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

Should you visit Manchester or Bologna?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a dynamic, diverse, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bologna

Bologna is a fun, historical, and culinary city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Manchester and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Manchester. Although Manchester and Bologna are roughly the same size, Manchester has more sights and attractions for tourists. Manchester is better known for its museums, music, and big city activities, while Bologna is more popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Manchester is well known for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. Also, Manchester is famous for The National Football Museum. Bologna is well known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Manchester different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Manchester 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 Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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 Manchester or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Is Manchester or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Manchester and Bologna.

Many people head to Manchester for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Bologna has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Manchester or Bologna Better for Music?

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

The music scene in Manchester is very popular with diverse venues. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Bologna is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

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

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Bologna?

If you're looking to go shopping, Manchester and Bologna both offer plenty of very good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

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.

Is Manchester or Bologna Better for Families?

Manchester 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.

Manchester is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Bologna is a family-friendly 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 Manchester or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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 Manchester or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Manchester or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Manchester is a great city to visit as a student. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

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

Manchester is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Manchester. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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

Is Manchester or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bologna is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Bologna?

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

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

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

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

Because Manchester is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the beautiful city of Bologna, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bologna, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Manchester or Bologna?

Because Manchester is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Manchester has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bologna, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Manchester or Bologna?

Manchester 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Bologna?

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

Bologna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to 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 Manchester and Bologna, we can see that Manchester 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 Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester 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 Manchester Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Bologna?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Manchester or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Manchester during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In July, Manchester is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 16°C (62°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Bologna. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Manchester is cooler than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Manchester gets 97 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, Manchester usually receives less rain than Bologna. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Manchester or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Bologna. Many travelers come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Bologna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bologna can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Manchester. In the winter, Manchester is much warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manchester in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Manchester in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Manchester is generally much colder than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 8°C (46°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Manchester usually receives less rain than Bologna. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Manchester