A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Bologna vs. Amalfi for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Bologna or Amalfi?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bologna and Amalfi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bologna

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

Amalfi

Amalfi is a stunning, dramatic, and charming town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Bologna and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bologna or Amalfi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amalfi. Although Bologna and Amalfi are both popular with visitors, Amalfi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amalfi is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bologna is known for its shopping. Amalfi is more touristy than Bologna and is known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also home to the dramatic coastline. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Bologna different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bologna. 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.

Amalfi is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Foodies will find both Bologna and Amalfi both to be amazing destinations.

Bologna has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Amalfi is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

Is Bologna or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Both Bologna and Amalfi are superb when it comes to 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.

Amalfi has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Is Bologna or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bologna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Bologna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bologna or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Amalfi is very good for the beach. However, Bologna is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Amalfi to enjoy the beach. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Bologna or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Bologna and Amalfi are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Many visitors go to Amalfi to see the historical old town. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Is Bologna or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Amalfi is a popular spot for hiking. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bologna or Amalfi?

Bologna is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Bologna is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Bologna or Amalfi Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Bologna or Amalfi.

Bologna is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Amalfi is a family-friendly city. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Bologna or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Amalfi has plenty to offer. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

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 Bologna or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is well known for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known 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.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Bologna or Amalfi Better for Students?

Bologna is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Amalfi is not popular with students.

Bologna is a very popular city 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.

Amalfi is not popular with students.

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

Both Bologna and Amalfi offer good public transit options.

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

Amalfi has some public transit options. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Bologna or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi 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 Amalfi on foot. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages 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 Bologna Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Bologna?

How long in Bologna or Amalfi?

Both Bologna and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Bologna. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bologna, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

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

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

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.

In Amalfi, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Bologna or Amalfi?

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.

In Amalfi, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Amalfi has to offer.

Five days in Bologna or Amalfi?

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.

Amalfi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amalfi has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bologna or Amalfi?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. In Amalfi, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Bologna or Amalfi?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Bologna and Amalfi, 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 Bologna or Amalfi?

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 Bologna or Amalfi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bologna and Amalfi. Many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bologna is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Bologna average around 24°C (75°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amalfi this time of the year. In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bologna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during summer. Bologna gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bologna usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Bologna gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bologna or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bologna as well as Amalfi. Many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Amalfi for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bologna is around the same temperature as Amalfi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bologna averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Bologna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Bologna gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bologna usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Amalfi. Bologna gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bologna or Amalfi in the Winter?

Both Amalfi and Bologna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bologna can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bologna is much colder than Amalfi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bologna in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Amalfi averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Bologna usually receives less sunshine than Amalfi during winter. Bologna gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Amalfi. In January, Bologna usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Bologna gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bologna or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Bologna during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

In April, Bologna is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Bologna average around 13°C (55°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Bologna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Bologna gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Bologna usually gets more rain in April than Amalfi. Bologna gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Bologna