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

Should you visit Hamburg or Bologna?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a energetic, cultural, and vibrant port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bologna

Bologna is a beautiful, fun, and historical city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hamburg and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hamburg or Bologna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hamburg than Bologna. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hamburg is very popular for its museums and music, while Bologna attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Hamburg is more touristy than Bologna and is known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. It is also well known for St. Michael's Church. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Hamburg different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hamburg 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 Hamburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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 Hamburg or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Bologna has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Hamburg or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Hamburg and Bologna.

Hamburg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Many people head to Bologna for the nightlife scene. 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 Hamburg or Bologna Better for Music?

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

In Hamburg you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Bologna is not a live music destination.

Is Hamburg or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Bologna?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bologna and Hamburg.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

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.

Is Hamburg or Bologna Better for Families?

Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

Bologna is a family-friendly port 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 Hamburg or Bologna Better for Couples?

Both Hamburg and Bologna are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Hamburg is a good port city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

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 Hamburg or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is well known for backpackers. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bologna is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Hamburg or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is renowned for students. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

It's common for students to visit Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

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

Hamburg 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 Hamburg. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

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

Is Hamburg or Bologna a more walkable city?

Hamburg and Bologna both are very good when exploring on foot.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily 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 Hamburg Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hamburg and Bologna. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

In Hamburg, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Hamburg or Bologna?

In Hamburg, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Bologna?

Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Hamburg. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Bologna?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hamburg and Bologna. The summer months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

Hamburg is cooler than Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bologna this time of the year. In Hamburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Hamburg gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hamburg usually receives more rain than Bologna. Hamburg gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hamburg or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hamburg as well as Bologna. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hamburg is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hamburg in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Hamburg gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bologna. Hamburg usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Hamburg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hamburg or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Hamburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hamburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bologna can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hamburg. In January, Hamburg is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 0°C (33°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Hamburg gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hamburg usually receives less rain than Bologna. Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Hamburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hamburg in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

Hamburg is much colder than Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Hamburg gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Hamburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Hamburg