A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Bologna vs. Bari for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Bologna or Bari?

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 Bari can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bologna

Bologna is a fun, historical, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bari

Bari is a cultural, authentic, and local port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bologna and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bologna or Bari?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bari. Although Bologna and Bari are popular destinations, Bari has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bari is very popular for its museums, beaches, and big city activities, while Bologna attracts visitors for its shopping and impressive beauty. Bologna is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. Bari is famous for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also well known for San Nicola.

How is Bologna different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bari 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 Bari?

Bari 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 Bari specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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 Bologna or Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Bologna and Bari both to be first-rate 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, Bari is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

Is Bologna or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Both Bologna and Bari are high quality 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.

Bari has a large number of nightlife venues. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Bologna or Bari Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Bari to enjoy the beach. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Bologna or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bologna and Bari 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 Bari to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Bologna or Bari?

Bologna is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Bologna or Bari Better for Families?

Bari 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.

Bari is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Bologna or Bari Better for Couples?

Both Bologna and Bari are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Bologna or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bologna and Bari are high quality destinations for backpackers.

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.

Bari is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Is Bologna or Bari Better for Students?

Bologna is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.

Bologna is a very popular place to visit 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.

Bari is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

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

Both Bologna and Bari offer nice public transit options.

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

Bari has some public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Bologna or Bari a more walkable city?

Bologna and Bari both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Bologna?

How long in Bologna or Bari?

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

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

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

One day in Bologna or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bologna. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Bari, 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 port 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 Bologna or Bari?

Bologna is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Bari, 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 Bari has to offer.

Five days in Bologna or Bari?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Bologna. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bari 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 Bologna or Bari?

The culinary city of Bologna offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bari. 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 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 Bari, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. And not only is Bari much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bari would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bari 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 Bari.

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

Which is Bigger, Bologna or Bari?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Bari. When comparing the sizes of Bologna and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Bologna or Bari in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bologna as well as Bari. Many visitors come to Bologna in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Bari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bologna is around the same temperature as Bari in the summer. The daily temperature in Bologna averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bologna this time of the year. In the summer, Bologna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Bologna gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Bologna usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Bologna gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bologna or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Bologna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bari because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Bologna is cooler than Bari. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bologna in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Bari averages at about 18°C (65°F).

Bologna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during autumn. Bologna gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Bologna. In October, Bologna usually receives more rain than Bari. Bologna gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bologna or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and Bologna during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Bologna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

The weather in Bologna can be very cold. In January, Bologna is generally much colder than Bari. Daily temperatures in Bologna average around 2°C (36°F), and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Bologna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Bologna gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Bologna usually gets more rain in January than Bari. Bologna gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bologna or Bari in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bologna and Bari. The natural beauty are the main draw to Bologna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Bologna is cooler than Bari in the spring. The daily temperature in Bologna averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. Bologna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during spring. Bologna gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bologna usually receives more rain than Bari. Bologna gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Bologna