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

Should you visit Nantes or Bologna?

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

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

Nantes

Nantes is a welcoming, friendly, and historical city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Nantes and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantes or Bologna?

Both Bologna and Nantes have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Nantes is very popular for its museums, while Bologna attracts visitors for its historical sights. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Nantes different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantes 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 Nantes specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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 Nantes or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Nantes and Bologna can be an enjoyable experience.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nantes is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

Many restaurants in Bologna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

Is Nantes or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nantes and Bologna.

Nantes has a large number of nightlife venues. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

Bologna is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Nantes or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or Bologna?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Nantes and Bologna.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nantes. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Bologna is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Nantes or Bologna Better for Families?

Nantes 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.

Nantes is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

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 Nantes or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Nantes is a very popular place to visit for couples. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

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 Nantes or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options 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.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Nantes or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Nantes is popular with students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

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

Nantes 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 Nantes. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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

Is Nantes or Bologna a more walkable city?

Nantes and Bologna are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Nantes is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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 Nantes Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nantes and Bologna. In our opinion, Nantes has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nantes than Bologna. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nantes, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

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

In Nantes, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This 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 Nantes or Bologna?

In Nantes, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. 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 Nantes has to offer.

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 Nantes or Bologna?

Nantes 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.

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 Nantes or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nantes or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Nantes 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 Nantes 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 Nantes or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Bologna. Most visitors come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Bologna because of the family-friendly experiences.

Nantes is cooler than Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 19°C (67°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 Nantes this time of the year. In the summer, Nantes often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Nantes because of the shopping 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 the autumn, Nantes is cooler than Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantes in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Nantes gets 141 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, Nantes usually receives less rain than Bologna. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nantes or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Nantes during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantes 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. In January, Nantes is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 6°C (42°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Nantes often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Nantes gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets more rain in January than Bologna. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Bologna in the Spring?

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

Nantes is cooler than Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Nantes usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during spring. Nantes gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nantes usually receives less rain than Bologna. Nantes gets 50 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 Nantes