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

Should you visit Bremen 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 Bremen and Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bremen

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

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.

Bremen 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
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • 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 Bremen or Bologna?

Both Bologna and Bremen have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Bremen is very popular for its museums and historical sights, while Bologna attracts visitors for its food. Bremen is famous for its beautiful historic center and its role as a cultural hub in Germany. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Bremen different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bremen
Bologna

Bremen is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Bremen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's landmarks are located around the famous Marktplatz. You can tour the Bremen Town Hall or wander around the Medieval Schnoor Quarter. Also make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Peter.

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 Bremen or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bremen
Bologna

Bologna is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Bremen. The food is hearty and filling with many meat heavy dishes. Vegetarians may struggle to find local options. Traditional regional dishes include Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage), Labskaus (meat and stew), and fried smelt.

Is Bremen or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bremen
Bologna

Evening events are very good in both Bremen and Bologna.

Bremen has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a variety of evening activities including cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and fine dining restaurants. Head to the Viertel District for some of the most lively clubs.

Bologna has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Bremen or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bremen
Bologna

Bremen is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Bremen is revered around the world. The old town is beautiful with its charming streets and beautiful buildings. There's a main market square which is filled with many landmarks and tourist sights.

Many visitors go to Bologna to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).


Is the Shopping Better in Bremen or Bologna?

Bremen
Bologna

Both Bremen and Bologna are very good shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bremen. The city offers a mix of historic shopping areas and large shopping malls. Some of the biggest shopping malls include Karstadt Bremen, Lloyd Passage, and Weserpark.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Bremen or Bologna Better for Families?

Bremen
Bologna

Bremen 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.

Bremen is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will appreciate a Sunday visit to the Bremen Town Musicians play which performs popular fairy tales. If the season isn't right, there are many other kid-friendly activities around town including Bürgerpark, the puppet theater, or visiting the beach at Café Sand. Popular museums in town for kids include Universum and Bremer Geschichtenhaus.

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 Bremen or Bologna Better for Couples?

Bremen
Bologna

Both Bremen and Bologna are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Bremen is a good city for couples to visit. From its beautiful old town to its many great restaurants and shopping streets, couples will enjoy a romantic trip away in this beautiful city.

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 Bremen or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bremen
Bologna

Bologna is notable for backpackers. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Bremen. Backpackers love the old town and lively atmosphere. There are enough tourists around that you'll find a decent social scene and the atmosphere makes for a great visit.

Is Bremen or Bologna Better for Students?

Bremen
Bologna

Bologna is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Bremen 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.

Bremen is not popular with students.

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

Bremen
Bologna

Bremen 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 Bremen. The city has both trams and buses that offer easy accessibility to most of the tourist areas.

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


Is Bremen or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bremen
Bologna

Bremen is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Bremen on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Europe.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Bremen?

How long in Bremen or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bremen and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bremen than in Bologna. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Bremen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bologna than Bremen 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 Bremen or Bologna? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bremen 2-4 
    Bologna 1-3

One day in Bremen or Bologna?

In Bremen, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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.

A weekend in Bremen or Bologna?

In Bremen, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bremen has to offer.

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.


Five days in Bremen or Bologna?

Bremen 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.

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.

A week in Bremen or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bremen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bremen. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Music Tours in Germany, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Bremen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bremen is €147, 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 Bremen and Bologna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bremen 76
    Bologna 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bremen 152
    Bologna 174
Compare Hotels in Bremen and Bologna

Looking for a hotel in Bremen 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 Bremen


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: Bremen Hotel Prices and Bologna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bremen 45
    Bologna 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bremen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bremen:

  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM): $65
  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Cruise Port to Hamburg Hotels: $65
  • Private Transfer From Bremen City to Hanover City: $94
  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $175
  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg With a 2 Hour Stop: $233

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 Bremen or Bologna?

Prices for flights to both Bologna and Bremen 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
    Bremen 36
    Bologna 39
Typical Food Prices in Bremen

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bremen are as follows:


  • Croissant & Cappacino
    3.90
  • Fish and Chips
    3.20
  • Pizza and Cola
    7.00
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    8.00
  • Vietnamese Soup
    5.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee
    8.00
  • Pastry and Coffee
    4.00

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.
    Bremen 34
    Bologna 38

Tours and Activities in Bremen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bremen are as follows:

  • Exploration Game & City Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $7.43
  • Bremen City Exploration Private Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.62
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Centre Walking Tour: $8.45
  • Public Tour of the Town Hall in English: $9.62
  • Guided Historical Walking Tour in Bremen : $11
  • Walking Tour of Historic Schnoor District: $13
  • Night Watchman Guided Tour for Children (in German): $13
  • Guided Tour of City Center: $13
  • Übersee Museum Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Detective Trail 2.5-hour puzzle tour for families: $16
  • Experience Bremen by bike: $16

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:

  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bremen 34
    Bologna 28

Sample the Local Flavors in Bremen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bremen:

  • 3-Hour Beck's Brewery Tour: $22

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 comparing the travel costs between Bremen and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Bremen or Bologna?

Bremen has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Bremen 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 Bremen 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 Bremen or Bologna in the Summer?

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

Bremen is cooler than Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Bremen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bologna. Bremen usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Bremen gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bremen usually receives more rain than Bologna. Bremen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bremen 17°C (63°F) 
    Bologna 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Bremen or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Bremen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bremen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bremen is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bremen in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Bremen often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Bremen gets 100 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. Bremen usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Bremen gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bremen 10°C (50°F) 
    Bologna 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Bremen or Bologna in the Winter?

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

Bologna can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bremen. In January, Bremen is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Bremen average around 1°C (33°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Bremen usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Bremen gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bremen usually receives less rain than Bologna. Bremen gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bremen 1°C (33°F) 
    Bologna 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Bremen or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bremen as well as Bologna. Many visitors come to Bremen in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

Bremen is much colder than Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Bremen averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Bremen often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Bremen gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Bremen usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Bremen gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bremen 8°C (46°F) 
    Bologna 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bologna and Bremen

Bremen Bologna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Feb 1°C (35°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (47°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 16°C (60°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)