A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Turin (Torino) vs. Siena for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Turin (Torino) or Siena?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Turin (Torino) 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.

Turin (Torino)

Turin (Torino) is a historic, lively, and beautiful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Siena

Siena is a charming, medieval, and history city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Turin (Torino) and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Turin (Torino) or Siena?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Siena than Turin (Torino). While Turin (Torino) is larger than Siena, Siena has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Siena is more touristy than Turin (Torino) and is known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. Also, Siena is famous for Piazza del Campo. Turin (Torino) is well known for its grand squares, beautiful palaces, and easy access to the Alps.

How is Turin (Torino) different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Turin (Torino) or Siena?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Turin (Torino) or Siena.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Turin (Torino) can be an interesting and educational experience. The city boasts a number of museums including The Egyptian Museum, Museo Nazionale del Cinema, and Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile. Other landmarks include the Royal Armory, The Cathedral and the Holy Shroud, and Palazzo Madama.

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 Turin (Torino) or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Turin (Torino) and Siena.

Dining out in Turin (Torino) is an experience not to be missed. The region has been credited with being the birthplace of the Slow Food Movement. The dishes often use locally made ingredients and there are very diverse flavors and recipes. Local favorites include antipasto misto, risotto ai funghi (mushroom risotto), and carne cruda (beef tartare).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Siena. 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 Turin (Torino) or Siena Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Turin (Torino) and Siena.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Turin (Torino). There's a good nightlife scene that includes everything from bars to dance clubs. Via Po is one of the city's main bar hopping streets. For a more relaxed night out head to Via Garibaldi which has a number of restaurants and cocktail bars.

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 Turin (Torino) or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Turin (Torino) does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Siena is one of the most recognized in 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.

Turin (Torino) does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Turin (Torino) or Siena?

Both Turin (Torino) and Siena are notable shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Turin (Torino) to go shopping. The city has everything from high end shopping to local boutiques. For the best luxury shopping head to Via Roma. Via Garibaldi is another popular pedestrian street that has many shops and restaurants.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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 Turin (Torino) or Siena Better for Families?

Turin (Torino) is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Turin (Torino) is a family-friendly place to visit. If the kids need to stretch their legs, head to Valentino Park. For kid-friendly museums, check out The Cinema Museum The Egyptian Museum, or the Museum of Car. It's also fun to take a ride of the historic tram.

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 Turin (Torino) or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is renowned for couples. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Turin (Torino) makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With grand squares, beautiful architecture, and excellent cuisine, couples will enjoy every minute of their trip to Turin. The city is also near the Alps, so outdoor adventure isn't far away.

Is Turin (Torino) or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino). You'll find hostels around town and easy access to outdoor activities. The city also has great food and a lively atmosphere.

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 Turin (Torino) or Siena Better for Students?

Turin (Torino) and Siena are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

Turin (Torino) is a great city to visit as a student. It's relatively easy to find study abroad opportunities to the area. The city's atmosphere is diverse and fun with many activities that the student population can enjoy.

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.

Is Turin (Torino) or Siena Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino) is fairly effecient and thorough. The public transit system is operated by Gruppo Torinese Trasporti (GTT) and includes one metro line, nine tram lines, and a number of bus lines.

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 Turin (Torino) or Siena a more walkable city?

Siena is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Turin (Torino) is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Turin (Torino) is somewhat walkable. While the city is large, the city center is generally compact and walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Turin (Torino) Worth Visiting? and Is Siena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Siena or Turin (Torino)?

How long in Turin (Torino) or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Turin (Torino) or Siena to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Turin (Torino) than Siena because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Turin (Torino), and 1-2 days is enough time in Siena.

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

Couples should spend more time in Siena than Turin (Torino). 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 Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino).

One day in Turin (Torino) or Siena?

In Turin (Torino), 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, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Turin (Torino) or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Turin (Torino). 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. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Turin (Torino) or Siena?

Turin (Torino) is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Turin (Torino). 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Turin (Torino) or Siena?

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Turin (Torino). 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 city of Siena. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Turin (Torino) and Siena, we can see that Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Turin (Torino) 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 Turin (Torino) Expensive? and Is Siena Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Turin (Torino) or Siena?

Turin (Torino) has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Turin (Torino) 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.