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

Should you visit Arles 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 Arles and Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Arles

Arles is a historic, charming, and compact town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bologna

Bologna is a beautiful, fun, and historical city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arles and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arles or Bologna?

Both Bologna and Arles have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Arles is very popular for its museums and historical sights, while Bologna attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Arles is famous for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Arles different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Arles on the map. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

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 Arles or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arles 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).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is Arles or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

Is Arles or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Arles is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Arles is revered around the world. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

Many visitors go to Bologna to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Is the Shopping Better in Arles or Bologna?

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bologna. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Arles or Bologna Better for Families?

Bologna is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bologna. 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.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Arles or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Arles is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

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 Arles or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is well known for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bologna is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

Is Arles or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is an unbeatable place for students. However, Arles is not popular with students.

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.

Arles is not popular with students.

Is Arles 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 Arles and Bologna.

You'll find some public transit in Arles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

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

Is Arles or Bologna a more walkable city?

Arles and Bologna both are very good when exploring on foot.

Arles is a very walkable destination. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Arles?

How long in Arles or Bologna?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bologna than Arles 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 Arles or Bologna?

In Arles, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A weekend in Arles or Bologna?

In Arles, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arles has to offer.

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

Five days in Arles or Bologna?

Arles is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bologna. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Arles or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arles. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Bologna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Arles or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Arles 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 Arles 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 Arles or Bologna in the Summer?

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

Arles is around the same temperature as Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bologna this time of the year. In Arles, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arles usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during summer. Arles gets 354 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arles usually receives more rain than Bologna. Arles gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Arles or Bologna in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Arles is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arles in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Arles often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Arles gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bologna. Arles receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Arles usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bologna. Arles gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Arles are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Arles 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. In January, Arles is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 7°C (44°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Arles usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during winter. Arles gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Arles usually receives less rain than Bologna. Arles gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Arles or Bologna in the Spring?

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

Arles is around the same temperature as Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. In the spring, Arles often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Arles gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Arles gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Arles