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

Should you visit Girona or Bologna?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Girona 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.

Girona

Girona is a beautiful, colorful, and medieval city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include museums, food, 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.

Girona and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Girona or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bologna than Girona, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bologna is more popular for its food and nightlife, while Girona is known for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Girona is popular for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. It is also home to Piazza Maggiore.

How is Girona different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Girona is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Girona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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 Girona or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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).

Girona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Is Girona or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Bologna offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Girona or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Girona 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 Girona is revered around the world. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

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 the Shopping Better in Girona or Bologna?

Both Girona and Bologna are high quality shopping destinations.

Girona is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

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.

Is Girona or Bologna Better for Families?

Bologna is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Girona or Bologna Better for Couples?

Girona is a well-known place for couples. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

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 Girona or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bologna is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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 Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Girona or Bologna Better for Students?

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

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.

Plenty of students visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

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

Both Girona and Bologna offer good public transit options.

Girona has a few public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

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

Is Girona or Bologna a more walkable city?

Girona 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 Girona on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Girona?

How long in Girona or Bologna?

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

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

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

In Girona, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

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 Girona or Bologna?

In Girona, 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 Girona 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 Girona or Bologna?

Girona 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.

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 Girona or Bologna?

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

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Girona or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Girona 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 Girona 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 Girona or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Girona are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Girona is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Girona in July average around 24°C (75°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 Girona. Girona usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Girona gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Girona usually receives more rain than Bologna. Girona gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Girona or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Girona during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Girona in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Girona is generally around the same temperature as Bologna. Daily temperatures in Girona average around 16°C (61°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Girona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Girona gets 170 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. Girona usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Girona gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Girona or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Girona and Bologna. Most visitors come to Girona 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. Girona is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Girona averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Girona usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during winter. Girona gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Girona usually receives less rain than Bologna. Girona gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Girona or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Girona as well as Bologna. The spring months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In the spring, Girona is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Girona in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Girona often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Girona gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Girona usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Girona gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Girona