A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bologna vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Bologna or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bologna

Bologna is a fun, historical, and culinary city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-famous, spectacular, and scenic national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking.

Bologna and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bologna or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bologna than Plitvice Lakes National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bologna is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Plitvice Lakes National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Bologna is well known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. Also, Bologna is famous for Piazza Maggiore.

How is Bologna different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Bologna is very good for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bologna or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Bologna or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is great for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Bologna for the nightlife scene. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Bologna or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is great for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

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).

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Bologna or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bologna or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Bologna is great for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bologna or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

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

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Bologna and Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

Is Bologna or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Students?

Bologna is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

Is Bologna or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bologna is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Bologna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Public transit is generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

Is Bologna or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park on foot. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Bologna?

How long in Bologna or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bologna or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bologna than Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bologna, and 1-2 days is enough time in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bologna than Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Bologna, you'll find food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Bologna is a fun place to experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll find . 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Plitvice Lakes National Park has to offer.

Five days in Bologna or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the culinary destination of Bologna. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The beautiful city of Bologna offers nightlife and food. 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 a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Bologna or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bologna as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. The summer months attract visitors to Bologna because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

In the summer, Bologna is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bologna in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Plitvice Lakes National Park. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bologna this time of the year. In the summer, Bologna often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Bologna gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Bologna usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Bologna gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bologna or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Bologna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bologna is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Bologna average around 16°C (61°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Bologna usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Bologna gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Bologna. In October, Bologna usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Bologna gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bologna or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Bologna during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter for the cuisine.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bologna. Bologna is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Bologna averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Bologna often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Bologna gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Bologna usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Bologna gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bologna or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bologna and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Bologna is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bologna in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Bologna usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Bologna gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bologna usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Bologna gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Bologna