A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Siena vs. Split for Nightlife, Old Town, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Siena or Split?

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 Siena and Split can help you decide which place is right for you.

Siena

Siena is a history, beautiful, and romantic city. Siena is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Siena travel costs.

Split

Split is a fun-filled, budget-friendly, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Split travel costs.

Siena and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Siena or Split?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Split than Siena. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Split is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Siena attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Split is more touristy than Siena and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also well known for Diocletian's Palace. Siena is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Siena different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Siena and Split have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Split can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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

Both Siena and Split offer high quality local cuisine and 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.

Split has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

Is Siena or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is very popular for nightlife. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Split is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

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 Siena or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is notable for its resorts. However, Siena is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Split. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Siena is not a resort destination.

Is Siena or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Split. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Siena or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is notable for its beaches. However, Siena is not a beach destination.

Split is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Siena or Split Better for its Old Town?

Siena is terrific for its old town. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Siena has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Split offers a nice historic old town area. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Is the Shopping Better in Siena or Split?

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

Split is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

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 Siena or Split More Beautiful?

Siena is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Split is not a destination known for its beauty.

Siena is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany. There's a central plaza with neighborhoods spreading out from there. The buildings are made of a distinct medieval brick and the atmosphere is enjoyable.

Split is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Siena or Split Better for Families?

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

Split is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Siena or Split Better for Couples?

Both Siena and Split are first-rate destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Split has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

Is Siena or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split is very popular for backpackers. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Split is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

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 Siena or Split Better for Students?

Siena and Split are both high quality destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Split is a great city to visit as a student. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

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

Both Siena and Split offer nice public transit options.

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.

Split has some public transit options. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Siena or Split a more walkable city?

Siena and Split both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Split is a very walkable city. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Siena?

How long in Siena or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Siena or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Split due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Siena, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

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

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

One day in Siena or Split?

In Siena, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this medieval destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Split, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this touristy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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.

A weekend in Siena or Split?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Split. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Five days in Siena or Split?

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

Split is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Split. Lots of people come for the nightlife. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Siena or Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Siena. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the touristy destination of Split. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Siena and Split, we can see that Siena is more expensive. And not only is Split much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Split would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Split 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 Siena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Siena than you might in Split.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Siena Expensive? and Is Split Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Siena or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Siena and Split, 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 Siena or Split?

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 Siena or Split in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Siena is cooler than Split. Typically, the summer temperatures in Siena in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Split averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Siena. In the summer, Siena often gets less sunshine than Split. Siena gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets more rain in July than Split. Siena gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Split in the Autumn?

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

In October, Siena is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 16°C (61°F), and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Siena usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. Siena gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Siena usually receives more rain than Split. Siena gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Siena or Split in the Winter?

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

Siena is cooler than Split in the winter. The daily temperature in Siena averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Siena often gets less sunshine than Split. Siena gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets less rain in January than Split. Siena gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Split in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Siena is cooler than Split. Typically, the spring temperatures in Siena in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Split averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Siena usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Siena gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Siena usually receives around the same amount of rain as Split. Siena gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and Siena