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

Should you visit Toulouse or Siena?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Toulouse and Siena can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a relaxed, dynamic, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Siena

Siena is a medieval, history, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulouse or Siena?

You'll generally find more things to do in Toulouse than Siena. Toulouse is bigger than Siena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Toulouse is better known for its food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Siena is more popular for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Siena is more touristy than Toulouse and is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Toulouse is well known for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. Also, Toulouse is famous for Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Toulouse different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Siena and Toulouse.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Toulouse. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Toulouse or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toulouse is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Toulouse has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

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.

Is Toulouse or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Toulouse has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

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 Toulouse or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

The rich history of Siena can be explored in its historical center. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Toulouse. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulouse or Siena?

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

Toulouse is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

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 Toulouse or Siena Better for Families?

Toulouse is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Toulouse is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces 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 Toulouse or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Siena is a great city for couples, as it 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.

Toulouse is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

Is Toulouse or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Siena is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

Siena is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Toulouse or Siena Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Siena. 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.

Toulouse is a good city to visit for students. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

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

Toulouse and Siena both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Toulouse offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Siena has a few 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 Toulouse or Siena a more walkable city?

Toulouse and Siena are superb when it comes to walkability.

Toulouse is a very walkable destination. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Siena?

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

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

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

In Toulouse, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this dynamic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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.

The beautiful city of Siena offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Toulouse or Siena?

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

Siena is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Toulouse or Siena?

Toulouse is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Toulouse. Lots of people come for the food. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Toulouse or Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Toulouse. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Siena is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Toulouse 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 Toulouse Expensive? and Is Siena Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Siena?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse 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 Toulouse 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 Toulouse or Siena in the Summer?

Both Siena and Toulouse during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Toulouse in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Toulouse is around the same temperature as Siena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Toulouse in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Siena averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Siena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Toulouse. In the summer, Toulouse often gets less sunshine than Siena. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets less rain in July than Siena. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Siena. Most visitors come to Toulouse for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Siena because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Toulouse is generally around the same temperature as Siena. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 15°C (60°F), and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Toulouse usually receives less sunshine than Siena during autumn. Toulouse gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Siena. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Toulouse or Siena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Siena. The winter months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

Toulouse is around the same temperature as Siena in the winter. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 6°C (44°F) in January, and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Toulouse often gets less sunshine than Siena. Toulouse gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets less rain in January than Siena. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Toulouse is around the same temperature as Siena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toulouse in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Siena averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Toulouse usually receives less sunshine than Siena during spring. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Siena. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Toulouse