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

Should you visit Galway or Bologna?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Galway and Bologna can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Galway

Galway is a lively, friendly, 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

Bologna is a historical, culinary, and beautiful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Bologna?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Galway than Bologna. While Bologna is larger than Galway, Galway has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Galway is better known for its big city activities, while Bologna is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Bologna is more touristy than Galway and is known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. Also, Galway is famous for The Galway Market.

How is Galway different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Galway and Bologna have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Galway is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

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.

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

Bologna is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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).

Galway has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Galway or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are superb in both Galway and Bologna.

Galway has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.

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 Galway or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is notable for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

Bologna is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Bologna?

Bologna is notable for shopping. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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 Galway. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

Is Galway or Bologna Better for Families?

Both Galway and Bologna are notable to visit with kids.

Galway is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.

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.

Is Galway or Bologna Better for Couples?

Both Galway and Bologna are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Galway is a nice destination for couples. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.

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 Galway or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Galway and Bologna are superb destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Many 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 Galway or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Bologna is a very popular city 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.

Plenty of students visit Galway. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

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

Both Galway and Bologna offer notable public transit options.

Galway has a few public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

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

Is Galway or Bologna a more walkable city?

Galway and Bologna both are superb when exploring on foot.

Galway is very walkable. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

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 Galway Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Galway?

How long in Galway or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Galway and Bologna. In our opinion, Bologna has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bologna than Galway. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Galway, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

Families should spend more time in Bologna than Galway. 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 Galway. 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 Galway 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 Galway or Bologna?

In Galway, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Galway or Bologna?

In Galway, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Galway 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 Galway or Bologna?

Galway 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 Galway or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Galway. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Galway. 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 historical 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Galway 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 Galway 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 Galway or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Galway in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Galway is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 16°C (60°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bologna. Galway usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Galway usually receives more rain than Bologna. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Galway or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Galway during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bologna because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Galway is cooler than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Galway often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Galway gets 96 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 Galway. Galway usually gets more rain in October than Bologna. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Bologna. The winter months attract visitors to Galway because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bologna in the winter. In the winter, Galway is much warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Galway in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Galway usually receives more rain than Bologna. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Galway or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Galway as well as Bologna. The activities around the city are the main draw to Galway this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bologna for the natural beauty.

In April, Galway is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 9°C (48°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Galway often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Galway