A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Imperia vs. Bologna for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Imperia or Bologna?

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

Should I visit Imperia 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.

Imperia

Imperia is a undiscovered, authentic, and charming town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bologna

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

Imperia and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Imperia or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bologna. Although Imperia and Bologna are popular destinations, Bologna has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bologna is more touristy than Imperia and is known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. It is also well known for Piazza Maggiore. Imperia is famous for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Imperia different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Imperia or Bologna.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Imperia. There are several interesting buildings of importance 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 Imperia or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Imperia or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Bologna has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Imperia or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Imperia or Bologna?

Bologna is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Imperia or Bologna Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Imperia or Bologna.

Imperia is a family-friendly place to visit. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Bologna is a family-friendly town. 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 Imperia or Bologna Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Imperia and Bologna make for a nice place to visit.

Imperia is a good town for couples to visit. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

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 Imperia or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is notable for backpackers. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Imperia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

Is Imperia or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is a must-visit destination for students. However, Imperia is not popular with 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.

Imperia is not popular with students.

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

Both Imperia and Bologna offer nice public transit options.

Imperia has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

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

Is Imperia or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bologna is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Bologna is a very walkable destination. Most sights are always within a 30 minute walk, and the city itself is very walkable.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

For even more information, also check out Is Imperia Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Imperia?

How long in Imperia or Bologna?

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

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

In Imperia, you'll find nightlife and food. This town 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 Imperia or Bologna?

In Imperia, 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 Imperia 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 Imperia or Bologna?

Imperia 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 Imperia or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Imperia. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Imperia. 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 Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Imperia or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Imperia 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 Imperia 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 Imperia or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Imperia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Imperia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.

Imperia is around the same temperature as Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Imperia averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bologna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Imperia. Imperia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during summer. Imperia gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Imperia usually receives less rain than Bologna. Imperia gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Imperia or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Imperia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Imperia is a little warmer than Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Imperia in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Imperia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Imperia gets 183 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. Imperia usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Imperia gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Imperia or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Imperia and Bologna. Many visitors come to Imperia 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 January, Imperia is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Imperia average around 11°C (51°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Imperia usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during winter. Imperia gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Imperia usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bologna. Imperia gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Imperia or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Imperia as well as Bologna. Most visitors come to Imperia for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.

Imperia is a little warmer than Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Imperia averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Imperia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Imperia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Imperia usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Imperia gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Imperia