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

Should you visit Nafplio or Bologna?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Bologna? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nafplio

Nafplio is a picturesque, romantic, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bologna

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

Nafplio and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nafplio. Although Nafplio and Bologna are popular destinations, Nafplio has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nafplio is very popular for its museums and beaches, while Bologna attracts visitors for its food and shopping. Nafplio is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. It is also well known for Palamidi Castle. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Nafplio different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nafplio 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 Nafplio specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a number of historic sights that are accessible from the town. One of the most iconic sights is the Palamidi Castle. You'll also find several fortresses in the area. There's also an archeological museum in town as well as the Folklore Museum.

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 Nafplio or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Bologna is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Nafplio makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants serve up traditional Greek dishes that are local to the region and country. You'll find fresh seafood on most menus as well as moussaka, souvlaki, the famous Greek salad.

Is Nafplio or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Both Nafplio and Bologna have great vibes after the sun sets.

Nafplio has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. You'll find a good concentration of bars and clubs along the waterfront. There are also a number of smaller bars and cafes near Syntagma Square and the nearby streets. In the later hours, many bars turn up the music and turn into dance clubs.

The people in Bologna know how to have a good time. 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 Nafplio or Bologna Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Nafplio to enjoy the beach. If you head outside of the city, you'll find some nice beaches where you can spend a day. The most notable beaches in the area are Tolo, Kandia, and Nea Kios.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Nafplio or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Nafplio and Bologna.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nafplio. The charming old town spreads out from Syntagma Square. It's a great place to start your day with many cafes spilling into the streets.

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).

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Bologna?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Nafplio is a great destination for shopping. Shopping in the old town is charming, but for the best retail options, you'll actually want to visit the new town. There are a variety of clothing and fashion outlets, with some of the best shopping streets being Sidiras Merarchias, Argous, and Asklipiou.

Is Nafplio or Bologna Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nafplio or Bologna.

Nafplio is a family-friendly city. The charming, car-free center is fun to explore for all ages. There are several archeological sights around town as well as playgrounds and a great castle.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bologna. 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 Nafplio or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Nafplio is a very popular place to visit for couples. Many people consider this to be one of the most romantic towns in Greece. You can explore the quaint village center and sample the cuisine at one of the many restaurants. It's easy to reach from Athens and the seaside setting is perfect any time of the year.

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 Nafplio or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Nafplio is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Is Nafplio or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Nafplio is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Nafplio and Bologna.

Nafplio has some public transit options. There are buses through the region that are operated by KTEL Argolidas. Most routes leave from the central bus station.

You'll find some public transit in Bologna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is Nafplio or Bologna a more walkable city?

Nafplio is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Nafplio on foot. There are parts of the center of town that are car-free and there are many great areas that you can explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nafplio and Bologna. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

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

In Nafplio, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Nafplio or Bologna?

In Nafplio, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nafplio 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 Nafplio or Bologna?

Nafplio 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.

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 Nafplio or Bologna?

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

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 Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio 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 Nafplio 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 Nafplio or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Bologna. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 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 Nafplio this time of the year. In the summer, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Bologna. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nafplio is a little warmer than Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 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. It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In October, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Bologna. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Nafplio during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bologna can be very cold during winter. In January, Nafplio is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Bologna. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Bologna. Most visitors come to Nafplio for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.

Nafplio is a little warmer than Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Bologna. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Nafplio