San GimignanovsSiena
Can't decide between San Gimignano and Siena? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
San Gimignano
San Gimignano is the "Medieval Manhattan" of Tuscany, famous for its 14 surviving medieval towers rising from the hilltop. This walled town offers world-class gelato, Vernaccia wine, Renaissance art, and quintessential Tuscan countryside views.
Known for
Siena
Siena is a perfectly preserved medieval city, rival to Florence during the Renaissance. Famous for the Palio horse race and its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, this Tuscan gem offers Gothic architecture, world-class art, and excellent Chianti wines.
Known for
Plan your San Gimignano or Siena trip
Create a personalized San Gimignano or Siena itinerary with AI. Just describe your travel style and we'll do the rest.
Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
San Gimignano offers Medieval Towers, Piazza della Cisterna, Collegiata Church
Siena offers Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral (Duomo), Torre del Mangia
Food & Dining
San Gimignano is famous for its local dining scene
Siena is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
San Gimignano offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Siena offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
April to June, September to October
Weather
Summer: 28°C, Winter: 6°C
Summer: 28°C, Winter: 6°C
Top Attractions in San Gimignano
- 1Medieval Towers
- 2Piazza della Cisterna
- 3Collegiata Church
- 4Vernaccia Wine Tasting
- 5World Championship Gelato
- 6Tuscan Countryside Views
Top Attractions in Siena
- 1Piazza del Campo
- 2Siena Cathedral (Duomo)
- 3Torre del Mangia
- 4Palio Horse Race
- 5Pinacoteca Nazionale
- 6Chianti Wine Tours
San Gimignano is Popular With
Siena is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in San Gimignano
- 1
Sant'Agostino Church
A quieter, beautiful church at the northern end of town, away from the main squares.
- 2
Spezieria di Santa Fina
A reconstructed medieval pharmacy within the Museo Civico complex.
Hidden Gems in Siena
- 1
Orto de' Pecci
A peaceful, walled public garden and small farm just below the city walls, near Fontebranda.
- 2
Bottini di Siena
The city's ancient, 25km-long network of underground aqueducts dating from the 12th century.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in San Gimignano
Piazza del Duomo & Collegiata
The historic and religious heart of San Gimignano, centered around the main cathedral square.
Piazza della Cisterna
The lively, triangular main square named for its central 13th-century well.
Top Areas in Siena
Terzo di Città
The historic civic and religious center, home to the Piazza del Campo and the Duomo.
Terzo di San Martino
A quieter, more residential area stretching south from the Campo.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in San Gimignano
Budget in Siena
Book Activities
Find tours and experiences in both cities
Book Activities in San Gimignano
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in Siena
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
Compare transport options to both destinations
Find cheap transport to San Gimignano
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to San Gimignano
Enter your departure city to see prices
Find cheap transport to Siena
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Siena
Enter your departure city to see prices
Our Verdict
Both San Gimignano and Siena are incredible destinations. San Gimignano excels in medieval towers and Vernaccia wine, while Siena stands out for Palio horse race and Piazza del Campo.
Ready to plan your adventure?