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

Should you visit Paris or Bologna?

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

Should I visit Paris or Bologna? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Paris

Paris is a bustling, energetic, and beautiful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Bologna

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

Paris and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Bologna?

You'll generally find more things to do in Paris than Bologna. Paris is bigger than Bologna, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Paris is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bologna is more popular for its historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Bologna and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Bologna is well known for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Paris on the map. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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 Paris or Bologna Better for Theater?

Paris is a world-class destination for its shows and theatre. However, Bologna is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Paris is world-class. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Bologna is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Paris and Bologna.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Bologna has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Paris or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

Paris 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 Paris just to party. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris or Bologna Better for Music?

Paris is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Bologna is not a live music destination.

In Paris you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Bologna is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is great for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Bologna?

Paris is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Paris is a world class destination for shoppers. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris or Bologna Better for Christmas?

Paris is a world-class destination for its Christmas activities. However, Bologna does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris is a world class destination during the Christmas season. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Bologna does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Bologna Better for Families?

Paris is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Paris is one of the most popular family destinations. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris or Bologna Better for Couples?

Paris is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Paris has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Bologna is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Paris is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris or Bologna Better for Students?

For students, both Paris and Bologna are world-class places to visit.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Bologna. 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 Paris or Bologna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paris is a world-class destination 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.

With a huge network, the transit system in Paris can get you around easily. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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

Is Paris or Bologna a more walkable city?

Paris and Bologna are great when it comes to walkability.

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Paris?

How long in Paris or Bologna?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Paris and Bologna. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Bologna. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bologna.

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

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

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

One day in Paris or Bologna?

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Bologna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this culinary destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Paris or Bologna?

Because Paris 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bologna. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or Bologna?

Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paris has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Bologna is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bologna. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

You'll find food and shopping around the fun destination of Bologna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-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 Paris and Bologna, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Bologna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bologna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bologna 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Bologna.

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

Which is Bigger, Paris or Bologna?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris 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 Paris or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Paris during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bologna for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Paris is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 20°C (68°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paris. In the summer, Paris often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Bologna. Many travelers come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bologna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Paris is cooler than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Paris usually receives less rain than Bologna. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paris or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Paris as well as Bologna. Many visitors come to Paris in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Bologna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bologna can be very cold during winter. Paris can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Paris is much warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paris in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Paris often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bologna because of the natural beauty.

In April, Paris is generally cooler than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 11°C (52°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paris usually receives less rain than Bologna. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Paris