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

Should you visit Bologna or Kotor?

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

Bologna

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

Kotor

Kotor is a historic, peaceful, and remote coastal town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Bologna and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bologna or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kotor than Bologna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kotor is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bologna is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Bologna is well known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. Also, Kotor is famous for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Bologna different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bologna is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Bologna and Kotor both to be fantastic 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, Kotor is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

Is Bologna or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is well known for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Bologna is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Bologna or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a moderate coastal town for its resorts. However, Bologna is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Bologna is not a resort destination.

Is Bologna or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor 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 Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Bologna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bologna or Kotor Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Kotor to enjoy the beach. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Bologna or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Kotor is revered around the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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).

Is Bologna or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Kotor specifically for its hiking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bologna or Kotor?

Bologna is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bologna or Kotor Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Bologna or Kotor.

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.

Kotor is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Bologna or Kotor Better for Couples?

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

Kotor is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

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 Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bologna and Kotor are very good 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.

Kotor is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Is Bologna or Kotor Better for Students?

Bologna is a world-class destination for students. However, Kotor is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Bologna is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Bologna or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor 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 Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored 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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Bologna?

How long in Bologna or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Bologna or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bologna, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

One day in Bologna or Kotor?

In Bologna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Kotor is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bologna. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Bologna or Kotor?

Bologna is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bologna. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor 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 Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Bologna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kotor. Since Kotor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bologna or Kotor?

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

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bologna and Kotor. The summer months attract visitors to Bologna because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In the summer, Bologna is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bologna in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bologna usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Bologna gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bologna usually receives less rain than Kotor. Bologna gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bologna or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bologna as well as Kotor. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bologna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bologna is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Bologna average around 16°C (61°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In the autumn, Bologna often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Bologna gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bologna usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Bologna gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bologna or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Bologna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the winter for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bologna. Bologna is much colder than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Bologna averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Bologna usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Bologna gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In January, Bologna usually receives less rain than Kotor. Bologna gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bologna or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Bologna during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Bologna is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bologna in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Bologna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Bologna gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bologna usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Bologna gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Bologna