A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Katowice vs. Bologna for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Katowice or Bologna?

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

Should I visit Katowice 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.

Where Should I go: Katowice or Bologna?

Katowice

Katowice is a city east of Krakow, in the Silesian province of southern Poland. A large dome crowns the Cathedral of Christ the King, built between 1927 and 1955. The adjacent Archdiocesan Museum exhibits Silesian sacred art. The ultramodern Silesian Museum features several glass structures on the site of a former coal mine. It exhibits Polish art and chronicles the history of Upper Silesia. Historically, Katowice is a product of the 19th-century industrial boom, but it only became a city in the interwar period. After WWII, at the height of the Stalinist cult craze, the city was renamed Stalinogrod, but reverted to its old name soon after Comrade Joe died in 1953. Katowice has few significant historical monuments, but it's a major commercial and cultural center and holds sufficient attractions to make it worth a stop.

Bologna

Bologna is the capital city of the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 380,000. It is a historical city known well by Italians, however, not as well known among foreigners. The locals of Bologna speak little to no English. The city is most known for having the oldest university in the West. Another reason many visit this city is because of its exquisite cuisine. Many Italians would consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country because of its impeccably preserved historic centers. The best time to visit Bologna is usually between March and October, although bare in mind that July and August can get quite hot.

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


Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Katowice?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Katowice is $46, while the average daily cost in Bologna is $170. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Katowice and Bologna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Katowice $19
    Bologna $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Katowice $38
    Bologna $186
Compare Hotels in Katowice and Bologna

Looking for a hotel in Katowice or Bologna? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Katowice


Hotels in Bologna


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Katowice Hotel Prices and Bologna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Katowice $12
    Bologna $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Katowice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Katowice:

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: Fast-Track Ticket & Guided Tour No Transfers: $32
  • Katowice Pyrzowice KTW to Krakow City Private Transfer: $129
  • Katowice Airport: Private Transfer to or from Krakow: $186
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Katowice with Private Transfers: $199

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:

  • Marconi Airport Bus Transfer to/from Calenzano City: $21
  • Marconi Airport Bus Transfer to/from Florence City: $21
  • Bologna Airport: Private Transfer: $43
  • Bologna Airport transfer: $46
  • Ravenna Port to Ravenna Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Bologna to Bologna Airport (BLQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Arrival Transfer Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City by Sedan: $56
  • Private Transfer from Bologna City Hotels to Ancona Cruise Port: $76
  • Bologna to Florence - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $86
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Bologna - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • Ravenna port to Ravenna hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Katowice or Bologna?

Prices for flights to both Bologna and Katowice change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Katowice $19
    Bologna $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Katowice

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Katowice.

  • Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $179

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.

  • Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $35
  • Bologna Food Tour including Tagliatelle, Mortadella, Wine: $57
  • Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $73
  • Exclusive Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $74
  • Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $75
  • Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal: $80
  • Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines: $82
  • Hands on Home Cooking Class: $84
  • Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide: $84
  • Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit: $84
  • Tastes & Traditions of Food Tour with Market Visit: $86
  • Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $92

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Katowice $6.40
    Bologna $41

Tours and Activities in Katowice

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katowice are as follows:

  • Ticket Pass and Guided Tour in Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum: $28
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: Entry Ticket with Guided Tour: $32
  • Entrance Ticket to Auschwitz Birkenau with Guide and FREE ebook: $32
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau - Skip the Line Tickets : $32
  • Katowice and Nikiszowiec: bicycle tour with guide: $42
  • Auschwitz & Birkenau Live Guide Tour Entrance Ticket: $55
  • From Auschwitz-Birkenau Skip-the-Line Guided Tour: $95
  • Katowice Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $99
  • Private City Tour with Stories & Viewing Points: $154
  • Private Tour to Auschwitz Birkenau: $156
  • Katowice Private Vodka Tasting Tour: $159
  • Katowice Private Polish Beer Tasting Tour: $160

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bologna

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:


  • Food Tour (for 2)
    $34
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    $123
  • Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)
    $72
  • National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)
    $13
  • Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)
    $13

Tours and Activities in Bologna

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Bologna Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide: $4.36
  • From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Porta Galliera to Le Tre Frecce: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Historical Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.42
  • Bologna Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $7.49
  • Bologna's Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Ancient and Recent History Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Katowice $5.69
    Bologna $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Katowice

Also in Katowice, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Tyskie Brewery Tour: $111

Sample the Local Flavors in Bologna

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:

  • Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $38
  • From Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the winemaker: $53
  • Monte San Pietro: Montevecchio Isolani Tour & Wine Tasting: $53
  • Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $69
  • Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $70
  • Bologna Wine Tasting in One of the Oldest Inns: $71
  • Small-Group Half-Day Wine Tour with Tasting in Dozza Village: $102
  • Taste the real Bologna Food and Wine tour: $107
  • Wine Tasting Experience with a Local Guide: $118
  • Exclusive Italian Wine Tasting: $131
  • Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with a local guide : $138
  • Italian Wine Tasting on the Panoramic Terrace in Bologna: $163


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

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


Which is Bigger, Katowice or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Katowice. When comparing the sizes of Katowice 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 Katowice 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 Katowice or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Katowice are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Katowice is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Katowice in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bologna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katowice. Katowice usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Katowice gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Katowice usually receives more rain than Bologna. Katowice gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Katowice 18°C (64°F) 
    Bologna 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Katowice or Bologna in the Autumn?

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

In October, Katowice is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Katowice average around 10°C (50°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Katowice often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Katowice gets 128 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. Katowice usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Katowice gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Katowice 10°C (50°F) 
    Bologna 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Katowice or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Katowice and Bologna. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bologna can be very cold during winter. Katowice can get quite cold in the winter. Katowice is much colder than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Katowice averages around -2°C (28°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Katowice usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Katowice gets 51 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Katowice usually receives less rain than Bologna. Katowice gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Katowice -2°C (28°F) 
    Bologna 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Katowice or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Katowice as well as Bologna. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Katowice is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Katowice in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Katowice often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Katowice gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Katowice usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Katowice gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Katowice 8°C (46°F) 
    Bologna 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bologna and Katowice

Katowice Bologna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 50 mm (2 in) 2°C (36°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Feb -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 4°C (39°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (47°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)