A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bordeaux vs. Ravenna for Food, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bordeaux or Ravenna?

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

Should I visit Bordeaux or Ravenna? 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 charming, romantic, and historical city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a charming, authentic, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bordeaux or Ravenna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bordeaux than Ravenna. Bordeaux is bigger than Ravenna, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bordeaux is better known for its food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Bordeaux is more touristy than Ravenna and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André. Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Bordeaux different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ravenna is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Ravenna offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. 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.

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

Bordeaux is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Bordeaux, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Dining out in Ravenna is an experience not to be missed. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Bordeaux or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Bordeaux or Ravenna has a better nightlife scene.

Bordeaux has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

If you're looking for night time activities Ravenna has a few options to choose from. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Bordeaux or Ravenna Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is a good destination for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bordeaux. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bordeaux or Ravenna?

Bordeaux is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Bordeaux is well-known for its shopping. 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 go to Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Bordeaux or Ravenna Better for Families?

Ravenna is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Ravenna is a very kid-friendly town. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Bordeaux or Ravenna Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bordeaux and Ravenna make for a superb place to visit.

Couples visit Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Ravenna is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Bordeaux or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux and Ravenna are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Ravenna is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Bordeaux or Ravenna Better for Students?

Bordeaux is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Ravenna is not popular with students.

Many students visit Bordeaux. 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.

Ravenna is not popular with students.

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

Bordeaux is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Bordeaux can get you to some places easily. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

You'll find some public transit in Ravenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Bordeaux or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Bordeaux and Ravenna both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Ravenna is a very walkable destination. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Bordeaux?

How long in Bordeaux or Ravenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bordeaux or Ravenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bordeaux than Ravenna because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Bordeaux, and 1-2 days is enough time in Ravenna.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bordeaux than Ravenna. 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 Bordeaux than Ravenna 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 Bordeaux.

One day in Bordeaux or Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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 Ravenna?

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.

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

Five days in Bordeaux or Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bordeaux and Ravenna, we can see that Bordeaux is more expensive. And not only is Ravenna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ravenna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ravenna 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 Bordeaux would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bordeaux than you might in Ravenna.

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

Which is Bigger, Bordeaux or Ravenna?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ravenna. When comparing the sizes of Bordeaux and Ravenna, 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 Ravenna?

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 Bordeaux or Ravenna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bordeaux as well as Ravenna. Most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Ravenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Ravenna fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Bordeaux usually gets less rain in July than Ravenna. Bordeaux gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Ravenna in the Autumn?

Both Ravenna and Bordeaux are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year.

In the autumn, Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Ravenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bordeaux in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Ravenna averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In October, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Bordeaux gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Ravenna in the Winter?

Both Ravenna and Bordeaux during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ravenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ravenna. In January, Bordeaux is generally much warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Bordeaux average around 6°C (43°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. Bordeaux usually gets more rain in January than Ravenna. Bordeaux gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bordeaux or Ravenna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bordeaux and Ravenna. Many travelers come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ravenna in the spring for the small town charm.

Bordeaux is around the same temperature as Ravenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Bordeaux averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Ravenna fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In April, Bordeaux usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Bordeaux gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Bordeaux