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

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

Budapest

Budapest is a cultural, artistic, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Bologna

Bologna is a fun, historical, and culinary city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Budapest or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest than Bologna, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Budapest is more popular for its museums and big city activities, while Bologna is known for its food. Budapest is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Budapest different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Budapest 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 Budapest specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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 Budapest or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination 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).

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Budapest or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Budapest and Bologna.

Many people head to Budapest for the nightlife scene. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Bologna has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Budapest or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Budapest and Bologna are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

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 Budapest or Bologna?

If you're looking to go shopping, Budapest and Bologna both offer plenty of very good spots.

Budapest is well-known for its shopping. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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.

Is Budapest or Bologna Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Budapest or Bologna.

Budapest offers lots of family activities. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Bologna is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Budapest or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Budapest is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

Bologna is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Is Budapest or Bologna Better for Students?

For students, both Budapest and Bologna are fantastic places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Bologna is a great destination 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.

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

Budapest is a world-class destination 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.

With a huge network, the transit system in Budapest can get you around easily. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Budapest or Bologna a more walkable city?

Budapest 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 Budapest on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Budapest?

How long in Budapest or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Budapest and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than in Bologna. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Budapest, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

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

One day in Budapest or Bologna?

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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.

The beautiful city of Bologna offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Budapest or Bologna?

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Budapest has to offer.

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

Five days in Budapest or Bologna?

Budapest is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Budapest has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Bologna is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Budapest or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Budapest. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Budapest. 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Budapest and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Budapest or Bologna?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest or Bologna?

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 Budapest or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Budapest during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In the summer, Budapest is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Budapest in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Budapest. In the summer, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Budapest gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Bologna. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Budapest is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Budapest gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Budapest usually receives less rain than Bologna. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Budapest or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Budapest. Budapest is much colder than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Budapest usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Budapest or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Budapest in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Budapest is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Budapest in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Budapest usually receives less rain than Bologna. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Budapest