A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Bressanone vs. Bologna for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Bressanone or Bologna?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bressanone and Bologna can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bressanone

Bressanone is a charming, quaint, and picturesque town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Bologna

Bologna is a beautiful, fun, and historical city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bressanone and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
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 Bressanone or Bologna?

Both Bologna and Bressanone have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Bressanone is very popular for its hiking and small town charm, while Bologna attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Bressanone is famous for its charming old town and its idyllic setting. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Bressanone different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bressanone
Bologna

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Bressanone or Bologna.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bressanone. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.

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 Bressanone or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bressanone
Bologna

Bologna is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Bologna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Bressanone. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

Is Bressanone or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bressanone
Bologna

Bologna is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

Bressanone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.

Is Bressanone or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bressanone
Bologna

Both Bressanone and Bologna have superb historic old towns worth visiting.

Bressanone is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).


Is Bressanone or Bologna Better for Hiking?

Bressanone
Bologna

Bressanone is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Bressanone is a popular spot for hiking. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bressanone or Bologna?

Bressanone
Bologna

Bologna is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bressanone. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.

Is Bressanone or Bologna Better for Families?

Bressanone
Bologna

Bologna is a city with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bologna. 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.

For families, Bressanone is not always the best place to visit. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.


Is Bressanone or Bologna Better for Couples?

Bressanone
Bologna

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

Bressanone is a very popular place to visit for couples. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take a romantic trip.

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 Bressanone or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bressanone
Bologna

Bologna is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bressanone. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.

Is Bressanone or Bologna Better for Students?

Bressanone
Bologna

Bologna is a world-class destination for students. However, Bressanone is not popular with students.

Bologna is a very popular city for students. 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.

Bressanone is not popular with students.


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

Bressanone
Bologna

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bressanone and Bologna.

You'll find some public transit in Bressanone, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

While Bologna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is Bressanone or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bressanone
Bologna

Bressanone and Bologna both are superb when exploring on foot.

Bressanone is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and small enough to explore on foot.

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 Bressanone Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Bressanone?

How long in Bressanone or Bologna?

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

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

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

One day in Bressanone or Bologna?

Bressanone is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With museums and nightlife around the historical city of Bologna, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bologna, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Bressanone or Bologna?

Bressanone might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bressanone has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bologna, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Bressanone or Bologna?

Bressanone 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.

Bologna, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bressanone or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bressanone. Since Bressanone is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

Bologna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Bressanone?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bressanone is €138, 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 Bressanone and Bologna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bressanone 72
    Bologna 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bressanone 144
    Bologna 174
Compare Hotels in Bressanone and Bologna

Looking for a hotel in Bressanone 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 Bressanone


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: Bressanone Hotel Prices and Bologna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bressanone 23
    Bologna 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Bologna Airport BLQ to Modena or Verona by Business Van: $163
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City in Business Car: $123
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City in Luxury Van: $138
  • Arrival Transfer Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City by Sedan: $56
  • Arrival Transfer from Ravenna/Cruise Port to Venice Piazzale Roma: $122
  • Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Private Transfer: $166
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Bologna - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Bologna - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $93
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $88
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Ravenna Cruise Port - Arrival Transfer : $89
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Ravenna city or Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $115

Is it cheaper to fly into Bressanone or Bologna?

Prices for flights to both Bologna and Bressanone 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
    Bressanone 47
    Bologna 39
Typical Food Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bressanone:


  • Gelato
    2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.

  • Exclusive Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $11
  • Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $11
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $36
  • Cooking Lesson at Casa della Zdora for Small Groups: $50
  • Bologna Private Food Tour Eating around the Centre: $67
  • Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $74
  • Bologna Food Tour including Tagliatelle, Mortadella, Wine: $75
  • Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines: $84
  • Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide: $86
  • Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit: $86
  • Hands on Home Cooking Class: $86
  • Tastes & Traditions of Food Tour with Market Visit: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bressanone 20
    Bologna 38

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: $3.27
  • From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.90
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Porta Galliera to Le Tre Frecce: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Historical Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.53
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.53
  • Bologna Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.66
  • Ancient and Recent History Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Bologna's Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Bologna TOUR ESCAPE: King Enzo Jailbreak: $9.80
  • Guided tour of the exhibition "Mimmo Paladino in the Pope’s: $9.80
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bressanone 26
    Bologna 28
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bressanone:


  • 1/2 Litre of wine
    9.00
  • 2 Glasses of Wine
    7.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Bologna

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

  • Wine Tasting: $20
  • In Imola, visit to the winery with wine tasting at Tre Monti: $22
  • Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $39
  • In Bologna wine tasting and visit to the Palazzona di Maggio Estate: $50
  • From Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the winemaker: $54
  • Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $70
  • Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $71
  • Bologna Wine Tasting in One of the Oldest Inns: $72
  • Private Wine Tour and Tasting with an Expert Guide and Sommelier: $74
  • Wine Tasting Experience with a Local Guide: $102
  • Small-Group Half-Day Wine Tour with Tasting in Dozza Village: $104
  • Taste the real Bologna Food and Wine tour: $109


When comparing the travel costs between Bressanone 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 Bressanone Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bressanone or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bressanone. When comparing the sizes of Bressanone 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.