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

Should you visit Malaga or Bologna?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Malaga and Bologna. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Malaga

Malaga is a friendly, welcoming, and historic port city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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.

Malaga and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Malaga than Bologna, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Malaga is more popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Bologna is known for its museums, food, and shopping. Malaga is more touristy than Bologna and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also home to The Alcazaba. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Malaga different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bologna is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Bologna offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bologna is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Bologna, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Malaga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

Is Malaga or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

People head to Malaga just to party. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

Bologna has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Malaga or Bologna Better for Music?

Malaga is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Bologna is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Malaga is very popular with diverse venues. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Bologna is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Bologna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bologna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Bologna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Bologna Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Malaga to enjoy the beach. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Malaga and Bologna.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Malaga. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

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).

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Bologna?

Bologna is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Malaga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Malaga or Bologna Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Bologna are good family-friendly destinations.

Malaga is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

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 Malaga or Bologna Better for Couples?

Malaga and Bologna both good destinations for a couple.

Malaga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

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 Malaga or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Malaga is a very popular port city to visit for backpackers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Bologna is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Is Malaga or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Bologna is a very popular place to visit 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.

Malaga is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

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

Both Malaga and Bologna offer good public transit options.

Malaga has a few public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

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

Is Malaga or Bologna a more walkable city?

Malaga and Bologna both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Malaga is a very walkable port city. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible 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 Malaga Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Malaga and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Bologna. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Malaga than Bologna 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 Malaga.

One day in Malaga or Bologna?

In Malaga, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bologna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Bologna?

In Malaga, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Bologna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Malaga or Bologna?

Malaga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malaga has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bologna. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. In Malaga, you'll find live music and food. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the culinary destination of Bologna. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Bologna?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Malaga or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°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 Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Bologna. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Malaga during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Malaga gets 213 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. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Bologna. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bologna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bologna can be very cold. Malaga is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Malaga usually receives more rain than Bologna. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Bologna. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In the spring, Malaga is a little warmer than Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the spring, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Malaga