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

Should you visit Siena or Zagreb?

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

Siena

Siena is a history, beautiful, and romantic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a historic, beautiful, and authentic city. 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 Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Siena or Zagreb?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zagreb than Siena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Zagreb is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Siena attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Siena is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also well known for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Siena different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Siena and Zagreb 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 Zagreb can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historical sights around town, particularly in the historic Upper Town. Make sure you visit the Zagreb Cathedral, the Museum of Broken Relationships, Lotrscak Tower, and the historic Stone Gate.

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

Both Siena and Zagreb 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.

Zagreb has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food is heartier than you might expect with many recipes that involve stew or dumplings. Cheese and meat are common ingredients as well, with far less seafood than you'll find in the coastal cities. Popular dishes include Zagrebački odrezak (a rolled up ham, cheese, and veal sandwich), Štrukli (dough filled with cheese), and Ajngemahtec (vegetarian stew).

Is Siena or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

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

Zagreb has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are a huge number of live music venues, clubs, and bars around town where locals hang out late into the evening. The city's nightlife has a more local vibe than other Croatian cities, so you can party with the students and residents and get a true feel for the Croatian culture.

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 Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Siena is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The rich history of Siena can be explored in its historical center. 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 Zagreb. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Siena or Zagreb?

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

Zagreb is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

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 Zagreb Better for Families?

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

Zagreb is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with parks where kids can run around. There are also kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Illusions and markets that are fun for the whole family. While it doesn't have the coastal activities that many Croatian towns offer, this is a unique city in its own way.

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 Zagreb Better for Couples?

Siena is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Zagreb is a good city for couples to visit. Filled with history and beautiful parks, this often overlooked Croatian city actually has a lot that couples can enjoy. The historical monuments offer a glimpse into the country's past and the markets let you experience a more authentic side to what has become a very touristy country.

Is Siena or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb 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 Zagreb. Because it's not the most touristy city, prices are reasonable. There are also a wide range of hostels in town where you can meet other backpackers and enjoy the fun environment.

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 Zagreb Better for Students?

Siena and Zagreb are both high quality destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Zagreb is a great city to visit as a student. There's an endless supply of bars and cafes where students hang out. This is a great student city that offers access to many beautiful parts of Croatia and Europe in general.

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

Zagreb 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 Zagreb is fairly effecient and thorough. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

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 Zagreb a more walkable city?

Siena and Zagreb both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Zagreb is a very walkable city. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Siena?

How long in Siena or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Siena or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Zagreb due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Siena, and 2-4 days is enough time in Zagreb.

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

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

One day in Siena or Zagreb?

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 Zagreb, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb. 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 Zagreb?

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.

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic 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 historic destination of Zagreb. 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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Siena or Zagreb?

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

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Siena and Zagreb. Many visitors come to Siena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Siena is around the same temperature as Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Siena in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In Siena, it's very sunny this time of the year. Siena usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Siena gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Siena usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Siena gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Siena or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Siena as well as Zagreb. 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 Zagreb because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Siena is generally a little warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 16°C (61°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Siena often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Siena gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Siena gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Siena are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Zagreb this time of year.

It's quite cold in Zagreb in the winter. Siena is much warmer than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Siena averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Siena usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Siena gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Siena usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Siena gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Siena or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Siena during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Siena this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zagreb for the activities around the city.

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

In the spring, Siena often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Siena gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Zagreb. Siena gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Siena