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

Should you visit Caen or Bologna?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Caen and Bologna. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Caen

Caen is a important, historic, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bologna

Bologna is a culinary, beautiful, and fun city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Bologna?

Both Bologna and Caen have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Caen is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Bologna is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. Bologna is well known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Caen different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Caen 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 Caen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

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 Caen or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Bologna, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Caen. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Is Caen or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Bologna has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Is Caen or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

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).

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Bologna?

Bologna is a very popular place for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Bologna Better for Families?

Both Caen and Bologna are notable family-friendly destinations.

Caen is a family-friendly city. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

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.

Is Caen or Bologna Better for Couples?

Caen and Bologna both notable destinations for a couple.

Caen is a nice destination for couples. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Bologna makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Caen or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Is Caen or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen is not popular with students.

Bologna is a very popular place to visit 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.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Caen 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 Caen. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

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

Is Caen or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bologna is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Caen?

How long in Caen or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Caen and Bologna. In our opinion, Bologna has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bologna than Caen. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Caen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

Families should spend more time in Bologna than Caen. 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 Bologna than Caen. 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 Caen 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.

One day in Caen or Bologna?

In Caen, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bologna. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Caen or Bologna?

In Caen, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Caen has to offer.

Bologna is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Caen or Bologna?

Caen 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Bologna. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Caen or Bologna?

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

The historical city of Bologna offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Caen 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 Caen 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 Caen or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Caen as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Bologna in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Caen is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 18°C (64°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bologna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caen this time of the year. In the summer, Caen often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Caen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Caen is cooler than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bologna. In October, Caen usually receives less rain than Bologna. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Caen or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Caen during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bologna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bologna can be very cold. Caen can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Caen is much warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Caen in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Caen often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Bologna. The spring months attract visitors to Caen because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In April, Caen is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 9°C (49°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Caen usually receives less rain than Bologna. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Caen