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

Should you visit Avignon or Bologna?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Avignon and Bologna. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Avignon

Avignon is a scenic, picturesque, and historical town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Bologna

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

Avignon and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Avignon or Bologna?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Avignon than Bologna. While Bologna is larger than Avignon, Avignon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Avignon is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm, while Bologna attracts visitors for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Avignon is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its architectural beauty and historical importance. It is also well known for Palais des Papes. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Avignon different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Avignon 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 Avignon on the map. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

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 Avignon or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Avignon and Bologna.

Eat your way through Avignon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

For foodies, Bologna is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

Is Avignon or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Bologna has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Avignon or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Avignon 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 Avignon is revered around the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

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 Avignon or Bologna?

Bologna is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Avignon or Bologna Better for Families?

Both Avignon and Bologna are nice family-friendly destinations.

Avignon is a family-friendly town. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

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.

Is Avignon or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Avignon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

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 Avignon or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Avignon or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with students.

Bologna is a very popular place to visit for students. 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.

Avignon is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Avignon and Bologna.

Avignon has some public transit options. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

You'll find some public transit in Bologna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is Avignon or Bologna a more walkable city?

Avignon is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Avignon on foot. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

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 Avignon Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Avignon?

How long in Avignon or Bologna?

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

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

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

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

Avignon is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Avignon or Bologna?

Avignon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Avignon 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 Avignon or Bologna?

Avignon 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 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 Avignon or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avignon. Since Avignon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 Avignon and Bologna, we can see that Avignon is more expensive. And not only is Bologna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bologna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bologna 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon than you might in Bologna.

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

Which is Bigger, Avignon or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Avignon 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 Avignon 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 Avignon or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Avignon as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Avignon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Bologna in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bologna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon this time of the year. In the summer, Avignon often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Avignon gets 354 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Avignon usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Avignon gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Avignon or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Avignon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Avignon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Avignon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during autumn. Avignon gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Avignon or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Avignon during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bologna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bologna can be very cold. In January, Avignon is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Avignon average around 7°C (44°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Avignon often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Avignon gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Avignon usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Avignon gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Avignon or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Avignon and Bologna. The spring months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

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

In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Avignon usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during spring. Avignon gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Avignon usually receives less rain than Bologna. Avignon gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Avignon