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

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

Auxerre

Auxerre is a undiscovered, authentic, and under-rated town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Bologna

Bologna is a fun, historical, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Auxerre and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auxerre or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bologna. Although Auxerre and Bologna are popular destinations, Bologna has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bologna is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre attracts visitors for its small town charm. Bologna is more touristy than Auxerre and is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. It is also well known for Piazza Maggiore. Auxerre is famous for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Auxerre different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Bologna and Auxerre.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Auxerre. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

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 Auxerre or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Auxerre offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Auxerre or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is great for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Bologna for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Auxerre or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is great for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

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).

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Auxerre or Bologna?

Bologna is great for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Auxerre or Bologna Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Auxerre or Bologna.

Auxerre offers lots of family activities. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Bologna is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Auxerre or Bologna Better for Couples?

Both Auxerre and Bologna are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Auxerre is a good town for couples to visit. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

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 Auxerre or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bologna. 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.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

Is Auxerre or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Auxerre 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.

Auxerre is not popular with students.

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

Auxerre and Bologna both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Auxerre offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town.

Bologna has a few public transit options. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is Auxerre or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bologna is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Auxerre?

How long in Auxerre or Bologna?

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

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

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

In Auxerre, you'll find food and 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, 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 food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Auxerre or Bologna?

In Auxerre, you'll find museums and food. 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 Auxerre has to offer.

In Bologna, 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 food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bologna has to offer.

Five days in Auxerre or Bologna?

Auxerre 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 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.

A week in Auxerre or Bologna?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bologna. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bologna. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auxerre and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. And not only is Auxerre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Auxerre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Auxerre 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 Auxerre.

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

Which is Bigger, Auxerre or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Auxerre 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 Auxerre or Bologna?

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 Auxerre or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Auxerre during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

Auxerre is cooler than Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Auxerre averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Auxerre. In the summer, Auxerre often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Auxerre gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Auxerre usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auxerre or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Auxerre and Bologna. The small town atmosphere are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Auxerre is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Auxerre in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Auxerre usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Auxerre gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Auxerre usually receives less rain than Bologna. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Auxerre or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Auxerre as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Auxerre. In January, Auxerre is generally a little warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Auxerre average around 3°C (37°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Auxerre often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Auxerre gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Auxerre usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auxerre or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Auxerre are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Auxerre in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

Auxerre is cooler than Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Auxerre averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Auxerre usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Auxerre gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Auxerre usually receives less rain than Bologna. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Auxerre