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

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

Cannes

Cannes is a luxury, lavish, and glitzy resort city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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.

Cannes and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cannes or Bologna?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cannes than Bologna. While Bologna is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cannes is very popular for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Bologna attracts visitors for its museums. Cannes is more touristy than Bologna and is known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also well known for Boulevard de la Croisette. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Cannes different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bologna is very good for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bologna. 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.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cannes or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cannes and Bologna can be difficult as they are each fantastic in their own way.

Cannes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bologna is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

Is Cannes or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Both Cannes and Bologna are very good when it comes to partying.

Cannes offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

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.

Is Cannes or Bologna Better for Music?

Cannes is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Bologna is not a live music destination.

In Cannes you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Bologna is not a live music destination.

Is Cannes or Bologna Better for Resorts?

Cannes is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Bologna is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Cannes is a perfect choice. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Bologna is not a resort destination.

Is Cannes or Bologna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bologna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Cannes. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Bologna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cannes or Bologna Better for Beaches?

Cannes is a well-known place for the beach. However, Bologna is not a beach destination.

Cannes is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Cannes or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

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

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Cannes. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

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 Cannes or Bologna?

Cannes is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Cannes is a world class destination for shoppers. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

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 Cannes or Bologna Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Cannes or Bologna.

Cannes is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Bologna is a family-friendly resort 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 Cannes or Bologna Better for Couples?

Cannes is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Cannes has plenty to offer. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

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 Cannes or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city 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.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

Is Cannes or Bologna Better for Students?

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

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Both Cannes and Bologna offer nice public transit options.

Cannes has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

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

Is Cannes or Bologna a more walkable city?

Cannes and Bologna both are very good when exploring on foot.

Cannes is a very walkable destination. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

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 Cannes Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Bologna?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bologna than Cannes 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 Cannes or Bologna?

In Cannes, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort 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 Cannes or Bologna?

In Cannes, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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 Cannes 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 Cannes or Bologna?

Cannes is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Cannes or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cannes. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Cannes. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 beautiful 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 Bicycle Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Cannes or Bologna?

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

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

Cannes is around the same temperature as Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In July, Cannes usually receives less rain than Bologna. Cannes gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cannes or Bologna in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Cannes is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cannes in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Bologna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cannes. Cannes usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Cannes gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cannes and Bologna. Many travelers come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, 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. In January, Cannes is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 9°C (48°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In January, Cannes usually receives more rain than Bologna. Cannes gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cannes or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cannes as well as Bologna. Many visitors come to Cannes in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

Cannes is around the same temperature as Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Cannes usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Cannes gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Cannes