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

Should you visit Basel or Bologna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Bologna, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Basel

Basel is a historic, cultural, and museum-filled city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bologna

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

Basel and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bologna than Basel, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bologna is more popular for its food and nightlife, while Basel is known for its museums. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. It is also home to Piazza Maggiore.

How is Basel different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Basel 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 Basel specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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 Basel or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bologna is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Bologna has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Basel or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Basel and Bologna both have excellent historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Basel to see the historical old town. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Bologna is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Bologna?

Both Basel and Bologna are excellent shopping destinations.

Basel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

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.

Is Basel or Bologna Better for Families?

Basel 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.

Basel is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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 Basel or Bologna Better for Couples?

Basel and Bologna are both good to visit as a couple.

Basel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Bologna is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Basel or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Basel or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is a world-class destination for students. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Bologna is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Basel. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

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

Basel is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Basel. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Basel or Bologna a more walkable city?

Basel 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 Basel on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible 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 Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Basel?

How long in Basel or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Basel and Bologna. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

In Basel, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

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 Basel or Bologna?

In Basel, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Basel 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 Basel or Bologna?

Basel 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 Basel or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Basel. 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 fun 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 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basel and Bologna, we can see that Basel 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Basel or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bologna because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Basel is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bologna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. Basel usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Bologna. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Basel during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Basel because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In October, Basel is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

Bologna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Basel usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Bologna. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bologna. It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. Basel is a little warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basel usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bologna. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Basel as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Basel for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Basel is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bologna. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Basel