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

Should you visit Hannover 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 Hannover 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.

Hannover

Hannover is a vibrant, cultural, and dynamic 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 fun, historical, and culinary city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Hannover and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hannover or Bologna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hannover than Bologna. Hannover is bigger than Bologna, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hannover is better known for its big city activities, while Bologna is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Hannover is well known for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system. Also, Hannover is famous for The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen. Bologna is well known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Hannover different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Hannover or Bologna.

Hannover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll see many of the city's sights along the Red Thread Trail in the city center. Make sure you check out the New Town Hall, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, and the Lower Saxony State Museum as well.

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 Hannover or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Hannover. You'll find classic tearooms, food halls, fine dining restaurants, and markets. Try all of the classic German sausages or sample international dishes in this dynamic city.

Is Hannover or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Hannover and Bologna.

The nightlife in Hannover has something for everybody. There are many students who keep the nightlife scene active. From beer halls to jazz venues, you'll find a diversity of options around town.

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.

Is Hannover or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

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

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Many people head to Hannover to see the old town. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hannover or Bologna?

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

Hannover offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the 14th-century Market Church (Marktkirche) and wander around the nearby streets for some of the city's best shopping. Also make sure you check out the city flea market. In addition to boutiques and independent shops, there are also major department stores and large shopping malls in the area.

Is Hannover or Bologna Better for Families?

Both Hannover and Bologna are notable family-friendly destinations.

Hannover offers lots of family activities. Like many German cities, there are a number of activities geared specifically to kids. Check out the Sea Life Center or the Hannover Zoo. If you're willing to get out of town a bit, there's also Serengeti Park Hodenhagen or Rasti-Land theme park, which has rides and games.

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 Hannover or Bologna Better for Couples?

Hannover and Bologna both notable destinations for a couple.

Hannover is a nice destination for couples. Romantic settings around town include Herrenhäuser Gärten, Berggarten, and Maschpark.

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 Hannover or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bologna is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Hannover. Some people use the city to split up longer train trips. There are a couple of hostels in town if you decide to stay a night or two.

Is Hannover or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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.

Hannover is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a few great universities in town including Leibniz University, which attract international students. There's also a nice nightlife and easy accessibility to the rest of Germany.

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

Hannover 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 Hannover. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.

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

Is Hannover or Bologna a more walkable city?

Hannover and Bologna are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Hannover is very walkable. There are some nice walkable parts to the city.

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 Hannover Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Hannover?

How long in Hannover or Bologna?

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

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

In Hannover, you'll find nightlife and 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.

The beautiful city of Bologna offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Hannover or Bologna?

In Hannover, 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 Hannover has to offer.

Bologna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bologna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Hannover or Bologna?

Hannover 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Hannover or Bologna?

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

Bologna is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany, The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Hannover or Bologna?

Hannover has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Hannover 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 Hannover 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 Hannover or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Hannover during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hannover for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hannover is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Hannover average around 18°C (64°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Hannover often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Hannover gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Hannover usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Hannover gets 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hannover or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hannover and Bologna. Many visitors come to Hannover in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Hannover is much colder than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hannover averages around 10°C (51°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Hannover usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Hannover gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hannover usually receives less rain than Bologna. Hannover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hannover or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hannover as well as Bologna. Most visitors come to Hannover 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. Hannover can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hannover is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hannover in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Hannover often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Hannover gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Hannover usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Hannover gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hannover or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Hannover are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Hannover because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In April, Hannover is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Hannover average around 8°C (47°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Hannover usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Hannover gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hannover usually receives less rain than Bologna. Hannover gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Hannover