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

Should you visit Marbella or Bologna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella 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.

Marbella

Marbella is a ritzy, glamorous, and fun-filled resort town. 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 culinary, beautiful, and fun city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Marbella and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Bologna?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Marbella than Bologna. While Bologna is larger than Marbella, Marbella has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marbella is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Bologna is known for its museums, food, and historical sights. Marbella is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also home to Plaza de los Naranjos. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Marbella different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bologna is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marbella 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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bologna is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Marbella 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 Marbella just to party. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Bologna Better for Music?

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

The music scene in Marbella is very popular with diverse venues. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Bologna is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Bologna Better for Resorts?

Marbella is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Bologna is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Marbella is a perfect choice. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Bologna is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Bologna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bologna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Marbella is not to be missed. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Bologna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Bologna Better for Beaches?

Marbella is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Bologna is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Marbella is a very popular vacation destination. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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).

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Bologna?

Marbella is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Marbella is a world class destination for shoppers. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Marbella or Bologna Better for Families?

Marbella 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.

Marbella is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

Bologna is a family-friendly resort 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 Marbella or Bologna Better for Couples?

Marbella is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Marbella has plenty to offer. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

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 Marbella or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many 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.

Marbella is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Is Marbella or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Marbella 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.

Marbella is not popular with students.

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

Bologna is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Bologna a more walkable city?

Marbella and Bologna are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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 Marbella Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Marbella and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marbella than in Bologna. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

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

In Marbella, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful city of Bologna offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marbella or Bologna?

In Marbella, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marbella has to offer.

Bologna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bologna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Bologna?

Marbella is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Marbella has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Bologna is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or Bologna?

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

Bologna is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Bologna. Most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Bologna because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Marbella is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bologna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Bologna. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bologna. In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Bologna. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marbella or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Marbella during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bologna. Marbella is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Bologna. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Bologna. Many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Bologna. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Marbella