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

Should you visit Belfast or Bologna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast 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.

Belfast

Belfast is a authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife and shopping.

Bologna

Bologna is a historical, culinary, and beautiful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Bologna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bologna than Belfast. Bologna is bigger than Belfast, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bologna is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Belfast is more popular for its big city activities. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Bologna is well known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. Also, Bologna is famous for Piazza Maggiore.

How is Belfast different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bologna is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bologna is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city 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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Bologna offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Belfast or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

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).

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Bologna?

Bologna is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Bologna is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Bologna Better for Families?

Belfast and Bologna are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

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 Belfast or Bologna Better for Couples?

Bologna is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Belfast 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.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Bologna is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bologna is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Belfast and Bologna. In our opinion, Bologna has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bologna than Belfast. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Bologna than Belfast. 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 Belfast. 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Bologna?

In Belfast, you'll find nightlife and shopping. 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, 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 Belfast or Bologna?

In Belfast, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Bologna?

Belfast 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 Belfast or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Belfast. 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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Bologna in the Summer?

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

In July, Belfast is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 15°C (59°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bologna. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives more rain than Bologna. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Belfast during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

Belfast is much colder than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Belfast gets 92 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. Belfast usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Bologna. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, 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 Belfast in the winter. In the winter, Belfast is much warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bologna. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Belfast for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Belfast is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 8°C (46°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

Belfast usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Belfast