A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Venice vs. Siena for Attractions, Old Town, Couples, and Food

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

Venice

Venice is a cultural, magical, and historic 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Siena

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

Venice and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Venice or Siena?

You'll generally find more things to do in Venice than Siena. Venice is bigger than Siena, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Venice is better known for its museums & sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Siena is more popular for its food and nightlife. Venice is more touristy than Siena and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Also, Venice is famous for St. Mark's Basilica. Siena is well known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Venice different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Venice is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Venice that are not to be missed. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Siena can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Venice or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Siena is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Siena has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Venice or Siena Better for Nightlife?

Siena is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Siena has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Venice or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Venice and Siena are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

The historic old town of Venice is revered around the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Venice or Siena?

Venice is very popular for shopping. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Venice is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice or Siena Better for Families?

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

Venice is a very family-friendly place to visit. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice or Siena Better for Couples?

Both Venice and Siena are fantastic destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Venice has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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.

Is Venice or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice 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 Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice or Siena Better for Students?

Venice is very popular for students. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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.

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

Venice is very popular 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.

Venice has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice or Siena a more walkable city?

Venice 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 Venice on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Venice?

How long in Venice or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Venice or Siena to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Venice than Siena because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Venice, and 1-2 days is enough time in Siena.

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

Couples should spend more time in Venice than Siena. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Venice that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Venice 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 Venice.

One day in Venice or Siena?

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic 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.

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 Venice or Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. 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 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 Venice or Siena?

Venice is a fun place to experience. In Venice, many people enjoy the museums and food that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Venice or Siena?

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the medieval 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Venice or Siena?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Venice 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 Venice 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 Venice or Siena in the Summer?

Both Siena and Venice during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Venice because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In the summer, Venice is around the same temperature as Siena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Venice in July average around 23°C (73°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 Venice. In the summer, Venice often gets less sunshine than Siena. Venice gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets more rain in July than Siena. Venice gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Venice and Siena. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Venice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Venice is generally cooler than Siena. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 14°C (57°F), and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Venice usually receives less sunshine than Siena during autumn. Venice gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Venice usually receives less rain than Siena. Venice gets 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Venice or Siena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Venice as well as Siena. Many travelers come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Venice. Venice is much colder than Siena in the winter. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

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

Venice usually gets less rain in January than Siena. Venice gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Venice are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Venice in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Venice is around the same temperature as Siena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Venice in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Siena averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Venice usually receives less sunshine than Siena during spring. Venice gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Venice usually receives less rain than Siena. Venice gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Venice