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

Should you visit Strasbourg or Siena?

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 Strasbourg and Siena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a impressive, quaint, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Siena

Siena is a romantic, charming, and medieval city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Strasbourg and Siena: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Strasbourg or Siena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Strasbourg than Siena, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Strasbourg is more popular for its shopping, while Siena is known for its impressive beauty. Strasbourg is popular for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. It is also home to The Strasbourg Cathedral. Siena is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Strasbourg different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Strasbourg
Siena

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Strasbourg or Siena.

Many visitors head to Strasbourg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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 Strasbourg or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Strasbourg
Siena

Foodies will find both Strasbourg and Siena both to be very good destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Strasbourg. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Siena. 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 Strasbourg or Siena Better for Nightlife?

Strasbourg
Siena

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Strasbourg and Siena.

If you're looking for night time activities Strasbourg has a few options to choose from. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

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.

Is Strasbourg or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg
Siena

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

The historic old town of Strasbourg is revered around the world. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

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.


Is the Shopping Better in Strasbourg or Siena?

Strasbourg
Siena

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

Strasbourg is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg or Siena Better for Families?

Strasbourg
Siena

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

Strasbourg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg or Siena Better for Couples?

Strasbourg
Siena

Siena is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Siena 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.

Strasbourg is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.


Is Strasbourg or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Strasbourg
Siena

For backpackers, both Strasbourg and Siena are good places to visit.

Strasbourg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

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 Strasbourg or Siena Better for Students?

Strasbourg
Siena

Siena is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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.

Strasbourg is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

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

Strasbourg
Siena

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

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 Strasbourg or Siena a more walkable city?

Strasbourg
Siena

Strasbourg and Siena are very good when it comes to walkability.

Strasbourg is very walkable. One of the best ways to explore the city is 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 Strasbourg Worth Visiting? and Is Siena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Siena or Strasbourg?

How long in Strasbourg or Siena?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Strasbourg or Siena? Ideal Length of Stay
    Strasbourg 2-3 
    Siena 1-2

One day in Strasbourg or Siena?

In Strasbourg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this picturesque 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.

With museums and nightlife around the history city of Siena, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Siena, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Strasbourg or Siena?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Siena, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Strasbourg or Siena?

Strasbourg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Strasbourg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Siena, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Strasbourg or Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the impressive destination of Strasbourg. 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.

Siena is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Siena or Strasbourg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Strasbourg is €138, while the average daily cost in Siena is €133. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Strasbourg and Siena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Strasbourg 67
    Siena 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Strasbourg 134
    Siena 138
Compare Hotels in Strasbourg and Siena

Looking for a hotel in Strasbourg or Siena? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Strasbourg


Hotels in Siena


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Strasbourg Hotel Prices and Siena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Strasbourg 44
    Siena 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Strasbourg

Also for Strasbourg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: $58
  • Private transfer Strasbourg Airport: $59
  • Private Transfer from Strasbourg Train Station to Hotel: $64
  • Door-to-Door private transfer and driver from Strasbourg to Basel: $233
  • Private Transfer Strasbourg to Europa Park: $251

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Siena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Siena:

  • Siena to Milan Malpensa airport private transfer: $1,433
  • Siena to Milan Linate Airport 1-Way Private Transfer: $1,305
  • Luxury Private Transfer Between Siena and Genoa: $1,118
  • Siena - Rome Transfer Tour with Orvieto & Montepulciano: $1,059
  • From Florence: Private Siena Day Trip with Transfers: $348
  • Transfer Siena-Pisa with stop in San Gimignano & Lunch: $245
  • Transfer Siena-Florence with visit to Chianti and wine tasting: $218
  • Private transfer from Siena to Florence: $202
  • Arrival transfer Siena Airport SAY to Siena City by van or car: $148
  • Rome Fiumicino Airport: Shared Transfer to/from Siena by Bus: $11

Is it cheaper to fly into Strasbourg or Siena?

Prices for flights to both Siena and Strasbourg change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Strasbourg 44
    Siena 51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Strasbourg

For Strasbourg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Strasbourg Private Food Tour: experience the city like a local!: $93
  • Strasbourg Food Tour : Gourmet private Tour with tastings: $102
  • Strasbourg Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $108

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Siena

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Siena.

  • Siena food tour and Chianti wine: $60
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $95
  • Tuscan Dinner in a Villa in an Ancient Siena Olive Grove: $98
  • Siena Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $99
  • From Siena/Chianti: Dinner & Drinks in the Chianti Vineyards: $102
  • Siena countryside: cooking class in a real Tuscan farmhouse: $123
  • Cooking Class in a historical villa in Siena Provence: $130
  • Tuscan Cooking Class in Central Siena: $131
  • 4 Hour Private Cooking Class Unique Tuscan Experience in Siena: $131
  • Family Cooking Class: Pizza and Tiramisù from Siena: $138
  • Small Group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $138
  • Small group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $141

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Strasbourg 24
    Siena 3.75

Tours and Activities in Strasbourg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Strasbourg.

  • Self-Guided Photo Tour with Photobook: $0.86
  • Strasbourg : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Self-Guided Tour of Strasbourg’s Grand Île: $6.39
  • Strasbourg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Strasbourg сity tour: audioguide in your smartphone: $7.49
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Strasbourg: $7.65
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt City Tour: $8.02
  • Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $9.84
  • Strasbourg Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $10

Tours and Activities in Siena

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Siena are as follows:

  • Siena tour: Piazza del Campo & Duomo exploration: $125
  • Walking Tour of Siena with food & Chianti wine: $71
  • “Secret of Siena” City E-bike tour: $134
  • 2 hour Siena Private Guided Walking Tour : $273
  • 4-Hour Guided Bike Tour for Small Groups in Chianti: $180
  • 500 Vintage Tour and Chianti Roads from Siena: $160
  • 500 Vintage Tour: Chianti Roads Experience with Lunch from Florence: $164
  • Afternoon Semi Private Chianti tour from Siena: $88
  • Badesse: Vespa & Chianti Tour in the Tuscan Hills: $138
  • Brunello di Montalcino wine experience with a sommelier : $262
  • Chianti Classico E-Bike Tour: $284
  • Chianti: Wine and Olive Oil Tasting with Cellar Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Strasbourg 19
    Siena 2.19

Sample the Local Flavors in Strasbourg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Strasbourg:

  • Aperitif at the winemaker with cellar visit and wine tasting in Alsace: $11
  • Wine tasting and immersive cellar tour: $20
  • Wine tour, tasting and picnic basket: $38
  • From Medieval Villages & Wine Tasting Day Trip: $118
  • Medieval Villages and Wine Tasting from Strasbourg: $120
  • Strasbourg : Wine Tour by bike with a local: $150
  • Wine Tasting Private Tour: $545

Sample the Local Flavors in Siena

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Siena:

  • Wine Tasting at the Winery in the Panoramic Terrance: $27
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting Experience: $35
  • Total Immersion Wine Tour in Chianti: $43
  • Lapi&Tour Guided tour of the cellars with wine tasting: $52
  • From Florence: San Gimignano, Siena, and Chianti Wine Tour: $55
  • Tuscany Hiking Tour from Siena Including Wine Tasting: $60
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $61
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $63
  • Tuscan Classics Wine Tasting Class with Aperitivo: $64
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting & Lunch in a Tuscan Castle: $64
  • Wine and Food Pairing Class with Tuscan Wine Tastings: $75
  • Organic Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Siena: $80


When comparing the travel costs between Strasbourg and Siena, we can see that Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg Expensive? and Is Siena Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Strasbourg or Siena?

Strasbourg has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg or Siena?

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 Strasbourg or Siena in the Summer?

Both Siena and Strasbourg during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

Strasbourg is cooler than Siena in the summer. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Siena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Strasbourg. In the summer, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Siena. Strasbourg gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets more rain in July than Siena. Strasbourg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Strasbourg 20°C (68°F) 
    Siena 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Strasbourg or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Strasbourg and Siena. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Strasbourg is cooler than Siena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Strasbourg in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Siena averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Siena during autumn. Strasbourg gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Siena. Strasbourg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Strasbourg 12°C (53°F) 
    Siena 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Strasbourg or Siena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Strasbourg as well as Siena. Many travelers come to Strasbourg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Siena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Strasbourg. In January, Strasbourg is generally much colder than Siena. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 2°C (35°F), and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Siena. Strasbourg gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets less rain in January than Siena. Strasbourg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Strasbourg 2°C (35°F) 
    Siena 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Strasbourg or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Strasbourg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Strasbourg in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the natural beauty during these months.

Strasbourg is cooler than Siena in the spring. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Siena during spring. Strasbourg gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Siena. Strasbourg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Strasbourg 11°C (51°F) 
    Siena 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Siena and Strasbourg

Strasbourg Siena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 17°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)