A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Sorrento vs. Siena for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Sorrento or Siena?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sorrento and Siena can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a relaxing, accessible, and laid back small 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 hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Siena

Siena is a medieval, history, and beautiful city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sorrento and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sorrento or Siena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sorrento. Although Sorrento and Siena are both popular with visitors, Sorrento has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sorrento is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Siena is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Sorrento is popular for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also home to Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. Siena is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Sorrento different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Siena and Sorrento. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sorrento or Siena?

Siena is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Siena. 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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento 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.

Sorrento has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

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 Sorrento or Siena Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Sorrento or Siena has a better nightlife scene.

Sorrento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

If you're looking for night time activities Siena has a few options to choose from. 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 Sorrento or Siena Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is notable for its resorts. However, Siena is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Sorrento. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Siena is not a resort destination.

Is Sorrento or Siena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a moderate small city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sorrento or Siena Better for Beaches?

Sorrento is very good for its beaches. However, Siena is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Sorrento to enjoy the beach. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Sorrento or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is renowned for its historic old town. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Sorrento or Siena Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Siena is not a hiking destination.

Sorrento is a popular spot for hiking. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Siena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sorrento or Siena?

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

Sorrento is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

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 Sorrento or Siena Better for Families?

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

Sorrento is a very family-friendly place to visit. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of 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 Sorrento or Siena Better for Couples?

Both Sorrento and Siena are amazing destinations for a couple's getaway.

Sorrento is a great small city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

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.

Is Sorrento or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Sorrento is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

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 Sorrento or Siena Better for Students?

Siena is a great destination for students. However, Sorrento is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in 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.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

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

Sorrento 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 Sorrento is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

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 Sorrento or Siena a more walkable city?

Sorrento and Siena both are superb when exploring on foot.

Sorrento is very walkable. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Sorrento?

How long in Sorrento or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sorrento or Siena to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sorrento than Siena because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sorrento, and 1-2 days is enough time in Siena.

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

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

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

One day in Sorrento or Siena?

In Sorrento, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this laid back destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This small 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.

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.

A weekend in Sorrento or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sorrento. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

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.

Five days in Sorrento or Siena?

Sorrento is a fun place to experience. In Sorrento, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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.

A week in Sorrento or Siena?

In Sorrento, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this historic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Sorrento and Siena, we can see that Sorrento is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Sorrento or Siena?

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

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 Sorrento or Siena in the Summer?

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

Sorrento is around the same temperature as Siena in the summer. The daily temperature in Sorrento averages around 23°C (74°F) in July, and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. In Sorrento, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sorrento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during summer. Sorrento gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sorrento usually receives less rain than Siena. Sorrento gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sorrento or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sorrento as well as Siena. Most visitors come to Sorrento for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Siena because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Sorrento is around the same temperature as Siena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sorrento in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Siena averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Sorrento often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Siena. Sorrento gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

Sorrento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sorrento usually gets more rain in October than Siena. Sorrento gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sorrento or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Sorrento are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

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

Sorrento usually receives more sunshine than Siena during winter. Sorrento gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. In January, Sorrento usually receives more rain than Siena. Sorrento gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sorrento or Siena in the Spring?

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

Sorrento is around the same temperature as Siena in the spring. The daily temperature in Sorrento averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Sorrento often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Siena. Sorrento gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Sorrento usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Siena. Sorrento gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Siena and Sorrento