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

Should you visit Vienna or Siena?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna 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.

Vienna

Vienna is a artistic, musical, and ritzy city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Siena

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

Vienna and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Siena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vienna than Siena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Vienna is more touristy than Siena and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also well known for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Siena is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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 Vienna or Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Vienna and Siena can be an enjoyable experience.

Vienna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna or Siena Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Siena.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Siena has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Vienna or Siena Better for Music?

Vienna is very popular for live music. However, Siena is not a live music destination.

Vienna is a world class music destination. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Siena is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Vienna and Siena both have terrific historical old towns that attract visitors.

With a famous historical old-town, Vienna offers plenty to see. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Siena?

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

Vienna is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna or Siena Better for Families?

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

Vienna is a family-friendly place to visit. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

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 Vienna or Siena Better for Couples?

Vienna and Siena are both terrific to visit as a couple.

Vienna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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.

Is Vienna or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna and Siena are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

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.

Is Vienna or Siena Better for Students?

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

Vienna 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.

Vienna has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground 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 Vienna or Siena a more walkable city?

Vienna 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 Vienna on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Siena?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Vienna or Siena to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Vienna than Siena because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 1-2 days is enough time in Siena.

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

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

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

One day in Vienna or Siena?

In Vienna, many people enjoy the live music and food that this ritzy 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 Vienna or Siena?

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

Vienna is a fun place to experience. In Vienna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this 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 Vienna or Siena?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the musical destination of Vienna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Siena?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Siena in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Siena. Most visitors come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Siena because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Vienna is generally around the same temperature as Siena. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 23°C (73°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 Vienna this time of the year. In the summer, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Siena. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets more rain in July than Siena. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Vienna because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

Vienna is cooler than Siena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Siena during autumn. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vienna usually receives less rain than Siena. Vienna 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 Vienna or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Vienna during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Vienna in the winter. In the winter, Vienna is much colder than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Vienna in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Siena. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in January than Siena. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Siena in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Siena. Many travelers come to Vienna for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Siena in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Vienna is generally around the same temperature as Siena. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 13°C (55°F), and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vienna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during spring. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vienna usually receives less rain than Siena. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Vienna