A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Siena for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Siena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming, historic, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for food and theater.

Siena

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

Stratford-upon-Avon and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Siena. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Siena are popular destinations, Siena has more sights and attractions for tourists. Siena is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon attracts visitors for its theatre productions and small town charm. Siena is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. It is also well known for Piazza del Campo. Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena?

Siena is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is very popular for theatre. However, Siena is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Stratford-upon-Avon is world-class. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Siena is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Siena is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena Better for Nightlife?

Siena is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena?

Siena is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena Better for Families?

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly place to visit. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good town for couples to visit. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Siena is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Siena is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena Better for Students?

Siena is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Siena is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena a more walkable city?

Siena is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Siena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Siena or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena to fill your time. In our opinion, Siena has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Siena than Stratford-upon-Avon. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Siena than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Siena than Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Siena.

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena?

Even though Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Lots of people come for the theater. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Siena, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Many people visit Siena for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a fun place to experience. Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the theater. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The beautiful destination of Siena offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the theater. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Siena. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers something for everyone. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stratford-upon-Avon and Siena, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon is more expensive. And not only is Siena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Siena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Siena 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 Stratford-upon-Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stratford-upon-Avon than you might in Siena.

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

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena?

Siena has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Siena. The summer months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 17°C (63°F), and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Siena. In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Siena. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Siena. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The small town atmosphere are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Siena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Siena during autumn. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Siena. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Stratford-upon-Avon during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon is much colder than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Siena. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in January than Siena. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Siena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Siena. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the spring for the small town charm. Furthermore, most visitors come to Siena for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 9°C (48°F), and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Siena during spring. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Siena. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Stratford-upon-Avon