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

Should you visit Bergen or Bologna?

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

Should I visit Bergen or Bologna? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bergen

Bergen is a nostalgic, friendly, and laid back city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bologna

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

Bergen and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bergen or Bologna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bologna than Bergen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bologna is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Bergen attracts visitors for its small town charm. Bergen is famous for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. It is also well known for Piazza Maggiore.

How is Bergen different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Bergen or Bologna.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergen. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

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 Bergen or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Bergen or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Bergen or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Bergen or Bologna?

Both Bergen and Bologna are great shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bergen. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Bergen or Bologna Better for Families?

Bergen 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.

Bergen is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

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 Bergen or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Bergen is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

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 Bergen or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bergen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Bergen or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is very popular for students. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent 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.

Plenty of students visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

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

Bergen 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 Bergen. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

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

Is Bergen or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bergen and Bologna both are great when exploring on foot.

Bergen is a very walkable destination. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun 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 Bergen Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Bergen?

How long in Bergen or Bologna?

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

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

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

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

In Bergen, you'll find nightlife and 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bologna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Bergen or Bologna?

In Bergen, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Bergen has to offer.

Bologna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Bergen or Bologna?

Bergen 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bologna. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bergen or Bologna?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Bologna. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bergen or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Bergen 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 Bergen 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 Bergen or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Bergen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bergen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.

Bergen is much colder than Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 15°C (58°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. In July, Bergen usually receives more rain than Bologna. Bergen gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bergen or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Bergen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bergen for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bergen is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bergen in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Bologna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. Bergen usually gets more rain in October than Bologna. Bergen gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bergen or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bergen and Bologna. Many visitors come to Bergen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bologna can be very cold during winter. Bergen can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Bergen is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Bergen average around 2°C (35°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bergen usually receives more rain than Bologna. Bergen gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bergen or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bergen as well as Bologna. Most visitors come to Bergen for the small town charm during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.

Bergen is much colder than Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Bergen averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bergen usually gets more rain in April than Bologna. Bergen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Bergen