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

Should you visit Bordeaux or Bologna?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Bordeaux or Bologna? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a elegant, charming, and romantic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bologna

Bologna is a beautiful, fun, and historical city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Bologna?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bordeaux than Bologna. While Bologna is larger than Bordeaux, Bordeaux has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bordeaux is more popular for its big city activities, while Bologna is known for its nightlife and historical sights. Bordeaux is more touristy than Bologna and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also home to Cathédrale Saint-André. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Bordeaux different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bologna and Bordeaux. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bordeaux or Bologna?

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Bordeaux and Bologna.

Bordeaux offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Bordeaux and Bologna both to be world-class destinations.

For foodies, Bordeaux is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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).

Is Bordeaux or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Bologna know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Bordeaux or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is a great destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Bologna?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bologna and Bordeaux.

Bordeaux is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

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.

Is Bordeaux or Bologna Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Bordeaux or Bologna.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bordeaux. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Bologna offers lots of family activities. 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 Bordeaux or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Bordeaux is a very popular place to visit for couples. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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 Bordeaux or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bologna is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Bordeaux is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Bordeaux or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is a world-class destination for students. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent 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.

Bordeaux is very popular with students. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

Bordeaux is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bordeaux. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

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

Is Bordeaux or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bordeaux and Bologna both are great when exploring on foot.

Bordeaux is a very walkable city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bordeaux and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than in Bologna. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Bordeaux, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

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

In Bordeaux, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful city of Bologna offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Bordeaux or Bologna?

In Bordeaux, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. 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 Bordeaux has to offer.

Bologna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bologna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Bordeaux or Bologna?

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

Bologna is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Bordeaux or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bordeaux. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bologna is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux and Bologna, 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 Bordeaux or Bologna?

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 Bordeaux or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Bologna. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bordeaux is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bordeaux in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bologna this time of the year. In Bordeaux, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Bordeaux gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Bologna. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bordeaux is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 14°C (58°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Bordeaux often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Bordeaux gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bologna. Bordeaux usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bordeaux in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bologna can be very cold during winter. Bordeaux is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Bordeaux usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Bordeaux gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Bordeaux. In January, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Bologna. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Bordeaux during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bordeaux in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Bordeaux often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Bordeaux gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Bordeaux