A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Bologna for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Bologna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a beautiful, stunning, and cultural island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Palma de Mallorca and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palma de Mallorca. Although Palma de Mallorca and Bologna are roughly the same size, Palma de Mallorca has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palma de Mallorca is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Bologna is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Also, Palma de Mallorca is famous for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Bologna is well known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Bologna?

Bologna is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Palma de Mallorca 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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

People head to Palma de Mallorca just to party. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

Bologna has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bologna Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Bologna is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Palma de Mallorca is very popular with diverse venues. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Bologna is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bologna Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Bologna is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Palma de Mallorca. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Bologna is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bologna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bologna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Bologna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bologna Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Bologna is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Palma de Mallorca is a very popular vacation destination. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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 people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bologna Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Palma de Mallorca. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Bologna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Bologna?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Bologna Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Bologna is a family-friendly island. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bologna Better for Couples?

Palma de Mallorca and Bologna are both notable to visit as a couple.

Palma de Mallorca is a nice destination for couples. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Bologna makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca and Bologna are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Palma de Mallorca is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Bologna is a great island to visit for backpackers. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with 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.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Palma de Mallorca and Bologna.

Palma de Mallorca has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Bologna a more walkable city?

Bologna is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Bologna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Palma de Mallorca and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than in Bologna. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bologna than Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bologna?

In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Bologna, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Bologna?

In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and nightlife around the culinary city of Bologna, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Bologna?

Palma de Mallorca is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Palma de Mallorca has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the culinary destination of Bologna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Palma de Mallorca. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Bologna is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Bologna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Bologna?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Bologna. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bologna because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Palma de Mallorca is generally around the same temperature as Bologna. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 24°C (76°F), 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 Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the summer, Palma de Mallorca often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in July than Bologna. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 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, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Bologna. Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Palma de Mallorca during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bologna. In the winter, Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Bologna. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bologna in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Palma de Mallorca is generally a little warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 14°C (57°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during spring. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Bologna. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 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 Palma de Mallorca