A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Rochelle vs. Bologna for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit La Rochelle or Bologna?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a quaint, charming, and peaceful coastal town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Bologna

Bologna is a fun, historical, and culinary city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

La Rochelle and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Bologna?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in La Rochelle than Bologna. While Bologna is larger than La Rochelle, La Rochelle has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Rochelle is more popular for its museums, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Bologna is known for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also home to The Old Port. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is La Rochelle different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Rochelle or Bologna?

La Rochelle is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to La Rochelle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both La Rochelle and Bologna offer world-class local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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).

Is La Rochelle or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Bologna for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is La Rochelle or Bologna Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is La Rochelle or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

The historic old town of La Rochelle is revered around the world. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Many visitors go to Bologna to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Is La Rochelle or Bologna Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Bologna?

Bologna is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Bologna is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is La Rochelle or Bologna Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either La Rochelle or Bologna.

La Rochelle offers lots of family activities. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Bologna is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 La Rochelle or Bologna Better for Couples?

La Rochelle 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, La Rochelle has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Bologna. 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.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is La Rochelle or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for 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.

La Rochelle is a good coastal town to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

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

La Rochelle and Bologna both offer good public transit to get you around.

While La Rochelle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

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

Is La Rochelle or Bologna a more walkable city?

La Rochelle and Bologna are great when it comes to walkability.

La Rochelle is a very walkable coastal town. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both La Rochelle and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in La Rochelle than in Bologna. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Rochelle, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

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

La Rochelle is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful city of Bologna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in La Rochelle or Bologna?

La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 La Rochelle has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Bologna. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in La Rochelle or Bologna?

La Rochelle 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.

The beautiful city of Bologna offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in La Rochelle or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. Since La Rochelle is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bologna. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and La Rochelle during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, La Rochelle is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Rochelle in July average around 20°C (67°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Rochelle. In the summer, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than Bologna. La Rochelle gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and Bologna. Many travelers come to La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, La Rochelle is generally around the same temperature as Bologna. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 15°C (59°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. La Rochelle gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Bologna. La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Bologna. Many visitors come to La Rochelle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bologna can be very cold during winter. La Rochelle is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than Bologna. La Rochelle gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets more rain in January than Bologna. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and La Rochelle are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, La Rochelle is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Rochelle in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

La Rochelle usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during spring. La Rochelle gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Bologna. La Rochelle gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and La Rochelle