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

Should you visit Liverpool 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 Liverpool 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.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a diverse, historic, and fun-filled port city. Other popular activities here include museums, theater, 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.

Liverpool and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Liverpool or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Liverpool than Bologna, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Liverpool is more popular for its theatre productions and music, while Bologna is known for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Liverpool is popular for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles." It is also home to The Liverpool Cathedral. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Liverpool different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Liverpool offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.

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 Liverpool or Bologna Better for Theater?

Liverpool is a well-known place for its shows and theatre. However, Bologna is not a theatre destination.

Liverpool has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Bologna is not a theatre destination.

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

Bologna is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Liverpool or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Liverpool and Bologna.

Liverpool is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

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.

Is Liverpool or Bologna Better for Music?

Liverpool is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Bologna is not a live music destination.

In Liverpool you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Bologna is not a live music destination.

Is Liverpool or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is well known for its old town. However, Liverpool does not have a historic old town.

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).

Liverpool does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Liverpool or Bologna?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bologna and Liverpool.

Liverpool is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

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 Liverpool or Bologna Better for Families?

Liverpool is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Liverpool is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

Bologna is a family-friendly port 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 Liverpool or Bologna Better for Couples?

Both Liverpool and Bologna are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Liverpool makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

Bologna is a good port 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 Liverpool or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is well known for backpackers. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Liverpool. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.

Is Liverpool or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Many students visit Liverpool. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Liverpool and Bologna.

You'll find some public transit in Liverpool, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

While Bologna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is Liverpool or Bologna a more walkable city?

Liverpool and Bologna both are superb when exploring on foot.

Liverpool is a very walkable port city.

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 Liverpool Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Liverpool?

How long in Liverpool or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Liverpool and Bologna. In our opinion, Bologna has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bologna than Liverpool. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Liverpool, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

In Liverpool, you'll find museums and theater. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Bologna. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bologna has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Liverpool or Bologna?

In Liverpool, you'll find theater and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Liverpool has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the culinary destination of Bologna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Liverpool or Bologna?

Liverpool 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun city of Bologna. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Liverpool or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Liverpool. Many people enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting Liverpool. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bologna is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Liverpool and Bologna, we can see that Liverpool is more expensive. And not only is Bologna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bologna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bologna 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 Liverpool would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Liverpool than you might in Bologna.

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

Which is Bigger, Liverpool or Bologna?

Liverpool has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Liverpool 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 Liverpool 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 Liverpool or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Liverpool and Bologna. Many visitors come to Liverpool in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Liverpool is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Liverpool in July average around 15°C (60°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. Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during summer. Liverpool gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Liverpool usually receives more rain than Bologna. Liverpool gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Liverpool or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Liverpool as well as Bologna. Most visitors come to Liverpool for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Bologna because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Liverpool is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 12°C (53°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Liverpool gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bologna. Liverpool usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Liverpool gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Liverpool or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Liverpool are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Liverpool because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, 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. Liverpool is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during winter. Liverpool gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Liverpool usually receives less rain than Bologna. Liverpool gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Liverpool or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Liverpool during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Liverpool is much colder than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Liverpool in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Liverpool gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Liverpool gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Liverpool