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

Should you visit Granada or Bologna?

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

Should I visit Granada or Bologna? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Granada

Granada is a historic, beautiful, and charming city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bologna

Bologna is a culinary, beautiful, and fun city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Bologna?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Granada than Bologna. While Bologna is larger than Granada, Granada has more sights and attractions for tourists. Granada is better known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bologna is more popular for its food and shopping. Granada is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. Also, Granada is famous for The Alhambra. Bologna is well known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Granada different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada 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 Granada on the map. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

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 Granada or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Bologna is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Both Granada and Bologna have great vibes after the sun sets.

Granada has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

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.

Is Granada or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Granada 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 Granada is revered around the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

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 Granada or Bologna Better for Hiking?

Granada is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Granada is a popular spot for hiking. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Bologna?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Granada or Bologna Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or Bologna.

Granada is a family-friendly city. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bologna. 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 Granada or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Granada is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

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 Granada or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada and Bologna are both great destinations for backpackers.

Granada is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other 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.

Is Granada or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Bologna. 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.

Granada is very popular with students. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Granada and Bologna.

Granada has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

You'll find some public transit in Bologna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is Granada or Bologna a more walkable city?

Granada and Bologna are great when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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 Granada Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Granada?

How long in Granada or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Granada and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Granada than in Bologna. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

Families should spend more time in Granada than Bologna. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Granada, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

One day in Granada or Bologna?

In Granada, 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 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 Granada or Bologna?

In Granada, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Granada 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 Granada or Bologna?

Granada 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 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 Granada or Bologna?

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

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Granada as well as Bologna. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Granada is generally around the same temperature as Bologna. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 25°C (77°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bologna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the summer, Granada often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Bologna. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Granada for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Granada is a little warmer than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bologna. In October, Granada usually receives less rain than Bologna. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Granada or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Granada during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Granada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bologna can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Granada is much warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Granada in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Granada often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in January than Bologna. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Bologna. Most visitors come to Granada for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.

In April, Granada is generally a little warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 16°C (60°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during spring. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Bologna. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Granada