A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Naples vs. Bologna for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Naples or Bologna?

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

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

Naples

Naples is a colorful, fascinating, and historic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bologna

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

Naples and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Naples or Bologna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Naples than Bologna. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Naples is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Bologna attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Naples is famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also well known for Piazza del Plebiscito. Bologna is famous for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Naples different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Naples 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 Naples specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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 Naples or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Naples and Bologna both to be terrific destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Naples is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Naples and Bologna.

Naples is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Many people head to Bologna for the nightlife scene. 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 Naples or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Naples and Bologna both have excellent historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Naples to see the historical old town. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Bologna is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Is the Shopping Better in Naples or Bologna?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bologna and Naples.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

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 Naples or Bologna Better for Families?

Naples and Bologna are both nice destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Naples. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Bologna offers lots of family activities. 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 Naples or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Naples is a very popular place to visit for couples. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

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 Naples or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples and Bologna are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Naples is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is a world-class destination for students. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Naples 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 Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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

Is Naples or Bologna a more walkable city?

Naples and Bologna both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat and easy to 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 Naples Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Naples?

How long in Naples or Bologna?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Naples 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 Naples.

One day in Naples or Bologna?

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

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 Naples or Bologna?

Because Naples 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. 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 Naples 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 Naples or Bologna?

Naples 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.

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 Naples or Bologna?

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

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Naples or Bologna?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Naples and Bologna. Most visitors come to Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bologna because of the family-friendly experiences.

Naples is around the same temperature as Bologna in the summer. The daily temperature in Naples averages around 23°C (74°F) in July, and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bologna this time of the year. In Naples, it's very sunny this time of the year. Naples usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during summer. Naples gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Naples usually receives more rain than Bologna. Naples gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Naples or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Naples as well as Bologna. The autumn months attract visitors to Naples because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In the autumn, Naples is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Naples in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Bologna averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Naples often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Naples gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bologna. Naples receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Naples usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bologna. Naples gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Naples or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Naples are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Naples 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, Naples is generally much warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Naples average around 8°C (47°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Naples usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during winter. Naples gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Naples. In January, Naples usually receives more rain than Bologna. Naples gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Naples or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Naples during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Naples for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty.

Naples is around the same temperature as Bologna in the spring. The daily temperature in Naples averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Naples often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Naples gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.

Naples usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Naples gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Naples