Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Braga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Braga or Bologna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Braga 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.
Where Should I go: Braga or Bologna?
Braga
Located in the Cavado Valley of Northern Portugal, Braga is a medium sized city with both historical and modern characteristics. There is a university in town, known as Universidade do Minho, which gives the city a young feel with a lot of life. There are also many bars, clubs, and activities around to keep you entertained.
Bologna
Bologna is the capital city of the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 380,000. It is a historical city known well by Italians, however, not as well known among foreigners. The locals of Bologna speak little to no English. The city is most known for having the oldest university in the West. Another reason many visit this city is because of its exquisite cuisine. Many Italians would consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country because of its impeccably preserved historic centers. The best time to visit Bologna is usually between March and October, although bare in mind that July and August can get quite hot.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Porto, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBraga €112Bologna €159
The average daily cost (per person) in Braga is €112, while the average daily cost in Bologna is €159. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Braga and Bologna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBraga €54Bologna €87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBraga €108Bologna €174
Compare Hotels in Braga and Bologna
Looking for a hotel in Braga or Bologna? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Braga Hotel Prices and Bologna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Braga €20Bologna €21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:
- Braga Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $102
- Traditional Vinho Verde Tour in Bowl with Private Transfer (Porto and Braga): $131
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:
- Marconi Airport Bus Transfer to/from Calenzano City: $21
- Marconi Airport Bus Transfer to/from Florence City: $21
- Bologna Airport: Private Transfer: $43
- Bologna Airport transfer: $46
- Ravenna Port to Ravenna Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Bologna to Bologna Airport (BLQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Arrival Transfer Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City by Sedan: $56
- Private Transfer from Bologna City Hotels to Ancona Cruise Port: $76
- Bologna to Florence - Departure Private Transfer: $83
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $86
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Bologna - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- Ravenna port to Ravenna hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Braga or Bologna?
Prices for flights to both Bologna and Braga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBraga €40Bologna €39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Braga.
- Small-Group Braga Food Tour With A Local Guide: $84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.
- Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $35
- Bologna Food Tour including Tagliatelle, Mortadella, Wine: $57
- Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $73
- Exclusive Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $74
- Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $75
- Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal: $80
- Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines: $82
- Hands on Home Cooking Class: $84
- Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide: $84
- Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit: $84
- Tastes & Traditions of Food Tour with Market Visit: $86
- Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $92
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Braga €16Bologna €38
Tours and Activities in Braga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Braga are as follows:
- Casa dos Coimbras ( Chapel and Tower ) ticket & drink: $5.35
- Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
- Braga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tourer Hunt: $7.82
- Tuk Tuk City Tour: $16
- Bravaes Kayak Park Private Adventure: $38
- Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $42
- Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $43
- Guimarães Old Town Private Walking Tour: $54
- KAYAK TOUR I Descent of the River Lima in Kayak: $55
- Stand Up Paddle Tour: $55
- Lagoons and Waterfalls Tour - Serra do Soajo: $60
- Tour Soajo - Peneda-Gerês National Park: $60
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bologna
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:
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Food Tour (for 2)€31
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Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)€115
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Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)€67
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National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)€12
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Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)€12
Tours and Activities in Bologna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Bologna Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide: $4.36
- From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Porta Galliera to Le Tre Frecce: $5.99
- Self-Guided Historical Audio Tour: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.42
- Bologna Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
- Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $7.49
- Bologna's Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Ancient and Recent History Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBraga €21Bologna €28
Sample the Local Flavors in Braga
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:
- Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $50
- Green Wine Region-Small Group Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings, from Porto city: $142
- Douro Valley Private Tour from Lunch & Wine Tour: $288
- Vinho Verde Private Wine Tour: $535
Sample the Local Flavors in Bologna
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:
- Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $38
- From Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the winemaker: $53
- Monte San Pietro: Montevecchio Isolani Tour & Wine Tasting: $53
- Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $69
- Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $70
- Bologna Wine Tasting in One of the Oldest Inns: $71
- Small-Group Half-Day Wine Tour with Tasting in Dozza Village: $102
- Taste the real Bologna Food and Wine tour: $107
- Wine Tasting Experience with a Local Guide: $118
- Exclusive Italian Wine Tasting: $131
- Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with a local guide : $138
- Italian Wine Tasting on the Panoramic Terrace in Bologna: $163
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Braga and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. And not only is Braga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Braga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Braga 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 Braga.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Braga Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Braga or Bologna?
Bologna has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Braga. When comparing the sizes of Braga 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 Braga 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 Braga or Bologna in the Summer?
Both Bologna and Braga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.
Braga is cooler than Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Braga averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite sunny in Bologna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Braga. Braga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during summer. Braga gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Braga usually receives less rain than Bologna. Braga gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBraga 21°C (69°F)Bologna 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Braga or Bologna in the Autumn?
Both Bologna and Braga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Braga is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Braga in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Braga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Braga gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.
Bologna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Braga. Braga usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bologna. Braga gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBraga 17°C (62°F)Bologna 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Braga or Bologna in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Braga and Bologna. 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. In January, Braga is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 10°C (50°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Braga usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during winter. Braga gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.
Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Braga usually receives more rain than Bologna. Braga gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBraga 10°C (50°F)Bologna 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Braga or Bologna in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Braga as well as Bologna. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.
Braga is around the same temperature as Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Braga averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Braga this time of the year. In the spring, Braga often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Braga gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.
Braga receives a lot of rain in the spring. Braga usually gets more rain in April than Bologna. Braga gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBraga 14°C (56°F)Bologna 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Bologna and Braga
| Braga | Bologna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (56°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (69°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (67°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (51°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.