A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Catania vs. Bologna for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

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

Catania

Catania is a historic, lively, and youthful port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Bologna

Bologna is a historical, culinary, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Catania and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Bologna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Catania. Although Catania and Bologna are both popular with visitors, Catania has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Catania is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Bologna is known for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Catania is more touristy than Bologna and is known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also home to Mount Etna. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Catania different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Catania and Bologna.

Catania offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

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.

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

Both Catania and Bologna offer fantastic local cuisine and restaurants.

Catania has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

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 Catania or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Catania and Bologna.

Catania has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

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.

Is Catania or Bologna Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Catania to enjoy the beach. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Catania or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is notable for its old town. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Catania has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Is Catania or Bologna Better for Hiking?

Catania is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Catania is a popular spot for hiking. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Bologna?

Bologna is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

Bologna is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Catania has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

Is Catania or Bologna Better for Families?

Catania is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Catania is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

Bologna is a family-friendly port 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 Catania or Bologna Better for Couples?

Both Catania and Bologna are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Catania makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Bologna is a good port city for couples to visit. 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 Catania or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Catania and Bologna are very good destinations for backpackers.

Catania is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

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.

Is Catania or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is very popular for students. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Catania is a great port city to visit as a student. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

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

Catania 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 Catania. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

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

Is Catania or Bologna a more walkable city?

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

Catania is a very walkable port city. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Catania?

How long in Catania or Bologna?

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

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

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

One day in Catania or Bologna?

In Catania, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city 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, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the 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.

A weekend in Catania or Bologna?

In Catania, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Catania has to offer.

In Bologna, you'll find food and shopping. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bologna has to offer.

Five days in Catania or Bologna?

Catania is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Bologna is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A week in Catania or Bologna?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bologna. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bologna. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Catania or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Catania. When comparing the sizes of Catania 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 Catania 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 Catania or Bologna in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Catania is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Catania in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bologna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during summer. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Catania usually receives less rain than Bologna. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Catania or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Catania during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Catania this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Catania is generally a little warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 19°C (67°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Catania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

Bologna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Catania. Catania usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bologna. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Bologna. Many travelers come to Catania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. Catania is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Catania usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during winter. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Catania usually receives less rain than Bologna. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Catania or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Catania as well as Bologna. Many visitors come to Catania in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Catania is a little warmer than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Catania in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In the spring, Catania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Catania