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

Should you visit Biarritz or Bologna?

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

Should I visit Biarritz 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.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a relaxing, quirky, and dynamic seaside town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Bologna

Bologna is a culinary, beautiful, and fun city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Bologna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bologna. Although Biarritz and Bologna are both popular with visitors, Bologna has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bologna is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz is known for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Biarritz is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. 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 Biarritz different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bologna is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Bologna offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Bologna is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Dining out in Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Biarritz or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Both Biarritz and Bologna have great vibes after the sun sets.

Biarritz has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

The people in Bologna know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Biarritz or Bologna Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Bologna is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Bologna is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or Bologna Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a well-known place for the beach. However, Bologna is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Biarritz or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a 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).

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Bologna?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Biarritz and Bologna.

Biarritz is well-known for its shopping. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Biarritz or Bologna Better for Families?

Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Bologna is a family-friendly seaside town. 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 Biarritz or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

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 Biarritz or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz and Bologna are both great destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Bologna is a very popular seaside town 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.

Is Biarritz or Bologna Better for Students?

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

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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Biarritz and Bologna.

Biarritz has some public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

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 Biarritz or Bologna a more walkable city?

Biarritz and Bologna are great when it comes to walkability.

Biarritz is a very walkable seaside town. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Biarritz and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Bologna. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Biarritz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

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

In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful city of Bologna offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Biarritz or Bologna?

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Bologna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bologna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or Bologna?

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Bologna is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Biarritz or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Bologna is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to 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 Biarritz and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. And not only is Biarritz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Biarritz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Biarritz 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 Biarritz.

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

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz 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 Biarritz 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 Biarritz or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Bologna. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Biarritz is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Biarritz in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Bologna averages at about 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 Biarritz this time of the year. In the summer, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Biarritz usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Biarritz is generally around the same temperature as Bologna. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 16°C (60°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Biarritz gets 144 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 Biarritz. In October, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Bologna. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Biarritz or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Biarritz during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Biarritz 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. Biarritz is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in January than Bologna. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Bologna. Most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Biarritz is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Biarritz in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Bologna. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Biarritz