A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thessaloniki vs. Siena for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Siena?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Siena? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a vibrant, high energy, and bustling 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

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

Thessaloniki and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Siena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki than Siena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Thessaloniki is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Siena attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is famous for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also well known for The Monument of Rotonda. Siena is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Thessaloniki different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Thessaloniki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Siena both to be great destinations.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Dining out in Siena is an experience not to be missed. 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 Thessaloniki or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Thessaloniki has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

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 Thessaloniki or Siena Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a moderate city for its beaches. However, Siena is not a beach destination.

Thessaloniki is a good spot to see the beach. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Siena is revered around 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.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Siena?

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

Thessaloniki is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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 Thessaloniki or Siena Better for Families?

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

Thessaloniki is a family-friendly place to visit. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

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 Thessaloniki or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Siena makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Thessaloniki or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Thessaloniki or Siena Better for Students?

Both Thessaloniki and Siena are great destinations for students.

Thessaloniki is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

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.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Thessaloniki and Siena.

Thessaloniki has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

You'll find some public transit in Siena, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

Is Thessaloniki or Siena a more walkable city?

Siena is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Thessaloniki or Siena to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Siena.

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Siena?

In Thessaloniki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. 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, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Siena?

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

Siena is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Siena?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the medieval destination of Siena. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Thessaloniki or Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Thessaloniki. 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 to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Siena?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Siena. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Siena. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°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 Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Siena. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Siena. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Siena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Siena during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Siena. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Thessaloniki is cooler than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Siena. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Siena. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Siena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Siena. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Siena because of the natural beauty.

In April, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Siena. Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki