A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Odense vs. Bologna for Food, Families, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Odense or Bologna?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Odense and Bologna. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Odense

Other popular activities here include food.

Bologna

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

Odense and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Odense or Bologna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bologna than Odense. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bologna is more touristy than Odense and is known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. It is also well known for Piazza Maggiore. Odense is famous for

How is Odense different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Odense
Bologna

Bologna is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bologna. 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.

Odense does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Odense
Bologna

Bologna is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Bologna, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Odense. You'll find local restaurants serving local favorites such as smoked salmon. You'll also find burger joints and international options such as sushi.

Is Odense or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Odense
Bologna

Bologna is notable for its evening party scene. However, Odense is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Odense is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Odense or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Odense
Bologna

Bologna is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Odense does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Odense does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Odense or Bologna?

Odense
Bologna

Bologna is notable for its shopping areas. However, Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Odense or Bologna Better for Families?

Odense
Bologna

Odense 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.

Odense is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. As the home of Hans Christian Andersen, this town is a child's playhouse. You can visit the H.C. Andersen House, which will bring his fairytale mind to life. The city also has more than 200 playgrounds, an amazing zoo, and the Funen Village, which is an open air museum. There's also a castle to explore and paddle boating on the water.

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 Odense or Bologna Better for Couples?

Odense
Bologna

Bologna is a good destination for couples. However, Odense is a mediocre city for romance.

Bologna is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Odense is not the best destination for a couple to visit. It's a charming city with a lot of green space and paddle boating on the water, but it lacks some of the romance that you find in many European cities.


Is Odense or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Odense
Bologna

Bologna is notable for backpackers. However, Odense is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bologna is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Odense is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel or two in town, but most backpackers don't make the time to visit this off-the-beaten-path destination.

Is Odense or Bologna Better for Students?

Odense
Bologna

Bologna is terrific for students. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Bologna is a very popular place to visit 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.

Plenty of students visit Odense. It's a charming and friendly city that makes a fun place to learn and live. There's a fascinating culture and a number of things to do.

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

Odense
Bologna

Bologna is a good destination for its public transit. However, Odense does not have public transit.

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

Odense does not have public transit.


Is Odense or Bologna a more walkable city?

Odense
Bologna

Bologna is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Odense is not a walkable destination.

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

Odense is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Odense?

How long in Odense or Bologna?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bologna than Odense 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.


  • How many days in Odense or Bologna? Ideal Length of Stay
    Odense 2-3 
    Bologna 1-3

One day in Odense or Bologna?

In Odense, you'll find 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 Odense or Bologna?

In Odense, you'll find food. 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 Odense 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 Odense or Bologna?

Odense 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 Odense or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Odense. Many people enjoy the food when visiting Odense. 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 fun 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 2-Week Tours from Copenhagen, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Odense?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Odense is $160, while the average daily cost in Bologna is $170. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Odense and Bologna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Odense $80
    Bologna $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Odense $160
    Bologna $186
Compare Hotels in Odense and Bologna

Looking for a hotel in Odense or Bologna? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Odense


Hotels in Bologna


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Odense Hotel Prices and Bologna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Odense $44
    Bologna $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:

  • Marconi Airport Bus Transfer to/from Calenzano City: $21
  • Marconi Airport Bus Transfer to/from Florence City: $21
  • Bologna Airport: Private Transfer: $43
  • Bologna Airport transfer: $46
  • Ravenna Port to Ravenna Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Bologna to Bologna Airport (BLQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Arrival Transfer Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City by Sedan: $56
  • Private Transfer from Bologna City Hotels to Ancona Cruise Port: $76
  • Bologna to Florence - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $86
  • Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Bologna - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
  • Ravenna port to Ravenna hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Odense or Bologna?

Prices for flights to both Bologna and Odense change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Odense $51
    Bologna $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.

  • Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $35
  • Bologna Food Tour including Tagliatelle, Mortadella, Wine: $57
  • Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $73
  • Exclusive Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $74
  • Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $75
  • Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal: $80
  • Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines: $82
  • Hands on Home Cooking Class: $84
  • Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide: $84
  • Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit: $84
  • Tastes & Traditions of Food Tour with Market Visit: $86
  • Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $92

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Odense $29
    Bologna $41

Tours and Activities in Odense

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Odense are as follows:

  • Copenhagen Audio Tour: Following Hans Christian Andersen: $9.99
  • River Cruise on the Odense River: $16
  • GoBoat Self-drive Boat Tour: $57
  • Inspiring Odense - Walking Tour for Couples: $480
  • Christmas Charms in Odense - Walking Tour: $587

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bologna

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:


  • Food Tour (for 2)
    $34
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    $123
  • Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)
    $72
  • National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)
    $13
  • Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)
    $13

Tours and Activities in Bologna

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Bologna Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide: $4.36
  • From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Porta Galliera to Le Tre Frecce: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Historical Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.42
  • Bologna Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $7.49
  • Bologna's Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Ancient and Recent History Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Odense $22
    Bologna $30

Sample the Local Flavors in Bologna

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:

  • Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $38
  • From Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the winemaker: $53
  • Monte San Pietro: Montevecchio Isolani Tour & Wine Tasting: $53
  • Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $69
  • Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $70
  • Bologna Wine Tasting in One of the Oldest Inns: $71
  • Small-Group Half-Day Wine Tour with Tasting in Dozza Village: $102
  • Taste the real Bologna Food and Wine tour: $107
  • Wine Tasting Experience with a Local Guide: $118
  • Exclusive Italian Wine Tasting: $131
  • Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with a local guide : $138
  • Italian Wine Tasting on the Panoramic Terrace in Bologna: $163


When comparing the travel costs between Odense and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Odense or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Odense. When comparing the sizes of Odense 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.