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

Should you visit Toulon 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 Toulon and Siena can help you decide which place is right for you.

Toulon

Toulon is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and real world port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Siena

Siena is a romantic, charming, and medieval city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Siena?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Siena than Toulon. While Toulon is larger than Siena, Siena has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Siena is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Toulon is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Siena is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. It is also home to Piazza del Campo. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Siena is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Toulon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

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

Siena is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Siena makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Toulon or Siena Better for Nightlife?

Both Toulon and Siena are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

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 Toulon or Siena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Snorkeling is an option in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Siena Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Toulon to enjoy the beach. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Toulon or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

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.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Siena?

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

Toulon is an extremely popular place for shoppers. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

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 Toulon or Siena Better for Families?

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

Toulon is a family-friendly place to visit. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

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 Toulon or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Toulon or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Toulon and Siena are good destinations for backpackers.

Toulon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

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 Toulon or Siena Better for Students?

Siena is a well-known place for students. However, Toulon 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.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Both Toulon and Siena offer good public transit options.

Toulon has a few public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take 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 Toulon or Siena a more walkable city?

Toulon and Siena both are very good when exploring on foot.

Toulon is very walkable. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Toulon 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 Toulon. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Siena than Toulon. 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 Toulon 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 Toulon or Siena?

In Toulon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this off-the-beaten-path destination offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Siena. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Toulon or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulon. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Toulon or Siena?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Siena. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Toulon or Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the industrial destination of Toulon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Siena. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Siena?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Toulon 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 Toulon 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 Toulon or Siena in the Summer?

Both Siena and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

Toulon is around the same temperature as Siena in the summer. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Siena. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Siena during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Siena. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Toulon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the autumn, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Siena. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Siena. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Siena in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Siena. Many travelers come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Siena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Siena. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 7°C (44°F), and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Siena during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulon usually receives more rain than Siena. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulon or Siena in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Siena. Many visitors come to Toulon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Siena for the natural beauty during these months.

Toulon is around the same temperature as Siena in the spring. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In the spring, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Siena. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Siena and Toulon