A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alicante vs. Bologna for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Alicante or Bologna?

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 Alicante and Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

Alicante is a vibrant, cultural, and colorful city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bologna

Bologna is a beautiful, fun, and historical city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Bologna?

Both Bologna and Alicante have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Alicante is more popular for its museums and beaches, while Bologna is known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Alicante is popular for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Alicante different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alicante or Bologna?

Alicante is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Alicante specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

Bologna is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It has many historical and religious landmarks, active squares, and impressive museums including the Basilica of St. Petronius, St. Stephen Basilica, the Leaning Towers, and the Portico of the Madonna di San Luca.

Is the Food Better in Alicante or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Bologna has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Foodies will appreciate the city's well earned culinary reputation. Some people even consider Bologna to be a food capital in Italy. There are cooking classes and food tours around town, as well as many great restaurants that serve up local dishes. Visitors should try Tagliatelle with Ragu (now famously known around the world as Bolognaise), Tortellini in broth, and Mortadella (salami).

Alicante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

Is Alicante or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Bologna is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The young population that is filled with international students means that the city has a fun and active nightlife scene. Some of the city's best neighborhoods for nightlife include Centro Storico, where the tourists hang out, the University District, which is perfect for students in their 20s, and Via dell'Indipendenza, which is popular for an upscale evening out.

If you're looking for night time activities Alicante has a few options to choose from. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

Is Alicante or Bologna Better for Beaches?

Alicante is very good for the beach. However, Bologna is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Alicante to enjoy the beach. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Alicante or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is well known for its old town. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Alicante has an old town worth visiting. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Bologna?

Bologna is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Bologna is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city hosts regular open-air markets where you can pick up local produce or local items. It is among the best shopping destinations in the region. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Piazza Maggiore, Mercato di Mezzo, Mercato delle Erbe, or Via Rizzoli.

Alicante has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Is Alicante or Bologna Better for Families?

Alicante is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Alicante is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

Bologna is a family-friendly city. There are kid-friendly museums such as Museo Geologico Cappellini and the interactive history museum of Museo della Storia di Bologna. There's even a museum solely dedicated to gelato - Gelato at Carpigiani Museum. If your kids need a bit of time in nature, check out Dulcamara farm or the Botanic Garden. On the weekend you many be able to catch a show at Margherita's Puppet Theatre.

Is Alicante or Bologna Better for Couples?

Alicante is a well-known place for couples. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Alicante is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Bologna is a nice destination for couples. With beautiful museums, interesting architecture. and lively squares, this is a great city for a couple's holiday. It's filled with romance, but it has less tourist crowds than some of Italy's more popular cities.

Is Alicante or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is well known for backpackers. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bologna is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's not a popular as some of the other cities in Italy and Europe, but it still has a number of hostels and a good backpacker scene.

It's common for backpackers to visit Alicante. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

Is Alicante or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is terrific for students. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Bologna. It's a top study abroad destination in Italy and is home to a few great universities including the well ranked University of Bologna. There are many great activities for students and a variety of fun places to explore.

It's common for students to visit Alicante. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

Is Alicante or Bologna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Alicante and Bologna.

You'll find some public transit in Alicante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

While Bologna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is Alicante or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bologna is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Bologna is a very walkable city. Most sights are always within a 30 minute walk, and the city itself is very walkable.

Alicante is a somewhat walkable city. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Alicante Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Alicante and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Alicante than in Bologna. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bologna than Alicante 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 Bologna.

One day in Alicante or Bologna?

In Alicante, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful city of Bologna offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Alicante or Bologna?

In Alicante, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Alicante has to offer.

Bologna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bologna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Bologna?

Alicante is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Bologna is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Alicante or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alicante. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alicante. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bologna is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Alicante. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Bologna, 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 Alicante or Bologna?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Alicante or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Bologna. The summer months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In the summer, Alicante is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alicante in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bologna this time of the year. In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Bologna. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alicante or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Bologna. The shopping scene are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 20°C (68°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In the autumn, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bologna. Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bologna can get quite cold in the winter. Alicante is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during winter. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Bologna. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alicante or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Alicante during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Alicante in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Alicante is a little warmer than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alicante in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the spring, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Alicante