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

Should you visit Linz or Bologna?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Linz and Bologna can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Linz

Linz is a cultural, historic, and beautiful town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Bologna

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

Linz and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Linz or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bologna than Linz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bologna is more popular for its food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Linz is known for its museums. Linz is more touristy than Bologna and is known for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. It is also home to Piazza Maggiore.

How is Linz different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Linz 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 Linz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a lot of history which can be experienced with visits to The Castle of Linz, St. Martin's Church, and the New Cathedral. There are also several modern museums such as Ars Electronica Center, the OK Center, and the Lentos Art Museum.

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 Linz or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Bologna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

Linz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find an endless supply of bakeries around town that serve cakes, tarts, and biscuits. A trip to Linz isn't complete without a sampling of the local pastries.

Is Linz or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Linz is not a good town for its evening party scene.

Bologna offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Linz. The town isn't exactly a party place, but you'll find a good theater and some live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Linz or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is a well-known place for its old town. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

Bologna is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Linz has an old town worth visiting. The old town is filled with Baroque architecture and a market square. There are a number of interesting buildings and great cafes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Linz or Bologna?

Both Linz and Bologna are superb shopping destinations.

Linz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are a number of shopping streets around town, but the most popular is Landstraße. You'll find all kinds of retail stores with everything from clothing to furniture available.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Is Linz or Bologna Better for Families?

Both Linz and Bologna are good to visit with kids.

Linz is a family-friendly place to visit. Pöstlingberg Adventure World is a highlight for kids. You can take the tram up the mountain and see the views, visit the Grottenbahn, or explore the zoo. Kids will also appreciate the Ars Electronica Center, which is a futuristic museum in town as well as the The Linz Castle Museum.

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 Linz or Bologna Better for Couples?

Linz is a well-known place for couples. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Linz is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture. There's a lively main square and many great restaurants that couples will appreciate. There are also shopping areas and museums to explore.

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 Linz or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Linz. Backpackers will find more budget hotels than hostels in town, so it can be a bit challenging to meet other travelers. Even so, this is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit.

Is Linz or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is a world-class destination for students. However, Linz is not popular with students.

Bologna is a very popular city 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.

Linz is not popular with students.

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

Both Linz and Bologna offer good public transit options.

Linz has a few public transit options. There are buses and streetcars that travel throughout the town.

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

Is Linz or Bologna a more walkable city?

Linz and Bologna both are superb when exploring on foot.

Linz is a very walkable town. The tourist areas are easy to explore 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 Linz Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Linz?

How long in Linz or Bologna?

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

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

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

In Linz, you'll find museums and food. This town 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 Linz or Bologna?

In Linz, 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 Linz 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 Linz or Bologna?

Linz 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 beautiful 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 Linz or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Linz. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Linz. 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 in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Linz or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Linz. When comparing the sizes of Linz 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 Linz 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 Linz or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Linz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Linz in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Linz is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Linz in July average around 20°C (68°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 Linz. Linz usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Linz gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Linz usually receives more rain than Bologna. Linz gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Linz or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Linz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Linz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bologna because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Linz is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Linz average around 11°C (52°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Linz often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Linz gets 129 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. Linz usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Linz gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Linz or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Linz and Bologna. The winter months attract visitors to Linz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bologna in the winter. The weather in Linz can be very cold. Linz is much colder than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Linz averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Linz usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Linz gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Linz usually receives less rain than Bologna. Linz gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Linz or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Linz as well as Bologna. The natural beauty are the main draw to Linz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Linz is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Linz in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Linz often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Linz gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Linz usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Linz gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Linz