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

Should you visit Bologna or Rijeka?

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

Bologna

Bologna is a historical, culinary, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a slow-paced, coastal, and accessible town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bologna and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bologna or Rijeka?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Rijeka than Bologna. While Bologna is larger than Rijeka, Rijeka has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Rijeka is very popular for its beaches and big city activities, while Bologna attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. It is also well known for Trsat Castle.

How is Bologna different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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

Bologna is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Bologna or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Both Bologna and Rijeka are very good 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.

Rijeka has a large number of nightlife venues. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Bologna or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Rijeka is a moderate town for the beach. However, Bologna is not a beach destination.

The beach in Rijeka is worth checking out. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Bologna or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka 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).

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bologna or Rijeka?

Bologna is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Bologna or Rijeka Better for Families?

Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

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 Rijeka Better for Couples?

Both Bologna and Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Bologna or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Bologna or Rijeka Better for Students?

Bologna is renowned for students. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

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

Both Bologna and Rijeka offer nice public transit options.

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

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Bologna or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Bologna is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Bologna?

How long in Bologna or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bologna or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bologna than Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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

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

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

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 Rijeka, you'll find nightlife and food. This town 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rijeka has to offer.

Five days in Bologna or Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka is a great place to explore. 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rijeka. 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bologna or Rijeka?

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

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Bologna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Bologna because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Rijeka. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bologna. Bologna usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Bologna gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bologna usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Bologna gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bologna or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Bologna during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Bologna is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bologna in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Bologna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka. Bologna gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bologna. Bologna usually gets more rain in October than Rijeka. Bologna gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bologna or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bologna and Rijeka. Many travelers come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bologna. In January, Bologna is generally much colder than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Bologna average around 2°C (36°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Bologna usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Bologna gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bologna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rijeka. Bologna gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bologna or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bologna as well as Rijeka. Many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Bologna is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Bologna averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Bologna often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Bologna gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Bologna usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Bologna gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Bologna