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

Should you visit Bologna or Reykjavik?

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

Bologna

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

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a clean, green, and safe city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Bologna and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bologna or Reykjavik?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bologna than Reykjavik. Bologna is bigger than Reykjavik, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bologna is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. 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 Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bologna is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bologna is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bologna is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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 Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Bologna or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Bologna has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Bologna or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

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

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).

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Bologna or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bologna or Reykjavik?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Bologna or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

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 Reykjavik Better for Couples?

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

Reykjavik is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

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 Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Bologna is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Reykjavik is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Bologna or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Bologna is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Bologna is a great destination 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.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

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

Both Bologna and Reykjavik offer notable public transit options.

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

Reykjavik has some public transit options. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Bologna or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Bologna and Reykjavik both are excellent 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.

Reykjavik is very walkable. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Bologna?

How long in Bologna or Reykjavik?

In either Bologna or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Bologna because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bologna, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bologna. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bologna has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Reykjavik, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Bologna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping 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 hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer.

Five days in Bologna or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun city of Bologna. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bologna or Reykjavik?

Bologna is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

Which is Bigger, Bologna or Reykjavik?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Bologna and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Bologna during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bologna is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bologna in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Bologna. In the summer, Bologna often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Bologna gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Bologna usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Bologna gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bologna or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bologna and Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. In October, Bologna is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Bologna average around 16°C (61°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Bologna usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Bologna gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bologna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bologna usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Bologna gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bologna or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bologna as well as Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Bologna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. Bologna can get quite cold in the winter. Bologna is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Bologna averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Bologna often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Bologna gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Bologna usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Reykjavik. Bologna gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bologna or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Bologna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the spring, Bologna is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bologna in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Bologna usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Bologna gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bologna usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Bologna gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Bologna