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

Should you visit Calais or Bologna?

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

Should I visit Calais or Bologna? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Calais

Calais is a coastal, authentic, and undiscovered city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Calais and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Calais or Bologna?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Calais than Bologna. While Bologna is larger than Calais, Calais has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Calais is very popular for its beaches and big city activities, while Bologna attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Bologna is more touristy than Calais and is known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. Calais is famous for being a gateway for travelers to France. It is also well known for The Town Hall.

How is Calais different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calais. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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 Calais or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Bologna is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Calais or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Bologna is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Calais or Bologna Better for Beaches?

Calais is very good for the beach. However, Bologna is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Calais or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Bologna?

Bologna is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais 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 Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Calais or Bologna Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Calais or Bologna.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Calais. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Bologna offers lots of family activities. 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 Calais or Bologna Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Calais and Bologna make for a nice place to visit.

Calais is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

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 Calais or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Calais or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is a must-visit destination for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

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

Is Calais or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bologna is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Calais?

How long in Calais or Bologna?

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

Families should spend more time in Bologna than Calais. 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 Calais. 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 Calais 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 Calais or Bologna?

In Calais, 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.

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 Calais or Bologna?

In Calais, 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 Calais 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 Calais or Bologna?

Calais 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.

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 Calais or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. 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 culinary 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 Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Calais or Bologna?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Bologna. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Calais this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bologna this time of the year. In Calais, it's very sunny this time of the year. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Calais usually receives more rain than Bologna. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Calais or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Calais as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Calais is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Calais in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Calais often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bologna. Calais usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Calais in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bologna can be very cold during winter. Calais can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Calais is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 4°C (40°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Calais usually receives less rain than Bologna. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Calais or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Calais during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.

Calais is cooler than Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Calais often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Calais