destination. There are many outdoor activities in the area including kayaking, swimming, and boating. You should also take a day trip to Krka National Park to see the waterfalls. There are also some good beaches where families can hang out.

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 Sibenik Better for Couples?

Siena is renowned for romance. Also, Sibenik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Sibenik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The town is charming and filled with historic sights. There are also beaches and adventure sports for those looking for an adrenaline-filled vacation.

Is Siena or Sibenik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sibenik 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 Sibenik. The town has a large number of hostels to choose from, making this an easy and convenient stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Sibenik Better for Students?

Siena is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sibenik 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.

Sibenik is not popular with students.

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

Both Siena and Sibenik offer good 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.

Sibenik has some public transit options. There is a public bus system that can help you get around the area.

Is Siena or Sibenik a more walkable city?

Sibenik 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 Sibenik on foot. The old town is car-free and easily explored on foot.

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 Sibenik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sibenik or Siena?

How long in Siena or Sibenik?

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

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

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

One day in Siena or Sibenik?

In Siena, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Sibenik, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town 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 Sibenik?

In Siena, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Siena has to offer.

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

Siena is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Sibenik is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sibenik. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Siena or Sibenik?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Siena. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Siena. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Sibenik. Most people come for the beaches. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Siena or Sibenik?

Siena has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Sibenik. When comparing the sizes of Siena and Sibenik, 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 Sibenik?

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 Sibenik in the Summer?

Both Sibenik and Siena during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Siena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Sibenik for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Siena is cooler than Sibenik in the summer. The daily temperature in Siena averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Sibenik fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Sibenik, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Siena. In the summer, Siena often gets less sunshine than Sibenik. Siena gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sibenik receives 345 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets more rain in July than Sibenik. Siena gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Sibenik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Siena and Sibenik. Most visitors come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sibenik because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Siena is cooler than Sibenik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Siena in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Sibenik averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sibenik this time of the year. Siena usually receives less sunshine than Sibenik during autumn. Siena gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Sibenik receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Siena usually receives more rain than Sibenik. Siena gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Siena or Sibenik in the Winter?

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

In January, Siena is generally cooler than Sibenik. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 7°C (45°F), and Sibenik fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Siena often gets less sunshine than Sibenik. Siena gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sibenik receives 128 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets less rain in January than Sibenik. Siena gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Sibenik in the Spring?

Both Sibenik 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 Sibenik for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Siena is cooler than Sibenik in the spring. The daily temperature in Siena averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Sibenik fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Sibenik. Siena usually receives less sunshine than Sibenik during spring. Siena gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Sibenik receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Siena usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sibenik. Siena gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sibenik and Siena