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

Should you visit Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a fairytale, medieval, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

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.

Carcassonne and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Bologna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bologna than Carcassonne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bologna is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Carcassonne is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Bologna is well known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. Also, Bologna is famous for Piazza Maggiore.

How is Carcassonne different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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 Carcassonne or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Is Carcassonne or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Carcassonne or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is a very popular place for its historic old town. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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).

Many people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Is the Shopping Better in Carcassonne or Bologna?

Bologna is a very popular place for shopping. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carcassonne or Bologna Better for Families?

Both Carcassonne and Bologna are notable family-friendly destinations.

Carcassonne is a family-friendly town. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

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 Carcassonne or Bologna Better for Couples?

Carcassonne and Bologna both notable destinations for a couple.

Carcassonne is a nice destination for couples. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

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 Carcassonne or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne and Bologna are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Carcassonne is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Bologna is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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 Carcassonne or Bologna Better for Students?

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

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Carcassonne and Bologna.

Carcassonne has some public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

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 Carcassonne or Bologna a more walkable city?

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne on foot. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Bologna?

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

Couples should spend more time in Bologna than Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne or Bologna?

In Carcassonne, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun city of Bologna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Bologna?

In Carcassonne, you'll find museums 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 Carcassonne has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fun destination of Bologna. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Carcassonne or Bologna?

Carcassonne 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.

The historical city of Bologna offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Carcassonne or Bologna?

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

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bologna. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical 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 Carcassonne and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. And not only is Carcassonne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carcassonne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.

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

Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Bologna in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Carcassonne is generally around the same temperature as Bologna. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 24°C (75°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 Carcassonne this time of the year. In the summer, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in July than Bologna. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Carcassonne gets 161 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, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Bologna. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Carcassonne during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Carcassonne 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. In the winter, Carcassonne is much warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Carcassonne in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Bologna. The spring months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In April, Carcassonne is generally around the same temperature as Bologna. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 14°C (56°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

In April, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Bologna. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Carcassonne