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

Should you visit Oxford or Bologna?

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

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

Oxford

Oxford is a scholarly, collegiate, and beautiful college town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bologna

Bologna is a culinary, beautiful, and fun city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oxford and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Bologna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bologna than Oxford. Bologna is bigger than Oxford, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bologna is better known for its food, historical sights, and shopping, while Oxford is more popular for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Bologna is well known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta. Also, Bologna is famous for Piazza Maggiore.

How is Oxford different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oxford 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 Oxford specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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 Oxford or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Oxford 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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

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

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 Oxford or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a 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).

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Bologna?

Bologna is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Bologna Better for Families?

Oxford and Bologna are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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 Oxford or Bologna Better for Couples?

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

Oxford is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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 Oxford or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Bologna Better for Students?

Both Oxford and Bologna are terrific destinations for students.

Oxford is a great destination for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Bologna is a very popular college town 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.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Oxford and Bologna.

Oxford has some public transit options. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

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 Oxford or Bologna a more walkable city?

Oxford and Bologna are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Bologna?

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

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

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

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

Oxford is a small town with plenty to do. This college town 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 Oxford or Bologna?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Bologna?

Oxford 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 Oxford or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. Since Oxford is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 historical 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 United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Oxford 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 Oxford Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Bologna?

Bologna has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Bologna in the Summer?

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

In July, Oxford is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bologna. In the summer, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Oxford 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 Oxford or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Oxford because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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.

Oxford is cooler than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Oxford gets 107 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, Oxford usually receives less rain than Bologna. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Oxford during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oxford 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. It's quite cold in Oxford in the winter. In the winter, Oxford is much warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Bologna in the Spring?

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

In April, Oxford is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives less rain than Bologna. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Oxford