A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kiel vs. Bologna for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Kiel or Bologna?

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

Should I visit Kiel 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.

Kiel

Kiel is a waterfront, maritime, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bologna

Bologna is a beautiful, fun, and historical city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kiel and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kiel or Bologna?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Kiel than Bologna. While Bologna is larger than Kiel, Kiel has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Kiel is more popular for its beaches and big city activities, while Bologna is known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Kiel is popular for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. It is also home to The Kiel Castle. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Kiel different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Kiel and Bologna.

Kiel offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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.

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

Bologna is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Kiel or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Bologna is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kiel has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Is Kiel or Bologna Better for Beaches?

Kiel is very good for the beach. However, Bologna is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Kiel to enjoy the beach. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Kiel or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is well known for its old town. However, Kiel 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).

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kiel or Bologna?

Bologna is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Bologna is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Kiel or Bologna Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Kiel or Bologna.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kiel. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Bologna offers lots of family activities. 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 Kiel or Bologna Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Kiel and Bologna make for a good place to visit.

Kiel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

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.

Is Kiel or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is well known for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bologna is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Kiel or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Bologna is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Bologna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Kiel or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bologna is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Kiel is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Kiel?

How long in Kiel or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kiel and Bologna. In our opinion, Bologna has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bologna than Kiel. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

In Kiel, 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bologna. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Kiel or Bologna?

In Kiel, 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 Kiel has to offer.

Bologna is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Kiel or Bologna?

Kiel 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Bologna. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kiel or Bologna?

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

The fun city of Bologna offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kiel or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Kiel 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 Kiel 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 Kiel or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiel and Bologna. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kiel this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kiel is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kiel in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bologna this time of the year. In Kiel, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Kiel gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kiel usually receives more rain than Bologna. Kiel gets 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kiel or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kiel as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Kiel for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Kiel gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bologna. Kiel usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Kiel gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kiel or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Kiel are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kiel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. 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. Kiel can get quite cold in the winter. Kiel is much colder than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Kiel averages around 0°C (33°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Kiel usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Kiel gets 39 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kiel usually receives less rain than Bologna. Kiel gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kiel or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Kiel during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kiel is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kiel in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Kiel often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Kiel gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Kiel usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Kiel gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Kiel