A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Bologna for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Interlaken 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 Interlaken and Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a breathtaking, world-class, and stunning town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include hiking, skiing, and food.

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.

Interlaken and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Bologna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bologna than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bologna is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Bologna is well known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. Also, Bologna is famous for Piazza Maggiore.

How is Interlaken different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Bologna Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is very good for snow skiing. However, Bologna is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Bologna is not a skiing destination.

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

Bologna is very good for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Interlaken or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is Interlaken or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Bologna has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Interlaken 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).

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Bologna Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Bologna?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Bologna Better for Families?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Interlaken is one of the most popular family destinations. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken or Bologna Better for Couples?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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 Interlaken or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is Interlaken or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

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.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken 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 Interlaken. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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

Is Interlaken or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Interlaken and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than in Bologna. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

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

In Interlaken, you'll find skiing and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the historical city of Bologna, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bologna, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Bologna?

In Interlaken, you'll find food and skiing. 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 hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bologna, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or Bologna?

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Bologna, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Interlaken. Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bologna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Interlaken and Bologna, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. And not only is Bologna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bologna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bologna 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken than you might in Bologna.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Bologna. The summer months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In July, Interlaken is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 21°C (70°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 Interlaken this time of the year. In the summer, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Interlaken is cooler than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 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, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Bologna. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Interlaken or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Interlaken during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Interlaken. In the winter, Interlaken is a little warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Interlaken in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bologna. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Bologna. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Interlaken is generally around the same temperature as Bologna. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 12°C (53°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

In April, Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bologna. Interlaken gets 79 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 Interlaken