Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Dusseldorf?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Dusseldorf 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.
Dusseldorf is a historic, fun-filled, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.
Bologna is a beautiful, fun, and historical city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.
You'll generally find more things to do in Dusseldorf than Bologna. Dusseldorf is bigger than Bologna, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Dusseldorf is better known for its big city activities, while Bologna is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Dusseldorf is well known for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany. Also, Dusseldorf is famous for Altstadt (the Old Town). Bologna is well known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bologna and Dusseldorf. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Both Dusseldorf and Bologna have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.
Dusseldorf is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are museums, palaces, and many cultural sights. Make sure you check out Schloss Benrath, the Rheinturm, the North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection, and Museum Kunstpalast.
Bologna offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.
Bologna is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
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).
Dusseldorf has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a mix of regional specialties and international restaurant options. Traditional dishes include Rheinischer Sauerbraten (Rhine style marinated roast), Haxe (shin), Flönz (blood sausage), and Ähzezupp (pea soup).
Bologna is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.
The people in Bologna know how to have a good time. 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.
If you're looking for night time activities Dusseldorf has a few options to choose from. You'll find the highest concentration of bars and pubs in the old town area. Try to find a brewerie where you can try Dusseldorf's famous altbier.
Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Dusseldorf and Bologna.
There are many historical things to see in the old town of Dusseldorf. The old town is popular for its bars and pubs, which serve up the local altbier. The atmosphere is charming and there are restaurants that spill out onto the streets.
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).
Bologna is a great destination for shopping. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.
Bologna is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dusseldorf. Head to the popular shopping street of Königsallee. You'll find luxury brands and boutique shops. The city also has department stores and large shopping malls.
Dusseldorf 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.
Dusseldorf is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It has many great playgrounds and parks where kids can run around. Animal lovers will appreciate Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum and Grafenberger Wald which has about 100 animals. If the weather's nice you can head to Unterbacher See, which is a lakefront beach. Other kid-friendly activities in town include the Neanderthal Museum and Museum Kunstpalast.
Bologna is a family-friendly 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.
Dusseldorf is a well-known place for couples. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.
Dusseldorf is a very popular place to visit for couples. There is live theater, spa hotels, historic palaces, and many parks and gardens where couples can enjoy their time together. Popular activities for couples in town include visiting Rheinturm, taking a Rhine River cruise, and exploring Schloss Dyck.
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.
Bologna is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers come from all over to 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.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Dusseldorf. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife scene.
Bologna is very popular for students. However, Dusseldorf 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.
Dusseldorf is not popular with students.
Dusseldorf is a world-class destination 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.
With a huge network, the transit system in Dusseldorf can get you around easily. All of the public transportation in town is operated by Rheinbahn. There's a city railway, (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses. Dusseldorf is also easily connected to the many other nearby towns and cities including Cologne.
Bologna has some public transit options. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.
Dusseldorf and Bologna both are high quality when exploring on foot.
Dusseldorf is very walkable. It's easy to explore most of the city on foot.
Bologna is a very walkable city. Most sights are always within a 30 minute walk, and the city itself is very walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Dusseldorf Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dusseldorf and Bologna. In our opinion, Bologna has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bologna than Dusseldorf. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Dusseldorf, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.
Families should spend more time in Dusseldorf than Bologna. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dusseldorf, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Dusseldorf than Bologna. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dusseldorf that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bologna than Dusseldorf 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.
In Dusseldorf, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
With museums and nightlife around the historical city of Bologna, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bologna, one day is sufficent for most.
In Dusseldorf, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dusseldorf has to offer.
With nightlife and food around the destination of Bologna, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.
Dusseldorf 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.
Bologna, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dusseldorf. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dusseldorf. 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 that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Munich, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Dusseldorf is €185, 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 Dusseldorf and Bologna in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Dusseldorf 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.
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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dusseldorf:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:
Prices for flights to both Bologna and Dusseldorf 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dusseldorf:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dusseldorf.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.
Here are a few actual costs in Dusseldorf for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Dusseldorf are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Dusseldorf:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dusseldorf and Bologna, we can see that Dusseldorf is more expensive. And not only is Bologna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bologna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bologna 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 Dusseldorf would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dusseldorf than you might in Bologna.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dusseldorf Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.
Dusseldorf has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Dusseldorf 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.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dusseldorf and Bologna. Many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Dusseldorf is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 19°C (66°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bologna this time of the year. Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Dusseldorf gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Dusseldorf usually receives more rain than Bologna. Dusseldorf gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Dusseldorf as well as Bologna. Many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Dusseldorf is cooler than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dusseldorf averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Dusseldorf gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bologna. Dusseldorf usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Dusseldorf gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Bologna and Dusseldorf are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the museums, the shopping scene, 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. Dusseldorf can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Dusseldorf is a little warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dusseldorf in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).
Dusseldorf usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Dusseldorf gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Dusseldorf usually receives less rain than Bologna. Dusseldorf gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Bologna and Dusseldorf during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.
In April, Dusseldorf is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Dusseldorf average around 9°C (48°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Dusseldorf often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Dusseldorf gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.
Dusseldorf usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Dusseldorf gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Dusseldorf | Bologna | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Mar | 6°C (44°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
Apr | 9°C (48°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
May | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
Jun | 17°C (62°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
Oct | 12°C (53°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
Dec | 4°C (40°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |