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

Should you visit Bregenz or Bologna?

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 Bregenz and Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bregenz

Bregenz is a cultural, historic, and medieval city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bologna

Bologna is a fun, historical, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bregenz and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Bregenz or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bologna. Although Bregenz and Bologna are popular destinations, Bologna has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bregenz is famous for its lakefront setting, its rich culture, and its fun-filled festivals. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. It is also well known for Piazza Maggiore.

How is Bregenz different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bregenz
Bologna

You'll find a number of nice museums and attractions in both Bologna and Bregenz.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bregenz. The sights are split between the Lower Town and the Upper Town. There's a long history with many historic buildings and museums that you can explore.

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.


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

Bregenz
Bologna

Bologna is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bregenz makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many restaurants around town that serve local dishes. Popular options include fish dishes, roasted venison, and baked rabbit. The food is hearty and often served with filling sauces. Cheese platters are also popular.

Is Bregenz or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bregenz
Bologna

Bologna is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Bologna has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bregenz. You'll find bars and clubs around town as well as a lively beach bar by the lake.

Is Bregenz or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bregenz
Bologna

Bologna is a great city for its historic old town charm. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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).

Many visitors go to Bregenz to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with medieval buildings that each have a fascinating and sometimes dark story to tell.


Is the Shopping Better in Bregenz or Bologna?

Bregenz
Bologna

Bologna is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

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.

Bregenz is a great destination for shopping. A mix of international brands and local shops make shopping a fun and diverse experience. Wandering the streets and popping in the selection of retail stores is a fun way to spend the afternoon.

Is Bregenz or Bologna Better for Families?

Bregenz
Bologna

Bregenz 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.

Bregenz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Its location on Lake Constance means that there are a wide range of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. There are also a number of kid-friendly museums, zoos, and other places that will inspire young minds.

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 Bregenz or Bologna Better for Couples?

Bregenz
Bologna

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

Bregenz is a very popular place to visit for couples. The lakefront setting offers a romantic atmosphere for couples. There's a lakefront promenade that you can stroll down as well as several great museums and some interesting historical sights.

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 Bregenz or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bregenz
Bologna

Bologna is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bologna. 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 Bregenz. There are a few hostels around town that make this an easy stop off for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Bregenz or Bologna Better for Students?

Bregenz
Bologna

Bologna is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Bregenz is not popular with students.

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.

Bregenz is not popular with students.

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

Bregenz
Bologna

Bregenz and Bologna both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Bregenz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are five bus lines that run around town.

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


Is Bregenz or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bregenz
Bologna

Bologna is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Bregenz is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Bregenz is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Bregenz?

How long in Bregenz or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bregenz and Bologna. In our opinion, Bologna has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bologna than Bregenz. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bologna than Bregenz 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.


  • How many days in Bregenz or Bologna? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bregenz 1-3 
    Bologna 1-3

One day in Bregenz or Bologna?

In Bregenz, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

In Bologna, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Bregenz or Bologna?

In Bregenz, 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 Bregenz has to offer.

In Bologna, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Bologna has to offer.


Five days in Bregenz or Bologna?

Bregenz 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.

Bologna is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bregenz or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bregenz. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bregenz. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bologna. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bologna. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Music Tours in Austria, The Best Budget Tours to Austria, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Bregenz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bregenz is €122, 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 Bregenz and Bologna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bregenz 66
    Bologna 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bregenz 132
    Bologna 174
Compare Hotels in Bregenz and Bologna

Looking for a hotel in Bregenz 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.

Hotels in Bregenz


Hotels in Bologna


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: Bregenz Hotel Prices and Bologna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bregenz 17
    Bologna 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:

  • Bologna Airport: Round Trip Transfer to Venice+Water Taxi: $1,663
  • Bologna Airport(BLQ): Roundtrip Transfer to Venice p-le Roma: $1,403
  • From Private Venice Day Trip with Transfer: $770
  • Siena: Private Round-Trip Transfer from/to Bologna Airport: $690
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ): One Way Transfer to Ravenna Port/City: $524
  • Tour Ferrari, Lambo, Parmesan, Vinegar, Wine with Transfer: $503
  • Bologna:Parmesan, Prosciutto, Balsamic, Wine, Lunch&Transfer: $503
  • Ferrari&Lambo, Parmesan, Balsamic, Red wine with Transfer: $497
  • Florence: Private Transfer from Bologna Airport (BLQ): $429
  • Ferrari, Lambo, Parmesan, Balsamic tour w/Lunch & Transfer: $390
  • Bologna Airport(BLQ): 1-Way Transfer to Venice Piazzale Roma: $374
  • Ravenna or Cruise Port to Murano + water taxi -RoundTrip Transfer: $300

Is it cheaper to fly into Bregenz or Bologna?

Prices for flights to both Bologna and Bregenz 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bregenz 41
    Bologna 39
Typical Food Prices in Bregenz

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bregenz:


  • Lunch from Market (for 2)
    6.62
  • Kebabs for Dinner (for 2)
    8.00
  • Chocolate
    1.70

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bregenz 14
    Bologna 38

Tours and Activities in Bregenz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bregenz.

  • Bregenz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bregenz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Surprise tour of Bregenz guided by a Local: $149
  • Bregenz - Historic Guided walking tour: $289
  • Bregenz - Historic Guided walking tour: $294
  • Magical Christmas Walking Tour: $769

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bologna

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:


  • Food Tour (for 2)
    31
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    115
  • Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)
    67
  • National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)
    12
  • 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:

  • the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour): $284
  • 2 Hours Bologna Guided Private Tour for Kids and Families : $179
  • 2-Hour Bike Tour to Discover Bologna's Squares and Monuments: $147
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour Discovering the "Musical" Side of Bologna: $71
  • 2.5-hour Bologna City and University Walking Tour: $131
  • 3 hours walking tour with tastings: Bologna "La Grassa": $185
  • Art and taste tour: from Magnani Rocca to Parma ham: $210
  • BOLOGNA FOOD WALKING TOUR (morning or evening PRIVATE tour): $207
  • Best of Private & Personalised Walking Experience: $81
  • Best walking tour of Bologna: $158
  • Bike Tour Bologna: $142
  • Bologna - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $374

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bregenz 18
    Bologna 28

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 Bregenz and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. And not only is Bregenz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bregenz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bregenz 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 Bregenz.

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


Which is Bigger, Bregenz or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Bregenz. When comparing the sizes of Bregenz 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.