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

Should you visit Glasgow or Bologna?

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

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

Glasgow

Glasgow is a friendly, cultural, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Glasgow and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Bologna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Glasgow than Bologna. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Glasgow is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Bologna attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Glasgow is famous for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. It is also well known for Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Glasgow different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Glasgow 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 Glasgow specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

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 Glasgow or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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).

Glasgow offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

Is Glasgow or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

People head to Glasgow just to party. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

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.

Is Glasgow or Bologna Better for Music?

Glasgow is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Bologna is not a live music destination.

In Glasgow you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Bologna is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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).

Many visitors go to Glasgow to see the historical old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Bologna?

Bologna is great for its shopping areas. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Glasgow is a great destination for shopping. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

Is Glasgow or Bologna Better for Families?

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

Glasgow offers lots of family activities. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

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 Glasgow or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Glasgow is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

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 Glasgow or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Glasgow is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

Is Glasgow or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Glasgow. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

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

Glasgow is a well-known place 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Glasgow. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

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

Is Glasgow or Bologna a more walkable city?

Glasgow and Bologna are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Glasgow is a very walkable destination. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored 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 Glasgow Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Bologna?

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

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

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

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

In Bologna, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

A weekend in Glasgow or Bologna?

In Glasgow, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Glasgow has to offer.

In Bologna, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bologna has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Bologna?

Glasgow 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.

Bologna 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.

A week in Glasgow or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glasgow. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Glasgow. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bologna. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bologna. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Glasgow and Bologna, we can see that Glasgow 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 Glasgow Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Bologna?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Glasgow during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bologna because of the family-friendly experiences.

Glasgow is much colder than Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Bologna. The autumn months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In the autumn, Glasgow is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Glasgow in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Bologna. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Glasgow or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Bologna. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Glasgow this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bologna. It's quite cold in Glasgow in the winter. In January, Glasgow is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 3°C (38°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the winter. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Bologna. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty.

Glasgow is much colder than Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Glasgow usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bologna. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Glasgow