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

Should you visit Tallinn or Siena?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Siena, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Tallinn

Tallinn is a historical, charming, and quaint city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Siena

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

Tallinn and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Siena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tallinn than Siena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Tallinn is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Siena attracts visitors for its food. Tallinn is more touristy than Siena and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Old Town. Siena is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Tallinn and Siena.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Tallinn can be an interesting and educational experience. There are beautiful historic churches, particularly in the city's old town. A highlight is the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You'll also find some unique museums around town as well as Toompea Castle.

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.

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

Siena is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tallinn 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 Tallinn area. Food is affordable and hearty. Many dishes incorporate rye bread, pork, smoked fish, potatoes, or dairy products. You'll also find a lot of variation in dishes between seasons.

Is Tallinn or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Tallinn has plenty to do after the sun goes down. As it's grown in popularity with tourists, the city has put itself on the map as a top party destination in Eastern Europe. There's an active bar and club scene, but there are also art venues and other creative activities for everyone.

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 Tallinn or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn and Siena both have terrific historical old towns that attract visitors.

The rich history of Tallinn can be explored in its historical center. The city's medieval old town is at the heart of it's tourist attractions. The Gothic architecture, local restaurants, and cobblestone streets give the city a fairytale charm.

Siena has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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 Tallinn or Siena?

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

Tallinn is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a mix of quirky shops and recognizable brands around town. Old town is a popular shopping area, as is nearby Kalamaja. Visitors enjoy picking up marzipan, local crafts, and unique art.

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 Tallinn or Siena Better for Families?

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

Tallinn is a family-friendly place to visit. Your kids will feel like they stepped into a fairytale in this beautiful city. It has countless museums including an open air museum and a zoo. There's also nearby Pirita Beach, where you and your kids can enjoy ice cream in a seaside setting.

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 Tallinn or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Siena has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 Tallinn frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with gardens, romantic walks, and impressive views, this city makes for a great couple's getaway. Base yourself in the city's beautiful old town and dine in one of the many local restaurants. There are also nice hotels around town that are great for couples.

Is Tallinn or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Tallinn is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is both affordable and unique, which is perfect for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of hostels around town as well as casual places to grab a cheap bite to eat.

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 Tallinn or Siena Better for Students?

Siena is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Siena is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Tallinn is popular with students. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

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

Tallinn 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 Tallinn is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

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 Tallinn or Siena a more walkable city?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn on foot. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tallinn or Siena to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tallinn than Siena because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 1-2 days is enough time in Siena.

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

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

One day in Tallinn or Siena?

In Tallinn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming 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.

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.

A weekend in Tallinn or Siena?

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

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.

Five days in Tallinn or Siena?

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

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.

A week in Tallinn or Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Tallinn. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, 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 Tallinn and Siena, we can see that Siena is more expensive. And not only is Tallinn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tallinn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tallinn 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 Tallinn.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Siena?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn 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 Tallinn 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 Tallinn or Siena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Siena. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Siena because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tallinn is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Siena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallinn this time of the year. In the summer, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Siena. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in July than Siena. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

Tallinn is much colder than Siena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Siena during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Siena. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Tallinn during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Tallinn in the winter. In the winter, Tallinn is much colder than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallinn in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Siena. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in January than Siena. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Siena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Siena. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Siena in the spring for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. In April, Tallinn is generally much colder than Siena. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 4°C (39°F), and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Siena. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Tallinn