Siena is a history city known for Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral, and Torre del Mangia. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or taking in the beauty, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Siena, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Siena?
A typical traveler spends $199 (€170) per day on a trip to Siena. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Siena based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $103 (€88) on meals
- $23 (€20) on local transportation
- $163 (€139) on hotels
A one-week trip to Siena for two people costs, on average, $2,792 (€2,380). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,396
€1,190
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,792
€2,380
-
One Month
Per person
$5,983
€5,100
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,792
€2,380
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,584
€4,760
-
One Month
For a couple
$11,966
€10,200
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Siena cost?
A one week trip to Siena usually costs around $1,396 (€1,190) for one person and $2,792 (€2,380) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Siena on average costs around $2,792 (€2,380) for one person and $5,584 (€4,760) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Siena will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Siena on average costs around $5,983 (€5,100) for one person and $11,966 (€10,200) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Siena expensive to visit?
In Siena, budget travelers spend $147 (€125) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $199 (€170) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $273 (€233) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Siena.
Siena is a popular city that attracts plenty of visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
Siena can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Siena is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Girona or Aberdeen.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Siena Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Siena?
The average Siena trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Siena travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Siena cost?
Siena on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$37
(€31)
|
$81
(€69)
|
$141
(€120)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$23
(€20)
|
$23
(€20)
|
$23
(€20)
|
|
Food2
|
$95
(€81)
|
$103
(€88)
|
$118
(€100)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$4
(€3.75)
|
$4
(€3.75)
|
$4
(€3.75)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-4
(€1-3)
|
$1-4
(€1-3)
|
$1-4
(€1-3)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Siena cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $147 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Food is also a highlight for all types of visitors to Siena, but budget travelers often dine on street food or cook meals in their hostel, so they may not always experience the delicious cuisine.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Most visitors to Siena will want to visit Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral, or Torre del Mangia. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $199 per person, per day.
Siena offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Residenza d'Epoca Campo Regio Relais is an excellent choice, while B&B Palazzo Bruchi is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Siena.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $273 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the city will demand a higher price range. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Small-Group San Gimignano and Volterra Day Trip from Siena - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Siena
Siena has a wide range of hotel prices. Luxury hotels come with higher price tags and better amenities, and prices are much steeper during peak season. On average, a room costs $107 in the off-season and averages $200 during peak summer season. Overall, you can expect prices from $69 to $327. Hostels, especially dorms, are cheaper alternatives. You can save by traveling in the low season, booking in advance, or looking for special offers.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Siena for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $163 (€139). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $81 (€69) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Siena? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Siena include:
- Al Palazzo dei Priori Hotel starting at $196
- Residenza d'Epoca Palazzo Borghesi starting at $148
- Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano starting at $135
- Villa Caprera starting at $130
- Hotel Athena Siena starting at $119
The great public transit system in Siena gives you the option to stay outside the city, but keep in mind that while it may save you on lodging, it could cost more in transit.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than summer, will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.
Walking is a favorite way for many to see Siena, so look for lodging in a prime location. Keep in mind, though, that this can raise your expenses.
The city's intriguing old town is a top draw for tourists. While hotels in the area might be more expensive, they often offer a lot of charm and easy access to local attractions.
Transportation Budget in Siena
Siena offers a decent public transit system that reaches many must-see spots. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there. For a cheaper and quicker way to explore, public transit is a solid option when it's nearby. Taxis and rideshares are also plentiful in the city.
Visitors who like to explore on foot will enjoy their time here. The compact town center is best explored on foot.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $23 (€20) per person, per day, on local transportation in Siena. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Siena is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$23
€20
Siena can be reached by train or bus. There are hourly trains from Florence to Siena, but you could also take a train that stops in Empoli and then change trains to travel from Empoli to Siena. Siena's train station is located about 2 kilometers outside of the city's historical city center. It's about a five minute bus ride and you can catch a bus at the bus station inside the mall. You can catch a return bus from Piazza del Sale. Buses 3, 8, 10, 17, and 77 travel toward Piazza del Sale and bus 17 travels from the piazza to the train station. It's also possible to walk, up hill, to the city center in about twenty or thirty minutes.
The much easier, although less scenic way to travel from Florence to Siena is by bus. You can take the SITA bus from an underground bus depot near the Santa Maria Novella train station. It's about an hour and a half trip and you'll arrive at the bus terminal at Piazza Antonio Gramsci inside the city walls. From there it's easy to walk to most of the city's popular sights. You can also catch a bus from Siena to Rome. The trip is about three hours.
Once you're in Siena you can travel around by bus or foot. The city is small but also very hilly. Some attractions are easier to reach by following the ridge of the hill instead of going up and over. Small buses, called Pollicino, travel around some of the streets in the center of the city. There are also some routes that go outside of town. Check out Google maps for the location of the routes and stops.
When driving, confirm that your hotel has convenient parking options.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- PRIVATE TRANSFER from Siena to Florence with stop in S Gimignano & Monteriggioni for $180 details
- Arrival transfer Siena Airport SAY to Siena City by Van or Sedan for $175 details
How much does it cost to go to Siena? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Siena will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Siena
The culinary delights in Siena are remarkable, so be sure to set aside time to taste all the local specialties. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Siena can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Siena is $103 (€88) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$103
€88
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Siena is around $103 (€88) per person, with previous travelers spending from $95 to $118. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Siena are as follows:
- Breakfast: $10 to $31
- Lunch: $15 to $41
- Dinner: $31 to $72
- Coffee: $8
- Fast Food or Street Food: $15
There are some great restaurants in Siena. Because the city is so dependent on tourism, it is best to avoid the more touristy spots and head to where the locals eat. Make sure that you try some of the local specialties that are unique to the area. Panforte is a type of dense cake that is made with honey, flour, almonds, candied fruits, and a variety of spices. The cake is commercially manufactured in the city and the most famous brand is Sapori. It's available for good prices in the local supermarkets but you can also pick it up in cafes around town. Ricciarelli is another local favorite. It's a small almond paste cake that is very good. Try one at Antica Drogheria Manganelli, which is located on Via di Citti 31.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
You can save money and appreciate the scenery by enjoying a picnic. Stop by a local grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and find a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.
Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Siena, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- 4 Hour Private Cooking Class Unique Tuscan Experience in Siena for $144 details
- Tuscan, Italian, tiramisu cooking class and tasting 3 wines for $107 details
- Cesarine: Market Tour & Cooking Class at Local's Home in Siena for $257 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Siena
It's not a shock that Siena draws crowds, as it is known for its historical sights, romance, museums and attractions, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Siena typically cost an average of $4.40 (€3.75) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$4.40
€3.75
A few of the most popular sights are:
- Piazza del Campo (Free)
- Siena Cathedral for €21
- Torre del Mangia for €10
- Palazzo Pubblico for €6
- Palio di Siena (Free)
- Santa Maria della Scala for €9
- The Basilica of San Domenico (Free)
Like many Italian cities, Siena is about atmosphere, but it also has a lot of sights and attractions to visit. The Piazza del Campo is a shell shaped piazza in the middle of the city. It also serves as the racetrack for the Palio. The Palazzo Publico is the city hall that dates back almost 800 years. The Duomo is beautiful and attached to it is Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. The Pinacoteca has many Sienese paintings and the Palazzo Salimbeni, which was built in 1472, is the world headquarters of a major banking corporation. Near the duomo is the house where St. Catherine of Siena was born. Finally, the Piccolomini Palace was built in 1459 by the architect, Bernardo Rossellino.
The most popular event in the city is the Palio Horse Race which is held twice during the summer months. In addition to this event, there are many classical concerts during the warmer months as well. They are held throughout town but most often you'll find them at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana. The Siena Jazz Festival is also quite popular.
Museums and Attractions:
Siena is known for its famous museums and other landmarks. 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.
Historical Sights:
The historic old town area brings in many visitors. 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.
A nice way to explore destinations in Siena is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Truffle Hunting Experience Siena Tartufi for $150 details
- Discover Brunello Wines with DiWine Experience for $293 details
- Private Guided Tour of Siena with a Licensed Local Tour Guide for $135 details
Nightlife Budget in Siena
For nightlife, Siena offers some activities, but it's not as active as in other more popular destinations. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $2.57 (€2.19) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Siena per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$2.57
€2.19
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
Drinking at night can be fun, but make sure you're aware of your surroundings. You could attract pickpockets, so it's best to stick with people you trust and stay in a group.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Siena. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Guided Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Siena for $90 details
- Guided tour of the cellars with wine tasting and lunch for $72 details
- Exclusive Wine Tasting in the Historic Center of Siena for $42 details
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 14, 2025
Traveling in Siena
Siena, Italy
Located in Tuscany, Siena is a medieval city that is about 70 kilometers south of Florence. One of its most famous events is the horse race, Il Palio, which occurs twice a year during the summer. The race puts a lot of emphasis on neighborhood pride and competition. It is a local tradition that is of great importance to the residence, so it is not an event that is held specifically for tourists. It dates back to the Medieval times and is associated with the area's religion, pageantry and rivalry. In addition to the city's strong neighborhood pride, rich history, and impressive architecture, Siena was also the home of many famous artists including Duccio, Simone Martini, and Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti.
Siena's popularity as a touristy destination began during the 19th century. Following its defeat by Florence, it was a very poor city. For this reason most of the Medieval buildings were never torn down giving Siena its beautiful character that exists today. Today Siena is economically dependent on tourism and all new buildings that are constructed within the city walls must be built with the same traditional character and beauty.
Neighborhoods & Around
Siena is divided into about 17 neighborhoods, or contrade. These neighborhoods were originally based on administrative and military needs, but now they are very tight knit communities that have a lot of loyalty. This becomes particularly apparent during the Palio. Horses during the event wear a design to represent their contrada. These include the Dragon, Eagle, She-Wolf, Panther, Ram, Unicorn, Owl, Porcupine, Giraffe, Goose, Tortoise, Snail, Caterpillar, Forest, Shell, Tower, and Wave.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.