A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cinque Terre vs. Bologna for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cinque Terre or Bologna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cinque Terre or Bologna, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a picturesque, idyllic, and quaint coastal region. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, 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.

Cinque Terre and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cinque Terre or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Cinque Terre and Bologna are popular destinations, Cinque Terre has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cinque Terre is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bologna attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Cinque Terre different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cinque Terre or Bologna?

Bologna is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at terrific restaurants in both Cinque Terre and Bologna.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Cinque Terre is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

Many restaurants in Bologna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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 Cinque Terre or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Cinque Terre or Bologna Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good place to visit for its resorts. However, Bologna is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Cinque Terre offers a few options. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Bologna is not a resort destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Bologna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Bologna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Bologna Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Cinque Terre to enjoy the beach. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Cinque Terre is revered around the world. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

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 Cinque Terre or Bologna Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cinque Terre or Bologna?

Bologna is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Cinque Terre or Bologna Better for Families?

Cinque Terre and Bologna are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly coastal region. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

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 Cinque Terre or Bologna Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre 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, Cinque Terre has plenty to offer. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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 Cinque Terre or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre is a good coastal region to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Cinque Terre or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Bologna is a great destination 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.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Cinque Terre and Bologna.

Cinque Terre has some public transit options. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

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 Cinque Terre or Bologna a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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 Cinque Terre Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Cinque Terre?

How long in Cinque Terre or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cinque Terre and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than in Bologna. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cinque Terre, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

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

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal region offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Bologna, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this fun 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 Cinque Terre or Bologna?

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre or Bologna?

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer. 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 Cinque Terre or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. Since Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Cinque Terre or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cinque Terre as well as Bologna. Most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Bologna because of the family-friendly experiences.

Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 24°C (75°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 Cinque Terre this time of the year. In the summer, Cinque Terre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Cinque Terre gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Cinque Terre gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Cinque Terre are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

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

Cinque Terre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during autumn. Cinque Terre gets 177 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. It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. In October, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Bologna. Cinque Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Cinque Terre during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bologna. In January, Cinque Terre is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 8°C (46°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Cinque Terre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Cinque Terre gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in January than Bologna. Cinque Terre gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cinque Terre and Bologna. Many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty.

Cinque Terre is a little warmer than Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Cinque Terre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during spring. Cinque Terre gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cinque Terre usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bologna. Cinque Terre gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Cinque Terre