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

Should you visit Kaunas 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 Kaunas 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.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a young, vibrant, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife and food.

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.

Kaunas and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kaunas or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bologna. Although Kaunas and Bologna are popular destinations, Bologna has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bologna is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kaunas attracts visitors for its big city activities. Bologna is more touristy than Kaunas 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. Kaunas is famous for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town.

How is Kaunas different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bologna is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bologna. 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.

Kaunas does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bologna is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Kaunas. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

Is Kaunas or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Kaunas. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

Is Kaunas or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic 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).

Kaunas is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

Is the Shopping Better in Kaunas or Bologna?

Bologna is notable for its shopping areas. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city 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.

Kaunas is a good destination for shopping. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Is Kaunas or Bologna Better for Families?

Both Kaunas and Bologna are nice family-friendly destinations.

Kaunas is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.

Bologna is a family-friendly 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 Kaunas or Bologna Better for Couples?

Bologna is a good destination for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

Bologna is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.

Is Kaunas or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is notable for backpackers. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kaunas. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

Is Kaunas or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is renowned for students. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Kaunas. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for international students.

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

Both Kaunas and Bologna offer nice public transit options.

Kaunas has a few public transit options. There are both buses and trolleybuses around town.

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

Is Kaunas or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bologna is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Kaunas is somewhat walkable. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Kaunas?

How long in Kaunas or Bologna?

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

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

In Kaunas, 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bologna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Kaunas or Bologna?

In Kaunas, you'll find food and nightlife. 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 Kaunas has to offer.

Bologna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Kaunas or Bologna?

Kaunas 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bologna. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Kaunas or Bologna?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Bologna. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kaunas or Bologna?

Kaunas has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Kaunas 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 Kaunas 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 Kaunas or Bologna in the Summer?

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

Kaunas is cooler than Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 18°C (64°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 Kaunas. Kaunas usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Kaunas gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Kaunas or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Kaunas during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kaunas in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Kaunas is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kaunas in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Kaunas often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Kaunas gets 99 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. Kaunas usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Kaunas gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kaunas or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kaunas and Bologna. Most visitors come to Kaunas for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. Kaunas can be very cold during winter. In January, Kaunas is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Kaunas average around -5°C (23°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Kaunas usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Kaunas gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kaunas usually receives less rain than Bologna. Kaunas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kaunas or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kaunas as well as Bologna. The spring months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

Kaunas is much colder than Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Kaunas averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Kaunas often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Kaunas gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Kaunas usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Kaunas gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Kaunas