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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Bologna?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion 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.

Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is a impressive, spectacular, and iconic destination. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and beaches.

Bologna

Bologna is a culinary, beautiful, and fun city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cape Sounion and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to the Temple of Poseidon
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bologna. Although Cape Sounion and Bologna are popular destinations, Bologna has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bologna is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion attracts visitors for its museums and beaches. Cape Sounion is famous for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. It is also well known for Piazza Maggiore.

How is Cape Sounion different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Sounion or Bologna?

Cape Sounion
Bologna

Cape Sounion is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Cape Sounion on the map. The Temple of Poseidon is the main attraction here, but also nearby you'll find the Temple of Athena. The views, history, and connection to mythology fascinates most visitors who consider this to be a spectacular sight.

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 Cape Sounion or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Sounion
Bologna

Bologna is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Cape Sounion offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are cafes as well as fine dining restaurants which are mostly located in hotels. Seafood is the cuisine of choice with many delicious Greek dishes available.

Is Cape Sounion or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Bologna

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cape Sounion is lacking in options for nightlife.

Bologna has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Cape Sounion is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are some bars and lounges that are connected to hotels. If you're spending the night, these are nice places to enjoy a drink in a beautiful setting.

Is Cape Sounion or Bologna Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Bologna

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

Many people head to Cape Sounion to enjoy the beach. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Bologna is not a beach destination.


Is Cape Sounion or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Bologna

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Sounion 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).

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Bologna?

Cape Sounion
Bologna

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Bologna Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Bologna

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cape Sounion or Bologna.

Cape Sounion is a family-friendly destination. Kids who like mythology will appreciated a trip to the famed Temple of Poseidon. It dates back to the 5th century and is dedicated to the God of the Sea. Also nearby is the Temple of Athena.

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 Cape Sounion or Bologna Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Bologna

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

Cape Sounion is a good destination for couples to visit. Couples should definitely stay for the stunning sunset which provides dramatic oranges, pinks, and reds at the sun dips below the horizon.

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 Cape Sounion or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Bologna

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bologna. 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.

Cape Sounion is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The Temple of Poseidon is an iconic site about an hour and a half outside of Athens. It appeals to all types of travelers, including backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Cape Sounion or Bologna Better for Students?

Cape Sounion
Bologna

Bologna is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Sounion 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.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.


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

Cape Sounion
Bologna

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Cape Sounion and Bologna.

Cape Sounion has some public transit options. There are local buses that travel from Athens to Cape Sounion and take between 2 and 3 hours.

You'll find some public transit in Bologna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is Cape Sounion or Bologna a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Bologna

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Cape Sounion is somewhat walkable. You can walk around the archeological site and the bus stops close enough that it is accessible.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Bologna?

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

Families should spend more time in Bologna than Cape Sounion. 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 Cape Sounion. 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 Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion or Bologna? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Sounion 1-2 
    Bologna 1-3

One day in Cape Sounion or Bologna?

In Cape Sounion, you'll find food and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This destination offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Bologna, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.


A weekend in Cape Sounion or Bologna?

In Cape Sounion, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Sounion has to offer.

Bologna is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cape Sounion or Bologna?

Cape Sounion 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. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Cape Sounion or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Sounion. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Cape Sounion. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bologna is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Cape Sounion?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Sounion is €158, 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 Cape Sounion and Bologna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Bologna 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Bologna 174
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Bologna

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion


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: Bologna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Bologna 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:

  • Tour Ferrari, Lambo, Parmesan, Vinegar, Wine with Transfer: $503
  • Siena: Private Round-Trip Transfer from/to Bologna Airport: $690
  • Ravenna/Cruise Port to Torcello (water taxi) - Arrival Transfer: $178
  • Ravenna port to Ravenna hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • Ravenna or Cruise Port to Venice,Piazzale Roma Roundtrip Transfer: $240
  • Ravenna or Cruise Port to Venice + water taxi - Arrival Transfer: $159
  • Ravenna or Cruise Port to Murano + water taxi -RoundTrip Transfer: $300
  • Ravenna or Cruise Port to Burano + water taxi - Arrival Transfer: $163
  • Ravenna city or Cruise Port to Bologna Airport(BLQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $113
  • Ravenna Port to Ravenna Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Ravenna Cruise Port to Venice + water taxi- Round Trip Transfer: $290
  • Ravenna Cruise Port to Rome Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $288

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Bologna?

Prices for flights to both Bologna and Cape Sounion 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
    Cape Sounion 41
    Bologna 39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna

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

  • Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $35
  • Bologna Food Tour including Tagliatelle, Mortadella, Wine: $57
  • Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $73
  • Exclusive Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $74
  • Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $75
  • Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal: $80
  • Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines: $82
  • Hands on Home Cooking Class: $84
  • Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide: $84
  • Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit: $84
  • Tastes & Traditions of Food Tour with Market Visit: $86
  • Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $92

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    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:

  • the red medieval pearl and its delicious food (private tour): $284
  • 2 Hours Bologna Guided Private Tour for Kids and Families : $179
  • 2-Hour Bike Tour to Discover Bologna's Squares and Monuments: $147
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour Discovering the "Musical" Side of Bologna: $71
  • 2.5-hour Bologna City and University Walking Tour: $131
  • 3 hours walking tour with tastings: Bologna "La Grassa": $185
  • Art and taste tour: from Magnani Rocca to Parma ham: $210
  • BOLOGNA FOOD WALKING TOUR (morning or evening PRIVATE tour): $207
  • Best of Private & Personalised Walking Experience: $81
  • Best walking tour of Bologna: $158
  • Bike Tour Bologna: $142
  • Bologna - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $374

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Bologna 28

Sample the Local Flavors in Bologna

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

  • Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $38
  • From Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the winemaker: $53
  • Monte San Pietro: Montevecchio Isolani Tour & Wine Tasting: $53
  • Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $69
  • Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $70
  • Bologna Wine Tasting in One of the Oldest Inns: $71
  • Small-Group Half-Day Wine Tour with Tasting in Dozza Village: $102
  • Taste the real Bologna Food and Wine tour: $107
  • Wine Tasting Experience with a Local Guide: $118
  • Exclusive Italian Wine Tasting: $131
  • Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with a local guide : $138
  • Italian Wine Tasting on the Panoramic Terrace in Bologna: $163


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


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 370 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Bologna. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.

Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, 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 Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the summer, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in July than Bologna. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Bologna 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Sounion in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Cape Sounion gets 206 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, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Bologna. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Bologna 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Cape Sounion during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bologna can be very cold during winter. In January, Cape Sounion is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 10°C (51°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Bologna 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Bologna. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.

Cape Sounion is a little warmer than Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during spring. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Bologna. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Bologna 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bologna and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Bologna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (55°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)