A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Livorno vs. Bologna for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Livorno or Bologna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Livorno or Bologna, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Livorno

Livorno is a friendly, down-to-earth, and waterfront port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Bologna

Bologna is a fun, historical, and culinary city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Livorno and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Livorno or Bologna?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Livorno than Bologna. While Bologna is larger than Livorno, Livorno has more sights and attractions for tourists. Livorno is very popular for its beaches and big city activities, while Bologna attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Livorno is famous for its large port and its great seafood. It is also well known for The Waterfront Promenade. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Livorno different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bologna is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Livorno is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Livorno offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The waterfront promenade and New Venice are nice to explore. There's an aquarium in town as well as a fun central market.

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

Bologna is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bologna is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

Livorno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. As a port city, this is the place to try seafood. Many dishes include calamari, shrimp, or freshly caught fish. The city is less touristy than most in Italy, so even the food has an authentic and down-to-earth vibe.

Is Livorno or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Bologna is great for its evening party scene. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

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 Livorno. Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, and depart in the evening, but the city is large and for those that stay the night, there are a number of bars and clubs around town.

Is Livorno or Bologna Better for Beaches?

Livorno is a moderate port city for the beach. However, Bologna is not a beach destination.

The beach in Livorno is worth checking out. The beaches are pebbly or rocky, so you won't really find a long stretch of sandy beach where you can relax. They can also stay very crowded.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Livorno or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is great for its historic old town charm. However, Livorno does not have a historic old town.

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).

Livorno does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Livorno or Bologna?

Bologna is great for its shopping areas. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

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.

Livorno is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping street in town is Via Grande. It's generally filled with major chain stores and familiar brands.

Is Livorno or Bologna Better for Families?

Livorno and Bologna are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Livorno offers lots of family activities. The city has a nice aquarium as well as outdoor recreational activities like cycling and boating. There's a beach and parks where kids can stretch their legs and run around as well.

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 Livorno or Bologna Better for Couples?

Livorno and Bologna are both nice to visit as a couple.

Livorno is a good port city for couples to visit. There are some nice museums as well as parks and boat rides that couples can enjoy. There's also an aquarium and a beach.

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 Livorno or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Livorno is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Livorno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this city, so you won't find many hostels around town. It's a relatively affordable place to stay with some fun entertainment options if you do pass through.

Is Livorno or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Livorno is not popular with students.

Bologna is a great destination 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.

Livorno is not popular with students.

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

Livorno and Bologna both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Livorno offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town including lines that run from the central train station to the port.

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

Is Livorno or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bologna is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Livorno is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but if you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll want to take a shuttle bus from the port.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Livorno?

How long in Livorno or Bologna?

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

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

In Livorno, you'll find shopping and nightlife. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Bologna, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the 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.

A weekend in Livorno or Bologna?

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

In Bologna, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Bologna has to offer.

Five days in Livorno or Bologna?

Livorno 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.

Bologna 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.

A week in Livorno or Bologna?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bologna. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bologna. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Livorno or Bologna?

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

Both Bologna and Livorno during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Livorno for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bologna because of the family-friendly experiences.

Livorno is around the same temperature as Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Livorno averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Livorno. In the summer, Livorno often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Livorno gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Livorno usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bologna. Livorno gets 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Livorno or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Livorno and Bologna. The autumn months attract visitors to Livorno because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In the autumn, Livorno is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Livorno in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Livorno usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during autumn. Livorno gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Livorno gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Livorno usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bologna. Livorno gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Livorno or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Livorno as well as Bologna. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Livorno this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bologna. In January, Livorno is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Livorno average around 7°C (45°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Livorno often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Livorno gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Livorno usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bologna. Livorno gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Livorno or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Livorno are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Livorno for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty.

Livorno is around the same temperature as Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Livorno averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

In April, Livorno usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bologna. Livorno gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Livorno