A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Delphi vs. Bologna for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Delphi or Bologna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Delphi 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.

Delphi

Delphi is a world-renowned, historic, and fascinating archeological site. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Bologna

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

Delphi and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Temple of Apollo
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 Delphi or Bologna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Delphi than Bologna. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Delphi is very popular for its museums, while Bologna attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Delphi is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its world renowned archeological ruins and its connection to Greek mythology. It is also well known for The Temple of Apollo. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Delphi different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Delphi
Bologna

Delphi 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 Delphi on the map. This is one of the most popular archeological sites in Greece. You will find the Temple of Apollo and most of the monuments are dedicated to this God. There is an Ancient Theatre, an Ancient Stadium, as well as an Archaeological Museum. There's also the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea and the Treasury of the Athenians.

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 Delphi or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Delphi
Bologna

Bologna is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Delphi offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of restaurant options in the area, some of them offering spectacular views. There are traditional Greek restaurants as well as modern cafes with international cuisine. You'll find all of the standard Greek staples such as gyros, lamb chops, and seafood.

Is Delphi or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Delphi
Bologna

Bologna is great for its evening party scene. However, Delphi is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Bologna for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Delphi for the nightlife. This is a quiet town that shuts down in the evening. If you're looking for more of a nightlife scene, head to nearby Arachova, which is just a 10 minute drive away.

Is Delphi or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Delphi
Bologna

Bologna is great for its historic old town charm. However, Delphi does not have a historic old 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).

Delphi does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Delphi or Bologna?

Delphi
Bologna

Bologna is great for its shopping areas. However, Delphi 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.

Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Delphi or Bologna Better for Families?

Delphi
Bologna

Delphi and Bologna are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Delphi offers lots of family activities. The archeological ruins are world class, and kids who enjoy mythology and history will love this place. It's the perfect place for kids to let their imagination run wild.

Bologna is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Delphi or Bologna Better for Couples?

Delphi
Bologna

Delphi and Bologna are both nice to visit as a couple.

Delphi is a good archeological site for couples to visit. It's an iconic destination that is a great addition to any couple's itinerary to Greece.

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 Delphi or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Delphi
Bologna

Bologna is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site 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.

Delphi is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel or two in the area, and the prices are reasonable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Delphi or Bologna Better for Students?

Delphi
Bologna

Bologna is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Delphi 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.

Delphi is not popular with students.

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

Delphi
Bologna

Delphi and Bologna both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Delphi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel to Delphi from Greece.

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


Is Delphi or Bologna a more walkable city?

Delphi
Bologna

Delphi and Bologna are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Delphi is a very walkable destination. Both the museum are archeological site are within walking distance of the town. The town is also small enough 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 Delphi Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Delphi?

How long in Delphi or Bologna?

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

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

One day in Delphi or Bologna?

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

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 Delphi or Bologna?

In Delphi, 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 Delphi 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 Delphi or Bologna?

Delphi 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.

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 Delphi or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Delphi. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Delphi. 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.

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 G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours from Athens, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Delphi?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Delphi is €102, 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 Delphi and Bologna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Delphi 59
    Bologna 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Delphi 118
    Bologna 174
Compare Hotels in Delphi and Bologna

Looking for a hotel in Delphi 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 Delphi


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.
    Delphi 8.57
    Bologna 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:

  • Bologna Airport: Round Trip Transfer to Venice+Water Taxi: $1,663
  • Bologna Airport(BLQ): Roundtrip Transfer to Venice p-le Roma: $1,403
  • From Private Venice Day Trip with Transfer: $770
  • Siena: Private Round-Trip Transfer from/to Bologna Airport: $690
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ): One Way Transfer to Ravenna Port/City: $524
  • Tour Ferrari, Lambo, Parmesan, Vinegar, Wine with Transfer: $503
  • Bologna:Parmesan, Prosciutto, Balsamic, Wine, Lunch&Transfer: $503
  • Ferrari&Lambo, Parmesan, Balsamic, Red wine with Transfer: $497
  • Florence: Private Transfer from Bologna Airport (BLQ): $429
  • Ferrari, Lambo, Parmesan, Balsamic tour w/Lunch & Transfer: $390
  • Bologna Airport(BLQ): 1-Way Transfer to Venice Piazzale Roma: $374
  • Ravenna or Cruise Port to Murano + water taxi -RoundTrip Transfer: $300

Is it cheaper to fly into Delphi or Bologna?

Prices for flights to both Bologna and Delphi 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
    Delphi 36
    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.
    Delphi 11
    Bologna 38

Tours and Activities in Delphi

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Delphi.

  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in Earth's Navel: $4.60
  • Audiovisual self-guided tour with 3D models: $7.48
  • Delphi Audiovisual Self-guided Tour with 3D Representations: $7.63
  • Delphi Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Ticket with Audio Tour: $13
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Ticket with Audio Guide: $16
  • Self-Guided Virtual Tour Experience from your Home: $17
  • Self-guided Virtual Tour of The Google of the Ancient world: $17
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Refundable Ticket with Audio: $19
  • Audio Guided tour of the sites in French or English: $19
  • Ticket & Audio Tour for Delphi's Oracle. Listen to Ancient Echoes: $24
  • Athens: Mythology of Delphi and Museum Guided Day Tour: $26

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
    Delphi 13
    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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Delphi and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. And not only is Delphi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Delphi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Delphi 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 Delphi.

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


Which is Bigger, Delphi or Bologna?

Delphi has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Delphi 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.